comments
1

David Crowder Band coming to OKC

Posted by
on April 12, 2010 at 12:22 pm

Fans of the NewSong’s Winter Jam might be interested in the Rock and Worship Roadshow coming to the Ford Center at 7 p.m.  Thursday. The show will be in Tulsa on Saturday at the BOK Center.

Like Winter Jam, the roadshow features a lengthy diverse lineup and a low ticket price.

The Rock and Worship Roadshow ‘s 25-city tour kicked off March 18 and includes MercyMe, the David Crowder Band, Family Force 5, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Remedy Drive and Sidewalk Prophets. Cost is $10 at the door.   

I recently talked to David Crowder of the David Crowder Band about the  upcoming mega-concert and here is what he had to say:

Q: What lead you to get involved with the Rock and Worship Roadshow?

A: Most of it has to do with the friendship aspect of it. MercyMe is the host band, the folks that put this tour together. We’ve been on a tour with them a number of years ago. We did a summer  tour with them and Michael W. Smith and had the greatest time with them on the road. A lot of it has to do with the people. We’re looking forward to getting to hang out with those guys again. The Family Force 5 guys are good buddies with us and we kind of trade musical ideas back and forth. It’s always a creative encounter whenever we’re around them. And then Steve Fee is a good buddy from Atlanta, Ga. that we’ve known forever, it seems like, since we first started doing this. It’s going to be a good time.   
 
Q: Can you talk about your album “Church Music.”
A: We released it in September (2009) and we did a tour supporting it and had just a great time. What we do is we write music for congregational singing so by calling it church music, we were actually being incredibly literal. What we’re writing to do is to try to use music to articulate faith and respond to God through. That all comes out of our experience with our church (University Baptist) in Waco, Texas. We’re the band that helps facilitate the singing on most of our Sunday mornings. We travel quite a bit but we make it back for most of our services. We maybe miss 15 of our services a year is all. But we’re just a band thats at the church.
 
Q: Why did you decide to name the album “Church Music”?        
A: We thought it would be fun to call it what it is — that we could fall under such a name as that, that the music of the church could be so diverse and broad. That the Crowder band could fall under that just makes me grin from ear to ear. When you think of the church in a global sense, all of the different cultures that music is coming out of and that people are using music to respond to God to and through, it’s amazing. The diversity is a lot greater than we typically imagine. We usually think of church being similar to the people that we live life with and that’s definitely not the case when you think of it in a global sense. So what we want to do is help bring that awareness to people through a couple of words placed on a record that’s pretty electronic and pretty aggressive. That it could actually be considered church music and congregational singing is pretty awesome, I think.  
 
Q: Your band is pretty popular not just among Christians, but in secular circles as well? Why do you think that is?
A: I have no idea really. (laughing) My best guess is that there is an authenticity to what we’re doing. We’re calling it what it is, for one. We’re not trying to be subtle at all. I think there’s a greater degree of acceptance of things coming from a different world view than your own just because there’s more exposure due to the Internet. When you put that with music that I feel like is pretty current and at least in conversation with what’s going on currently on the sound landscape of things, I think it makes for an interesting and thought-provoking listen, in my perspective.
 
Q: What can fans expect from you during the Roadshow? Will you perform a mix of older and newer songs?
A: Yes, for sure. Especially in a setting like this when you’ve got a whole lot of bands, we’ve probably got about 40 minutes that we’ll be doing. We’ll probably try to hit all of it. We try to grab from each album, it seems like. We’ll have a mix of old and new. The main thing we’re trying to do is be that moment in the night that we allow people to use music and sing and respond to God as a collective. That’s sort of our role in the concert and we’re embracing it. That’s what we do on a daily basis anyway so it’s going to be a good time.
 
Q: Any future projects coming down the pike that you want to talk about?
A: We’ve got summer festivals. We’re not going to be in the studio to record for a good bit of time. For the most part, we’re going to be enjoying this tour and then there’s summer.     
———————————-                         
 
Come back tomorrow for more information about the Rock and Worship Roadshow. Tickets will be sold at the door, but if you want to know more, call 602-8700 or go online to www.therockandworshiproadshow.com.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

For more information caoub the concernt, call 602-8700 or go online to www.rushconcerts.com.

comments
0

Basketballs and bells

Posted by
on November 14, 2009 at 8:45 am
The men’s basketball team from Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo., will offer Oklahomans something besides a good game of hoops  on Sunday.handbells[2]The team will perform a handbell concert at 6 p.m. Sunday at University Baptist Church, 2515 N Kickapoo in Shawnee.
The Rev. Thomas Harrison, the “Secret Church Shopper” I once wrote about, said Central Bible College is affiliated with the Assemblies of God.
The concert sounds like an unusual treat for music lovers and handbell enthusiasts.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
comments
3

Kirk Franklin heading to OKC

Posted by
on November 6, 2009 at 4:48 pm

It’s official: Gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin is bringing his “Fight of Our Life Health Tour” to Oklahoma City on Nov. 22. Kirkfranklin2

Franklin’s concert will be at 6 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church, 1700 NE 7. The concert is free and will feature guest appearances by local Gospel artist Sean Johnson and Wings of Harmony, a performing arts ensemble.

