Around Town: P.O.D., Hunger Games: The Musical, Praise in the Park . . .

There will be a couple of Christian bands mixing it up in the Granville Entertainment District this week – King’s Kaleidoscope at the Vogue Theatre Thursday night (September 10) and P.O.D. (with Islander) at Venue Night Club on Sunday (September 13).

Ignite 2015: King’s Kaleidoscope

Billboard describes King’s Kaleidoscope as:

. . . a faith-based chamber pop band from Seattle . . . formed in 2010 at Mars Hill Church . . . Sporting a variety of influences from math rock and hip hop to the dense sound of Canadian indie outfit Broken Social Scene, King’s Kaleidoscope recorded their first live EP, Sin [and] finally issued their debut LP, Becoming Who We Are, in November 2014.

The band will be joined by Jeff Bethke, whose spoken word video – Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus – went viral in 2012 (with more than 30 million views now), and by local engineer/musician Michael Meszaros.

The event is free, sponsored by Breakthrough Church in Vancouver.

P.O.D., with Islander

P.O.D. has been on the road for a couple of decades, successfully carving out a unique position for itself on the harder edge of rock n roll. Writing for AllMusic, MacKenzie Wilson said:

While they play around with the infectious grooves of reggae and Latin music as well as the heavy deliverance of hip-hop and rock, San Diego’s hard rock four-piece P.O.D. have defined a universal message. They’re born again Christians and their faith takes a central place in their music. . . .

Billboard statistics show how successful P.O.D. has been over the last 20 years in reaching several distinct markets. Several of their albums have reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 top albums; #2 in the Hard Rock and Top Rock categories; and #1 in Top Christian albums. They’ve sold more than 10 million albums.

P.O.D., as with most bands-full-of-Christians-in-the-mainstream, don’t like to be called ‘a Christian band.’ However, despite their bad-boy image, occasional swearing and the fact that many of their best friends are hard rockers who would never darken the door of a church (sometimes even describing themselves as satanists), they are usually pegged as a Christian band.

Christianity Today interviewed P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval in 2012, following a hiatus for the band. Referring to P.O.D.’s longevity as a band, Mark Moring asked him:

What’s been the best part?

Seeing the impact that our music has. It’s always been my heart that God would save people through this crazy music somehow, someway, his way. All we know how to do is write music and love God. When some kid comes up after a show and says he was contemplating suicide or he got saved or he felt like the Lord showed him something through our music, that’s the only reason I continue to do it. That’s like fuel in our tank, because we run on empty so often that it’s like, I’m ready to quit and be home with my family. [Sandoval and wife Shannon have three young children.] But then a kid shows up with a story – and it’s not just one. It’s over and over.

What’s been the hardest part?

Experiencing the real world. We have to walk out our faith out there. When we’re out there, it’s like all of a sudden everybody wants a piece of you. Our faith isn’t necessarily tested, but our flesh is tested – our strengths, our weaknesses. It’s been an up-and-down ride, and everybody’s been through their own struggles. And at the end of the day, I know I have to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling, and I have to walk out my faith with God and with my brothers.

Hunger Games: The Musical

Last week I mentioned (quoting directly from Soul Food Vancouver) several Fringe Festival shows (September 10 – 20) involving people connected with Pacific Theatre. One of those shows was Hunger Games: The Musical:

A priceless pop culture parody of Suzanne Collin’s hit novel and its inevitable film. Watch as Katniss Everdeen takes a stand against the Capitol, while belting out twisted Taylor Swift, Maroon 5 and Lorde tunes (to name a few). Experience a ridiculous ride through teenage angst. It’s all the fun of a dystopian death match, now with kicky pop tunes!

