NewSong and friends to entertain, inspire

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Nov. 1, 2007

The Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Christian contemporary group NewSong plans to deliver a spirit-filled performance later this month in Sioux City for the Families in Need Concert to benefit children and family programs of Catholic Charities.

According to Steve Elbert, development director at Catholic Charities, this is the sixth year that Catholic Charities has hosted the concert.

"We started this event for a few reasons. First of all, we wanted to provide a positive, family, Christian event for Sioux City," he said. "We thought this was a good way to have fun while contributing to our kids and family counseling programs. Additionally, it raises awareness about the programs of Catholic Charities."

Of the six concerts, this will be the third time that NewSong has performed for the benefit, which is slated for 7 p.m., Nov. 17 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Sioux City.

"NewSong is very popular with the Siouxland community," said Elbert. "What is different about this year is that they are bringing their whole Rescue Tour with them - so there will be three other musical artists with them this year."

Echoing Angels, Jimmy Needham and Nate Sallie will perform. B.J. Harris, a Christian illusionist, will host the concert. Third- and fourth-grade students from Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools, under the direction of Mary Conway, Rachael Wragge and Heather Bagley will also join NewSong for a few selections.

NewSong's Eddie Carswell, one of two original band members, is the group's leader, songwriter and a vocalist.

"We are excited about coming back to Sioux City," he said. "It's always been fun and they have always been real kind to us there - we enjoy being there."

NewSong holds five of the Top 100 Christian radio singles of the past decade and is well known for the mainstream hit Christmas Shoes.

Having the few extra people perform this year, noted Carswell, will make it fun.

"We are doing about 20 shows with these extra artists and we are taking them with us because they bring something else to it - make it a little bigger and little more interesting," he said. "They are really talented and have some great songs."

Carswell described the illusionist B.J. Harris as amazing.

In regards to the other music groups, Carswell said they are not drastically different from each other as they are all in the genre of contemporary Christian music.

Jimmy Needham, a singer/songwriter, offers a soul-filled performance.

"Echoing Angels offers a little more rock-edge," noted Carswell.

Through their Christian music, the NewSong leader said they try to offer a timeless message about the love of God and message of Christ.

"I hope people will leave encouraged and challenged," said Carswell. "We want to have a lot of fun, but we are intentional. We are not there to just play some songs and leave - we are there to hopefully leave everybody in a better place than they were when they came in the door."

If people have never seen one of their concerts, he said the concert-goers will be impressed with the group's musical abilities.

"It will be a chance to be uplifted and inspired - a great night out," said Carswell. "I encourage people to come out and support a great cause."

Elbert explained that when he had contacted NewSong about performing at the benefit again this year, NewSong's management suggested the whole tour with the other musical acts. The Rescue Tour, which began in mid-September and will conclude with the Sioux City concert, has helped to raise awareness about Holt International Children's Services, an international adoption service agency. Coincidentally, Elbert and his wife adopted one of their sons through Holt International.

He extended gratitude to the local major sponsors - Knova's Carpet, Brown Construction, Central Bank and Eagle Ridge Financial Services.

"They help bring the acts to Sioux City," said Elbert. "We also have several ticket sponsors - businesses and individuals - who help underwrite the cost of tickets so the clients can attend the event. We appreciate all of their support."

In the first five years, the concert has raised between $25,000 to $35,000 each year.

"We use the funds to help underwrite our kids and family counseling programs. This money helps offset the cost of providing services to our clients," he said. "Catholic Charities provides services to people of all faiths. We charge them on a sliding fee scale according to their gross income."

By attending the concert, it helps enable families to heal from struggles and crisis situations they are facing.

"It is always a fun, uplifting night and people walk away from the concert feeling great," said Elbert.

He suggested that youth groups attend the concert because they would have a great time with uplifting music while they are supporting families in need. For youth groups, tickets are offered for $15. Regular cost is $20.

Tickets can be ordered on-line at ticketmaster.com or purchased at the Tyson Event Center Box Office - 401 Gordon Dr. in Sioux City. They will also be available the day of the show. For more information phone the box office at (712) 279-4850 or check out www.rescuetour.com.