All the Earth is Holy Ground

This past weekend the "All the Earth is Holy Ground" tour made it to Port Huron, MI. This tour is headlined by Tenth Avenue North and includes Hawk Nelson and I Am They. I Am They is a fairly new worship group, but Hawk Nelson and Tenth Avenue North have been in this game for a while.

Lighting effect for "All the Earth is Holy Ground" tour

So Saturday night I had the opportunity to hear a band live that I stumbled across a few months back. I Am They did not disappoint. I had watched their videos and liked their sound, but seeing them perform live and share themselves with the audience was a blessing. Not sure how many of the people that have seen them in concert caught it, but they changed and switched and shared instruments multiple times, which makes the performance all the more interesting. To think that a number of the members of this band can all play all of the instruments is amazing.  And now their full album plays over and over again in my house.

Dynamic praise

A diverse group musicians playing multiple instruments

Moving on to Hawk Nelson, I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I have never seen Hawk Nelson live in concert. Seriously! Oh, they have had concerts close to where I live, multiple times over the years, but it just never worked out that I could go and see them live. Until this past Saturday that is, when Power 883 and 90.7 HOPE FM brought them to town. What a show! What energy! The lasers, the bubbles, the running around. They are not to be missed, if you have the opportunity to see the live show!!

Hawk Nelson singing the praise

Lasers and bubbles, making it fun

The music of Tenth Avenue North has blessed our home for many years. I've had the opportunity to see them in concert once before as part of WinterJam several years ago. I knew this was a concert that was not to be missed. We were not disappointed. The sharing of their heart, of their faith, and the worship of God all mixed together with fun and entertainment made for an awesome evening.

Tenth Avenue North rock

Signing the truth

The full band, working together

One thing I appreciate seeing is bands that work together. They are on tour together, so it is great to see when they share the stage together. I Am They, Hawk Nelson and Tenth Avenue North really showed that this tour is not about them individually, but that they have come together to work together and share the message together. It does not happen to often that bands will share the stage. It made me appreciate these three groups more that they did, and not just once at the end of the concert.

I Am They, Hawk Nelson and Tenth Avenue North, starting the last set together

Final number and all the bands closing the show, together

Finally, I must say a big thank you to 90.7 HOPE FM and Power 883 for another great concert.

Icon for Hire

I can't believe two months have passed since my last post. The idea for this blog was to be weekly posts related to music and primarily "Christian" music. Unfortunately, life is busy and I have missed seven posts. But, I'm not going away, so let's get to it.

"Christian" music. Why the quotes you may ask. Really, what makes music Christian? The fact is many of the bands and music you read about here may be termed Christian, but that does not mean the music tells a Christian story. The reality is that in bands making music, that if some or all of the members are Christian the band gets labeled a Christian band. Good or bad, that's the way it seems to be. Not always, but most of the time.

Icon for Hire is one of those bands. Ironically, I think their name speaks to this issue of "Christian" music as well. The "icon" or label used to categorize stuff so we don't have to think. Not thinking is not good. Listen for the music and the message and let's leave the labels out of it.

Although Icon for Hire claims it wants to be a mainstream band, their members are Christian. They were first signed by Tooth and Nail Records, again a "Christian" record label. Their first two albums went to #4 and #5 on the US Christian Album charts, much higher than on Billboard or the US Rock chart. So they are a Christian rock band. But anyone who says "I'm not interested in them because they are Christian" is missing out on one awesome fun unique pop/rock band.

I saw Icon for Hire during Vans Warped Tour 2014 in Detroit Michigan. I had never heard of the band before but I did check out their music before I went to the concert. I must say, their live show was just too much fun. It was actually the best part of my day. And they are on the Vans tour again in 2015. You know where I will be!

Want some fun now. Check out this video from Icon for Hire on YouTube. Make a Move, you'll be glad you did!

So, as this band is trying to help us see, let's forget the icons and check things out for ourselves. And, as for Icon for Hire themselves, check them out. You'll be glad you did!

BloodTypeG and Human Trafficking

A few weeks back I mentioned that I had gone to a MANAFEST concert back in December in California and got introduced to the band BloodTypeG (BTG) at the show. At the time I was not sure what to make of them as their blend of sound was totally unique to me. As their website says, their musical anatomy is a mix of a Rap-Rock heart and a Hip-Hop Soul. But their blend of personal styles was also very unique. Ela, the female vocal lead was dressed very classy and has a classy voice as well. Hashemi, the male vocal rap lead was dressed more gangster and the deep rap voice he has is totally different. And then there is Progc. Lead guitar, hard rock, long hair, jeans and T-shirt type. For their first song, my thought was, this guy is totally out of place. Church choir, gang rap and hard rock all mixed together. Who are these guys? Put on top of that the cultural / ethnical mixture of the members of this group. No wonder they are so unique!

So, needless to say, they were unforgettable due to being so different. I thought I would buy one of their CDs, just so I could listen to them again, but instead they gave me all three for less then I would have bought one normally. So glad I did, because I just cant get away from this sound.

Which brings me to part two of this post. A new band that interests me gets added to who I follow on twitter (@lavenderphoto) and Instagram (@lavenderphoto7). Through that follow I noticed that BTG was in a contest doing a Sting/Police cover as part of Rock Against Trafficking. If they win the contest they win a spot of the album being created by Rock Against Trafficking. So they did a cover of "Message in a Bottle". All I can say is wow!

After watching the video, if you would like to vote for them, go to Talent Watch and the Rock Against Trafficking contest and vote for Blood Type G!

