Church, rock band unite
By Britt Johnsen/Contributing Writer
Grace Church expects to shed light on the college-age crowd Friday with something new that they’ve been working on: adding rock music to their repertoire.
Grace Church will have its first rock band play at the newly-located church. The church, which was located at Sixth Street and Seventh Avenue since 1888, moved to its new location on Clearwater Road on Christmas Eve of 2000. The new church is specifically designed to book rock concerts.
“We have a sound man specially for this,” said Aimee Minnerath, music coordinator for Grace Church.
We3Kings is the band that will bring diversity and entertainment to Grace Church Friday. They are a born-again Christian trio from Brainerd whose music is “heavy alternative rock with some fast vocals here and there.”
“Look To Me,” the band’s new CD, will soon be available on their Web site, www.we3kings.net, as well as Christian bookstores around the area. They also have a previously released recording that is no longer available called “Remember Me.”
Lead singer Matt Adams said the Christian band DC Talk has had a large influence on their music, but they’ve also been influenced by hip-hop.
The contrast and diversity that We3Kings present in their music is expected to bring a decent-sized crowd.
“We hope to fill the sanctuary,” Minnerath said.
However, it’s not just members of the church or youth groups that are expected to be there. Grace Church has announced that this is a non-denominational event. Anyone of any age or denomination can attend, and the show is even free of cost.
“For people who like rock music it might be an interesting venue to check out.” Minnerath said. “It’s a more positive kind of fun.”
In addition to more rock concerts coming to Grace Church, they also offer college nights, which started in the fall of 2000.
“It’s on Tuesday nights from 8 p.m. until whenever,” Minnerath said. “Basically, it’s to get people involved, and to remember that the bars aren’t the only focus for fun.”
With free food, games, movies and other activities, Minnerath said the night is “bar-like, without the alcohol.”
The effort to get people involved in clean and constructive fun began when an SCSU football player was injured in a football-related accident. When his family didn’t know who else to turn to, his mom found Grace Church and got involved with constructing positive and encouraging activities for all ages, including college students.
“It’s a time for young people to come and hang out for a little bit, get something to eat, have some time away and go back to study,” said Pastor John Praetorius of college night.
We3Kings strongly supports an optimistic atmosphere, while remembering why they do what they do.
“We are just taking it one day at a time, seeing what God brings our way,” Adams said.
We3Kings and opener Jeremy Sanoski will take the stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Admission is freewill offering.
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