Jesus Festival Revisited

The Wild West Arena was rocking Friday night to the sounds of good, family time Christian music. Hundreds of parents and children came to the Revelation Rock Concert presented by Jesus Ministries.

"I had a plan to get families together for a fun-filled night of entertainment and I hope to be able to do this again next year," said Phil Rimpley, founder of Jesus Ministries.

The concert started with Luke Mills from "After the Order" from Kearney telling the audience about his band breaking up. He performed a couple of songs from the After the Order album and introduced his new band, "Pilot for Kite" and entertained the audience with their new single, "Spinner."

The band "Remedy Drive," who have been performing for 10 years or more, got the audience involved with a couple of songs from their album. Remedy Drive is comprised of four brothers.

"Not to be known as or compared to the Band of Brothers," David Zach said. The band members each have a different vision of music and bring their unique talent to the band.

"We have had concerts in the six to seven states around Nebraska and in California and Oregon," David Zach said. Remedy Drive has performed with Casting Pearls numerous times.

Last to perform for the night was "Casting Pearls" from Lincoln. Between songs, Bryan Olesen, the lead vocalist, shared the history on how each song was written and why.

"Our band has a connection for the love of music and wanting to write. It is important to have a foundation as a band that thrives together," Olesen said. The band has been to Germany twice and Switzerland once on tour.

"It is very exciting going to other countries and their love of music," Olesen said.
Casting Pearls has been on tour with Columbine (Colo.) survivor, Crystal Woodman Miller, going to schools in the United States and talking to students about the tragedy she experienced. The 180 Tour is a joint effort with Miller and Casting Pearls. They want to make students aware of the need for a purpose for living, and getting students to understand that as they prepare for tomorrow, who they are today is what matters most. For more information about scheduling a program by the 180 Tour, go to www.180tour.com.

Mix97.One in North Platte has added After the Order and Casting Pearls' music to their play list for North Platte listeners.

Camp Comeca of Cozad gave away T-shirts, coloring books and bags to families before and during the concert event. Camp Maranatha representatives told families about their camp events. For more information about the camps visit their Web sites at www.campcomeca.com or www.maranathacamp.org.

North Platte business VK Electronics of North Platte was one of the lead sponsors for the concert and gave away T-shirts between band set-ups.

Pastor Paul Pack from Skateboarding Ministries of Lexington spoke with families about skateboarding and Christ. Pack helps repair skate parks and equipment for children to enjoy. His Web site includes more information about his ministries at www.mobbskates.com.

All proceeds from the event went to Youth for Christ youth programs in North Platte.

From the North Platte Telegraph - excerpts from an article by Rebecca Allen
It's good to see events such as this still going on and being enjoyed in 2006.