By Melanie Threlkeld McConnell
Lake Junaluska, NC – 
Bring the whole family to hear Contemporary Christian artist Andrew Peterson at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5 in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Waynesville.
Peterson, who lives in Nashville, writes about “simple, solid things,” according to his website, such as love, friendship, hope and redemption.
But Peterson is more than a guitar-playing singer/songwriter. He’s a Renaissance man-of-sorts, penning and illustrating fantasy novels for young readers, and serving as a facilitator of an online literary and songwriting community (www.RabbitRoom.com). He’s also a member of the Square Peg Alliance, “a happy band of singer/songwriters who write together, tour together, and eat together.”
Although he wrote his first songs while attending Bible College with a friend, Peterson explained that life often inspires him to write music.
“What it meant to be a Christian was imbedded in the lives of me and my brothers,” said Peterson. “I love to feel a certain way when I listen to music. When I experience something that is significant or I feel I have a story to tell and I sit down to write a song, I find the Bible is in there whether I realize it or not. It’s not that I’m a Bible scholar – mom and dad had us learn Bible verses as kids, and sometimes it comes up in song.”
With the release of nine albums, from his debut album “Carried Along” in 2000 to his children’s CD “Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies,” Peterson’s music appeals to a wide range of listeners.
“One of the things I love about music and books is being able to see a range of people. Music reaches a wide range of listeners,” Peterson said.
Tickets are $11.50 for adults and $5.00 children 5 and under, and may be purchased at www.itickets.com. For more information about the Andrew Peterson, the July 5 concert and other Independence Day events at Lake Junaluska, call 800-222-4390 or visit www.lakejunaluska.com/july4th. Packages are available.