10 — Good News, etc. — April 2010 sd

Spirit West Coast returning to Del Mar on May 28-30

Featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Jars of Clay, Kutless, BarlowGirl, Matthew West and more

sound events

The talent lineups for the 2010 Spirit

West Coast festivals once again feature many top names in Christian music such as Newsboys, Family Force 5, Jars of Clay, Kutless, and BarlowGirl, plus several newcomers such as Tenth Avenue North, Francesca Battistelli, and Jonny Diaz. The headliners appearing only at the Memorial Day weekend festival in Del Mar are Skillet, Steven Curtis Chapman and Matthew West. Headliners scheduled for only the July 1-3 Monterey event include Third Day, Jeremy Camp and Pillar. Other artists appearing at both festivals include Phil Joel, Seventh Day Slumber, Flatfoot 56, Hawk Nelson, and a reunited appearance by the original O.C. Supertones. The seventh annual, Friday through Sunday Del Mar festival will again be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. As for Monterey, the spacious Laguna Seca Recreation Area has been home for the 3-day music fest since 1997. Both coastal locations accommodate camping for thousands, and are ideal settings with

Steven Curtis Chapman

multiple stages, VeggieLand children fun zones, large exhibit tents, and a variety of food vendors, all set in a county fair atmosphere. Popular tourist destinations and great weather aside, Spirit West Coast is built around talent — talent that ranges from youth-oriented rock bands like Stellar Kart, Number One Gun, and Bread of Stone, to children’s performers Bibleman and Strongman Jon Pritikin. Other important parts of the 3-day events are Bible and life application

teaching seminars and worship leader and musician instruction seminars. Family- friendly Christian comedians like Bob Smiley and Daren Streblow will provide some laughs, while those looking to burn- off energy can get involved in the sports and recreation action on-site. The roster of Main Stage evening speakers this year includes returnees Nick Vujicic in Monterey and Francis Chan in Del Mar, plus first-timer youth evangelist Matt Pitt at both events. Artists Matthew West (Del Mar) and Jeremy Camp (Monterey)

A Place To Belong

Come Join Us in Worship . . .

Easter Sonrise Service 6 am - 7 am Sunday School 8:45 – 10:00 am Worship 10:30 - 12 noon

Celebrate Easter Sunday With Us & Every Sunday after

New Genesis SBC

We Worship At: 3249 Fordham St., Point Loma (92110)

Phone: (619) 224-0998

will be speaking during their music sets. A new opportunity this year is the

Indie Artist Showcase, an online song submission process where artists are chosen to perform in an American Idol- type judging format. The on-site winner moves on to the national finals and receives a performance appearance on the Festival’s Main or Alternative Stage. A new programming feature in Del Mar will be the continuous showing of Christian

movies. Over a dozen films will be shown during event hours. See the website for a list of films showing at the SWC Del Mar Film Festival. Tickets and camping are on sale now for

both festivals. Prices increase slightly as the months go by. Group discounts and junior rates (ages 6-12) are available. Spirit West Coast is a non-profit ministry

organization. For more information, visit www.spiritwestcoast.org.

Here’s music in the key of tea!

The

T

hey say that the Tea Party movement is comprised of about 80% Christian believers. I sensed that I had found

one of them when I heard the heart behind the lyrics in a Tea Party rendition by Archie Thompson. In a soon-to-be-released song entitled “Political Correctness,” he sings, “If you don’t believe, that’s okay with me, but the madness has got to stop. Don’t be offended by a Christmas tree or a cross on a mountain top.” “I don’t see myself as a Christian musician,” Archie said, “I’m a Christian who happens to be a musician.” This is a distinction that allows him to use his talent as his source of income for his family, while maintaining a God-sensitive lifestyle. In the world, yet not of it, Archie plays

at what he calls “watering holes” six nights a week, including Croce’s in downtown San Diego with his trio “the Archtones” and solo during the week at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Costa Mesa. He recently received the Jim Croce Music Award for excellence and dedication to live music. “As a Christian, I live in a

world of peace and harmony, though I’m thrown into the masses. It’s an interesting position. And, even though I play in that environment, I don’t drink and I try to carry myself with honor, treating people respectfully,” he said. Thompson was drawn to

PRAISE REPORT

CAZ TAYLOR

then the torrential rains resumed at its conclusion. Weathering storms is something for

which Archie is prepared. This holds true in life and in his present stand for America’s freedom. The beck and call of the world distracted him in the early 90s, but his new bride returned his focus. He joined her at church and began to become involved again. Through it all, Archie maintained a confidence in Christ and His plan for the musician’s life. “I know that the Lord is always there for me,” he stated. “In the tough times and in all the strife that comes with living, my faith assures me that I have Someone to lean on and Someone who is with me and listening. That’s what gets me through the world’s stuff.” A three-year attendee

the Tea Party movement in a similar way as many are. He became increasingly frustrated with the assaults on American freedoms and knew he had to do something. “Everybody has some calling that can

make a difference. I’m a musician, that’s what I do,” said Archie. “So I decided to apply my trade to the worthy cause.” Thompson began writing songs about

God, country and “we the people,” sending them to various Tea Party organizers. “I want to play my music at Tea Party events to show my support.” One such event was the Tea Party

Birthday Celebration near San Diego’s Star of India the end of February. “I called it the tsunami Tea Party,” said Archie. It poured heavily up to the moment the event began. “I sent my group home to keep them from getting drenched,” he recalled. Archie stayed with his saxophone to

brave the elements. Some thought it was a sign from God that the clouds parted and the sun shone for the time of the venue,

Archie Thompson

with his family at Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, Thompson ministers on one of his multiple instruments when invited. Sometimes he plays his brand of jazz or gospel as

a soloist or with the worship teams during church services or other functions. Archie believes that the roots of American music began with God and the church. “Our music is a true American art form that comes from the church,” he said. “Much of blues, gospel, jazz, and rock

& roll can be traced back to the Protestant church and the days of slavery,” he added. “I’m a big fan of black music.” Archie knows that one of his future platforms will be through the Tea Party movement.

“Christianity is under attack from the political correctness police,” he said. “As conservatives we don’t whine and cry about things. There’s a time to fight and I need to stand up for these things in my songs.”

o

Caz Taylor is author of David’s Tabernacle

Patterns for New Testament Worship.

His company, BizVid Communications, also produces www.USTeaPartyRadio.com.

“King David also ordered the Levite leaders to organize the singers into an orchestra, and they played loudly and joyously…”

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