Winter Jam Concert Review

I was able to attend the Winter Jam Tour and it was incredible! If you have never been to a Winter Jam Concert here is how it works! You go wait in line a few hours before the doors open, and then when the doors open its a mad house, everyone is rushing to get to their spot! It might sound a little chaotic and it is, but it is definitely worth it! But the best part of Winter Jam is that it only costs $10 and you get to see 9 bands and 1 speaker! That is like paying $1 for every artist/speaker that you see!

                                       

So here it goes....... we waited in line for 2 hours, so that we could get in, luckily it wasn't that cold outside. While we were waiting in line some people came by with signs that said to text "jam" to some phone number and then you could win something. Well almost everyone that we were with text the number, and then 2 of them got a text back saying they won! They won T-shirts and VIP passes, so 2 of them got to go in early! When the doors opened everyone rushed in to get good seats. We went in and got our seats and then fought the crowd to go look at the bands merchandise. When we headed back to our seats it was time for the concert! The first person to play was  former “American Idol” finalist Jason Castro. He didn't play very long but did a really good job. After Jason, Chris August played. I was really surprised with him. He had good music and then he did a song that he wrote called "The Candy Wrap", It was really funny and I was just amazed at how different this song sounded compared to the others. Then KJ-52 and George Moss came out on a little stage in the middle of the arena and showed us his 3 tips on how to get free stuff at Winter Jam! It was really funny! KJ-52 video taped the audience for his blog. You can watch the video Here. Then he tossed some T-shirts out towards the crowd!

After throwing a few shirts, KJ introduced RED and your attention was drawn to the main stage that had been moved around and there was all of RED's gear. Then they took the stage opening with their song "Death Of Me". They only played four songs, but they did great! My favorite song by them was "Breathe Into Me". I didn't get any pictures of RED because they were to far away. after RED played KJ-52 and George Moss took the little stage again and they did a couple of older mainstream songs including "Thriller". When they played "Thriller" they made us do the Thriller dance! It was SO much fun!

 After that Newsong took the stage.  While they were playing I noticed that KJ-52 was standing down by the little stage and he had some fans coming up and getting pictures taken with him, before long there was a little line forming. One of our friends that had won the VIP pass called my mom and asked if I wanted to go down there for a little bit! I was SO excited! I didn't end up sitting down there but I went and got a picture with KJ and he signed the VIP pass! I could barely hear him over the sound of Newsong playing but it was still really awesome! Then I went back up to my seat and watch the rest of Newsong's performance. After Newsong played speaker Tony Nolan took the stage. He had a really good message about being healed from your hurt. He also had a really good testimony. Then after Tony Nolan was done speaking Francesca Battistelli was up. Francesca was good, she was kinda sick so she wasn't as good as she could have been. My favorite song that she played was "This is the stuff" because it just sounded really cool in concert! After Francesca played Kutless took the stage. They only played a few songs but they did really good! My favorite was "Sea Of Faces" because it's just a classic! But they played a couple other ones that I liked as well. Once Kutless was done, KJ-52 played a small show on the main stage. He played part of "Tweezy Dance", "Swagged Out With Tags Out" and "End Of My Rope". My favorite was "Tweezy Dance" because he had us doing dance moves!

After KJ-52 played Sidewalk Prophets played a couple of songs. I was surprised because I didn't really know who they were, but I actually knew a few of there songs. Although my favorite part of their show was the end, they had us sing "Amazing Grace" with our eyes closed and the snuck off the stage. I really liked that because they seemed really humble. Then after we finished singing "Amazing Grace" a speaker got up and spoke for a little bit, and then it was time for Newsboys! There was a two minute countdown saying "Newsboys will take the stage in Two Minutes". After the two minutes music started playing and it was dark, then all of a sudden the lights flashed on and they were already out there! Newsboys put on a really good show, They had alot of special affects, including Guitar and Piano lifts that went out over the crowd, and I lift that the singer went up on, and even a spinning Drum set!

All in all they did a great show! My favorite song was probably "Miracles" although they were all great! I wold have to say my Favorite band that played was KJ-52! If you didn't notice! I was a little bummed that he didn't get to play more, but it was still great! Thanks for reading! Sorry that I didn't get more pictures.

