Christian music artists on a first-name basis
Over the past few years, I’ve gotten to know a number of contemporary Christian music artists on a first-name basis. Spending time with them has given me a great deal of insight on the industry, and I have to admit I was rather saddened when I discovered the Christian music business can be just as cold and as hard as the secular music business.
Three exceptions to that rule were in the area this past week, and it was refreshing to find out a love of God and a love of worship through music can transcend some of the ugliness of the business. One of those exceptions was at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Wednesday, when Deborah Liv Johnson was in concert to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Tickets were not sold, and a love offering was taken to help defray Johnson’s expenses, with the rest going to Habitat.
Another successful venture was at my church Sunday, when Blackwood Legacy came in for a concert during the usual 9 to 10 a.m. worship hour. Tickets were not sold, and the love offering at the end of the service was its sole income.
This is a contrast to artists that will charge $3,000 to $5,000 to appear at a concert or worship service. Michael W. Smith, I understand, now commands $50,000 for an evening concert. That forces the church to sell tickets or underwrite the venture, or both. And more often than not, it’s both. Historically, it’s been proven time and time again that letting people give out of their hearts will produce better results than charging admission.
I admire Rick Price for the sacrifices he has made to spread the word of God through his music. Price was the lead singer of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1977 until it dissolved, and his Southern gospel sound was loved by young and old Sunday as everyone joined in by singing and clapping. There’s something about gospel music that makes it seem timeless.
Another artist recently in the area was Celia Whitler. She was in Boulder at Mountain View United Methodist Church on July 12, and she, too, received a love offering from about 100 people who attended the concert. Whitler has appeared a number of times over the years at Broomfield United Methodist Church, and she appeared at my church two Easters ago. And again, she was wonderful. Her book has been selling well, with it now in its second printing, and I wish her nothing but success with both her book and her albums.
If you’re an independent artist, it can be a cold, cruel world out there. Price, by the way, spends 240 days a year on the road spreading the gospel with Blackwood Legacy. To Rick, Celia and Deborah, God Bless you.
While we’re on the topic of music
Well, my friends, it’s almost time for Music in the Rockies. There’s only eight days until the first night of concerts that run July 30 through Aug. 4, and the coming week would be an excellent time to purchase tickets.
The Estes Park YMCA has hosted the biggest names in Christian music for 32 years. During the day, there is intense competition among artists and writers as they hope to be seen by industry executives who can offer them a recording contract. One of the biggest local success stories is Rachael Lampa, a graduate of Monarch High School, who was noticed and signed to a contract that has led to a huge career and a number of highly successful albums.
For most of us, the evening concerts that are the main attraction. Tickets are on sale at LifeWay Christian Store in Denver, via the Internet at ticketforce.com, or by phone at (877) 840-0457. You can also call the Gospel Music Association at (615) 242-0303.
Individual general admission tickets are $20, Artist Circle tickets are $30, and Gold Circle tickets are $45. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. each night and end around 10 p.m.I know it is exactly 55 miles from my office in Broomfield to the Longhouse at the Estes Park YMCA, where the concerts are held. Allow an hour and fifteen minutes for the drive. Doors open each night around 6:30 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served in your section, and ushers are careful about who sits where.
Who’s coming? Here’s the rundown: July 30 — Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band and Louie Giglio. July 31 — Bebo Norman and The Afters. Aug. 1 — Kutless and Mary Mary. Aug. 2 — Steven Curtis Chapman, Nichole Nordeman and Scott Wesley Brown. Aug. 3 — Avalon and Smokie Norful. Aug. 4 — Shaun Groves and the young lady I mentioned earlier, Lampa. Also on Friday night will be the National Finals Competition contestants.
I’ll be there Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. If you make it up and see me, be sure and stop and say hello. As always, it will be a great week, filled with the Holy Spirit.