Spirit Midwest Ministries Blog

Jammin' Java Weekend was Great Fun!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sun Jan 31st, 2010

If you missed Jammin' Java this weekend, you really missed out! Jon McLemore was a new addition to our line-up and his group was fantastic on Friday night! Saturday was a blast, too. Open Mic Night enjoyed introducing a couple of new singers, Jamie Jo and Paula. Candy 4 Nickels came out to do a few acoustic songs and I shared a few worship songs on the keyboard with several ladies joining me. It was a great night. Keep an eye on our calendar for the next Open Mic Night. You'll want to join us! Check out the photos here!

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Valentine's Dinner & Dance Coming - 2.14.10

Post by Julie Barnes on Mon Jan 25th, 2010

Are you looking for that perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one? How about a romantic evening of music, dancing and a three-course dinner? Shall we throw in some dance instuctors teaching ballroom and swing dancing? That's the perfect combination - and at a perfect price: $20.00 per person!

Seating is very limited for this intimate evening, so buy your tickets today at ConnXions or by calling Al at 515-334-8000 or Julie at 515-577-8035. You'll be so glad you did!

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What an Awesome Night!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sun Jan 24th, 2010

This Fires Embrace was everything we hoped they would be - AND MORE!! Delivering gut-wrenching lyrics borne of re-dedication to Christ and their ministry, their hearts for God were apparent as they shared their music. Aaron Benner (lead singer) shared his story of being violently drawn back to the Lord through a tragedy that finally penetrated his hardened heart. From this soul wrenching testimony to their electrifying stage presence and their genuine love for their fans, these guys left us wanting for nothing - except maybe more music!

They were preceeded by Michael Fugitt, a favorite hip hop artist from Sioux Falls, who kept the crowd energized as he challenged them to actively particiapte in his music with their hands in the air. Michael's passion for Christ always compels the crowd to move forward, clap along, and most importantly reflect on their own relationship with Christ. This was no exception.

Of course, Michael's job was made easier by Art of Exodus, who had already brought the crowd to a fever pitch with their priceless rendition of Jesus Love Me, among others. If you read their Myspace bio, you'll see that one of their goals - along with sharing the love of Jesus Christ - is rocking our faces off. Well, I gotta tell you - THEY SUCCEEDED!

Another great success of the night was SOS (Saved on Sunday). I'm sure there were many who knew this phenomenal group before last night - which was obvious by the many fans crowding the stage - but this was my first introduction and I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. While they blend rock, blues and alternative music there's this unique harmony that ties it all together and makes it work . . . and work beautifully.

To open the night, new local band By Its Right Name, brought its brand of rock/emo and gave us a GREAT SHOW. Their fun energy drew the crowd into the show and provided a fantastic introduction to this new local group out of Waukee.

As a warm-up to the night, Randal Lee, out of Mississippi, gave us an extended drum solo and shared the purpose of the night, Christ. He also emceed, bringing the Word and prayer, and challenged each of us to be real in our faith. Among the many "northern" things he learned in Iowa, he also learned that" t-shirts are not aerodynamic!" But what a great sport as he repeatedly threw out t-shirts and CDs to the energetic fans who screamed and scrambled for the prizes!

All in all, Five-4-$5 was an awesome concert. Sometimes you don't know what you're going to end up with when you put a set of bands together, but this night was not a disappointment. From the moment we began set-up, through fellowship over lunch with all the bands, all through the concert and during tear down the sweet Spirit of God was present and evident in the hearts of the bands, volunteers and crew. Our fervent prayer is that God was as richly blessed as we were!

Check out all the photos here!

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FIVE - 4 - $5 CONCERT THIS SATURDAY!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sat Jan 16th, 2010

Don't miss this awesome evening of music featuring five bands you're sure to love!

7:00-11:00 PM
Saturday, January 23
ConnXions Event Center
3901 121st St, Urbandale
Doors open at 6:30!

We'll kick the night off with the introduction of a new local band, By Its Right Name. Up next is SOS (Saved on Sunday), a strong up-and-coming local band with its first CD already under its belt and a live music video being shot at the concert! They'll be followed by veteran favorites in the Midwest, Art of Exodus, who will rock your faces off! Up next is Michael Fugitt, a favorite hip hop/emo artist from Spirit Midwest Christian Music Festival and no stranger to the road, having spent 2001–2005 touring with UN1ON, accumulating over 100 shows a year across the US. Touring with John Reuben and sharing the stage with Switchfoot, Audio Adrenaline, Kutless, Skillet and many others, Michael has had the opportunity to gain a well rounded taste for the Christian music scene. 

Last but not least is This Fires Embrace. Unlike most bands, these guys didn’t come together with some great idea about who they would become – This Fires Embrace began with a gunshot. On December 8, 2004, Aaron Benner, lead singer of a well known regional band Liquid6Teen, was stage right at a Columbus concert when a crazed gunman rushed the stage and began firing. When it was all over, five people were dead including famous Pantera guitar player Dimebag Darrel Abbott.

The Lord used this tragic event as a catalyst to a life altering change in Aaron. After months of soul-searching, Aaron felt the Lord's calling on his life. Aaron was compelled to use his musical talents as a ministry. He left Liquid6Teen at the pinnacle of their popularity and began praying for the Lord to send him Christian musicians that shared his calling. A few months later those prayers were answered in the form of Josh Hall, Zack Koah & Steve Malone - This Fires Embrace was born. Since then, the Lord has truly blessed their ministry as they've shared the stage with such national acts as Pillar, Decypher Down, Shinedown, Trapt, Bobaflex, Spoken, Staple, Buckcherry, Saliva, Last Tuesday, Fireflight, Eleventyseven, Krystal Meyers, and John Rueben.

To tie the night together, Randal Lee, out of Oklahoma, will emcee and challenge us to seek the Lord in all we do. This night is sure to be memorable in more ways than one! Only $5 at the door, so come on out!

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