Thousand Foot Krutch Update

Remember when I posted about Thousand Foot Krutch's Live Guitarist Search? Well Thousand Foot Krutch has announced on their Facebook page that Ty Dietzler is going to continue to play guitar for TFK. Here is what they posted:

"Hey TFK fans!  There's been a change of plans, and Ty Dietzler is going to remain playing guitar live for TFK.  We're exciting to have him as part of the team.  Our sincere apologies to everyone who took the time to submit an audition video, we appreciate all of you, and thanks for the great response!  We were humbled and honored.  The winner of the contest will now get to play a song with TFK live at an upcoming show closest to their city!  We'll keep you posted as more entries are submitted, and announce the finalists on April 1! Then you the fans will vote on the winner!  Thanks again to all the entries! -TFK Team"

Skillet News

Skillet has had alot of exciting news lately. First off they announced their new guitar player! His name is Jonathan Salas. You can find out more about him by checking out his Myspace page and you can also like him on  Facebook or follow him on Twitter! Also Skillet released "Awake and Remixed EP" on March 22. There are four remixed songs on the EP and they are "Awake and Alive (The Quickening)", "Hero (The Legion of Doom Remix)", "Don't Wake Me (Pull Remix)" and "Monster (Unleash the Beast)".

Also Skillet is in a "Battle Of The Fans" with Linkin Park! They need their fans to vote for them so they can win the battle! They are actually pretty close.....Skillet could definitely win!  If you want to help them out you can vote Here!

FM Static's new album "My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart says Go" releases on April 5th! That's one week!
                                        

I have been excited ever since I heard that FM Static was making a new CD. If you are like me and you can't wait for the CD to come out, well then I have some great news for you! You can listen to the whole CD right now if you spread the word about it through Twitter or Facebook! You can check it out Here. FM Static also announced that they have a new website, so be sure to check it out!

            
      (on the left drummer Steve Augustine & on the right lead singer Trevor McNevan)

You can also follow FM Static on Twitter or Like them on Facebook!
     

Jason Dunn of Hawk Nelson Interview

Hawk Nelson recently released their fifth studio album "Crazy Love". I bought this CD when it first came out, and I have really enjoyed it. I would have to say my favorite song on the album is either "Crazy Love" because of it's message, or "Tally-Ho" because it has an awesome sound!

I have been a fan of Hawk Nelson ever since they released their first album "Letter's To The President". They have a really cool Punk/Rock sound that I really like! I wasn't as impressed with their last couple albums, they were good, but not quite like "Letters To The President" or "Smile, It's The End Of The World". However, crazy love is a step back in the right direction.

I got the chance to interview Hawk Nelson's lead singer Jason Dunn,  my questions are Blue and Jason's answers are Orange.


 How do you keep God your focus?

 Surrounding yourself with good people definitely helps. I'm very thankful to play in a band with guys who love Jesus and constantly try to give him everything!


What is your favorite song on your new album and why?

 I don't have a favorite song in particular, but because you asked...i'll go with Joanna:)


Being a musician with a lot of fans, how do you do to keep yourself humble?

I wake up every morning knowing that I've done nothing to deserve this. We've been given a gift by God and we know that it can be taken away just as quickly as it was given to us.


If you had one day that you could do anything, anywhere, what would you do?

A game of road hockey with the Calgary Flames.


How would you describe a Christian Band?

A Christian band is a band who's sole purpose is to play music for fellow Christians with the intention of encouraging and strengthening their journey.


Who is your favorite band other than Hawk Nelson?

My other band, The Dunn Boys

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

 No thank you.

Thanks everyone who is reading this, and thanks Jason for doing the Interview! If you know of a band that you would like me to interview or if you have any questions, send me an email at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com

We are called to be a Light....

 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16

(I took this picture after an Ice storm at or house.)

Darkness cannot drive out Darkness;

Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out Hate;

Only Love can do that. -Martin Luther King Jr.

Evil by Project 86

This year for Christmas I got a Music Video DVD that has a bunch of great songs on it, and one that really caught my attention was "Evil" by Project 86. I love the sound of this song and the video is just amazing! Although after watching the video a couple times I still couldn't figure what the song was really about, so then I found an Interview with Project 86 lead singer Andrew Schwab on Jesus Freak Hideout In the interview Andrew explained the meaning behind the song.
"I guess the key line in the song is 'Deep in the recess of every man is a thief, a robber, a criminal.' That whole concept. It's just saying that we're all on an even playing field - Billy Graham or just a destitute person searching for something. We are all equipped from birth with a hole in the middle of us that can really only be fulfilled by one thing. And the song sort of outlines striving to meet that hole by everything and anything except that and ultimately coming back to the realization that you can only be fulfilled in one area and that's God. And that's kind of the theme of the album as well." -Andrew Schwab
Here is the video! Enjoy!
                      