The tour is in partnership with the American Heart Assocation’s Power to End Stroke initiative. Franklin performed in concert in Tulsa over the summer. An Oklahoma City concert was planned, but officials were working with Franklin’s busy schedule and trying to find an Oklahoma City  location to host the event. Many people had been asking me if a date had been set for the Oklahoma City concert so I’m glad that I can finally give them some facts. 

I just saw Franklin perform at the 2009 Woman Thou Art  Loosed Conference at Bishop T.D. Jake’s church The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. He was, as usual, outstanding. As part of the upcoming health tour, the Grammy Award-winning artist will encourage concert-goers to pledge to take control of their health, reduce their risk of stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke.

Save the date.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

comments
2

Hillsong United coming to big screen

Posted by
on October 21, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Hillsong United is to make its big screen debut on Nov. 4 with “Hillsong United: We’re All in This Together,” a special hosted live from Australia.hillsongunited

The special will include the contemporary worship group’s live performance from their home church in Sydney and conclude with the debut of their documentary “The I Heart Revolution: We’re All in This Together.”

Filmed over two years, the documentary follows the band as they learn about the stories of people facing injustice and hardships around the world.

“It’s a story made up of many stories, told by many voices, no individual voice any more or any less important than any other, yet every voice working together to ultimately tell the ONE story — a story that involves everyone,” Joel Houston, Hillsong United member, said in a news release.

He called the special “part documentary, part apologetic, part call to action.” 

The one-night-only special will be shown in 440 movie theaters nationwide, including Cinemark Tinseltown, 6601 Martin Luther King, and AMC Quail Springs Mall 24, 2501 W Memorial Road, in Oklahoma City. The show at both theaters starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

comments
0

Seeing Sandi

Posted by
on October 17, 2009 at 8:19 am

The Sandi Patty and Friends concert was the first time I got hear Sandi sing in person and it was delightful.

I have interviewed Sandi several times over the years and listened to her music, of course.

But it was great to see and hear her in person Tuesday night at Crossings Community Church.

The best part of the evening was that it served as a benefit for White Fields boys home. Sandi and her friends Anita Renfroe, the Tabors and Miss America 2009 Katie Stam made it so pleasant that I heard many people say they could have stayed to hear more.

What struck me the most was  Sandi’s obvious rapport with all her guests, from the folks in the audience to the friends she had invited to entertain us.

She sang some of her songs that the crowd has deemed favorites over the years and a medley of Southern Gospel classics had everyone singing and up on their feet at the end.

My favorite song was “The Prayer” which Sandi sang with her husband Don Peslis. I found myself hoping that they would sing it. I’d heard them sing the song for the first time at the 10th anniversary of the Murrah Building bombing several years ago. They did not disappoint on Thursday.

All in all it was such a worthwhile evening. I entered the sanctuary tired from a long day and left knowing that the heaviness that had beset me had been lifted — all with a little help and music from Sandi and her friends.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

comments
1

Ryan’s legacy

Posted by
on October 15, 2009 at 11:01 am

Covering religion and spirituality means that I’m often surrounded by uplifting stories that touch my heart.

Such is the case of the story of Ryan McAfee, 19, (pictured below) the young man who was killed in a car accident earlier this year.

Ryan’s story, chronicled in today’s Oklahoman, is one that blends life and death and faith and hope all in one.

Kellye Medley, a family friend of the McAfees, said organizers of tonight’s Matthew West concert expect between 2,500 and 3,000 people to show up for the event.Ryan_McAfee_-_2009-2-233x300[1]  

Matthew West heard about Ryan McAfee after West’s song “The Motions” was played at the young man’s funeral. The McAfee family had learned that Ryan McAfee had posted the lyrics to the song on his last posting on his Facebook wall.

West was so interested in Ryan’s story that he’s kicking off his multi-city tour in Ryan’s hometown of McAlester tonight and Lance McAfee, 22, Ryan’s brother, will be going on tour with West to share his brother’s story with thousands of West’s fans.

“I get to encourage brothers and sisters, Christians and non-Christians alike,” Lance McAfee told me. “I get to tell them that we’re here to serve Christ and to serve others by giving our all today.”

The McAfee family said they were especially pleased that even in death, Ryan touched people and helped guide them to the Lord. His mother, Linda McAfee said about 15 young people gave their lives to Christ during an altar call at the youth’s funeral.

Ryan’s father, Danny McAfee said young people have come up to him to tell him that Ryan led them to the Lord.

“He inspired people,” Danny McAfee said.     

The Rev. Kevin Meridth is the family’s pastor at Second Baptist Church in McAlester.

He said he was not surprised that so much has happened as a result of the faith-filled life that Ryan McAfee led and his last Facebook posting.

He said the youth was a “young man of great character and integrity.”

Meridth said he preached the eulogy at McAfee’s funeral and was thrilled when young people responded to the altar call that was suggested by the family.

“From a pastor’s standpoint, he (Ryan) lived his life in such a way that his testimony preached his own funeral.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

comments
0

Concert alert: Avalon and Selah

Posted by
on August 18, 2009 at 10:00 am

Just got word that contemporary Christian groups Avalon (pictured below) and Selah are to perform in concert Oct. 9 at Victory Church, 4300 N MacArthur.

There’s incentive to get your tickets in advance: Tickets are $20 in advance and $40 the day of the show.avalon_promo0611

Avalon’s release “Reborn” is in stores now. Selah has a new release marking their 10th anniversary, “You Deliver Me.”

The concert is in conjunction with Victory’s Beautiful Women Conference.

More information about the concert will be featured soon in The Oklahoman.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

comments
1

Israel Houghton at inauguration

Posted by
on January 18, 2009 at 9:00 am

israel-houghton1.jpgContemporary Christian recording artist Israel Houghton is set to perform at the 2009 Heroes Red, White and Blue Inaugural Ball at the Warner Theatre on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

I recently interviewed Houghton, who will be performing in concert 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at the SpiritBank Event Center in Tulsa on the “Hello Love” tour with Chris Tomlin.

Houghton was excited about performing at the inaugural ball and said he planned to sing his song “The Power of One” from his upcoming album of the same name. The compilation is set for release on March 24.

Houghton is best known for his songs like “Friend of God” and “Say So.” He is the worship leader at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston.

Others performing at the Heroes Ball include Gospel recording artists Donnie McClurkin and Bebe and CeCe Winans.

Look for my story on Houghton in a future edition of The Oklahoman. And for ticket information to the Tulsa concert, click here: Hello Love.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

comments
0

On TV: Wynonna sings gospel

Posted by
on October 15, 2008 at 2:52 pm

wynonna-3.JPGCountry music star Wynonna will make her Gospel Music Channel debut on “Front Row Live” Saturday.The show also will be aired on Monday on the cable network ( Cox Cable channel 178) .

Front Row Live is Gospel Music Channel’s original series featuring powerhouse artists hosting their own performances while sharing their musical inspirations.According to the network, Wynonna is currently in the studio preparing for an early 2009 CD release.Wynonna showcases her vocal talents with a set-list that features some of her biggest hits and her favorite inspirational tunes, including “What The World Needs Now,” “The Other Side,” “Heaven Help Me,” “It’s The Messiah,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “I Can Only Imagine,” “I Hear You Knockin’,” “Till I Get It Right,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Love Can Build A Bridge” and “No One Else on Earth.”

Upcoming Front Row Live concerts include the Newsboys on Oct. 25 and NewWorldson on Nov. 1.

For complete Gospel Music Channel programming, visit http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/schedule.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

comments
0

Third Day “building” momentum

Posted by
on October 1, 2008 at 11:18 am

thirdday.jpgMomentum is building for the upcoming Third Day concert set for Sunday at the Ford Center.

That’s not the only thing under construction, so to speak.

The popular contemporary Christian band’s “Music Builds” tour is helping to fund Habitat for Humanity homes in the communities where the group’s concerts are performed.

Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the tour cities will be the beneficiaries of a portion of the funds raised during the tour as part of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and Live Nation, in partnership with Third Day and the other groups.

Artists on tour with Grammy award-winning Third Day include Robert Randolph and The Family Band and another perennial favorite, Jars of Clay.musicbuilds.gif

Ticket prices for the Oklahoma City Music Builds concert are:  $59.50, $39.50 and $29.50. Group discounts are available.

Tickets are available at the Ford Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.LiveNation.com. To charge by phone, call 235-8288.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Previous Page
Next Page