I could jump to the other aspect of myself that looks at how we can impact the injustice in this world, but I will not in this post. But I will say that organizations like Rock Against Trafficking do get my support. Rock Against Trafficking (RAT) use the power of music to generate proceeds and resources to fund organizations who work directly in rescuing and rehabilitating abused children and prosecuting perpetrators, as well as creating global awareness of the horrors of child labour and sex trafficking. BloodTypeG have put that message into their song, even though it is a cover of an existing song. Extremely well done!

Newsboys concert March 27, 2015

A few weeks back we had the distinct please of attending a Newsboys concert again. Yes, I mean again. The first time I saw the Newsboys live was in 1997 when they had their "Take Me to Your Leader" tour. That was my first Christian rock concert. If I recall correctly, opening that night was MxPx followed by Third Day. Interestingly enough, those bands are still around today!

Since that first time in 1997, I have seen the Newsboys a number of times (like about 5) and every time I see them, they put on a great show and interact with their audience like they are best friends. Although I can't say I own physical copies of most of their albums (I have a few), their show is something I try not to miss. Duncan Phillips, the drummer, is one of the best out there, and someone you do not want to take your eyes off of, due to everything he does during and between songs.

Our local Christian radio station, Power 88.3 was playing host to the Newsboys "We Believe, God's not Dead" tour. When I mentioning it to my family that the Newsboys were coming to our area again, everybody got excited for this show.

The night started off with John Tibbs. Ever heard of this guy? Me either. He is about to release his first EP, but what a start for his music career. He is playing to sold out shows across North America because he is opening for the Newsboys. One guy, his guitar and some songs to share. We will see in the years to come what this new comer has to offer.

John Tibbs - one guy and his guitar

John was followed by Finding Favour. These guys took the dynamic of the night up a notch. They have been together for a while, releasing their first EP in 2013 and will be releasing their first album shortly. David NeeSmith is the vocalist for the group and new how to get the crowd engaged, cracking jokes and sharing his life. I expect I will be seeing these guys again in the future.

Finding Favour - southern rock worship

Next up was Audio Adrenaline (sorry no link, website was www.audioa.com). This current band called Audio Adrenaline is a bit of a mystery to me. The current four members of the band all started in 2015! Audio A started as a group in 1986 and released their first album in 1992. They had some early line up changes, but from 1996 through 2007 they were a fixed band. And then they took a 5 year break. Actually they all stayed on that break except one founding member, Will McGinniss, who restarted the band in 2012 with an entirely new line up. And then the line up changed again in 2013, and again in 2014 and again in 2015! Will is also out of the line up now. Most of the members of the new Audio Adrenaline are former members of other bands. So there is no lack of experience, but really, is this Audio Adrenaline? Needless to say, it's hard to predict what future this latest line up has. But as far as the concert went, these guys seem to be working together well and put on a great show.

Audio Adrenaline - changes

Finally, my concert favourites for the night, the Newsboys, took the stage! Talk about taking it up a few notches. The show was awesome. Duncan did his finest. We all had a great night of worship and rock!

Michael Tait - singing the songs

Jody Davis - on guitar

Jeff Frankenstein - on keys and other gadgets

Duncan Phillips - drums and facial expressions

Keep listening and enjoying the music.

Jason Dunn / Jordan Raycroft Concert

This just in! The Jason Dunn concert I have been working on is now a Jason Dunn concert with Jordan Raycroft opening. We had something great and just made it better! 

At only 23, folk-singer Jordan Raycroft has captivated audiences of all ages across the country with his story telling, foot stomping melodies, and intimate performances. A two-time participant of VIA Rail's Artist On Board Program, Jordan has performed in train cars, theatres, and amphitheaters across Canada.

To date, Jordan has played over 200 cross-Canada concerts, utilizing his platform to share his burden for the injustices of this world. Jordan's songs tell stories of real-life experiences touching on themes of love, loss, justice and redemption.

Looking forward to a great night of live entertainment.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY / LIVING ROOM TOUR

presents

JASON DUNN (formerly of HAWK NELSON)

in concert

along with
JORDAN RAYCROFT and band



Jason Dunn served as lead singer for the popular rock-punk band, Hawk Nelson, for 10 years and is now venturing out on his solo career. He'll present an evening of music delivered the only way Jason knows how.

Jason Dunn is the creator and former front man of the Canadian pop punk band Hawk Nelson. After taking a two year hiatus, Dunn is back, making a splash in the pop-punk scene with his new solo album Abandon Progress. You can find out more about Jason on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jasondunnmusic or check out his music on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jason+dunn






At only 23, folk-singer Jordan Raycroft has captivated audiences of all ages across the country with his story telling, foot stomping melodies, and intimate performances. A two-time participant of VIA Rail's Artist On Board Program, Jordan has performed in train cars, theaters, and amphitheaters across Canada.

To date, Jordan has played over 200 cross-Canada concerts, utilizing his platform to share his burden for the injustices of this world. Jordan's songs tell stories of real-life experiences touching on themes of love, loss, justice and redemption.

For more on Jordan and to listen to his music, visit his website at http://www.jordanraycroft.com/

The concert is on Friday September 26 at Redeemer Christian Reformed Church, 5483 Blackwell Side Road, Sarnia, ON at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are only $5 for this concert! This is a limited seating event so to ensure seating please reserve your tickets. No need to send any money now (we will collect that at the door) but you let us know how many tickets you need as soon as possible before all of the seats are taken. Don’t delay! Send an email to Murray de Boer at Lavenderbus@xcelco.on.ca with your name and the number of tickets required. Hope to hear from you soon