WILLIAMSPORT - If you’re planning on attending the first Annual Christian Youth Awareness Day to hear some grand organ solos or choir hymns, stay home and watch reruns of “The Lawrence Welk Show” on PBS.
This isn’t your parents’ Christian music by a long shot.
Held Saturday from 5-10 p.m. at the Pickelner Arena in Williamsport, the event is designed to provide an evening of music, faith and fellowship amongst the younger generation in the area.
The event also hopes to dispel the false notion that popular Christian music is as flat, stiff and uncomfortable as a pew seat.
“You mention the word Christian rock music and very few people actually know what the music is like. Many people think it’s going to be real corny. Something filled with choirs singing and bible thumping,” said “Insane” Erik Lane, a State College radio announcer who will act as MC for the event.
“Christian music has changed so much over the past few years, it needed to. Younger people today don’t want to listen to the same stuff their parents and grandparents listened to when they were younger. The music has become more contemporary and yet retains a message.”
Although Christian rock music hasn’t morphed into the likes of bat biting Ozzy Osbourne, it has become more mainstream and head banging.
The First Annual Christian Youth Awareness Day will feature four musical acts, including Christian rap artist, Thaddeus Davis, Christian rock bands: “The Pledge”, “An Early Ending ” and “My Heart to Fear.”
“People should expect to see a lot of head banging and a really high energy show from us,” said Taylor Pool, “My Heart to Fear” band member.
During a recent phone interview at their manager’s home in Jersey Shore, several of the band members debunked the idea Christian rock music is not lame.
“Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you have to be boring,” said Taylor’s brother, Trevor. “You can see this with the people that come to our shows. You see them dancing around and moving to the music.”
Other members of the band include Dale Upright, Luke Brady and Brandon Vartenisian.
“Christian music is something that I enjoy, something I like to listen to. It is also something that I turn to when I am feeling down,” Vartenisian said.
“A lot of regular rock music tends to just ask questions. Christian music tends to give you the answers.”
Performing covers and their own original music, with such songs as “The Weeping Demon” and “Sleeping in the Arms of Irony”, have gained the band a legion of fans, or as the band says, “Friends.”
Also slated for the event will be well known motivational speaker, Brian Neal, providing his own unique spin on life and wisdom.
Several area service groups will also be participating in the event, providing information on their services to the community.
“Proceeds from the event will go towards the Williamsport YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, which helps children and families benefit from the services the YMCA offers,” said Lance Ricci, the person responsible for bring entertainment to the arena.
“We’ll also have a full concession stand and prizes will be given out throughout the evening from local merchants. Anyone bringing a can of food to the show will receive $2 off the price of a single admission, which is $10. Prior to the show we will be having a food drive for the Central PA Food Bank, in front of the YMCA.”
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Christian Youth Awareness Day isn’t the same old hymn
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