In the meantime, Biz interviewed writer/co-director Mark Vandenberg, along with actors Morgan Churla and Riley Qualtieri. Asked about his involvement, Vandenberg said:

I wrote the musical two years ago for my high school and it has sort of evolved from there. It has now been ‘adult-ified’ for the Fringe Festival. The idea came from my wondering what kind of dark scenario would [make] singing happy songs seem humorously inappropriate. Kid-on-kid violence peppered with bouncy pop tunes seemed disturbing and very funny.

The high school he referred to is Surrey Christian School, where he teaches drama, media and English. The SCS drama department performed the musical the last two years. (Check out the school’s new YouTube video, in which SCS high school staff gears up for the fall term by competing in Lyp Synch Battles. Good fun; no wonder they’re producing musicals for the rest of the world. Could that be Vandenberg taking on Weird Al Yankovich’s ‘Word Crimes’ at 5:36?)

Praise in the Park

New Beginnings Mission will host their second Praise in the Park event of the year September 13, 1 – 6 pm at Woodland Park in Strathcona (south of Hastings, between Clark and Commercial). They expect hundreds of people to join them for the family carnival, musical performances, mini soccer, First Nations dancing, face painting – topped off with a chicken and corn barbecue.

Organizer Carmen Lali says, “We are so excited to be welcoming Dave Klassen, chaplain to the Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions, as well as J.R. LaRose (who is half First Nations descent), former BC Lion, to the stage as our guest speakers this year.”

New Beginnings Mission is connected with New Beginnings Baptist Church, which has “a burden for those who are hurt and broken” in the Downtown Eastside and Strathcona.

