Rock The Smokies First Year

Dollywood's 2015 Music Festival Introduction

     I have been to a lot of music festivals in my life including other adventure parks like  Night Of Joy at Walt Disneyworld, and Spirit Song  at Kings Island. 

      One thing I have noticed about all of these set-ups is that each band does not get recognized on the same level nor do the fans get to experience all the talent that is distributed across the parks at different times throughout the day making it almost impossible to take part in each concert. 

     As a music lover I am always enlightened at concerts in general being introduced to less known artists besides the headliner who later become massively popular.  For instance two years ago at a Casting Crowns concert the opening band was For King&Country.  The following year (2015) they swooped into the Klove Fan Awards and cleaned house.

     My point in mentioning this is that when fans of well-known bands are eager to listen to the artists whose songs they know by heart are not given the opportunity to experience newer talent, that window of exposure to the other bands is stolen both from the fans and the artists.

     I do not know if all of these festival planners are aware the difficulty that can arise for a visitor trying to determine who they want to miss and who they want to see perform.  The most organized of the three I mentioned above is Spirit Fest because it's a three day event that gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the shows and the park. 

     The Night Of Joy is set up a little better than Rock The Smokies, because it is at least broken up into two nights giving guests two full days to enjoy the park, at least that's how it was when I experienced it.  

     In 2014 when I attended the Night of Joy I wanted to see Chris Tomlin perform because I have always been a fan of his music.  I had also recently written a review of The Neverclaim's new album and had become a quick fan of them as well.   Unfortunately they were both playing at the same time on different sides of the park.  I decided to go see Chris Tomlin who was playing in front of the castle.  The downside to that decision was everyone else that was there decided to do the same thing and not only could we not see him, but we couldn't hear him either.  So we decided to head back to the small stage where Matt Maher and The Neverclaim were performing.  We stood right in the front and it was honestly one of the the best concerts I've been to. 

     The most disheartening thing of that is that everyone out by the castle trying their hardest to see or hear the amazing Chris Tomlin missed two other great performances because of the timing and set up. 

    

     One of the things I will give Rock The Smokies credit for was that at least they had different time slots throughout the day where each band played at different times to give people a slight chance to catch at least three out of the five bands performing as long as you didn't want to ride any of the rides or eat any food. 



    

     I apologize if that came off sounding sarcastic but it is the truth of the matter.  The two headlining bands Third Day and For King & Country was the only show the tickets guaranteed you a seat for, and it was first come first serve at all three show times (above) so if you wanted to be close at all you had to get in a long line waiting for the doors to open each time.

      However, if you wanted to see the other non-headlining concerts including Love and the Outcome , Sidewalk Prophets or About A Mile you had to cross your fingers, jump through hoops and stand in line for about an hour just to get a seat.  Of course if you waited in line the whole time (not eating or riding rides) and you still couldn't get in you always have another chance to come back to one of the other time slots to try to make the cut. 

     Despite the fact I was unable to catch Love & The Outcome I heard from a friend that they put on a great concert.  Captured below by Dave Lobbestael Photography.

Photo By Dave Lobbestael Photography

     During one of the times we decided to try and catch the new roller coaster and grab a bite to eat we walked passed About A Mile post show signing autographs.  A little further we saw about two hundred people standing in line an hour early for one of the Sidewalk Prophets concerts hoping to get in.  I have no idea what About A Mile (below) was like in concert but I'm sure others would have liked to have seen them too that missed the opportunity due to time constraints.  

Photo By Dave Lobbestael Photography

      We arrived an hour early for the Sidewalk Prophets concert we had planned to attend. Right when we got to the entrance, (literally next in line) the lady holds her hand out at me and my crew and says, "One second we have to see if we have any more room."  I looked at my husband like "Really?  Seriously?" I knew we would not be able to make it to the other later show because we had to get in line for the 7 pm finale of the headliners. Thankfully, they let about fifteen more people in and Sidewalk Prophets delivered as always. 

Photo By Dave Lobbestael Photography 

     I do want to say that Dollywood is a lovely park and there are several different rides and places to eat if you get a chance to visit.  One of the things I would highly recommend to the promotions department to do differently next year would be entirely based on organization.  

