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14.03.03 - Nationally acclaimed festival lifts profile of Australian Christian musicians.
From The
Rock Across Australia.
Meet the antithesis of the Big Day Out - the ACAN Christian Music Festival - a place where moshers lift up people who fall and apologise for bumping into you.
More than 60 leading Australian acts played at the nationally famed event held at the Forest Edge campsite in Neerim East - 90 minutes east of Melbourne. The Jive Express, House2house Band, Alabaster Box, Compliments of Gus, Blind, Inflight, Catapult, Myrrh, Kirste, Tania G, and Roma Waterman were among the highlights. Ask anyone else and they'll come up with a list of ten more including the final show for Epidemic and numerous CD
launches.
The Main Auditorium stage went off with a bang as the new breed of Christian rockers, rollers, rappers and artists explored a deep well of spiritual music in a variety of contemporary and traditional styles. No seating here as most of the audience was up enjoying the music as close to the stage as they could get.
The Café Stage provided an intimate setting in which to see acoustic, solo and newer acts.
A distinguishing aspect of the annual event was the number of artists seen in the crowd watching concerts. Autograph signings allowed fans the chance to meet artists face to face.
Although music filled the air both day and night, Bible Society evangelist Steve Davies inspired all at the daily morning worship, while a team of speakers presented hourly seminars on everything from theatre improvisation to social work.
Organised by the Australian Christian Artists Network (ACAN), this year's festival has strengthened its status and acclaim as one of the country's best run Christian music festivals. Word Bookstore, Compassion Australia, Jelly Belly Gourmet Jelly Beans, EIG-Ansvar, Sanitarium, Woodlands Media, Rhema FM, Light FM, and Three16 Records sponsored the event. The ACAN Christian Music Festival returns to Forest Edge on the Victorian Labour Day weekend 5-8 March 2004.
The Christian Music Festival is an annual drug-and-alcohol free event run by ACAN (the Australian Christian Artists Network). ACAN aims to raise the profile of Australian Christian bands and solo artists. This work is extended year-round through artist networking, showcasing, resourcing, promotion, and booking services. |
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