A Cornerstone Eulogy

One of the concert venues on the Cornerstone grounds

Last week I returned from the Cornerstone music festival in southern Illinois. This annual event has been held each year since it's debut in 1984. The festival had it's roots in the hippie Jesus movement of the early '70's.  While most of the hippie movement died as the decades moved on, Jesus People USA flourished and carried the message of Christ to the counter-culture masses and also marginalized Christians. This force formed the basis of what would became "Christian rock". Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, Daniel Amos, Steve Taylor, and their contemporaries opened the door for Christian performers who used their music to further the word of Christ.

Drummer reminds himself who the music is for

Cornerstone served a number of purposes.  It provided an outlet for Christian artists who didn't fit the typical CCM mold, where the value of a song was determined by how many times a minute the name "Jesus" (JPM's) could be heard in the lyrics. The festival welcomed artists whose songs and musical styles broke away from Christian societal norms. These were musicians who may not have been invited to perform at/or even attend many traditional churches of the day. Cornerstone also served as a teaching and training ground for the Christian attendees who would return to their towns and cities to use the skills they had learned to reach the disenfranchised in their communities.  Topics have ranged from ministry to the gay community, street people, goths, art, sex, relationships, movie discussions and many others. No topic ever seemed to be inappropriate.

Capacity crowd at one of the concert tents

Unknown and up and coming Christian bands made the trek to Cornerstone.  The festival was attended by label executives looking for new talent. Many or most of the artists who performed would not be considered mainstream radio friendly. They offered their own unique and challenging styles to Cornerstone participants. It gave the bands a chance to reach a broader market by being exposed to upwards of 30,000 people who would make it to Cornerstone.

In addition to the music and teaching seminars, the Cornerstone public could also attend both movie and arts festival held at the same time at the Cornerstone farm. It was often said that people heading to Cornerstone would want to clone themselves.  With programs starting at 8 am and headline artists not taking the stage until past midnight


Cornerstone remained apolitical over the decades of the festival.  George W. Bush, on his 2004 re-election campaign wished to address the Cornerstone crowd. he was refused. The Cornerstone agenda is simple and defined: To further Christ's Kingdom.

Attire for Flatfoot 56's "Beach Party" themed show

The amazing aspect of Cornerstone is the sense of community.  All are welcomed, none are looked down upon. From my own perspective, being in the gray haired age group, I was delighted in the acceptance given to me by any and all of the people that I met at Cornerstone. This is the kind of acceptance and love that each of us should all give to strangers.

This year marked the final year of Cornerstone. To quote from the event organizers:

In 2012, we'll be celebrating one final Cornerstone Festival together. Based on a range of factors – including changes in the market and a difficult economy – the timing seems right. This was obviously a hard decision, wrestled with over years and particularly over recent months. But with the decision made, we have the opportunity to come together one last time and bring to a happy, grateful – if tearful – close to this chapter of our lives.

In the days ahead we'll be making some changes to the lineup and schedule that reflect an adjusted budget. We hope to make this a special gathering to remember, to share stories and encourage one another with the vision of Cornerstone in ways that look back and ahead toward new things God is doing. Along with activities like art workshops, kids' programs, seminars, games, movies – and MUSIC, of course – Cornerstone 2012 promises to be a time of thankful reflection and sharing among people who've walked this significant part of their life's journey together.

Band self-promotion is the norm

Most of you know that Cornerstone Festival grew out of a labor of love from our church and community, Jesus People USA. The festival emerged from JPUSA's Cornerstone magazine and Resurrection Band. Our community continues to operate one of Chicago's largest homeless shelters, also bearing the name Cornerstone. We remain confident in God's faithfulness and grace to lead us on to new chapters in our ongoing journey.

Thanks again to everyone who's been a part of this amazing journey with us! What a privilege it's been. Most of all, thanks to Jesus: the stone rejected that became the true Cornerstone. Amen!