Sep 2015

Ignite 2015 featuring Kings Kaleidoscope – September 10, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Have Religious Schools Outlived Their Purpose? – September 11, 2015 at 7:00 am - 8:30 am
Mike Edel – September 11, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Prayer Canada Breakfast – September 12, 2015 at 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Read the Word Over SFU – September 12, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Hudson Taylor Legacy Series: Communicating the Good News Across Cultures – September 12, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Color – September 12, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Praise in the Park Autumn Festival – September 13, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celtic Worship – September 13, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Hymn Reflections – September 13, 2015 at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Feast of Trumpets with Merv & Merla Watson – September 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
P.O.D. in concert, with Islander – September 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism (Tuesday evenings) – September 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism – The Triumph of Scientific Naturalism in Western Culture – September 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Citizens for Public Justice: Dignity for All Workshop – September 16, 2015 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Discipleship Explored (Wednesday evenings) – September 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Dalannah Gail Bowen – September 16, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Plumbline Conference 2015 – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: Eurydice – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: Hunger Games: The Musical – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: Shake the Sheets! – September 17, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: The Fighting Game – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Understanding the Moral, Ethical and Practical Complexities of Assisted Suicide – September 17, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Prophetic Significance of the Festivals – September 17, 2015 at 9:30 am - 12:45 pm
Opening Reception: Christopher Kasongo / Sadao Watanabe - Through the Eyes of the Beholder – September 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
2015 Somerville Lecture: Douglas Christie - The Blue Sapphire of the Mind – September 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Red Light/Green Light Film Screening – September 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Understanding Jewish Roots – September 17, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm
Catholic Charismatic Healing Conference 2015 – September 18, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at All Day
Life in the Margins Weekend Workshop – September 18, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at All Day
War Room – September 18, 2015 at All Day
Pause for Perspective – September 18, 2015 at 9:15 am - 3:30 pm
MCC Festival for World Relief – September 18, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at 5:00 pm - 2:00 pm
HI5: Elvis Impersonator Ronnie Scott – September 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Integrate: Mental Illness and the Church – September 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Pacific Baroque Orchestra: Brandenburg Concertos – September 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Wellington Folk – September 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
MCC Pedaling for Hope Cyclathon – September 19, 2015 at All Day
A Day Together: Marriage Workshop – September 19, 2015 at 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Northwood United Church Fall Fair – September 19, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Springboard – September 19, 2015 at 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
56th Annual Country Fair – September 19, 2015 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Spirituality of Gardening Seminar – September 19, 2015 at 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Journey Home Community 10 Year Anniversary Celebration – September 19, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Taste of the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths – September 19, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Matthew Moore in Concert to support Syrian Refugee Project – September 19, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sentimental Journey Big Band Concert & Fundraiser – September 20, 2015 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Taizé Contemplative Service – September 20, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Word Guild: Stillpoint Writers' Retreat – September 21, 2015 - September 23, 2015 at All Day
Webinar: Leading Worship Through the Seasons of Life with Andy Park – September 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism – Metaphysics of Orthodox Christian Faith – September 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Istoria Conference: Tell Your Story! – September 23, 2015 - September 25, 2015 at All Day
EFC Critical Issues Webinar: Election – September 23, 2015 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Book Launch: Darrell Johnson - The Beatitudes – September 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Phil Cooke: Where Stories Start - Discovering What You Were Born To Do (Istoria Conference) – September 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: The Maria Ho Quartet, with Campbell Ryga – September 23, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Shine Vancouver 2015 – September 24, 2015 at 12:00 am
Shine Vancouver 2015 – September 24, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
At the Movies: The Necessity of Heroism (Istoria Conference) – September 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Q Commons – September 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Igniting Spiritual Gifts with Russ Kline – September 25, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
Servants Training Weekend Vancouver – September 25, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
Young Life Women's Camp – September 25, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
Apologetics Seminar – September 25, 2015 - September 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sam Tudor / Noah Derksen – September 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Willie George: Using Story to Reach This Generation (Istoria Conference) – September 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Vancouver Chamber Choir: From Byrd to Bard - the Glorious English Tradition – September 25, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Cross-Cultural Temple Tour – September 26, 2015 at 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Daniel Plan – September 26, 2015 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Walk the Wall – September 26, 2015 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dr. Donald Chittick: The Puzzle of Ancient Man – September 26, 2015 at 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dr. Donald Chittick: Submerged Megaliths and the Ice Age – September 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gibson & Gretsch Combo – September 26, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Gratitude Live: In Honour of UGM's 75th Anniversary – September 26, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Dr. Donald Chittick: The Bible and Time – September 27, 2015 at 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Diane Lines – September 27, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Organ Recital at the Memorial Pipe Organ – September 27, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Book Launch: Donald Grayston: Thomas Merton and the Noonday Demon – The Camaldoli Correspondence – September 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Speaking My Mind Toastmasters Club – September 28, 2015 - December 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism – God – September 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Why the Inklings Matter Today – September 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Yonghua Ge Theology Lecture: Aquinus on Creation – September 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Adele's Wish: filmmaker Terrence Turner on his controversial documentary – September 30, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Ethics Panel on Physician Assisted Death – September 30, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Metro Vancouver Alliance: Federal Election Assembly – September 30, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Gabriel Mark Hasselbach – September 30, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Oct 2015

Life of Significance Golf Classic – October 1, 2015 at All Day
Rend the Heavens World Summit – October 1, 2015 - October 4, 2015 at All Day
The Beautiful Gospel Conference – October 1, 2015 - October 3, 2015 at All Day
Verge Conference 2015: Arts + Environment – October 1, 2015 - October 2, 2015 at All Day
National Day of Prayer for Canada – October 2, 2015 at All Day
Perogy Night in Vancouver – October 2, 2015 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Heroic Truth Conference with Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell – October 2, 2015 - October 3, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 12:30 pm
Prayer For Canada – October 2, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Bible Conference: It's All About Life for the Church & the World – October 2, 2015 - October 3, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Women of Faith Says 'Farewell' – October 2, 2015 - October 3, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 5:00 pm
International Men's Choir Concert for First United – October 2, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
musica intima: Bach and the Boys – October 2, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sea Change Colloquium – October 3, 2015 at All Day
Redleaf Prayer: Ember – October 3, 2015 at 7:00 am - 9:00 am