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This special night out starts in typical Wisconsin fashion - three inches of fresh snow! The short drive down the isthmus from the hotel to the Alliant Energy Center was slippery and almost a complete whiteout, but not bad enough to discourage the average Wisconsinite from roaming about.

After arriving at the center it took only a few short minutes to go from parking, to the ticket booth, and then into the arena. Entering the arena the wife and I took note of the fact that they were selling alcohol at this event... very unusual.

Just minutes before the show, the tour manager makes an uncommon appearance on stage, and begins to make a statement of apology. First thought was that the weather was going to delay the concert, or worse yet cancel it. However, shortly into his speech the manager explains that according to contract the Alliant Energy Center was not to be selling alcohol on the premises and they were asked to "cease and desist" the sales of alcohol. The manager made an apology from the band (Mercy Me) and announced that the show would be starting shortly.

The opening act was singer-songwriter Bebo Norman. While playing his opening song Bebo broke a string on his guitar, and someone from the audience was quick to point out that this happened the last time Bebo played in Madison (Back Forty Tour). After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, and a fresh guitar, Bebo got right back into the music. His brief acoustical set included songs like "Beautiful You," "Cover Me," and his signature song "Great Light Of the World." Bebo was very casual and personal with the audience, and talkative. His songs and the way he sang them came across with much feeling.

After about ten to fifteen minutes after Bebo finished Amy Grant and band took the stage. Amy started the show with "Takes A Little Time" which was very fitting considering all that has occurred in her life recently. Amy promised to sing a mix of old favorites and some new songs from "Simple Things." While singing the title track to her new album Amy's youngest daughter joined her on stage and sang along. The "Simple Things" set of songs gave me a greater appreciation for the album. The songs are so deeply personal and it was so much more powerful to hear her sing them live, as if she was telling us the story of her life personally, rather than hearing it on a recording. Amy finished the night with "Baby Baby," and "Lead Me On." Overall her performance was very down-to-earth and not showy. Amy shared her personal tragedies and triumphs through speech and song most beautifully.

Mercy Me started their set with "In the Air Tonight," an old Phil Colins tune, and the sense of electricity was quickly spread through the air. Through out the show the band made use of a decent light show and video presentation to add to the power of the songs.

"Here With Me" was the first song they sang from an upcoming album called "Undone." After which, Millard spoke to the crowd and explained how the name Mercy Me came about from a conversation with his Grandmother, who told him "Mercy me, you need to get a real job." This story led into a more somber tale of multiple heartbreaks experienced after finishing the last tour. Out of the turmoil of loosing several family and friends in a short period Millard explained how he wrote "Homesick." This song was not meant to be a sequel to "I Can Only Imagine," but as Millard stated he's a songwriter and he writes about things happening in his life.

Millard passionately shared the Gospel with the audience and the band followed up by singing, "He is Lord" a capella. They lived up to their callings as worship leaders as they led worship a capella style with "I Love You Lord," as an intro to "I Can Only Imagine."

Mercy Me ended the night with a extremely bouncy "Where the Streets Have No Name" (U2). In general, the concert was fun and uplifting, and exceptionally well done.