Will underground Christian recording artists be able to find another event such as Cornerstone? My thought is that may be unlikely. Will both the Christians living on the fringe of the organized church and mainstream Christians be able to meet again in such an enclave? Yes, when we meet again in Christ's Kingdom. Let's pray that we can carry the message each of us received from Christ and the welcoming body of believers at Cornerstone into our own communities.

Facedown Records, More Than Sound Tour review

I was more than surprised to see the Facedown Records, More Than Sound Tour hitting my hometown, Peterborough, Ontario for a tour stop. I had thought that they would be stopping in Toronto or some other major center for a tour of this caliber.  No complaints on my part, it was only a twenty minute drive from home to the venue.

Headlining the tour is War of Ages, with support from Onward to Olympas, Leaders, and Letter to the Exiles. the Overseer was also on the slate, but didn't make the Peterborough date. Unfortunately the bands had a poor turn out with only 20 people in attendance.  Those who made the trouble to come out to the show we're treated to an amazing night.

Be forewarned, this is going to be a very short review. I just got in the door from seeing Newworldson who played in the Peterborough area, and in only a few hours I head off to the Cornerstone festival in Illinois.  Sleep is going to take precedence over this post tonight.

Letter to the Exiles was first up on stage at the White House in Peterborough.  This hardcore band from Long Island has been around for a few years is starting to make some waves with fans. Chris King, vocalist of Letter to the Exiles did a great job setting up the evening of hard music. The band still has some maturing to do with developing a more pronounced stage presence. This is a solid band, but I don't feel that their excellent recorded tracks translate well into their live performance.

Leaders followed Letter to the Exiles. They have had some changes in both band membership and going through a name change from ALLORNOTHING. The band had a tough start to their set. Lazarus Rios mic was dead from the start of their first song. After two mic changes, finally a cordless mic brought Lazarus' vocals back into the audible range. This trial never seemed to phase the band who put out a solid set. The band describes their live shows as “powerful, intimate, and real. With enough character and groove to the rhythm that it makes you want to move.” A more than apt description of Leaders performance.

A local Peterborough band  (non-Christian) band The Sons of Apparatus took over the spot vacated by The Overseer.

Onward to Olympas followed the local band. I had to ask lead vocalist, Kramer Lowe, about the spelling of the name. A few of the tracks that I have from the label have the band's name spelled "Olympus". Olympas is the correct spelling. Kramer explained that "Olympas" is a biblical term meaning "heaven" or "heavenly", thus rendering the band's name to mean "Onward to Heaven". Kramer doesn't look the part of being the lead vocalist of a hardcore band. Clean cut, lacking tattoo sleeves, and he smiles. Constantly smiles. It really seems as though the Lord's presence shines through the entire band.

Perhaps the small audience allowed the various bands a little more freedom to have some fun with the crowd, and themselves. The bands who weren't on stage, were down in front, kidding around with the band currently on stage. Kramer spent part of one song roaming around the venue with his cordless mic. On stage the drummer of War of Ages, Alex Hamp, was behind the mic, mouthing the lyrics that Kramer was singing elsewhere in the venue. Later in the set he was carted around the mosh area "piggyback" while doing his vocals.

When War of Ages made it onto the stage, the same fun continued. Members of the opening bands, kidded with the War of Ages band members. Slapping the stage, making a grab for their legs, jumping on stage to add their vocals to the War of Ages songs. Leroy Hamp, vocalist of War of Ages, also went for a tour of the venue with mic in hand, serenading (can that term be used when speaking of hardcore music?) billiard players near the stage.

This concert will go into my memory banks as one of the most entertaining nights I've had. The smiles, kidding, and laughter from all the bands made it a truly special experience.

Check out all of these bands on the Facedown Record artist roster.

Leeland, Aaron Gillespie, Parachute Band, Nine O Five concert

It felt like early summer weather. Sunday March 18, with an early evening temperature of 17 C (63 F), makes standing in line for the concert event at C4 church in Ajax almost enjoyable. Nine O Five (house worship band), Parachute Band, Aaron Gillespie, and Leeland are all on hand to over up their own versions of modern worship.

It was also the night of the redheads with both Gillespie and Leeland being on stage.

