Forefront Records Tour with Shine.fm

What did you do on President's Day? I was at an amazing rock show. Three fabulous bands --- Philmont, Abandon and This Beautiful Republic --- brought their music and message to Crown Point Christian School. Hopefully, the concert put CPCS on the map, or at least on the GPS. Those not familiar with the area had a tough time finding the place, but the effort was worth it.

This was the first stop on week-long radio tour of new music released by Forefront Records. Abandon opened the night with their energetic blend of a driving rock and pop punk. Lead singer Josh Engler pours out vocals that rival those of The Killers . The San Antonio boys delivered a driving melody and powerful lyrics of Peter's denial of Jesus in the song "Providence." (This is my favorite song on their 5-track EP.) Keep your eye on these guys from San Antonio...they are ones to watch. (Attention all Abandon fans: they'll be coming back through Chicagoland in May!)

Next on the stage was Philmont, a North Carolina-based band with sounds reminiscent of Relient K and Nevertheless. But these guys are no copycats. They put on a high energy power pop show with original songs such as "The Difference" and "I Can't Stand to Fall." Fresh off a west coast tour with my friends, Capital Lights, these guys are fine-tuning their stage show. Drummer Todd Davis, who was sick as a dog, rose to the occasion and banged out amazing beats. (Hope you feel better, Todd!)They have a 5-track EP out now, with a full CD due to release this spring.

The final act of the night was Toledo's This Beautiful Republic. They played a hard-rockin' mix of songs from their first CD, Even Heroes Need a Parachute, and recent release Perceptions. Even though Aaron Gillespie (The Almost and Underoath) sang bgv's on cd track "My God," the live show didn't miss him. (In fact, a glance at new drummer Cameron Toews caused a double take. )

Count Me In Concerts was thrilled to work with these three amazing bands for our first full rock show. Watch for more great events to come.

All-American Line Up!

Hey everyone!
We're really excited about our upcoming show this Monday, Feb. 16. Since it's President's Day, we're giving you to 3 bands for $7! That's better than a bailout!

Come rock with us as we welcome This Beautiful Republic, Abandon and Philmont. Listen to Shine.fm on Monday morning as all of the bands will be live at the station. If you haven't heard their music, check out their my spaces for samples of their great music with a great message.

www.myspace.com/thisbeautifulrepublic
www.myspace.com/abandontx
www.myspace.com/philmontrock

Come to Crown point Christian School in St. John, IN. Tickets are available for $7 at the door. That's less than a cd...and you'll go home with a music sampler featuring all the bands! Doors open at 6pm, show starts rockin' at 6:30pm. Don't worry...you won't be out late on a school night!

Bring your friends! Bring your youth group! Bring everyone!
We want to Count YOU In!