Event: After Dark
Where: Hardin Simmons University Behrens Auditorium
When: 2 April 2009
Featuring: Joe White
In Concert: The Afters

Organized by the leadership program, After Dark was heavily advertised around campus; with flyers all around, writing in chalk on the ground, a video during chapel service, and also Facebook. That evening, as early as 7, people were already gathering outside the Behrens Auditorium, waiting for the doors to open to get reserve a good spot. At about 8.05, the event coordinator spoke a few words, introduced The Afters and it went to a full swing from there. The band started with a few of their songs, unfortunately, The Afters were new to me therefore the songs were new. The songs were catchy and lively though. It was more of a rockish tune, with lots of guitar riffs, and a very bassy sound that makes your body feel like there's a vibration going through every time the drummer hits the bass drum. Credit should be given to the sound system too. The sound quality was really good, I must say.
Joe White took the stage after that. He's one of the Top Ten Influencer of the Country, according to New Man Magazine, and he certainly lived up to the title. His introduction was funny, and broke the ice with the audience immediately. There was even a small drama whereby he was a Roman soldier who built the cross Jesus died on. There literally was the log of wood, and he actually axed the wood, and nailed the 2 pieces of lumber to make a cross. At the same time telling the story of Jesus. There was also an extremely touching video where a father and his crippled son entering a race. It showed how the father swam the pacific ocean, bicycled, and ran the race while with his crippled son. It definitely was no easy feat. It showed how great a love the father had for his son. It was such an impact, it left many of the audience in tears. We were given 2 pieces of paper upon entering and we were led by Joe to write our sins on one piece and it will be nailed on the cross that he "built." Symbolizes that we've nailed out sins to the cross and we're surrendering our life to Him. It was a thought provoking experience, leaving many of us touched, and ready to rededicate our lives.
Overall, it was a time well spent. The only dissapointment for me is that when The Afters were performing, there were no lyrics on the screen. For new listeners like me, it would've been a great help to know what they were singing, and maybe even singalong. It was also a little weird that they started singing Single Ladies by Beyonce half way. I suppose it was more on performance, and their theme seemed to be on "love." Also, on the second peice of paper, we were asked to jot down our email address, and a note to Joe, if we wanted to. Joe will then read all of them personally and send us a reply. So, expect to receive a reply from Joe one of these days! As a small gift for attending the event, all of us receive a book written by Joe titled "One 2 Won." A very kind gesture, in my opinion.
For more info, visit After Dark


This is Steph T, signing off. More reviews, coming soon.. (:

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