Nothing Compares: Building 429 concert review.

There's nothing I love more than free concerts and the Iowa State Fair. What's even better are the two together.

Last night Christian rock band Building 429 preformed a free show on the Ann and Bill Riley stage and fans showed up by the hundreds. Even by 6:30 the seated area was more than halfway full for the show that started at 8:00. One woman mentioned to me that she had been sitting at the stage since 4:00 just to make sure that she was able to get a great view of the performance.

This had been the first time I have seen Building 429 perform live, and has made me very excited to see them preform again in a few weeks at Lifelight SD. From beginning to end the crowd was on their feet singing along to every word, and dancing like no one was watching. I think the most powerful moment of the night was when lead signer Jason Roy spoke about a benefit show the band played for the families of the young children who's lives were taken all too soon during the Sandy Hook shooting. He spoke of the hope that everyone in the room during that benefit was standing on and waiting for. The band then went into playing one of their newest songs "We Won't Be Shaken", which if you have not listened to I encourage you to click the video below, as it is a strong reminder to us all that even though we might not be having the best day, week, month or even year, that we must keep on going because we have such greater hope in Him who gives us life.

To see more pictures of the night you can go to my Flickr profile: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98565101@N05/ and also make sure you check out Building 429 on Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Did any of my fellow Iowan's go to the show? What was your favorite moment of the night? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter.

It's Always a Good Time

 First off I have to thank Veridian Credit Union for hooking me up with free VIP tickets to the Owl City show down town Des Moines, for the Night Fall on the River Concert. It was a great night, that was enhanced by your generosity!

The night was kicked off by a young band, EchoSmith, who just recently got off spending the summer on the Vans Warped Tour. What was most impressive of this band is that it is made up of four siblings ranging in age from 14 to 20. This has been the second time I have had the honor of listing to this band live, and each time I am taking back by their stage presence and mature sound. Formally known as Ready, Set, Go! the four piece band is set to release their fist album, Talking Dreams, this up coming October. I have no doubt that this band is going to go a long way in the coming months and years!

Owl City headlined the night, an electronica band from Owatonna Minnesota. However, we Iowan's like to claim Adam Yong as one of our own as he was born and lived in the state during his early childhood. One of the things I love most about watching Adam and the rest of the band that makes up Owl City, is that from the first note played to the last it is evident that each person on the stage loves what they are doing. Crowd favorites where played including, Good Time and Fireflies. Along with a full range of old and new songs.

One of my favorite things of the night was talking to two 14 year old girls who where telling me all about how much Adam and Owl City has changed their life forever, one mentioned that she does not know if she would still be around if it wasn't for his music.She talked about being in 4th grade listing to his music after a long day of school and because of this she knew that it was going to be okay to face the next day. This is why I love music so much! It can impact people in both small and big ways, and give hope to those whom seem to have none.

After watching Adam preform twice now, I completely understand why Taylor Swift wrote Enchanted about  him. He has this presence about him that makes you want to instantly become best friends with him! It was a magical night for all, and while I can't speak for everyone I can say for myself that I walked away wonderstrucked!


If you are interested in finding out more about Echosmith or Owl City you can find both on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/owlcity and https://www.facebook.com/Echosmith .

Best Day Ever (Warped Tour)

Warped Tour 2013 is officially over, and what a year it was. This years tour theme was best day ever, and it was, so much that I just had to go to two different dates. The line up this year was broad, form more hard core punk rock to pop there was something for everyone. One of the things I love and hate most about Warped Tour is you have to show up early to make sure you don't miss your favorite band. Set times are released each morning and are different each day. It's great because it in away forces you to show up early and if your favorites aren't playing until late afternoon you have plenty of time to check out new ones.

My personal new favorite that I discovered this year  is New Jersey Indie/Pop band For the Foxes. Other favorites of this years tour included GOLDHOUSE, find a past interview with Grant here , Action Item, The Summer Set, Allstar Weekend, The Used and so many more.

Did you go to Warped Tour this year? Who did you see? What was your favorite moment of the day? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter!