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| Concert Review |
| For complete local tour schedules and ticket info, please visit: |
|
We were so excited and blessed Friday evening to be able to attend the sold out Casting Crowns’
concert in Brandon, FL. The evening started with a meet and greet with all of the band members and
what seemed like 500 other fans. Regardless of the number of other fans waiting, the band members
made their way through the line signing autographs, taking pictures, and stopping to have real
conversation with each adoring fan that had something to say.
The show started with The Afters performing first. Because I was only familiar with a few of their songs
that frequent the radio stations, I was really excited to see and hear what this band that originated
from Starbucks would be like. They took the stage performing with sincerity in their actions and
voices. The lead singer gave a short testimony about life and the many burdens that come along with
it and ended with what hit me as a very profound yet simple statement "I just want to serve Jesus!" I
realize that reading this you may not understand why that would have such an impact on the evening,
however, I often feel that we all get so tied up and busy with "life" that we forget what we are really
here for. His words reminded me of what is truly important. While watching them perform two of my
favorite songs, "Ocean Wide" and "Never going back to OK", their drummer really stuck out to me. He
was so involved in the show. At other concerts I've attended, most drummers just perform a solo as
they are introduced but he was an active part in trying to get the crowd participating throughout the
concert. As their show ended, lead singer [Joshua Havens]again hit me with words I will not soon
forget. "No matter what battle you face, God goes before you."
Casting Crowns took the stage next to a standing ovation performing "Life Song." They played a
variety of songs from their new and older albums. Not only did they sing the songs, but also told the
story of what they mean and why they were written, touching every soul within hearing distance. The
second and third songs of the night were "If We Are the Body" followed by "American Dream." WOW!
What a message in both of those songs played back to back! We can't be the body of Christ if we are
consumed with chasing the American Dream. My favorite song on their new CD that they performed
has to be "If We've Ever Needed You." An amazing song about personal repentance, desperately
needing to reach for God
Every member of the band played and sung with fervor as the realness of their faith shined through
them. Megan Garrett sang "Mercy", another new song, as a soloist and it sent chills through me! She
sings with such passion, yet makes it look effortless. I cannot get over how powerful that song and her
singing it was. She is an amazingly gifted artist.
The whole concert was magnificent from start to finish. Casting Crown's new CD will be burning
through my radio for many months. Mark Hall ended the evening reminding us that "God is not a book
or a building you go to" He is so much more! Another quote that I hope never leaves my mind.
concert in Brandon, FL. The evening started with a meet and greet with all of the band members and
what seemed like 500 other fans. Regardless of the number of other fans waiting, the band members
made their way through the line signing autographs, taking pictures, and stopping to have real
conversation with each adoring fan that had something to say.
The show started with The Afters performing first. Because I was only familiar with a few of their songs
that frequent the radio stations, I was really excited to see and hear what this band that originated
from Starbucks would be like. They took the stage performing with sincerity in their actions and
voices. The lead singer gave a short testimony about life and the many burdens that come along with
it and ended with what hit me as a very profound yet simple statement "I just want to serve Jesus!" I
realize that reading this you may not understand why that would have such an impact on the evening,
however, I often feel that we all get so tied up and busy with "life" that we forget what we are really
here for. His words reminded me of what is truly important. While watching them perform two of my
favorite songs, "Ocean Wide" and "Never going back to OK", their drummer really stuck out to me. He
was so involved in the show. At other concerts I've attended, most drummers just perform a solo as
they are introduced but he was an active part in trying to get the crowd participating throughout the
concert. As their show ended, lead singer [Joshua Havens]again hit me with words I will not soon
forget. "No matter what battle you face, God goes before you."
Casting Crowns took the stage next to a standing ovation performing "Life Song." They played a
variety of songs from their new and older albums. Not only did they sing the songs, but also told the
story of what they mean and why they were written, touching every soul within hearing distance. The
second and third songs of the night were "If We Are the Body" followed by "American Dream." WOW!
What a message in both of those songs played back to back! We can't be the body of Christ if we are
consumed with chasing the American Dream. My favorite song on their new CD that they performed
has to be "If We've Ever Needed You." An amazing song about personal repentance, desperately
needing to reach for God
Every member of the band played and sung with fervor as the realness of their faith shined through
them. Megan Garrett sang "Mercy", another new song, as a soloist and it sent chills through me! She
sings with such passion, yet makes it look effortless. I cannot get over how powerful that song and her
singing it was. She is an amazingly gifted artist.
The whole concert was magnificent from start to finish. Casting Crown's new CD will be burning
through my radio for many months. Mark Hall ended the evening reminding us that "God is not a book
or a building you go to" He is so much more! Another quote that I hope never leaves my mind.
| Pictures Coming Soon! |