Event Alert: Summer Concerts and Festivals

It's summertime again ladies and gentlemen. And that means one thing: concert season! I already reported on the Gospel Comedy Tour with Steve Harvey and Kirk Franklin (until June) and the 2 Friends Tour with Micheal W. Smith and Amy Grant (starting in July). There are other events coming to a town near you, as evidenced by this list from Today'sChristianMusic.com. Personally, I would love to see "An Evening with Anita Renfroe," which features the comedienne/singer with Mandisa (touring to support her new album What if We Were Real). I've seen Renfroe in action at the Women of Faith Conference (which is making the rounds this summer boasting talents such as Mary Mary and Sandi Patty) and believe me when I say, "This woman is funny!" Don't believe me? Watch this video, then this (her newest video). But she will forever be known for being "The William Tell Mom." As for Mandisa, her newest album is a hit among critics and fans alike and is currently #4 on Billboard's Christian Albums chart (#134 on the Billboard 200). The first single "Stronger" is #2 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart.

Another tour I would like to see: the "All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour" with Mat Kearney and Owl City. Although these two artists have a lot of success outside the Christian music scene, they have been very vocal about their faith. Owl City (aka Adam Young) is touring in support of his upcoming album All Things Bright and Beautiful (out in June) and the first single "Alligator Sky" is available on iTunes.

You might be able to see your favorite Christian artists at the nearest amusement parks. Six Flags have been known to put on concerts featuring Christian and gospel artists. For instance, I'm originally from Washington, DC, so the nearest Six Flags is Six Flags America. According to the Six Flags website, Mandisa and Jars of Clay will perform on June 18, while Marvin Sapp will perform in its annual "Praise in the Park" concert. In LA, Six Flag Magic Mountain has its annual Hallelujah Jubilee with performances from Superchick, Pillar, Manifest, Me in Motion, and Bread of Stone. If you want to find Christian events at a nearby Six Flags, go to the national website.



At the end of the summer, there are plenty of back-to-school events. One such event is Solid Rock 2011, which will take place on August 20 at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC. The best thing about this concert isn't because of its line-up, which includes such as Todd Agnew and Rush of Fools. The best thing about this concert is that IT'S FREE! Let me repeat, SOLID ROCK 2011 IS FREE! They're not even collecting donations! However, I do suggest saving money for snacks and merchandise. If you're a youth leader or pastor, there is a training and info meeting on May 24 at Columbia International University (who is sponsoring the event). To get more info, visit the event's website.

These are just a few events coming this summer. If I missed anything, please let me know!