     The line up they had of bands was fantastic and I would have loved to have been able to see all of them.  Along with many others I would have also liked to enjoy the park more.  I think it would have worked out a lot better if they had split the festival up into two days similar to the way Night Of Joy does. The first day have two separate shows one in the morning and one in the evening.  Have every band at both shows, that way the fans and the artists don't miss any opportunity to experience or share music.  

     The second day have one final show that evening with all the bands performing as well.  Sell the tickets as a two day package with entry to 1 of the 3 shows that way for those who want to enjoy the park they can, it would also give the bands some time to rest and enjoy the park.  Some promoters may be surprised that one of the most important things to some of the Christian artists is to be able to spend quality time meeting their fans, this set up didn't really allow for that. My two cents on that note.

     Despite being extremely tired from performing 3 shows throughout the day pretty much back to back, For King & Country didn't win best live performance at the K-love fan awards for no reason.  They entered that main stage at 7 PM and literally "Rocked The Smokies".  

     I have no idea how these guys have so much energy but they are just a treat to watch perform.  Not to mention the fact that they are some of the most passionate in the industry.  Joel was speaking about how they have a bracelet to remind girls how beautiful they are and never to forget how much they are worth to God.  He so happened to jump off stage and give a bracelet to my friend Pam's daughter, Reenie. He couldn't have picked a more deserving recipient! 

     To close the last and final show of the evening Third Day entered stage and performed to a very tired crowd. Everyone seemed to be pretty wiped out by that point walking around in the heat and rain all day trying to make it to all the shows.  However, bottom line they encouraged everyone and got everyone back up on their feet for one last celebration.  

     Being the first year of this festival things went fairly smooth. I'm sure the planners and promoters ran into many different aspects that they themselves seen areas for improvement on.  I would imagine they are already tweaking it for next year trying to figure out a better way to plan everything out.  

     After all was said and done, the bands probably all slept like little babies that night and all those who attended left filled up with all the love and joy that overflows from all of the artists that shared their gifts and talents musically with everyone who attended the festival.  

      I am personally looking forward to seeing what they plan out for next year and I hope to get to return.  Until then, check out the park, a lot is there for all to enjoy!

Get Tickets to Dollywood Here

 Rock The Smokies

The Neverclaim Has Claimed a New Fan

The Neverclaim- Self-Title Album Review

     For six down to earth Oregon folk September 24, 2013 marks the start of a life changing adventure. Their self-titled Essential Records debut is also bound to change the lives of those who hear it as well.

     The Neverclaim, was formed out of the Vineyard church worship movement through the penmanship of lead singer Jeremiah Carlson.

With a heart of worship this diverse team of people unified for the purpose to enable others to have a rich encounter with God. Their first EP was produced by the Vineyard Music label in 2010 titled “Quiet down”

     Gaining a fan base before signing with Essential, this group recognizes they were not brought together by chance but have a higher calling on their lives spreading revival through music. Along their journey they won a talent contest held by the national radio network, Spirit FM. This brought about an opportunity to open for many bands on tour such as Kutless, Third Day and Shawn McDonald. Mac Powell introduced them toEssential and the rest is creation in motion.

     There latest single, One Truth, One Life (official video below) which was released toward the end of July, 2013 has gotten rave reviews from listeners. This song is a feel good anthem around the truth and life that we find in Christ.

 

 “His love lights the way, His truth will break down every lie, as His children proclaim His name.”

     Revival, is a genuine heartfelt cry to stir the saints of God to rise and shout proclaiming the gospel of Christ. “We were made for such a time as this. When every knee will bow and tongue confess, Jesus Christ for who He really is.” A Hook laden melody and outstanding message that awakens the spirit of the believer, this song is certain to be on repeat in your heart and in your car.

     I believe as the band continues to go out on tour, fans will truly enjoy hearing certain songs live. Burn ranks up there in my books as being one of those corporately anointed worship songs that is just going to illuminate the presence of God in people’s lives across the Nations. I could listen to this song over and over and never get tired of it because it’s a longing for God to burn inside your heart and it stirs that fire inside your soul.