This was the final night of a three week North American tour with the above bands. Fortunately for myself it was an easy drive to reach the church for the early evening event. C4 church had pulled out all the stops by offering the concert as both a free event and as an HD simulcast.

Nine O Five led off the evening.  This band has had some longevity in the worship realm, releasing a full length back in 2005.  They just delivered their 3rd EP on Feb 21st of this year.  Josh McCabe offered up a variety of original songs by the band plus a number of popular worship tunes. McCabe has multiple roles with Nine O Five being the lyricist, guitarist and lead vocalist with the band.

Redhead number 1, Gillespie, has dialed up his typical worship performance, reintroducing his talents on drums as well as his typical role on acoustic guitar. It seems he has retired his old and well used original guitar for a newer model.  A much more energetic performance was given to the large audience in attendance. The crowd took it all in and offered up their own voices in accompaniment to Gillespie on many of the songs.

Aaron Gillespie was accomodating by spending a few mintues with me earlier in the afteroon for an interview.  We were able to spend some time discussing his new solo career, his alternative rock band The Almost, and the years he had spent wit the the metalcore band, Underoath.  You will be able to hear that interview in an upcoming broadcast of The Antidote.

Parachute Band from Auckland, New Zealand never fails to pull out the stops. This is the second generation Parachute Band. The original band members all left back in 2006 and since 2007 they have had a younger, but equally talented crew. Lead vocalist Omega Levine lead the crowd in a number of songs and included some news songs from their current MATINS:VESPERS album.

I was a bit disappointed that Levine didn't offer up his powerful testimony. A really an incredible story. Omega Levine was born without a nose and grew up with no self-esteem. Depression reached the point where he was ready to take his own life at the age of 15. Calling out to God had him overcome his suicidal inclinations.

The grand finale for the night, redhead number 2, Leeland Mooring and band came out on stage. This was my first opportunity to see Leeland play.  I've been enjoying their music since the release of the Opposite Way album back in '07. This is a band worth checking out if you prefer progressive worship. Three Grammy and eight Dove Award nominations show what kind of calbre of music Leeland produces.

One of the more interesting moments of he evening was the video of the Leeland band on mission trip as they played  with soccer with youngsters. During the video the band played "Follow You" from their Love Is On The Move album. Other great Leeland songs included; "The Sound of Melodies", "Count Me In", and "The Great Awakening".

While modern worship is not my favourite style of music, I did enjoy the evening at C4 church.  It was a break from metalcore concerts I normally see.

House of Heroes, Manic Drive, Behold! The City concert review

I headed up to Barrie, ON Feb 25th to see a few bands play at Timothy Christian school.  This was Air Raid 20, sponsored by the Christian mega-station, LIFE 100.3.

Jake Wilson - Behold! The City

Behold! The City
Opening band for the night was Behold! The City, a newer hardcore band based out of Barrie. This group has been making some waves on the Ontario music scene.  It was quite evident that they had a large number of loyal fans in the crowd.  Forming in 2010, it was surprising the stage presence this band carries onto stage, considering their lack of longevity. Their show featured songs from their independent ep release, Kings and Cowards. The band is off to the states to record their fist full-length this spring for the Red Cord Record label. Jake Wilson, vocalist for Behold! The City gave it all to the crowd during their set. It will be great to see how Behold! The City will progress musically as they mature.


V. Rose

I decided to pass on seeing V. Rose perform, choosing instead to spend time in the lobby for a bit of R&R. While V. Rose may appeal to the tween and pre-tween set, I'm not a fan of soft toned solo female singers. An 7 or 8 year old girl and her mother were standing near me when I returned. She told me that she was disappointed in the lip-synched performance of Rose.

Too bad so many female Christian artists choose the path of least resistance, mirroring only what has been done musically before.

Shawn Cavallo - Manic Drive

Manic Drive
I've been impressed with this band since their first release, Reason For Motion. back in '05.  Though the band is based out of Mississauga, ON, it was only the second time I've seen them live.

