Catching local or up and coming artists has always been gratifying, especially when it can be done for a $5.00 donation. On March 17th, 2001 the Cornerstone Church of Madison, WI had three great bands for this low, low price of $5.00.

Anavox, translation, a new voice or an upward voice, started the night out right. This is a young energetic group from Rockford, IL. Anavox has an edgy rock sound and for their age they performed competently. My main reason for thinking so was the fact that although young, energetic, and ready to rock they were still clearly understandable. Many times the younger rockers like to turn it up a bit and the audience ends up missing the message of the music.

This is what the band had to say about themselves.

Anavox has been nominated for the Rockford Area Music Industry awards in the Best Christian Band category. This is a great honor for us, especially considering the caliber of the other groups nominated. Anavox began in the summer of 1999. Michael Corin, vocals, and Nathan Fry, vocals and bass guitar, began singing and writing songs at age fifteen. Ben Phillips, drums, was local drummer that went to school with the boys, but did not officially join them until much later. At the time, Rob Petrie, guitars, vocals and keyboards, made a big influence on the three guys drumming in their first band. Shawn Crahen, guitars, felt a very strong call by God to play music with Anavox, and was part of the band by October of 2000.

The mission of Anavox is to be the soundtrack of the end of the world, to speak forth truth with passion and fire in our eyes, and to proclaim the name of Jesus without fear. We hope to do what no one has ever done, to see healing, and to watch the music God has let us borrow be a cure for the world.

Soul Pilot followed up Anavox with an equally enthusiastic and hard rock bite as Anavox. The key moment for was the ballad titled "Her Pain". This song was born from a tragedy in his name life. The message conveyed was that there is glory for God in our pain and suffering, because it gives us personal testimony to share with others.

Finishing out the night was Breathing Machine, which was similarly eager, vigorous, and ready to rock. Although the three acts had similar style they all had individual testimony and moments of note. Breathing Machine's moment came when they performed a new song titled "Picket Signs," stating that people tend to protest for reasons that are for their own glory and not for the glory of God. The band emphasized the fact that instead of protesting without reason we should pray for people with circumstances beyond what we know and understand.

You can find out more about Breathing Machine at www.breathingmachine.com.

Third Day Records

All three of these bands are playing for Third Day Records, which is based out of Denver, Co. Some of the other artists that Third Day Records represent are Sarah Kelly and the Rockford Master’s Commission, Danny Daniels, the Jeff Searles Band, Diana Greer, Marie Barnett, and Brenda Harp. The artists range from pop alternative to modern worship.

I've had the pleasure of listen to a few of these projects. Specifically Sarah Kelly, and Brenda Harp.

In 2000 Sarah Kelly and The Rockford Master’s Commission released "You Overwhelm Me", a ten song collection of original Praise and Worship songs. Because of the size of this group they blend of writing and singing styles is positively diverse and overwhelmingly pleasurable.

Brenda Harp is an accomplished singer, songwriter, worship leader, and the Senior Vice President of Third Day Records. Her debut "The Road Home" is reflective of her talents. The tracks range from full band rock to more peaceful heartfelt ballads. "Mercy Reflected" is one of those ballads. This ballad instantly finds a place in your heart, Brenda's vocals just drives it right in. This is a song that I'm sure has a deep meaning for Brenda, and you can feel the intensity in her voice.

You can read more about Brenda Harp at www.brendaharp.com.

Third Day records can be found at www.thirddayrecords.com.

-Ken