As Family We Go Tour

I love a good country concert. I love the excitement in the audience, I love the tipsy dance moves, I love the sundresses and cowboy boots. I love it all, but I really love Christian concerts, especially when it's less of a concert and more of a night of worship.

Obviously, there are some names that come to mind when I'm thinking about nights of worship: Jesus Culture, all the Hillsongs, Phil Wickham, etc. But one I think often gets overlooked is Rend Collective.** As a "Christian experimental, folk rock, worship band," they're not quite Chris Tomlin or Amy Grant, but that doesn't mean they're not just as wonderful.

I saw them on Sunday night with one of my best friends, and they blew me away. 

Their hearts and their talent is almost indescribable. 

Check out their website for for more information!

Following their opener, Urban Rescue (another personal favorite of mine), Gareth took the stage and talked about Compassion International, a sponsorship program with third world countries, and shared his personal testimony with the organization. As I learned throughout the night, Rend Collective is one of the most selfless bands out there, and their feature for it just supported that.

After a quick change from regular attire to  "Irish" clothing of vests and hats, Rend Collective took the stage.

Immediately, Chris prefaced the night to be a night of fun, worship, disclaiming that song is only one way worship is demonstrated, and then kicking off the band.

As the set progressed, the band members rotated around the stage in a circle from drums to guitar to piano. If that's not talent, I don't have any idea what is. 

Their personalities filled the stage in their worship styles, as well as their voices and music.

I originally bought these tickets to see their opener, Urban Rescue, and was indifferent towards Rend Collective. Though my boys in UR rocked it and put on a great set, Rend Collective was the better show, without a doubt.

Between their fun music and contagious passion, Rend Collective was an awesome show to go see. But really, their performance reminded me what my heart should always be doing: praising the Lord with all that I am. 

xo,

Lauren

bff :)

**I have a theory as to why Rend Collective isn't extremely popular: Christian radio is dominated by songs of trial and difficulty, and Rend Collective's music is abundantly praising. The average listener, is more than likely in a trial and questioning God and their situation. Because of this, songs of praise about the constant goodness of God are not as popular, thus do not market as well, though we are called to praise even in the hardships.

Blake Shelton presented by Gildan

I bought tickets to see Blake Shelton presented by Gildan in November, and the show was last Sunday so I've basically had these tickets for 6 months.

photo from: blakeshelton.com

I actually bought the tickets for Blake's opener, Chris Janson, rather than Blake...

but even with that, I was very happy with the show.

"135 pounds of skinny Williamson County white boy" opened the show and blew everyone away. This kid can play harmonica like nobody's business, and he makes it cool, too.

Chris' presence is one of a kind. Sorta quirky (awkward motions and dance moves) but every bit charismatic and adorable. He probably has my favorite stage presence out of everyone, to be honest. I could see him being the same off stage as he is on stage.

Not only is his presence great, but his voice is absolutely great, too. He can belt like no other. He hits those high notes and everyone cheers.

(fav picture from the night)

He sang his hits: Buy Me A Boat, Power of Positive Drinkin', Holdin' Her, etc. as well as some covers by the greats.

Chris delivered. 100%. No doubt.

He thrives off the energy of the audience yet spoon feeds it to them and plays to the rafters. Props to Blake for getting such a high quality opener, but not props to Blake for taking 48 minutes to take the stage :))

Literally. 48 minutes of waiting. It didn't even take the crew that long to set things up. My father, who used to tour, explained to me that the crew was done after about 20 minutes, when they sat down and chatted with those around them.

Once Mr. Ego took the stage, all became well again. He had to create his own energy, since everything Chris had brought up had simmered back down, but Blake did it.

He sang his hits and his classics (Baby, Austin, Who Are You When I'm Not Lookin, etc.) as well as his newer stuff (Mine Would Be You, Neon Light, etc.)

Blake's voice in person is niiiiiiice. I've always thought his voice was charismatic but in person, oh my goodness, it's like milk and honey.