The Manic Drive playlist included some of my favourites; "Music" and "Walls" from their excellent CD Blue. "Save A Life" and "Halo" from the new album Epic. I was disappointed with the Epic release. I found it lacked the stand out tracks found on Blue.  Their current single "Halo" is a lightweight song, but I do enjoy their second single, the relatively mellow "Save A Life".
 





House of Heroes
The head line band takes the stage.  House Of Heroes had it's beginnings in 1998 as No Tagbacks later switching the name to HoH. Their Feb 25/12 show in Barrie was only the fourth date this band has played in Canada. Unfortunate that so many American bands find it difficult to play in Canada. The direct result of difficult Canadian border crossings requirements.

House of Heroes is made up of Tim Skipper on lead vocals and guitar, Colin Rigsby with drums, AJ Babcock on bass guitar, and Eric Newcomer on guitar. Skipper, Rigsby, and Babcock have all been with the band since it's inception, while Newcomer is, yes, the newcomer to HoH arriving in '09.

House Of Heroes had completed the recording and mastering of their upcoming album, Cold Hard Want, only three days prior to playing the show in Barrie. The band included a few tracks from this album including what may be their new headline song "Out My Way".

AJ Babcock & Tim Skipper - House of Heroes

This alt rock band had always produced an interesting mix of songs. Not content to keep the status quo, they switch styles form acoustic numbers to songs containing a harder rock edge. It's interesting to have a band that doesn't feel the need to restrict themselves to a single style. This trait was noticeable during their concert at Air Raid 20. They began their set with "Elevator" containing driving guitars. "God Save The King" had the band dropping down to a blues riff at the midpoint of the song. Their classic song, "Serial Sleepers", remained in the true alt rock style the band is predominantly known for.

Finishing up with "In the Valley of the Dying Son" from their '08 album The End Is Not The End. The band played a huge 13 songs set that let everyone satisfied. Hopefully Canada will have a chance to see more of House of Heroes in the future.

Lauren Mann & the Fairly Odd Folk, 2012 edition

Don't let Lauren's photo frighten you she's actually quite sweet

Indie-folk band, Lauren Mann & the Fairly Odd Folk made to Peterborough during their Ontario leg of their North American "From Here to There" tour. Wednesday night, Feb 22, they filled The Garnet.  I'm talking about a really small venue, but it was filled nonetheless. Tickets were a bargain at only $5.

Lauren and her husband Zoltan are the core of the band, but they've fleshed out the Fairly Odd Folk quotient of the band by adding a full time drummer (Aaron Fraser), guitarist (Mike Pardy) and bass player (Hammer Clark).

The concert had a late start at 10pm which may have contributed to a smaller turn-out.  The late start was helpful to me however, the band was able to join me for a live interview at Trent Radio prior dashing down the road to get to the venue on time.

Lauren has been performing indie folk music since her teens and has honed her craft by playing a huge number of dates recently.  During 2011 the band played 200 shows in both Canada and Europe. major festivals have also taken notice of her talents as she's performed at the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois and the Calgary Folk Festival in her home town of Calgary.

I've seen Lauren Mann & the Fairly Odd Folk play a several of times in the past and I've never been disappointed.  Last Friday she played a number of songs from her 2010 CD Stories From Home such as Stow Me Away and Lost in the Sound. She also added some new tracks from the upcoming album Over Land and Sea.  They were able to use the talents of producer Aaron Marsh (ex of the band Copeland) to polish the signature Lauren Mann & the Fairly Odd Folk sound. The band has offered a teaser on Noisetrade by offering three free tracks from the new CD.

The finale of the night was a stand out, absolutely killer track, I Lost Myself from the new CD.  You have to hear this song.

