Welcome
The Howlelujah Tour with Father Bill Miller, JOEY McGee, & MYSTIC THE DOG
Songs and Stories for the Soul Supporting Animal Rescue
Discover THE HOWLelujah TOUR
What is the The Howlelujah Tour?
It’s a joyful, inspiring, connecting, and unifying event of moving songs and heart-warming animal stories presented by musician Joey McGee and author and priest “Padre” Bill Miller. The dynamic duo is traveling around the country with Mystic, the rescue dog, raising awareness and funds for animal shelters and bringing people together in local communities to celebrate kindness and do good. The Howlelujah Tour has been hosted by churches, bookstores, animal shelters, breweries, pubs, community organizations, and combinations thereof all over the United States. Host the Howlelujah Tour in your community.
Because GOD is LOVE. And so is DOG!
The Original Tour and its Inspiration
The first Howlelujah Tour, which was, ironically, called The Last Howlelujah Tour, was inspired by another rescue dog from Kauai, Nawiliwili Nelson. Wili was, tragically, given only a few months to live when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His dad set out on a road trip with his best friend to celebrate their special bond and the time they had left together.
Bill and Wili ended up traveling 5,000 miles, from their new home in New Orleans to Las Vegas and back, making 21 stops along the way (and sometimes way out of the way!) to share inspiring Dog Stories (such as his and his “soul-brother” Sam) and raise awareness and funds for local animal shelters all over the southwest. On the tour, Wili became a celebrity for good, appearing on the front page of many local newspapers and followed by the multitudes throughout his tour. Wili ended up raising over $50,000 to help his animal friends. His legacy was secured with the publication of The Last Howlelujah: Tails from the Trail. The Howlelujah Tour is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Nawiliwili "Wili” Nelson.
MEEt YOUR HOwlelujah TOur Guides
Father Bill Miller
Joey McGee the Musician
Father Bill Miller
William B. “Father Bill” Miller is a writer, priest, poet, and speaker, who is the author of three books, including The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul (20th Anniversary Edition), The Last Howlelulah: Tails from the Trail, and The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth about Lager, Loving, and Living. H
William B. “Father Bill” Miller is a writer, priest, poet, and speaker, who is the author of three books, including The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul (20th Anniversary Edition), The Last Howlelulah: Tails from the Trail, and The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth about Lager, Loving, and Living. His first poetry collection, Safari of the Heart, will be released by Saint Julian Press in late 2026. His sermons and keynote talks—delivered at conferences, churches, and organizations across the United States and Europe—blend inspiration, humor, and unforgettable stories that leave audiences moved and motivated. Father Bill has founded four music festivals and pioneered numerous creative worship experiences celebrating the musical legacies of many of the world’s greatest artists. He was a founding partner of Padre’s, a legendary music venue in Marfa, Texas. He has pastored innovative churches in Hawaii, Texas, and Louisiana, all of which grew significantly and became models of vibrant faith communities. He is a passionate animal advocate who has rescued eight dogs. He lives in Round Top with his dog Mystic. Learn more or subscribe to his “Spirituality for Real People” enews at FatherBill.net
“Fr. Bill Miller is the kind of priest I wish every church could have. And when you read or hear him, you feel he is the kind of friend whose acquaintance you are so glad to have made you want to keep him on speed-dial for the rest of your natural days.”
— The Rev. Kempton Baldridge
Mystic the Dog
Joey McGee the Musician
Father Bill Miller
Mystic was born and raised on the beautiful island of Kauai, a place his eventual human dad called home for almost ten years. Mystic was employed as a pig hunter but was not fond of hunting and was quite fond of pigs, so one day he quit without notice and ran off into the mystical Koke’e Forest in Waimea Canyon, within view of the stunnin
Mystic was born and raised on the beautiful island of Kauai, a place his eventual human dad called home for almost ten years. Mystic was employed as a pig hunter but was not fond of hunting and was quite fond of pigs, so one day he quit without notice and ran off into the mystical Koke’e Forest in Waimea Canyon, within view of the stunning Kalalau Valley.
This rugged part of Kauai was made famous by King Kamehameha IV of Hawaii, who called this place the most beautiful Kilohana (high place) in the world. His wife, Queen Emma, eventually visited this breathtaking vista to mourn the loss of her husband and son. This "royal trek" is re-enacted even today by the people of Kauai. The area was also famous because of another fugitive, Koolau the Leper, who successfully hid out and eluded authorities who tried to banish him to exile, away from his loving family, Mystic also hid out and eluded the Kauai Humane Society for many months. But one fog-shrouded day, the good people of the Humane Society finally spotted him, emerging from the sacred mist looking like a Spirit or an angel (in other words, just your average dog). They immediately named him Mystic. Despite his stunning good looks, he sat unclaimed and unwanted for almost a year. We now know he was waiting for his dad to move into the Farmhouse that had a yard and a fence. Mystic is certain that Dog is love, is starting to believe that God is love, but remains uncertain about human beings. Mystic invites you to prove him wrong by giving him a treat, or perhaps a slice of brisket. He is still a bit cautious but is a willing part of the Howlelujah Tour because he gets to sleep with his dad.
Joey McGee the Musician
Joey McGee the Musician
Joey McGee the Musician
Joey McGee is a singer, songwriter, and poet based in Central Texas. A graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, he was born and raised in New Orleans, where the rhythms of language and culture first sparked his creative voice. His work is deeply influenced by the places he has called home -- Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas -- as
Joey McGee is a singer, songwriter, and poet based in Central Texas. A graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, he was born and raised in New Orleans, where the rhythms of language and culture first sparked his creative voice. His work is deeply influenced by the places he has called home -- Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas -- as well as his journeys across Asia, Central America, and the Middle East. These landscapes, both physical and cultural, infuse his poetry with a sense of movement, reflection, and discovery, and his music with a soulful warmth and creative energy.
“Powerful, amazing, great songwriter. One of the best I’ve ever heard.”
— Brett Dillon, Radio Host
“Joey McGee has a warmth and personality in his voice that instantly makes you feel welcome.”
—Shawn Underwood, Twangville
“I’ve spent my life around preachers, speakers, and storytellers, and Father Bill Miller is in a class all his own. Armed with a leash, a dog, and a treasure chest of hilarious and heartfelt stories, Father Bill has a unique gift for helping people see God at work in ordinary life. When he visited our church, laughter filled the room, friendships deepened, and our congregation was blessed in ways we never expected. He is warm, authentic, insightful, and unforgettable. Through his inspiration, our church raised over $3,500 for our local Animal Rescue Foundation. Any organization would be fortunate to welcome Father Bill and his four-legged companions.”
— The Rev. David Dendy, Mountain View Presbyterian Church, Las Vegas, NV