AIR RAID 21 - REFLECTIONS

Air Raid 21 Poster

With 21 Air Raid shows under my belt, I have lots to reflect on. Each has its own stories of surprises, trouble and blessings. My staff knows this already but listeners likely don't - Air Raid is a pet project for me. I learned a long time ago that Christian concerts are not money-makers but there are two wonderful things about them. First, they are a promotional tool for LIFE. And secondly, we provide an alternative concert - a fun night of music with Christ woven throughout.  It is for these two reasons that Air Raid is a pet project.

Abandon/Anthem Lights/Finding Favour - it was a show already on the road. We bought this date and added Unlikely Heroes as the local opening act. Previous Air Raids are often put together by us at LIFE - we select all the bands, we hire the production company, etc. But this time, it was a package deal that was too good to pass up.

LIFE 100.3 - Evan Duran emcee.

Going into each Air Raid, (and probably all events) we pray for success.

We pray for a break-even number so we don't lose money but recently I've changed my prayers asking God to bless the event and that it would be fun for everyone, regardless of the number of tickets sold. That prayer was answered for Air Raid 21. From the day we confirmed the bands and signed the deal, everything went smoothly.


We made a couple of expense changes a week before because of the slow ticket sales but otherwise, it appeared that everyone had a great time and enjoyed the bands.

Me, in middle with Unlikely Heroes who opened the show.

Blake NeeSmith - Finding Favour

The tour traveled from some small tour near Pittsburg so it was about an 8 hour drive to Barrie. They arrived at 9am at Mapleview and LIFE provided a crew of guys to help unload the gear. Everything was inside and set-up by Noon or so. They didn't stay overnight but traveled overnight to Indiana. Luckily they have a bus driver who just drives.

I don't like buying shows already on tour because we have less control over the show agenda. Often the Nashville guys - the manager and sound engineer - are truly difficult to work with.  It's better for us and the artists if we hire a local sound guy who isn't playing favourites on the sound board.  Because of that Unlikely Heroes didn't get any show lighting and only a basic mix, but the band pulled off their 2-song mini-set well.

Anthem Lights - Caleb Grimm

 

The fans!

Promoting this show required an air-time value of $20,000. That's what it takes to promote a big show with an artist line-up that is not instantly recognizable. LIFE plays Abandon and Anthem Lights regularly, (and more so in the last two months!) but Finding Favour were total unknowns to our audience. They brought the sound and lights to the tour and, in my opinion, were the dark horse performer - and they were awesome! FF led by Blake NeeSmith, are a modern worship act, who posted the lyrics on the screen, drawing the audience in, instantly. And, they were super-nice. It would be a pleasure to have them return to an Air Raid, or another future event.

Me in middle with Anthem Lights Caleb Grimm and Chad Graham

Before the show, I introduced myself to the performers in the band room. Usually at Air Raids there is one or two guys who I hang with and get to know a bit better. This time the bands just hung together. The tour manager "Brett" was great to work with, unlike most Nashville managers who have been to LIFE shows and act like a defense zone.

 You may have noticed "The Red Man" entertaining the crowd, with glow sticks and puzzling dancing. Something new we'll probably do again. The mystery man was definitely goofy!

Anthem Lights took us by surprise. While we know their songs "Outta My Mind" and "I Wanna Know You Like That" we didn't know they are a boy band!

Drums and guitar were the only live instruments during their set - the rest of the music was tracked, allowing the four guys to all be lead singers.

I have many great memories of 21 but perhaps the second best (Finding Favour being the best) is seeing almost the entire LIFE staff helping out at food and LIFE concessions, or taking tickets, or pouring hot chocolate, lifting gear, managing the stage, shooting video - we've done alot of shows and it's cool when the team comes together as a group.

Abandon - the headline performers at Air Raid 21 - November 3, 2012 at Mapleview Church in Barrie.

AWE-some!  Thanks to Andrew Hamilton and Tony Thompson for the photos.