Manafest Everytime You Run

Manafest posted the music video for "Everytime You Run" on Facebook, so I thought I would share it with you guys! I love this song and I hope that you will too!
                           

Above The Golden State

I love watching Christian music video TV shows because you come across some really cool bands! The other day I was watching a show and a music video from Above The Golden State was on there! I loved it! Then today I was looking through some of my mix CD's and I found one that had their song on it! I was very excited because I really like their sound! This is the music video that I seen on the TV show! Let me know what you think.
                            

Operation Beautiful

A year ago this summer I found out about an amazing website called Operation Beautiful. It was at a big christian music festival that Superchick was playing at that I found my first Beautiful Note. I didn't know what it was but I thought it was cool, then later that night we seen Superchick play and they said that they had posted the notes all over! They even posted a golden note and so whoever found that note would be entered to win a guitar! I didn't find that note, but it was still a really cool ministry that I wanted to research more. So when I went home I got on the computer and went to their website and I was blown away! You can check it out for yourself Here! Also I found this video that is Operation Beautiful and Superchick mixed, I thought that it fit well! Enjoy!

                                              

An Interview with Matt Dally of Superchick!

Do you remember how I said that I had something cool coming up on my blog? Well this is it!!! An interview with Superchick's very own Matt Dally!

                                    

Superchick is one of my favorite bands of all time, so I was honored when I found out that I got to interview Matt. If you don't remember Superchick was a big part of the reason that I fell in love with music! I went to one of their concerts and I was hooked! You can read my review of the concert Here!  I won't keep you waiting any longer....................(well maybe a little longer).............................................ok here it is:

                     

The questions are Blue and Matt's answers are Red.  

                  

1. Who inspired you to play music?

My father is a singer/song writer so I always had music in my house.



2. Where is your favorite place you have played and why?

New Zealand was amazing!  There were so many people there singing our songs.  Amazing.


3. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a musician?

I would suggest going to college first and after graduation if you still want to do it, go for it. 


4. When you aren't playing a show or traveling, what do you enjoy doing?
 
I like writing music, playing video games and playing basketball.


5. What is your favorite verse and why?

Phil 4:6-7 I am a worrier at times and it reminds me that God is in control and he will give you peace.


6. How or What do you do to keep God your focus?
 
Getting involved in a home church is key for growth and accountability.


7. Who have you always wanted to perform for?
 
The Queen of England


8. What is the best and worst part of going on tour?

The best part is seeing the world and meeting new people.
The worst you are always gone for family parties and holidays.

9. If you had one day where you could do anything, anywhere, what would you do?
 
I would be in Italy eating lots of food!

10. What is one thing that you wish you would have known before starting Superchick?
 
That a band is much more than music, it is a ministry, a business and lots of work.

Thanks everyone for reading and thanks Matt for doing the interview! You can even Follow Matt on Twitter 

Minute To Spin It with Sixteen Cities

I found this video on YouTube and I thought that it was cool, so I thought I would share it with you guys!
I know I have posted alot of videos lately, but don't worry I have something exciting coming soon!

                 

KJ-52

I love KJ-52 because his music can sound really AWESOME or it can be funny, or BOTH! Here are a couple songs that show you how much his music varies! The first one is "Rock On" and it sounds really good, in my opinion. The other one is "Can I Speak With a Manager/Ya Bref Stank!" and this one is hilarious! I laughed so hard when I heard this, and the video just adds to it!

                               


                               

                     Let me know what you think of the videos!

The Skit Guys

The Skit Guys are Tommy Woodard and Eddie James. They have been best friends since high school and they are hilarious! They have a bunch of really funny videos, but these are two of my favorites!

                     Booger Monster
              

                    Running the Race
              
   
You can check out their website for more info on them, plus you can watch all of their other hilarious videos!

