NewSong entertains, inspires

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
November 27, 2003

The Christian band NewSong delivered a spirit-filled performance on Nov. 22 at the Orpheum Theater in Sioux City. Close to 1,800 were on hand for the "Families in Need" concert, with proceeds to benefit Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Sioux City.

NewSong, which is best-known for the song Christmas Shoes, featured Christian songs off of their records in the first half of their performance and then focused on Christmas songs during the second half of the program.

"I thought it was an excellent concert," said Jerry Eaton, executive director of Catholic Charities. "I enjoyed the music and the message. It was very well done. Those guys are really professional."

He was impressed with their range of musical talent from their excellent voices to instrumental abilities.

"It was tremendously moving. Their songs tugged at your heart in a good way," said Eaton.

Members of the band told personal stories. They explained how their life experiences came through in their songs and these same experiences impacted their faith lives.

Steve Elbert, development director for Catholic Charities, described the concert as uplifting.

"The second half of the show got us thinking about Christmas and the reason why we do celebrate it," he said.

Like Eaton, Elbert was impressed by the many talents of the band members - vocally and instrumentally.

"They really put their heart and soul into their music ministry," said Elbert. "It was evident that it was above and beyond making music. It was touching people's lives and I think they did that on Saturday night."

About half way through the second half, third- and fourth-grade students from the Catholic Schools of Sioux City joined the band on stage. The students, under the direction of Sister Julie Tebbe, sang several songs with NewSong including You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch and Christmas Shoes.

Eaton said he really enjoyed the participation by the Catholic school students as well as the overall participation by the concert-goers when NewSong invited everyone to stand and sing along for the last few numbers.

The premiere sponsor for the concert was Central Bank. Other major sponsors included Knova's Carpets, Brown Construction and Christiansen Family Foundation. About another 40 businesses were ticket sponsors that purchased tickets for families and individuals served by Catholic Charities.

Tim Brown of Storm Lake, CEO of Central Bank, pointed out that Central Bank agreed to the sponsorship because they believe in Catholic Charities mission. He acknowledged that going into the concert he was not familiar with the music of NewSong.

"I was pleasantly surprised," he said. "I thought it was excellent. They were a fantastic group."

After hearing the song Christmas Shoes, Brown noted, that he did recognize that number. With his own children enrolled at St. Mary's School in Storm Lake, he liked the participation by the Catholic school students in the program.

"It was a night of good, Christian entertainment. Their songs were great and their message was really strong," said Brown. "I heard a lot of good comments about it afterwards."

Eaton and Elbert extended gratitude to all of the sponsors that contributed to the success of the evening. Proceeds from the concert go toward the general operating budget at Catholic Charities. This enables the agency to offer a sliding fee scale to clients, ensuring that individuals and families who need services can receive them.