AN NRT CONCERT REVIEW
YC Saturday Evening: Live From Canada
Live from the electrifying youth conference, "YC," in Alberta, Canada, Mark Ryan shares about the performances and happenings.
 


After an exhausting afternoon of interviews, some side stage shows and just trying to stay on top of the schedule, it was time to recharge.

Family Force 5 opened the evening, and the crowd loved them. We are a long way from Atlanta here in Edmonton, but they definitely brought the heat. I questioned how they'd be without former front man Soul Glow Activatur (Solomon Olds), but in the end I was pleasantly surprised. They finished strong with a three song set of "Cray Button," "Superhero" and "Chainsaw." I was impressed when they started "Chainsaw" and the drummer was blindfolded, but when Tedashii came out on stage and owned his verse… let's just say that particular moment will remain a highlight reel moment for a long time.

After the offering and a heartfelt prayer of healing for a 17-year-old girl named Jenna who was critically injured in an accident (that's your cue to pray as well), the hearts of all were quieted as Bluetree led in worship. Of all the artists performing this weekend, Bluetree is the only one I had seen previously. I knew we were all in for something special.

I have made my affinity for worship bands and leaders from the UK very clear in the past. They definitely do not get enough love on this side of the pond.

There is something about pure, true, and beautiful worship. It can calm the wildest of storms and quiet the loudest of voices. When worship becomes about Jesus and not about the light show is when special things happen. That was this night.

While Bluetree sang, Eric Samuel Timm finished part three of four of his painting series for the weekend. It is incredible to see artists create on the spur of the moment, whether it is a painter, a drum solo or a freestyle rap verse. When the Creator created us to be like Him, we as well became creators and watching people fulfill that calling in their lives speaks volumes to God's glory and love.

After an incredible message by Pastor David Nasser, it was time to close out the evening. Tonight's concert was Crowder.

Their energy was incredible. I am sure Crowder's bigger beard, along with the rest of the epic beards that were on stage, had something to do with it. The set opened with a couple new songs from Neon Steeple (which releases on May 27), and then it was time for some classic Crowder. "O Praise Him" and "How He Loves" resonated with the audience. Crowder showed why he is the epitome of a lead worshipper. As incredible as Bluetree was earlier in the evening, Crowder put on a clinic.

I know that as an impartial media person I shouldn't be moved by what is happening on the stage, but when God takes a hold of your heart you have to stop and immediately follow His lead. The set closed with an "I Saw The Light/I'll Fly Away" medley. It was a banjo pickin', fiddle playin', double bass slappin', foot stompin' finale to an incredible night.

Mark is a follower of Christ, husband to one wife and father to three beautiful girls. He writes, runs and sometimes writes about running. Mark blogs at themarkcryan.com and tweets as @theMarkCRyan.

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