reposted from: http://www.examiner.com/article/for-the-sender-concert-benefits-switchfoot-bro-am-foundation

Is a letter for the receiver or “For the Sender”?

Confronting loss and heartache is difficult enough but to write a letter then share your personal beautiful memories, aspirations and heartache is quite another. For the Sender, a book and album created in 2012 by Alex Woodard consists of inspirational true-life stories of hope, love, loss and remembrance. A tribute to life and love the “For the Sender” letters are nostalgic, somber, healing, most of all written with love – appreciative of the blessings to have had the time and experience.

The first letter Alex received was from Emily. Emily had written letters every autumn to her friend Anno since his passing. Emily sent Alex the same letter and he wrote a couple songs inspired by this letter. Alex surprised her with a private live performance of these songs. See video of Emily’s letter and first meeting – here. This was the first of many letters Alex would receive.

Inspired by these letters, 2 books, an album and concert developed.

This years “For the Sender” concert and letter reading was on Sunday December 14, 2014 at Solana Beach, Belly Up Tavern. This seated show featured an All-Star lineup including Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman, Grammy winning siblings Sara and Sean Watkins from Nickel Creek, hit song writer Jack Tempchin, New Found Glory front man Jordan Pundik, Andy Powers and local San Diego artists – Nena Anderson, Molly Jenson and Graham Nancarrow.

Each of the letters touched the audience in some way all night, some cried, others held another hand and had a moment of personal silence – in hopes maybe drawing out a faded memory from their story – their life. The music inspired and touched your very soul.

Alex Woodard discusses the second book “Love is (Not a Feeling)” here.

Here’s a video from the first “For the Sender” concert at La Paloma Theater in 2012 featuring Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman and friends performing “Unbroken”.

Sunday’s concert proceeds benefited the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation.

Learn more about the book by Alex Woodard, the letters and the songs they inspired at http://www.forthesender.com

More Photos can be found here.