Lauren Mann & the Fairly Odd Folk are continuing their musical odyessy as they continue to cover the rest of Eastern Canada before head to the States for the rest of the tour.  Be sure to check out both their tour schedule at http://www.facebook.com/laurenmannmusic

downhere in concert, Mississauga

My wife and I headed down to Mississauga on Saturday to see the band downhere perform at The Portico Community Church.  It was debatable for some time about going.  One of the few significant snowfalls we have had this year decided to let loose on Saturday January 28, the day of the concert.  We put the SUV into four-wheel drive and drove out of the heavy snow entirely within 30 minutes.

downhere had previously agreed to a fifteen minute interview that will be airing on The Antidote.  It was great to have some direct conversation with the band members.  Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for himself), Jason Germain was at home with his wife, expecting the imminent arrival of their new child.  A fellow (can't recall his name) filled in for Jason on the keyboard and provided some vocals during the concert.  downhere is a dynamic band and has two superb lead vocalists with Marc Martel and Jason Germain normally alternating taking the lead vocalist role.  Glenn Lavender handles bass for the band and also took out his trumpet later on in the show.  Not to be forgotten is downhere's long standing drummer, Jeremy Thiessen (and no, Jeremy is not related to fellow Canadian and Relient K vocalist, Matt Theissen).

I've spoken with a number of people in the Christian music industry about this band and they all rave about downhere's obvious talents.. Style-wise they bear a similarity to Casting Crowns and MercyMe, but that's where it ends.  As a well-known music industry individual said "there's no comparison".  Lyrically, vocally, and musically this band stands ahead of it's peers.

Marc Martel

Marc Martel has garnered a lot of attention in the media over the past few months and has become a youtube sensation with his performance of Queen's "Somebody to Love".  Last time I checked it was at 5.7 million views. Marc will be taking the role of Freddie Mercury on stage for the Queen Extravaganza tour this summer.  A recurring comment on youtube is that Marc IS Freddie Mercury.  The similarity in vocal styles between Martel and Mercury is astonishing.

The evening was entitled "Journey to Jamaa" and was sponsored by World Vision.  downhere took the stage to provide a few choruses that the audience participated in.   Next up was the short film "Jamaa".  The film is inspired by the real life story of Margaret and Derick, two orphaned children from Uganda who make the journey from Kampala to Kasangombe in search of their aunt after the death of their mother to AIDS.  Produced and filmed by Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird, the story illustrates the positive effect of Christ's love and how child sponsorship can enable children living in dire circumstances to succeed.  An intermission allowed the audience time to view information packages for children who are waiting for sponsorship.

Glenn Lavender

The Juno Award-winning Christian rock band returned to the stage for a second time and dialed things up with a number of songs from their new release, "On the Altar of Love" and few tracks from their previous releases.  The crowd vocally participated during each of the songs.

It may have been a surprise for some to hear downhere include a cover of Queen's "Somebody to Love" during their encore, but considering the recent media attention on Marc Martel, it was understandable.  What I want to know is if downhere was to open for the Queen cover band on The Queen Extravaganza tour, would Marc get double pay?

Seriously, if you never seen downhere, do so.  This is an incredibly talent band musically, lyrically and vocally.  They are not to be missed in concert.

Set List:

How can any band exist without a merch guy?

 1.  For The Heartbreak
 2.  The More
 3.  My Last Amen
 4.  Living a Dream
 5.  On the Altar of Love
 6.  Let Me Rediscover You
 7.  How Many Kings
 8.  Bleed For This Love

Encore:
 9.  Somebody to Love - Queen cover
10.  Mighty To Save - cover of Hillsong

The Devil Wears Prada, Dead Throne tour, Toronto

The Kool Haus in Toronto was the place to be last Friday for metalcore.  The Devil Wears Prada came through town playing one their last dates of the Dead Throne tour. The tour had a scheduled 37 dates across North America before taking a 6 week break before heading off to the UK for an additional 12 shows.

Supporting bands for the North America tour are For Today, Enter Shikari, and Whitechapel.  Obviously, coming from a Christian music perspective, my interest in attending was to see For Today and The Devil Wears Prada.

