BENEFIT CONCERT REVIEW
alphaomeganews.org

Green Bay West High Auditorium
October 16, 2004
- Rob S.

It's too easy to write but true, this was a beautiful evening of music. The three-hour (!) concert was a benefit for the Cup O Joy Coffeehouse.  

One Way Ticket, a parody band from Manitowoc , WI , started the evening with a very tight three-song set. Brownsville Station was the inspiration for “Praying in the Boy's Room,” “cause everybody knows that praying's not allowed in school.” 

Headliner Ginny Owens then took center stage and lead a sing-along medley of “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” “Step by Step,” “Awesome God,” and “Shout to the Lord.” Ginny explained to the appreciative crowd, “We're going to take you guys everywhere.” 

Randall Goodgame, who writes songs for Cademon's Call, played a three-song set. His folk songs are inspired by “Peanuts,” (Charlie Brown) and laundromats. There must have been a point but I missed it. His wife joined him on stage for backing vocals but sadly was never introduced. 

Monk and Neagle were great. It was just the two, each playing an acoustic guitar. “ Paradise ” was the highlight of their set as it featured their killer harmonies. The two took the time to talk about the inspiration behind their songs. Michael Neagle started writing “Dancing With Angels” eight years ago when his great grandmother died. He finally finished it last January. It's a song about dealing with loss and the healing Christ offers. 

Ginny returned with her backing band, just a bassist and drummer. This allowed her to play stripped-down versions of her songs. I much prefer listening to her songs in a minimalist setting. It brings her strong, thoughtful lyrics to the forefront. I will never forget the smile on her face as she sang “I have never felt more alive.” 

Ginny also took a turn on guitar, an instrument she took up on those long van rides between concerts. “With Me” was played in a very pleasing bluesy style. She also played a new song, “Pieces,” from a forthcoming DVD. It's another wonderful, personal song, with the lyrics “I'm caught in the crossfire, put me back together. I'm in pieces. Locked in the basement. Who holds the key? Something tells me you do.” The song rocks. 

Green Bay is so blessed to have the Cup O Joy Coffeehouse. No less than 15 churches in the area volunteer for a single purpose, to glorify Jesus through music and the performing arts. 

The non-denominational ministry features free music every Friday and Saturday night. Steve Mehl, the lead singer for One Way Ticket, said “The Cup is a place where we cut our teeth. Its allowed us to minister beyond our church, with the purpose of expanding His kingdom.” Amen. 

If you're ever in northeast Wisconsin to do the Packer thing or visit Door County, I strongly encourage you to stop at The Cup on Broadway.

>>See Concert Pics Here