Southern Gospel Music has boasted many successful music tours and collaborations through the years including the Statesmen/Blackwood Brothers, Kingsmen/Gold City, Happy Goodman Family/Inspirations, The Gospel Caravan, Poet Voices/Bishops/Greenes/Kirk Talley and numerous others. The latest craze going right now is the CrabbJam Tour featuring the Crabb Family along with the McRaes and CrossWay . I was excited to find out that the tour was coming within driving distance, so we decided to take in the sights and sounds of CrabbJam 2005.
We arrived at the auditorium about 5pm and a few people had already started to gather, waiting for the doors to open. By the time the doors opened at 6pm, the lobby of the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium on the campus of the Johnston Community College was filled with people ready to rock the house as CrabbJam 2005 had come to Smithfield , North Carolina . With almost a completely full house, pretty much every age group was represented in equal numbers. I can't say there were more young people than older people there and I was a bit surprised at that, figuring the younger set would very much outnumber the older set. But, I was glad to see so many of the more mature crowd enjoying the progressive sounds of the Crabb Family, McRaes and CrossWay; it showed me that the younger set and older set are not as far apart from one another as some may want to think. In fact, the whole front row was filled with mostly people over the age of 50 and they jammed with the best of ‘em! It definitely was an evening to remember as the crowd and artists alike were rockin' the house!
After a brief prayer, the Crabb Family came on to the roar of an enthusiastic crowd and started things off with “Greater is He”. There was a mighty wall of sound, but by the second song, either the loudness was toned down a bit, or I got used to it. The band was on top of their game as they showcased their wares on “The Lamb, The Lion & The King”. Again I say, the place was a-rockin'! After two songs, Jason tried to calm the crowd down as he introduced the McRaes and they came on singing, “If It Had Not Been the Lord”. Annie shared her heart as she introduced their most recent hit, “There is a Remedy” and the song provided a wonderful opportunity for the audience to worship the Lord as many people seemed to have been touched by the testimony and song. After this inspiring moment, the duo broke into one of their earlier hits from a couple of years ago, “Lord, Shake These Chains”. The sisters also sang their newest single from their forthcoming album, “Perfect Love” called, “Low and Down” and the crowd seemed to really accept what these ladies were doing.
After the McRaes finished their 4 song set, Jason brings out CrossWay as they bounded on stage singing “Oh My, My” and then quickly break into “No Back Roads” , both from their current recording, “This I Know.” As the crowd begins to die down, Matt and Chris go on to explain why they were trio instead of a quartet on this particular evening. Crossway's tenor, Marty Hurt had stayed behind because his wife (Chris' sister) had given birth to triplets less than a week earlier. Matt then stopped the program and offered up a prayer on their behalf asking God to watch over them during this very crucial time. After sharing the good news of the triplets, as well Chris' recent wedded bliss, Paul had his own good news to share as he proudly proclaimed that he saved a bunch of money on his car insurance. (Old joke I know, but still funny!) As the crowd roared their approval at the banter, the group went into an acoustical version of “I'll Fly Away” , done with Matt playing the guitar. I've heard this song all my life, and have never heard it with this arrangement. Along with myself, the crowd approved of what they heard as they gave a standing ovation. As Mat sets up the song “It Looks Like Love to Me” , he shares his thoughts on the criticism of last years movie, “The Passion of the Christ” and then breaks into the chorus of the song with just him and his guitar before the band kicks in as the place comes alive with music.
During the McRae's and CrossWay's sets, the Crabb Family band played for the respective artists. The Crabb Family also stayed on stage, seated on stools behind the performers cheering them on as they sang. As each artist finished their set, they too sat down and cheered each other on and it conveyed a wonderful spirit of camaraderie.
As the Crabb Family took their place at center stage, they progressed through a montage of hits, favorites and recently recorded tunes such as “Promised Land”, “My Keeper”, “Traveling On” , “Sacrifice of Praise”, “He Came Looking for Me”, “Please Forgive Me”, an emotional performance of “Please Come Down to Me” and “The Shepherd's Call”. As they finished up “The Shepherd's Call”, Jason leads the audience in a moment of praise with “Oh How I Love Jesus” before the group closes their part of the program with the much favored, “Don't You Wanna Go”.
Before breaking for intermission, Jason had everybody sit down as he shared about the Crabb Family's involvement with World Vision and shared a video of a recent trip they took, after which Jason proceeded to solicit the audience to help World Vision in their very worthy cause. Several members of the audience decided to take part in this and it was wonderful to see so many people wanting to help those who cannot help themselves.
