VERIDIA and Manic Drive Concert

Well, I haven't been very faithful in blogging this summer. Especially with a concert coming up. Now here I am, a few days after the concert finally blogging again about what actually occurred.

So, first a little catch up. My last post was that I had booked VERIDIA. Since then I had to find an opening band, work on the promotion and get it out to everyone, bring in sound equipment and lights for the production, organize a crew for the day, plan food, hotels, work with the local Christian radio station, and the list goes on. It's a good thing I had a few concert planning guides from attendstar and Concert Ideas. They were a big help in making sure I had all the bases covered. The websites are United States based and these organizations help with tickets and promotion in the US. So I couldn't use there services, but their information was great.

I tried to book a number of opening bands but was not having much success. On a whim is sent a note to Manic Drive. I didn't think  they would be interested in the small venue and the cost would probably be out of reach for me. Well, was I in for a surprise. Not only were they willing to be part of this concert, they would bring all the sound equipment and lights for the production for the show as well. And their cost for all of that was right in line with where it would work for this event. That contract as easy to sign and seal.

This past Thursday, Oct 1st, the concert was held. It was a long day, but what a blast! The guys from Manic Drive arrived around 11:00. After introductions and touring the church, we got to work loading in all of the equipment. Mostly they directed where and we hauled it in. The took the lead in setting things up, but even then they used the volunteer help to do a lot of lifting and moving. I was surprised at how quickly we were working as a team. A little after 2:30, everything was up an tested for Manic Drive and then the VERIDIA team arrived. So we started all over again with loading them in and setting up their set. At first I was a little worried we were in for some conflict when the VERIDIA guys had to work around. That was a short lived worry. The guys from Manic Drive and VERIDIA quickly talked through the set up, what was needed where and how the stage could accommodate both sets. Before long we were reorganizing things to have it all come together. Not long after that sound checks were done, the band merchandise areas were set up and everyone was ready for some dinner. Sometimes I think this part is as good as the concert itself. Band members, stage hands, volunteer crew, and a few extras all having a relaxing meal together, sharing stories and lots of laughter.

Of course, dinner is followed by the concert. There was a fairly good turn out, although we could have had a lot more people there. But the best part of a small show is everyone can get in close and really connect with the bands and visa versa. The bands had a good time. Those in attendance had a good time. That to me, is the measure of success!

The green men, getting into the crowd

Hard to believe we put this in our church, 30' LED, turn tables, lights. WOW!

VERIDIA connecting with audience

Deena and the joy of performing

Until next time, keep listening to the music, or better yet, show your support of the artists and go to their shows.

VERIDIA in Concert - Sarnia

It has taken a bit of time, a few sleepless nights and a fair bit of planning, but I have booked a concert for this fall in Sarnia, and almost everything is ready to go! It will have been a year since the last concert I organized and promoted in Sarnia, but then again, these things take time.

So who is the artist I have booked, you may be asking?

I am pleased to announce the VERIDIA has agreed to come to Sarnia while they had a night off between shows in Detroit, MI and Columbus, OH, on their "Only the Crazy Survive" Tour. Kind of crazy, to add a show when you are on tour and already have a busy schedule, but then again, that's how you survive.

I first heard VERIDIA on our local Christian Radio station, Power 88.3, some time in 2014. Their song "Disconnected" was getting a fair bit of air play, and it connected with me. Then they were announced to be part of the 2015 WinterJam tour. I always go to WinterJam, and this year was no exception. Yes, VERIDIA was the first band up, but what a way to start the night! Of course, after the show I made sure I at least stopped by to say "Hello" and get them to sign their EP for me. I know, crazy kid fan stuff for someone my age. But I'm still young at heart, and music is ageless!

Anyway, it had been floated around in the back of my mind that maybe Sarnia could play host to a band like VERIDIA. That I could organize a concert for them here. Maybe in the fall of 2015. But then I saw that they announced they were going on tour though the fall, and I figured "so much for that idea". But when I saw they had a free day after playing Detroit. Well, what could it hurt to ask? So, here we are now, the band and venue are booked, the tickets are ready for sale, and all the little details leading up to the concert need to be worked.

That's right, VERIDIA is coming to Sarnia, Thursday, Oct. 1st, to play a concert at Redeemer Christian Reformed Church.  Tickets are available now, just click here! Don't miss out! See you there.

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!

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

Introducing MAD Entertainment

MAD Entertainment? Sounds a little quirky? Well, it's me. My initials that is, M.A.D.

Over the years I have played host to a number of musical events. As much as I enjoy going to concerts and connecting with musical artists, once and a while it's fun to be the organizer. This past summer my son and I had the Vocal Few in our house on their Canadian Living Room Tour. Previously, I organized the  presentation from the Watoto Children's Choir, which resulted in turning people away at the door. I have also the pleasure of hosting Sean and Amiee Dayton twice, one on a album release tour and also a Christmas Living Room Tour.

So I thought maybe I should name this fun I have of organizing and playing host, and make myself look a little more official. As you can see I've added a tab to this blog for MAD Entertainment. Details are their for my next artist event. Yes, it's a Living Room Tour again. But the artist. WOW! None other than Jason Dunn of Hawk Nelson fame, as he is developing his solo career. I'm excited for the concert and looking forward to meeting and spending some time with Jason. Hop over to the MAD Entertainment tab for details.