For Today

Opener for the night was Iowa band, For Today. For Today is no wannabee when it comes to metalcore.  The band formed in 2005 and has been on the road since, doing over a thousand shows on 4 continents and performing in 19 countries.  Mattie Montgomery, lead singer For Today, is a powerful vocalist offering his raw death growls that carry up to shrieks.  For Today's purpose as a band is
solely to proclaim the word of Christ.  Speaking with Montgomery prior to the show he said that "if I wasn't performing music with a committed Christian message, I would be preaching".  Of course, preach he does with more conviction that I've seen portrayed any other band.  Lyrically all of the band's songs portray the message of Christ.  Between songs, Mattie passionately told of his commitment to Christ and encouraged the audience to seek Him.

During their set Mattie put out a challenge to the crowd to come and touch his hand.  The audience took up the challenge.  Crowd-surfers stretched out above the crowd, then passed over the barrier mounted in front of the stage. Security staff in front of the stage had a busy time catching bodies as they dropped over the barrier.

Now on their third album Breaker - 2010.  For Today's two previous releases, Ekklesia in 2008 and Portraits in 2009, had songs featured in their set.

The band finished their set with the incredible "Devestator" from their current CD, Breaker.

Tracklist -  For Today:
Saul of Tarsus (The Messenger)
The Advocate
Isaiah (The Willing)
Seraphim
Ezekiel (The Visionary)
White Flag
Arm The Masses
The Breaker's Origin
Devastator

Audience was participation was extreme from the capacity crowd.  I can relate this from a personal level as I was crushed between the barrier in from of the stage and the surging crowd behind, while taking a few photos.  My bruises tell the story very well.  At least I didn't get stuck in the circle pit behind me!  The only reason that I was pleased to see the end of For Today's set was to be released by the crowd to search out a place to sit down.



Following For Today, Enter Shikari then Whitechapel took the stage, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm just covering the two Christian bands on this tour.



The Devil Wears Prada

Mike Hranica, lead vocalist for TDWP explained the reason for the band's name in his Myspace blog:

"It's the same concept as our lyrics "emeralds hold no hope" and many many others. What we believe it to mean is that possessions don't matter at all and someday everyone will realize that this is true. When standing before God, He won't care about your sweet Prada scarf or Gucci shoes or whatever. It's a Christian reasoning for the name, we didn't name it to attempt at being fashionable or whatever." 

The Devil Wears Prada takes commands on the stage. The crushing crowd again surges up towards the stage.  I decided to play it safe and hang out on the outskirts of the audience.  TDWP went straight to the tile track of their new CD, Dead Throne. The band progressed through a huge set and the concert-goers were over the top to see the headliners for the night.

I loved the multi-level stage setup of the band and the Dead Throne illuminated backdrop that changed intensity and colour.

Friday was a special day for TDWP vocalist Mike Hranica's, namely his 23rd birthday. The crowd had some fun by serenading him with the birthday song.

The band seems to have no lack of energy to spare.  After a blistering 12 song set, I thought the night was over, but no.  TDWP came back for a three song encore.  Chicago, which is my personal favourite from the new CD, was the first encore.  While the song is out of character from the rest of the album, this post-rock  track is a stand out song. Constance, also from Dead Throne followed. The Devil Wears Prada finished up the night with Danger: Wildman from With Roots Above and Branches Below.

Tracklist - The Devil Wears Prada
Dead Throne
Untidaled
Escape
Sassafras
Born To Lose
Mammoth
Kansas
Hey John, What's Your Name Again?
HTML Rulez D00d
Outnumbered
Assistant to the Regional Manager
Dez Moines
Dogs Can Grow Beards All Over
Encore:
Chicago
Constance
Danger: Wildman

An epic night that was well worth the trouble of being crushed in the crowd, after all this is hardcore. 

Peter Furler concert review

It doesn't get any better than this. How do you describe a performer of Peter Furler's calibre? The former front man of newboys and now a solo artist, came to Peterborough on Monday night to give it all to the crowd.

Besides Peter Furler, there was a great band line-up. Opening band Me In Motion had a very short, three song set to start things off. This pop/rock band from Ohio began in '06, but their release of their self-titled full length CD brought them a lot of attention. Too bad this band wasn't allowed more time on stage. I guess it's always tough when you are the newest kid on the block, the new band always gets short-changed. I'm sure I wasn't the only one in the audience looking for more.

