Contemporary Christian group Sidewalk Prophets will perform Thursday at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tenn. Opening act for the outdoor concert presented by Legacy Productions is The Blue City Band.
The Nashville-based Sidewalk Prophets won the 2010 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year and has toured with Jeremy Camp, Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline. They also appeared on the 2010 Winter Jam Tour Spectacular and J-Fest in Chattanooga.
Band originators Dave Frey and Ben McDonald crossed paths when they were attending Indiana’s Anderson University.
“One of the first things we ever did as a band was to lead worship at chapel in college,” said Frey.
IF YOU GO* What: Sidewalk Prophets and The Blue City Band in concert.* When: 7 p.m. Thursday.* Where: Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, Tenn. (Take Exit 49 off I-75, follow Decatur Pike east to Jackson Street. Turn right on Jackson, and the college is on the left.)* Admission: $10 in advance (buy at Java in Athens or LifeWay Christian Stores in Cleveland or Chattanooga); $12 at gate.* Phone: 423-506-0004.MEET-AND-GREETAdvance ticket holders have a chance to win a meet-and-greet with both bands by registering online at www.legacyrecordingstudio.com or www.thebluecityband.com.
“That was the connect point for us,” McDonald said. “Although we don’t consider ourselves to be a worship band, we probably do more worship music than our original music, and that’s fine with us. … We love performing. But we also love the people we perform for.”
The band features Frey on lead vocals, McDonald on guitar, Cal Joslin on bass and Justin Nace on drums. Their recent release, “These Simple Truths,” features pop, rock and ballads.
The Blue City Band, known for unique vocals and driving instrumental solos, features bass player and lead singer Joseph Gordon, brother John Gordon on guitar and organ, drummer John Knox and vocalist and lead guitarist Brent Womac. Joining them Thursday will be special guest Ronald Kent Clayton on saxophone.
The band opened for Third Day at Riverbend, were featured at J-Fest and the Ichthus Festival in Kentucky and recently released a debut, self-titled CD.
The concert will be held on the grounds of the former soccer field. Seating is bring-your-own.