     I have had a difficult time selecting a favorite song on this album simply because they are all fantastic. However, the first one that brought tears to my eyes, Steal Their Hearts has got to be up there somewhere.

 

“I’ll try to lead them by your truth. I’ll tell them life is found in you. But even that won’t be enough, because only you can reveal your love.”

 

  

     I am certain if you have loved ones who you know could be healed of their brokenness only if they would surrender this song will have the same effect on you.

     One of the reasons why we desire loved ones and friends to know theLord is because we long to share Eternity with them. My Soul Longs, is a celebration of that desire that we know one day we will see come to pass.

“He’s coming back for His Bride, Hallelujah!”

 

     I can see this being incorporated into many worship services and guaranteed to be a live favorite by the band on tour. God’s children love to celebrate truth and this is a corporate anointed party in the spirit.

     Sweet Sweet Mercies is another song that could be easily incorporated into a worship service, it is tender enough to melt your heart, but is powerful enough to have a Jesus and I jam session in your car not caring who is watching you. Not like I did that personally or anything just saying; Ok, yeah maybe I did.   Jeremiah (lead singer), who has struggled in the past with issues of anxiety, penned this phenomenal tune with those memories in mind. “I’m letting go of what I can’t control. I’m giving up this desperate life, Lord I’m letting go. Down on my knees; so I can see that you are here, and now I know. Your sweet, sweet mercies come and overflow.”

     The mercy of Christ comes with an intense price that was paid by His sacrifice. Pearl of Great Price, will immerse you in the depths of the sovereignty that we are covered by. I cannot listen to this song without crying. My heart is awakened to the untouchable love that He displayed that day for you and I and how nothing compares to the treasure of His life.

     Sometimes people are unable to see the gift of life in Christ because they won’t open the door to Him, instead they try to stand on their own. Mighty Jesus, is a poetic transformation of a heart that no longer depends on anything but Christ. “Upon this solid rock I will stand. On you and you alone I will stand. When everything around falls apart, I will stand.”This anthem for Christ is passionate and impeccable.

     Be Lifted Higher, is probably the song I enjoy listening to the most on the album. Though it has been extremely difficult to narrow it down to a favorite, this song just fills my spirit to the brim overflowing with adoration of the King of Kings. This CD should have a warning label on the side of it that reads, “Be careful while operating a vehicle under the influence of The Neverclaim.”

     The last song to mention is Enthroned on High. Worshiping the Lord, God above all with everything that is within’ is what this song encompasses. “I’m going to bring all that I am to the one who makes me whole. There you are enthroned on high, here I am lay myself down low. I give these hands, stretched out to the sky. I will bring praise to the Lord God above all.” The blessed trinity of God valiant, humble, omnipotent and merciful, our friend and our Master none can compare.

     Produced by Paul Moak and Jason Ingram, who combined have some of the greatest Christian artists to date on their lists of gifts to the body. The Neverclaim, have no problem carrying their God given mantle, and plan to never claim the glory of that; hence their chosen name. However, it is relevant to say if you like Matt Kearney, Third Day, Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North and Building 429 I’m pretty certain The Neverclaim CD should be on the top of your to do list come September 24, 2013.

     As an avid music reviewer I always enter into an impartial relationship with each album. Since I was unfamiliar with The Neverclaim, I had no expectations either. I can tell you openly now this CD has not come out of my car for two weeks. The last time that happened was when I reviewed Sidewalk Prophets last album. Mind you, they are one of my favorite bands, The Neverclaim, are also now on that list.

     This album touched my heart so much I felt led to create a video that includes three of my favorites songs off the album.  I decided to include it in this review so that you can enjoy more of their music!

     It’s hard to find music that combines talented artistry,along with spirit stirring lyrics and sounds produced through the spirit of the deliverer that come together like a tapestry of magnificence. I am sure you can ascertain by now that I am totally biased toward this group because they have my unfailing respect and have touched my heart in a way few groups can or ever will. The Neverclaim, have forever claimed me as true believer and supporter of their music ministry.

Learn More About The Neverclaim Here

 

 

Follow Them On Face Book Here