Big Toe Tantrum by Justin Lookadoo

Recently I was re-reading my favorite book 97 Random Thoughts On Life Love And Relationships by Justin Lookadoo. I wanted to share one of the lessons with you guys, but this is the only one, if you want more hilarious learning then you have to buy the book! Just to let you know the page that this came from has a giant foot on it! It was really hard to just pick one lesson, but here it is!

          Lesson #43 Big Toe Tantrum by Justin Lookadoo
"I broke my toe! It hurts. I'm stupid. And I broke my toe. I need to come up with a good story. "I was in the belly of a killer wave when everything crashed around me, splintering my board and breaking my toe." Or how "bout this? "There was a kitten stranded in the middle of the interstate. Death was certain if something wasn't done and done fast. So I jumped the fence, dodged the cars, grabbed the kitten,and dove into the grass, but as I was fully extended in my Superman dive, the mirror of a speeding car clipped my toe, breaking it as I rolled to safety with the precious kitten." (Cute animal. Near death experience. Go with that one.) Yeah, I like those stories. They are so much cooler than the truth. And way less embarrassing.


                               

Have you ever lost your cool?I'm not talking a little upset or mad. I am talking have you ever flipped out?Hopefully not, but probably so. I did and it wasn't good. Emily and I were having a bad day. One thing piled on another, and I said things to and about this woman God gave to me as a gift that I wouldn't say about my worst enemy. She lashed back at me, and the gloves came off. I snapped, crackled and popped all over her. And then, in my next show of Christian maturity, I stormed out of the room and headed upstairs, at which point I began a real show of manhood. I needed to take out my aggression on something. I was on the steps and thought, "Yeah, that's the ticket, the steps." So I reared back and kicked the stairs as hard as I could--SNAP! Oh yeah, I heard it. And in case I didn't my toe went ahead and shot pain messages to my brain and told me. I hopped up the stairs, still holding the watch I had been trying to put on. I was so mad and flipped out that I threw it at the wall. A big wall. A large surface area wall. Not a hard place to miss...well, I did. Sitting on the desk right in front of the wall was my $2,500 high-speed, super thin, pimped-out computer. I had the entire wall to shoot at, but the watch chose to target the 8 x 10 inch section where the computer was proudly displayed. Both the watch and the computer shattered.


                                        

Broken-toed, broken-watched, broken-computered, and broken-egoed, I sat looking at my $2,500 tantrum. And then I sat on a plane, heading to a conference where I was supposed to tell people how to live a christian life and claim godly principles. But the questions and accusations kept coming."So what about the whole 'love is patient, love is kind' stuff?"  "What happened to 'love your wife as Christ loved the church,' huh?"   "Did I miss the part where it says 'Love calls people names. Love accuses people and yells. It kicks the stairs, throws watches, breaks computers, and tries to hurt other people'?" There's a reason that God gives us easy-to-understand definitions of love. It's a checklist. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). If what you're doing doesn't fit with the list, then it's not love. Saying you love them won't matter because your actions speak so much louder than your words.

Yes, I said that I was sorry and I groveled and cried for forgiveness. And you know what? Emily doesn't even remember it. I guess she understands what the Scripture means when it says love keeps no record of wrongs."   -Justin Lookadoo-

I love this story because everyone has those days where everything is going wrong and your mad at everyone. The days when you aren't exactly showing love to people. I also love that there is alot of humor in the story and the whole book! You can read my review of 97 Random Thoughts on Life, Love and Relationships by Justin Lookadoo Here

A few years ago I got to see Justin live at a concert and he really spoke to me. Ever since then I have been a fan of his books and teachings. He is an amazing speaker that all ages would enjoy! To find out if Justin is gonna be speaking in a town near you check This out!

Wanna be Thousand Foot Krutch's Guitar Player?

Ok for all of you who are fans of the band Thousand Foot Krutch (Like Me) or any of you who are skilled guitar players, Boy do I have some news for you! Thousand Foot Krutch announced today that they are searching for a NEW LIVE GUITAR PLAYER FOR TFK!

        

So if you are a talented guitar player and you would like to play for Thousand Foot Krutch, well then here is your chance! You can find out more info Here  But you only have until March 31st to enter! This is the opportunity of a life time! Man I SO wish I played guitar! :)

P.S. If you win, could you put in a good word for me so I can meet the rest of the band? LoL :)