SPOTLIGHT CONCERT REVIEW: RESURRECTION OF FAITH TOUR- THE ERWINS & JOSEPH HABEDANK
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CONCERT REVIEW:
RESURRECTION OF FAITH TOUR
THE ERWINS (KEITH, KODY, KRIS, & KATIE)
JOSEPH HABEDANK
FEBRUARY 25, 2018
SANTEE, CA
THOUGHTS:
On Sunday February 25th, Faith Bible Fellowship of Santee, California played host to some of Southern Gospel Music's best young artists. The Resurrection of Faith Tour features the Dove Award winning vocalist Joseph Habedank and the Erwins, a energetic, ministry minded quartet of siblings from Texas. This particular concert served as a benefit event for Teen Challenge, a local ministry that helps young people through drug and alcohol addiction. Many of the young men in the program were in attendance and some sang at the offertory.
The concert opened with Joseph Habedank and the Erwins singing "I Believe In The Resurrection," from Habedank's latest CD. This up-tempo tune really set the tone for the evening. Next, Kris Erwin and Habedank traded off on the verses of the Erwins hit "Greater," which says: "greater is the one living inside of me, than he who is living in the world." Kody Erwin's impressive bass voice shined on an incredible rendition of the classic "What A Day That Will Be," which was well received by the audience. One of the highlights of the evening for me was the powerful performance of "I Can Through Christ." This incredible song co-written by Habedank is on the Erwins' latest project and is a declaration that nothing is impossible with God!
Joseph Habedank then took the stage solo and sang several songs including: "Welcome Home," "Never No Never," and "Here He Comes." Two songs in particular stood out to me: "Jailbreak," which had a real groove to it and "Beauty Of The Blood," which is his testimony song. Speaking of which, I was deeply moved by his testimony in which God brought him through his own struggle with addiction. He encouraged the Teen Challenge participants that it does get better and that by the blood of Christ, you can be saved.
Next, the Erwins returned to the stage with "Chasing After You," and a rousing, a capella tune "Give Us This Day," arranged by Kris. A section of this fun song definitely reminded me of popular a capella group Pentatonix. This was only the third time they had performed it in concert!
Kris (21) then introduced the group which is comprised of Keith (25), Kody (23), and Katie (17). Katie was then featured on the powerful "I Choose To Be A Christian," which has become one of the group's most popular songs. I was blown away by Katie's vocal performance. The harmony and blend was incredible! In my humble opinion, she is one of the best female vocalists in Southern Gospel Music. Next, Kris told their testimony which included the devastating bus wreck and Kody's health scare both of which happened within the last year. God brought them all through it and they are all living proof of His faithfulness. Kody was then featured on perhaps my favorite song by the group "Clouds." This incredible song reminds us that God is big enough to supply every need! The group closed out their set with the powerful anthem "He's Still Alive."
The Teen Challenge director gave his testimony and talked about their ministry before the offering was received.
Following the offertory, Joseph Habedank kicked off the last half with the fun, up-tempo "Middle Man." The Erwins then performed the title track of their latest album "Only Faith Can See." The Resurrection of Faith Tour also features incredible pianist KC Brandon who hails from Georgia. Brandon played a simply fantastic rendition of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," which had the audience singing along. Next, Kris told a story about their love for Southern Gospel Music. When the boys were young, their father took them to NQC and had them sit in the front row of every concert and showcase. While getting into an elevator, they ran into the legendary Vestal Goodman. Kris said that while they were excited, their father was freaking out. He had them sing for her. She gave them words of encouragement and prayed over them. This was a transformative moment for them that they will never forget. To honor Vestal, Kris, Keith, Kody, and Joseph sang the classic Goodmans hit "What A Lovely Name." Katie joined them near the end with her handkerchief. Next, they sang two hit songs from Habedank's days with the Perrys: "If You Knew Him," and "I Wish I Could've Been There." It was great to hear these songs that served as a tribute (atleast in my mind) to the late Tracy Stuffle of the Perrys. The Erwins were fantastic on these songs with Kody hitting some impressive low notes. The Erwins closed the night out with and incredible version of the National Anthem that had the audience on their feat.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This truly was a special night of worship, music, and encouragement. The facility was at capacity. Not an empty seat! It was great to see so many people come and give time and money for the great cause of Teen Challenge as well as to support the ministries of these incredible artists. I was deeply moved by the testimonies shared and would like to encourage all who read this to donate to this ministry if you can. There is a devastating drug and alcohol problem in this country and the only solution is Jesus Christ! Teen Challenge is doing great work to help many people to take their live back. It was also seeing these great artists live in concert for the first time. They are the same way off stage as they are on stage. I highly recommend going to see the Erwins and Joseph Habedank whenever they are near your area.
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