The. Best.

Austin is personally one of my favorite country songs of all time. I LOVE that song. As Blake started into his "classics" portion of his show, I annoyed the stuffing out of my dad by not really whispering "Austin! Sing Austin! Come on!! Sing Austin!" and when he did, I was on cloud 9. 

Favorite song of the night. 

Blake's voice was just as excellent as his transitions. Sure, he does the same set, give or take a song or two, every night, but the transitions were wholeheartedly him. With a little profanity and effect of alcohol, Blake seemed right at home. He mocked a couple in the front row and just was a fun, crowd pleasing personality. 

Since it was a Saturday night, Daddio and I headed out after Austin, since we had to rise early for church on Sunday.

Blake really didn't fail to please during his set; it was before his set that was the most disappointing.

If Blake would fix his transition timing, I would totally see him again.

In the end, I got to spend time with my dad and see one of my favorite artists, so can I really complain?

Girls Just Wanna Have Friends

Concert tickets are good, but free concert tickets are even better, especially when you forget you entered to win them.

When I opened my email last Wednesday and saw I won tickets to see Kelsea Ballerini, Ingrid Michaelson, and Cyndi Lauper, I was only naturally ecstatic. Kelsea and Cyndi, my fav and a legend, were bound to make for a great night, and they definitely did.

Skyville is actually a really awesome venue. It’s an old warehouse converted with some pretty lights and cool fixtures. It probably seats 200 when its tables, chairs, and bleachers in the rear are absolutely packed. Super intimate. I loved it.

Skyville as a venue is different, and so is Skyville as a company. Skyville is an online based company that provides online streams of their concerts. Skyville brings together artists of all different ages and genres: Kris Kristofferson, Brenda Lee, Greg Allman, Tracy Lawrence, Lady Antebellum, Gladys Knight, Martina McBride, the list goes on.

This specific show I attended was Cyndi Lauper, Ingrid Michaelson, and Kelsea Ballerini. Kelsea, Ingrid, and Cyndi aren’t quite a normal pairing though. For Thursday, they were brought together for a Skyville production called “Girls Just Wanna Have Friends.” It was a celebration for all the ages.

The night began with crazy haired Cyndi singing “Time After Time” and dancing her way through several new songs off her country album “Detour”.  Then young Kelsea joined her and then it was Ingrid’s turn to sing with the legend. Each sang her respective hits, and came together for a finale of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, complete with balloons and all.

 

The night began with crazy haired Cyndi singing “Time After Time” and dancing her way through several new songs off her country album “Detour”.  Then young Kelsea joined her and then it was Ingrid’s turn to sing with the legend. Each sang her respective hits, and came together for a finale of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, complete with balloons and all.

Above photo by Rick Diamond/ Getty Images for Skyville

If "Detour" is anything like Cyndi's perfomance at Skyville, "Detour" is going to potentially be the best album of 2016. Cyndi KILLED her cover of "Walking After Midnight", and I can not wait for "Detour" to drop in May.

Album cover for "Detour" by Cyndi Lauper.
 "Detour" is expected to drop May 2, 2016.

All, Cyndi, Kelsea, and Ingrid, had their own stage presence that blended for the perfect vibe. Cyndi’s years of experience gave her the obvious upper hand. Every word she said got applause and every joke she told got a laugh. Kelsea’s sweet and humble approach made her “Skyville’s Sweetheart”, leaving Ingrid as the awkward and loveable fan favorite.

I couldn’t have asked for a better lineup. The blend of the three styles and personalities made for a perfect night to celebrate the unity of women in the music business.

You could tell these girls had a whole lot of fun, but they also showed music business is more fun, and ultimately better when you are friends with your peers.

Let's have some fun, girls. Life's not all competition,

Lauren

Kels made time for me after the show, and I can't begin
to tell you how happy my heart was after a long over due hug from
this one.