NewSong and friends concert benefits Catholic Charities

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Nov. 22, 2007

The Christian band NewSong and friends delivered a spirit-filled performance on Nov. 17 at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Sioux City. This was the third time the group has been the headliner for the Families in Need Concert that benefits Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Sioux City.

Steve Elbert, development director for Catholic Charities, said, "I heard from several people that they thoroughly enjoyed the concert - the message and music."

Many of the clients of Catholic Charities received complimentary tickets and therapists heard rave reviews.

"They were thrilled to attend the concert and were inspired," he said.

This is the sixth year for the Families in Need Concert and each year it raises between $25,000 and $35,000 for family counseling services.

NewSong, the Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian music group, entertained the audience for the second half of the concert. During the first half other musical artists, who had accompanied NewSong on its Rescue Tour, performed.

At the start of the concert, Elbert told the audience "that by being here you are helping us help others and we really appreciate you being here."

The show kicked off with Jimmy Needham who inspired the audience with a soulful performance featuring his skills on the guitar and vocals.

The program also included tricks by the Christian illusionist BJ Harris. As he dazzled the audience, he cautioned people that just because they see things with their own eyes or hear something, it doesn't mean that it is true or good for them.

"We have to figure out what is true and what isn't," he said.

While he wouldn't give up how he did the tricks, Harris stressed the fact that they were illusions.

Echoing Angels presented some Christian tunes with a little more rock-edge.

As the first half of the concert ended, Eddie Carswell of NewSong, explained about the mission of the Rescue Tour. They wanted to raise awareness about Holt International Adoption Services. Sioux City was the last stop on the tour that began in mid-September.

The main act, NewSong, took the stage for the second half of the concert.

Keeping the tradition of previous years, about 50 third and fourth grade students from Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools accompanied NewSong with three songs.

"We always have fun singing with the kids and they always do a good job. We are always excited to be a part of this," said Carswell. He mentioned that during the afternoon rehearsal the students were "so well behaved."

Among the three songs in which the students accompanied was NewSong's mainstream hit from the year 2000, Christmas Shoes. The group has many other major hits in the Christian music market.

Given that it was their last stop on the Rescue Tour, as the show drew to a close members of all of the groups united on stage for a few soul-filled numbers.

Elbert extended gratitude to the major local sponsors - Knova's Carpet, Brown Construction, Central Bank and Eagle Ridge Financial Services - as well as ticket sponsors who underwrote the cost of tickets for Catholic Charities clients to attend.