Levi McGrath of Australia was next up. He offered a number of acoustic driven folk/pop tracks. He has a great voice, but the songs failed to draw my attention.

Building 429 has become a mainstay in Canada over the past few of years, playing numerous Canadian dates. They've developed a huge and devoted following for their rock sound. Building 429 lead vocalist and guitarist, Jason Roy has fronted the band since 2000. Building 429 has drive and talent which was certainly evident on the tour with Peter Furler. This band has a remained a youth event favourite over the past ten years, which is where I have seen them perform on several occasions.

For those who are curious the band name comes from Ephesians 4:29 which states: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

The big man, Peter Furler finished up the night accompanied by former newsboys bass player, Phil Joel. It was a real treat having two former newsboys on stage together. Joel was a key player in newsboys when he left the band back in '06. The comaraderie Peter and Phil share was evident throughout the show. The back up band also featured a dynamic guitarist and excellent drummer to round out the sound.

The only possible negative of the concert was Furler's mike cutting out for three songs at the start of the set. He bounded over to Phil Joel and the two ended up sharing a mike even after Furler's was repaired. Not only did the capacity crowd enjoy tracks from Furler's solo release "On Fire", but he and Joel also performed a multitude of newsboys tracks including, "Shine", "Breakfast", "Entertaining Angels", "Something Beautiful" and my personal favourite "He Reigns". The audience vocals were louder than even Peter Furler's through most of the songs.

Peter Furler didn't neglect play some tracks from his new solo CD. It was great to hear "Reach" and "I'm Alive" performed live.

It seemed to be forgotten by all of the performers at Selwyn Outreach Centre that this was a "Christmas" tour. Even though no Christmas tunes were played, it was enough of a present to enjoy great music by some extraordinary bands.

Flatfoot 56 concert review

Celtic punk is the name of the game for Flatfoot 56.  The biggest band in Christian music returned to play Sneaky Dee's in Toronto once again.  Biggest in the sense of physical size.  The Bawinkle brothers, Tobin (lead vocals, guitar), Kyle (bass) and Justin (drums), range in height from 6' 5" to 6' 10".  The band is rounded out by Eric McMahon (bagpipes/guitar) and Brandon Good (mandolin/guitar).  All of the band members also share background vocals.  Rollicking vocals, guitars, mandolin, bagpipes and drums, all at full volume, all at a blistering punk song  pace.  Life can't get any better than hearing this.

This is the fourth time I've had the opportunity to see this band perform and once again they didn't disappoint.  Flatfoot 56 has been rated as one of the top bands to see live.  The insanity this band creates spills from the stage to the rear of the audience.  Only the fit and well padded will dare to venture into the mosh pit.  The band encourage circle pits and the result is a mosh pit of death that few can escape unscathed.  With a large crowd in attendance, I didn't dare to work my way through the mosh pit up to the stage.  I knew I would be pummeled.

Flatfoot 56 is one of the few bands I know who hits the stage without a prepared set list.  Immediately prior to going on, the band members were discussing what they should play and who would take which duties.  Rather than creating chaos, it gives the band a spontanity and vibrancy that so many bands and musicians lack.

Songs covered all of the favourites from their last two albums, Jungle of the Midwest Sea and 2010's  Black Thorn.  The band returns to the studio early in the new year to their next CD.  I would have liked for them to have played more of their old tracks from Knuckles Up, and Waves of War, but how many songs can you play in a 40 minute set?

The band does have a few constants.  Encouraging audience participation in activities they dream up, socializing before and after concerts with fans, and playing "Amazing Grace" as their finale. Preceding "Amazing Grace", Flatfoot 56 also offered up another old time hymn favourite, "I'll Fly Away".  I'm hoping that this track will be included in their upcoming CD, but you don't have to wait, it's avaliable as a free download by clicking here.

Don't forget to check this band out live.  Flatfoot 56 returns to Toronto early next spring.  Keep track of their tour dates on the website by clicking here.

Click for a listen to the interview I had with Flatfoot 56 prior to the show.