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.

Power Has Been Restored!

Omega Levine

Hydro1 worked through the night to restore electricity to Millbrook.  The  wind storm on Thursday knocked down at least 30 very large trees in the village.  Many trees fell on power lines.  All of the roads have been reopened, but the best thing is that we have heat back on in the house!

I had the opportunity to see Parachute Band of New Zealand play at Carruthers Creek Community Church in Ajax, a couple of weeks ago.  Parachute Band is well know for being the resident worship band at the Parachute music festival, held each January in Hamilton, New Zealand.  This dynamic live band, gives an energetic indie-rock slant to worship.  The band provided a full 13 song set  featuring songs from their current release "Love Beyond Measure" and from their previous albums, "Roadmaps and Revelations" and "Technicolor".  

Prime part of the evening was the testimony given by lead vocalist, Omega Levine.  He recounted how a facial deformity from birth had caused him grief by the gibes of classmates.  Re-constructive facial surgery did little to reduce  the taunts.  Even with the support of his Christian parents, Levine felt driven to suicide.  Finally he gave his sorrow to the Lord and felt his burdens lifted from him.  The band followed up with  the song "Mercy" which describes God's mercy to all of us.  This same song has gone on to be re-recorded by Casting Crown.  

Parachute Band on stage at C4

Take the time to listen to this band or better yet, fly to New Zealand and spend a few days at the Parachute Festival instead of Florida next January!

Check out songs by Parachute Band at:

http://www.myspace.com/parachuteband

Carruthers Creek Community Church C4 concert 

information can be found at:

http://www.carrutherscreek.ca/

Question of the day:  "What band have you wished to see perform live, but never had the opportunity?".

My thoughts: I never had the chance to see Five Iron Frenzy before their demise.  Their mix of ska and the genius, but peculiar, lyrics of Reese Roper always grabbed my attention.