Families in Need concert to benefit Catholic Charities Concert to feature Brian Littrell, diocesan students

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Nov. 2, 2006

The fifth annual Families in Need concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the Orpheum Theater in Sioux City.

The annual concert supports the children and family counseling activities of Catholic Charities across Northwest Iowa.

"This is a way for us to raise money for our family and children's counseling programs," said Steve Elbert, diocesan director of development. "It is very important to have the necessary funds to do that and this helps with that. The other thing that has been very positive about the concert is that it is a way for us to bring a family oriented event to Sioux City that is both fun and uplifting."

This year's featured performer is Brian Littrell, Backstreet Boys member and Christian artist.

"We have had wonderful Christian performers the last four years who have a great message for our clients and others in attendance," said Elbert.Littrell, one of pop's most recognized and bestselling artists, made his Christian debut with the release of his "Welcome Home" CD. The CD reveals his faith and celebrates his Christianity.

"He is just coming on the Christian scene," said Elbert. "Brian struck out on his own and has begun writing music in the Christian music sector. He has enjoyed good success with that. We are very pleased to have him come to Sioux City for our benefit concert for Catholic Charities."

Even though he now does a limited schedule of solo Christian concerts, like the one he will do in Sioux City, he continues to tour with Backstreet Boys.

"This has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy singing in church in Lexington, Ky.," said Littrell. "I have been writing Christian music for a long time, and now I have the opportunity to share some of these songs with others. I'm a family guy making music for the family."

Jerry Eaton, director of Catholic Charities, noted that the Brian Littrell concert will provide a much needed boost to the agency.

"The demand for counseling services continues to soar," said Eaton. "This concert will provide funds to help those families who otherwise would be unserved."

The evening will begin with Sioux City performer Jill Miller, a local Christian singer.

"She has a wonderful voice and is wonderful writer of Christian music," said Elbert.

This will be Miller's second appearance on the stage as part of the Families in Need concert. She will perform with third and fourth grade students from Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools in Sioux City.

"One thing that has pleased me is that we have so many businesses and friends of Catholic Charities who support us by underwriting costs of tickets for our clients as well as foster families and others to attend the concert," said Elbert. "They come away feeling good. They listen to a great message, great music and have a good night."

The concert is underwritten through the support of Knova's Carpets, Brown Construction, Central Bank and the Sioux City Journal.

Shawn Knox of Knova's Carpets, who has been sponsoring the even since the beginning, pointed out that they have continued to support the event because "number one it is for a worthy cause. Number two it is a way to draw people closer to God."

"It is a great family event. Any age can attend - young or old," said Knox. "I have followed Christian music for probably 15 years and traveled all over to see a variety of nationally recognized recording artists. Not many people get exposed to that type of entertainment or music. It is a very inspirational evening."

Tim Brown of Brown Construction, who is in its fifth year of sponsoring the event, commented that this is a good fundraiser for Catholic Charities, which he believes strongly in.

"I think that bringing in Christian music is good for the community as well," said Brown. "It is a time of year when going in for a couple of hours of music with some praise is a good thing before the holiday season starts. It gets you on focus."

Tickets for the Brian Littrell concert are on sale at the Tyson Events Center and all Ticket Master locations or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Special group pricing is available upon request by calling the Tyson Events Center.