Will Play For Food Tour Sells Out Denver – More Than 1,500 People Attend Ministry-Oriented Concert

The Will Play For Food Tour drew a standing-room-only crowd at Denver's Crossroads Church on January 28. More than 1,500 people attended the sold-out concert, promoted by WAY-FM 89.7.

The unique ministry-oriented evening featured Fusebox, Jonah33, Pivitplex and Ever Stays Red. The bands served up a tasty fare of rock and modern worship music while inviting fans to serve the poor. Each artist incorporated video and delivered personal challenges to demonstrate God's love by sponsoring a child, going on a short-term mission trip or participating in World Week.

"This tour unites a new generation of artists intent on making music that challenges the status quo with the Gospel," says tour producer Ray Ware.

"The whole mission of this tour is a great fit for us," says Ever Stays Red drummer Josh Carlson. "We're excited about the opportunity it offers to live out the life Christ spoke about."

"It has been an absolute honor to be on the Will Play For Food Tour," says Billy Buchanan, lead singer for Fusebox. "My family was very poor when I was young, my brothers and I went to sleep many nights without food to eat. That's why I'm such a believer in tours like this. They are putting God's word into action … and are doing all they can to take care of the needy throughout the world."

Fusebox performed "Once Again," the title song from the group's new album, which meditates in awe over Christ's mercy and willingness to lower Himself to the point of death. "It's a huge blessing to be able to use our gift of music to bring so many people together for such a worthy cause," says Buchanan.

World Week is an exciting program that encourages understanding and raises awareness of important global issues and helps people, who are suffering from hunger, disease, human rights abuses, violence and environmental devastation. World Week activities, like the Water Walk where participants collect and carry water, allow participants to identify with the poor and to recruit sponsors who will help the poor overcome the obstacles that hold them back from better lives.

"The people associated with this tour, from the producers to the artists, were great to work with," says Zach Cochran, general manager for WAY-FM 89.7.

The Will Play For Food Tour challenges audiences to get out of their comfort zones and find practical ways to serve others. Leading by example, the bands are foregoing hotels and restaurants to stay with host families.

"Staying with host families can be very hard when you are tired and road-weary. This tour is challenging us to really pour ourselves out, way past our comfort zones," says Scott Brownson of Pivitplex, whose debut album, "Under Museum Quality Glass," was named the second-best album of 2003 by Christrock.com.

"We really want to let people know how they can make a difference, Brownson says. We will show them how and hopefully share our passion for loving others through our music and interaction with people before, during and after the show."

That sentiment is echoed by Jonah33. Frontman Vince Lichlyter says that through the tour, "the Lord placed a heart within me to be actively involved, not just cheering on the sidelines." He hopes the Will Play For Food artists "will have a special effect on people who want to be like the bands on this tour."

Scott Viegel, program director of WAY-FM 89.7, is delighted by the outcome of the Denver concert. "We're committed to bringing unique, compelling artists who resonate with our audience. The Will Play For Food Tour is a great a example of that."

This is the first concert WAY-FM has hosted since entering the Denver market less than nine months earlier. The tour is promoted nationally through an extensive Internet campaign on top Christian websites, including ChristianMusic.org, CCMusic and the Christian Music Place.

"This is a remarkable tour, especially when you realize we're producing it without label support and without a booking agent," says tour producer Christopher Redner. "We've already toured more than 20 cities, offering compelling concerts by great artists who are committed to serving. We're excited about what we can accomplish through the dozens of concerts we'll present in 2006."