Concert on a Wednesday?

On Wednesday, April 8 I worked the David Crowder concert in Waco Hall, Baylor University. This was the first time he had been to Waco to perform since splitting with the other members of The David Crowder Band. While he went solo the other members formed the band known as The Digital Age; I have worked their concerts before. Before the concert that night he performed in chapel, to give a little taste of what would be an even bigger night.

As an usher for Waco Hall, I knew about the Crowder concert at the beginning of the semester. I knew of him, but, I had never heard his music so I was not sure if I wanted to work or even go. When April finally arrived I was still unsure if I wanted to work the concert; I knew I was going to go either way. The day of the concert I decided to work the concert. Working the concert, I was able to see more than what normal guest would be able to see. I was not able to meet him though. I was able to see the set up close (I wish I would have gotten a picture), watch the bands warm up and I got paid to be there.

I also work for chapel, which is also in Waco Hall. Chapel is usually comprised of the students needing their credits; but, we always welcome visitors, especially on days like that Wednesday. We allow visitors to sit upstairs and watch. Having a preview of his talent was smart because it convinced myself and others like me (on the fence) to go. Chapel that day was the first time I had ever heard him play. I can honestly say I was very surprised how good he sounded. Hearing how good he was with just a few instruments is what finalized my decision to work that night.

The actual concert began a little after 7 p.m.. The first opening band Dan Bremnes, Canadian singer-songwriter, had good music and was enjoyable. The last opener Tim Timmons, California worship leader, also was good and seemed to have many fans in the audience. Both bands were good choices to play and seemed to get a good response from the audience. With many bands only able to sound good recorded, it was really great that all three bands sounded good live.

When Crowder came on stage the audience gave him a great welcoming of cheering and clapping. His music was very powerful and praised god in a way I had never heard. In fact if churches played songs like him, more often, I would probably go more. Another thing he did was put the lyrics on the screens. You did not have to know the songs before-hand to sing, because the words were right there and everyone could sing together. It felt like a really awesome church service; you could really feel the presence of god. As ushers, even though we are working we are allowed to have fun; we danced, sang and took our own pictures. Even though I am not a fan of worship music; I do have exceptions and he is now one. Crowder made me really enjoy the genre with his different, new style. He combined three different genres and it worked. He calls it folktronica, a blend of folk, rock and electronic.

Between bands I was able to look at the merchandise tables. All three bands had t-shirts, CD's and normal merchandise items. Crowder's merchandise table was unique though; his set-up looked like an old mom and pop store with the counter and a backdrop of various items found in one. What also made his merchandise really stand out was that he was selling packets of seed, mason jars with his face, books he wrote, beard oil and beard combs.

Overall this concert was a great experience that will be hard for me to forget about. I hope in the future that opportunities like this will still happen for me. I also do wish I could meet him (I did meet his wife though) and talk about his experiences with god and at Baylor.

For more information you can go to David Crowder's website or his Facebook.