Last Sunday I got up for church, but instead of heading to my home church, I decided to drive 1-1/2 hours to worship at my friend's church in DeMotte, IN. Why? So I could enjoy the band Chasen leading worship.
After the pastor welcomed the congregation, Chasen launched into some familiar praise tunes, including "All Because of Jesus" and "Everlasting God." They also played some original music from their CD, including "Doubts and Disbeliefs" and "Drown." Lead singer Chasen Callahan shared about writing the latter song in a time of being overwhelmed, and how God redeemed him in that situation.
I enjoyed this opportunity to experience the band as they shared their musical roots. They got their start in the church, writing praise and worship choruses for Sunday services and youth group events. Lead singer Chasen Callahan pulled in friends Evan Silver and Aaron Lord to help him with worship at a summer camp. With the addition of bassist Stephen Adkisson on this Sunday morning, it was obvious that they genuinely love bringing people closer to God with their gift of music.
Kudos to First Reformed Church of DeMotte for bringing in these talented musicians and worship leaders to offer something different to God's people on this Sunday morning.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
All 4 Love Tour Rocks Naperville
I have been anticipating this tour for months! Ever since I heard from Article One that they were heading out on the road I have been anticipating seeing one of my favorite bands play more than a 15-minute set (which is all they were alloted on the Rock What You Got Tour, much to my dismay).
The All 4 Love Tour hit the midwest last week, and I took advantage of both the Kankakee show and the Naperville show (2 are better than one...). Julian Drive and Article One each played 45-minute sets at both venues. The added bonus in Naperville was the addition of local favorites, The Least of These, who opened the evening with a great 30-minute set.
Julian Drive followed TLOT with their energetic rock and worship music. I wasn't familiar with them before this tour, but I am a new fan. I love their cover of the Hoobastank hit, "The Reason," which I always thought was a very spiritual song. Lead singer Shane Bowers explains that he sings the song to God, our reason for all we do and have. Their current radio single, which I wish was played in our market, is "From Your Hands, " a powerful song reminding us of Jesus' constant love for us, even in the midst of His suffering. Check it out at myspace.com/juliandrive.
Article One opened with their hit single, "Without You," with Nathan Piche's strong vocals and brother Matt Piche's amazing violin skills, which continued to be showcased throughout the evening. The man never stands still! And he sings while he plays! Bassist Mark Laidman and drummer Dave DeSmit round out this amazing quartet.
The band played mostly songs from their current cd, Colors and Sounds, but there were also a few tracks from their first cd, including crowd sing-along favorite "Say It Again." And no Article One show is complete without Matt Piche's lead vocals on the playful "500 Miles."
This was the first show for The Underground at Alleluia! Lutheran Church, and it's only the beginning for this venue. The youth center was designed with a stage surrounded by a coffee shop-lounge-gameroom-internet cafe, so it's a very inviting venue. There are seats and there is standing room, so everyone can be comfortable. Look for more shows to come to this new hot spot.
The All 4 Love Tour hit the midwest last week, and I took advantage of both the Kankakee show and the Naperville show (2 are better than one...). Julian Drive and Article One each played 45-minute sets at both venues. The added bonus in Naperville was the addition of local favorites, The Least of These, who opened the evening with a great 30-minute set.
Julian Drive followed TLOT with their energetic rock and worship music. I wasn't familiar with them before this tour, but I am a new fan. I love their cover of the Hoobastank hit, "The Reason," which I always thought was a very spiritual song. Lead singer Shane Bowers explains that he sings the song to God, our reason for all we do and have. Their current radio single, which I wish was played in our market, is "From Your Hands, " a powerful song reminding us of Jesus' constant love for us, even in the midst of His suffering. Check it out at myspace.com/juliandrive.
Article One opened with their hit single, "Without You," with Nathan Piche's strong vocals and brother Matt Piche's amazing violin skills, which continued to be showcased throughout the evening. The man never stands still! And he sings while he plays! Bassist Mark Laidman and drummer Dave DeSmit round out this amazing quartet.
The band played mostly songs from their current cd, Colors and Sounds, but there were also a few tracks from their first cd, including crowd sing-along favorite "Say It Again." And no Article One show is complete without Matt Piche's lead vocals on the playful "500 Miles."
This was the first show for The Underground at Alleluia! Lutheran Church, and it's only the beginning for this venue. The youth center was designed with a stage surrounded by a coffee shop-lounge-gameroom-internet cafe, so it's a very inviting venue. There are seats and there is standing room, so everyone can be comfortable. Look for more shows to come to this new hot spot.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Best Is Yet To Come
What a perfect song for Sevenglory to open with last Sunday. It's a great song in itself, but there were even more to follow, and the band lived up to this promise that the best was yet to come.
Sevenglory, the four-piece rock and worship band out of Valparaiso, IN, had a great show in Naperville last Sunday night. Playing to a crowd of youth and parents, they provided something for everyone. Radio hit "Let It Be Love" inspired a sing-along, and current Shine.fm spin "All of This for You" was a crowd favorite. But the evening's most powerful moment came mid-show when vocalist Fred Butson led the audience...no, the congregation...in a beautiful time of praise, singing "Everlasting God" and "Mighty to Save." With voices and hands raised, everyone was drawn into worship.
Sevenglory's cover of the Newsboys' "I Am Free" did the Aussie band proud as they continued the worship mood, but transitioned back into more rockin' music to finish out the night with "Just Me' and "The Hope."
I was a fan of Sevenglory's music before seeing them Sunday (and also Friday at Illiana Christian High School for their 30 Hour Famine), but their live show increased my respect for these great guys. Butson, guitarist Josh Parsons, drummer Gabe Johannes (yes, he's 6'8"!) and his brother, bassist Caleb Johannes are young men with hearts for God who are called to preach the Gospel through music. They are genuinely nice guys who love what they do and are thankful for opportunities to minister in Jesus' name. Don't miss them next time they are in the area (which I hope will be soon!).
Sevenglory, the four-piece rock and worship band out of Valparaiso, IN, had a great show in Naperville last Sunday night. Playing to a crowd of youth and parents, they provided something for everyone. Radio hit "Let It Be Love" inspired a sing-along, and current Shine.fm spin "All of This for You" was a crowd favorite. But the evening's most powerful moment came mid-show when vocalist Fred Butson led the audience...no, the congregation...in a beautiful time of praise, singing "Everlasting God" and "Mighty to Save." With voices and hands raised, everyone was drawn into worship.
Sevenglory's cover of the Newsboys' "I Am Free" did the Aussie band proud as they continued the worship mood, but transitioned back into more rockin' music to finish out the night with "Just Me' and "The Hope."
I was a fan of Sevenglory's music before seeing them Sunday (and also Friday at Illiana Christian High School for their 30 Hour Famine), but their live show increased my respect for these great guys. Butson, guitarist Josh Parsons, drummer Gabe Johannes (yes, he's 6'8"!) and his brother, bassist Caleb Johannes are young men with hearts for God who are called to preach the Gospel through music. They are genuinely nice guys who love what they do and are thankful for opportunities to minister in Jesus' name. Don't miss them next time they are in the area (which I hope will be soon!).
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