Technically, Monday was day two of the festival, but it was the first day that I drove out to Darien Lake Theme Park, where the annual Kingdom Bound festival is happening through Wednesday. I thought I’d share a few highlights of my day, which was light on interviews with artists (1/2) and medium with concerts (3 1/2).

(So here’s the thing: I took pictures, honestly, I did. But they came out cruddy, at least when I tried to make them small enough to fit on the blog. My friend Rick, who hosts a music site and hung out with me for most of the day, takes amazing pics, and he’ll share some later this week.)
On the Park Stage we caught part of set from new artists from Kentucky, Special D. It was kind of hard to get a good idea of what their music sounded like, what with the Superman roller coaster screaming right next to the stage. Pretty much pop rock, from what I could tell. (They’re the 1/2 concert I saw; I spent the other half back stage with Rick and Samme Palermo, who owns Heir Chex Digital Servicing, talking about artists who’ve changed Christian music and ways we can offer free downloads for my blog readers. And we have an idea! Stay tuned!)
Rick and I went to the main Performing Arts Center (PAC) to catch Vicky Beeching.I’ve heard of her but never heard her music. Stupid me, because she’s really good. And she’s from England, which made her even cooler. (I wish I had an English accent.) You’d never have guessed she arrived from England that afternoon.
There’s no question the highlight of the day was the next band, New World Son. Good grief, someone get a hose and turn it on these guys because they are hot! They play this great bluesy gospel funk, and the drummer did this incredible drum solo that blew everyone away. My friend Margaret warned me they were great, and she wasn’t lying.
I stayed for Leeland’s set, and if I’m being totally honest, it wasn’t that great. I’m not sure if it was because we’d just beeen blown away by New World Son, or if they were just having an off night, or what. But everything seemed … forced? Tired? I don’t know.
The half interview? I caught up Michael from Manic Drive, and the band’s new drummer Dave. Chatted for a minute, snapped a pic, hugs all around, and then everyone was on their way.
Third Day was supposed to be around at 7:30 pm for media but their plane was delayed due to bad weather.
But while Rick and I were waiting around, we got chatting with a girl from a radio station about how the whole media thing works at the festival. The artists are pulled in a million directions – drive there, unload, set up, do a soundcheck, meet with this radio station and then that and then another, eat, go to the media tent, sign autographs, play a set, maybe play again on another stage, pack up, then get in the van and drive to the next show – so sometimes scheduled interviews just don’t happen. And I told her that I don’t think most people really understand what an artist’s life is really like, and she said maybe she didn’t either.
I’m trying to do a whole day at the festival with one artist, to give you an idea, but with schedules so tight it’s not working out, but I am spending some time with Hawk Nelson on Wed, so I’ll give you the scoop on their day.
One of the things that was on my mind all day was the balance of ministry and commerce. The merchandise tent – or as I call it, God’s Garage Sale – was loaded with everything from guitar pick necklaces (Gsus Saves Jewelry) to a fully poseable talking Jesus doll. Seriously.
I hope that the folks who attend the festival – or any Christian music festival or conference or event – leave not only with t-shirts and stuff with Jesus fish on it, but a real sense that they met God there. And that he isn’t only at Christian events, but right there wherever they are.
Anyway, thanks for reading! I’ll have more updates on the festival later in the week.
Now go check out New World Son. Seriously.
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