After intermission, Jason and the family start things off with their signature song, “Though the Fire” . One may think it odd for them to start a set with that song, but Jason mentioned before they started that it was for someone who had leave to go to work the nightshift. Afterwards, Jason shared some banter between the McRae sisters before joining them on a song he recorded with them on their “Traveling On” recording called, “Knockin' on Heaven's Door” . After Annie shared a brief testimony of how she wrote a song off their forthcoming released, they sang the worshipful “The Word of the Lord.”
As the McRae's took their respective place on the platform, Paul Smith of CrossWay shared his testimony of his father's death a couple years ago and what his dad meant to him before he sang the emotional “Looking at You” . The song was a very touching moment in the concert and it also touched Lori Sykes, bass player for the Crabb Family, who lost her father earlier this year. I dare say, there were very few dry eyes in the house when Paul was done with the song. Ending their part of the concert, CrossWay sang their powerful hit song, “Long Arm of Love”.
After CrossWay was done, Jason spent the next 10 minutes or so doing some “no holds barred” preaching and leads the audience into several choruses of “I Surrender All” before breaking out into the ever popular “Redeemer” with everyone on stage joining in on the final chorus. Jason closed the evening out with everyone singing the Gaither classic, “Because He Lives.” And just as it begun in prayer, it all ended in a prayer.
We had great seats and we had a wonderful time. It was a great evening of worship, laughter, joy and tears as the audience went through the whole palette of emotions as the night progressed on. It was more than a concert…it was an experience.
*A very special thank you goes to Mary Hamilton and Heather Herrera for the great pictures used in this article.
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Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 08/31/2005
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 47
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Wow!! I've never been to a CrabbJam concert, it sounds like lots of fun!!
I have never been to a crabbjam but it has to be a great experience. I love seeing the Crabb family live( such as Crabbfest) They are young truly using their talent in great way. I hope they will always continue to sing Christian music. The Crabb Family also has an AWESOME band, man those guys and gals can play!!
WOW!!!! I wish I could have been for that one! I've seen my share of Crabb Jam's and will get to see two more before the end of the year. I haven't seen a bad one yet!! There's just something about all 3 of those groups on stage. I love to hear the Crabb Family band playing along with the McRae's and Crossway. I can't say enough great things about the band - they're just AWESOME!!!
I had the pleasure of attending "CrabbJam" in Huntington,WV. It was a wonderful experience. I have always been a HUGE Crabb Family fan but I walked away not only a Crabb Fan but a Mcrae and Crossway fan. On the norm, quartet music isnt my cup of tea but Crossway won my heart. I loved their sound. What can you say about the McRaes...Annie puts me in mind of a young Joyce Martin. And Kelly has a voice and a stage presence that makes you feel as though you "know" her. I really enjoyed this concert from beginning to end. Oh one more thing...the Crabb Band as I call them...they Rocked it!!!
I am going to be honest with you in my Comments.When the Crabbs first started Singing I enjoyed them. But since their parents left the group of the youger ones have turned Sothern Gospel Music into a rock Consert. We are going to The Gospel consert at Myrtle Beach in Oct. but we will only go to the first night singing. Last year the Group was so loud we had to get up and go outside and we wern't the only ones that left. The Gosped Inforcers have done the same thing. We had to leave when they sang also. How about toneing it down a lot.
I hope people didn't take me wrong...... I mean I enjoy what the Crabb fmily sings now and they are one of my favorite singing groups. I just hope they don't ever go completely contemporary style. Some is OK but I'd rather them not go all the way.
I went to my first crabb jam last night at the palce in myrtle beach sc I saw (The McRaes) and The Crabb family and (Crossway) It was beauiful all of them such great singers they have so much Talent for being so young and they have there whole life a head of them to sing worship GOD'S words in the southern Gospel music.
Ive always listen to the CDS of wow worship hits so many differen't artist on the cds and i also like Hillsong (for all that you've done) after hearing the southern Gospel last night im going to add to my music collection I love it all there music Also they had a new group that came on stage on the first set called (soul out)and they were very good i think they just started over a year ago well everyone i just wanted to share my expericence with southern Gospel music and what a blessing it was for me to be there and fill so close to GOD while they were sining and lift my spirts
I pray that God will bring more christion music to myrtle beach sc
In christion love
Don't take me wrong, "Crabb drummer," but that hair does not fit Southern Gospel decency! I'm a young southern fan (God bless all five of us), who attended the NQC for the first time this past September. As Dr. Goff put it "Your new nickname is Rooster." The Crabbs would be much better accepted by mainstream southern gospel enthusiasts, like me, if they made changes like cutting off Rooster's hair!
Legalism stinks TJ.
Let me put it another way,
I have seen the Crabb family in concert 3 times now... they are a very talented family. It is obvious God has His hand on them no matter if you think their music is too loud or the guys hair fits your thinking. God looks on the inward man not the appearance... let's pray for the Crabb family as they continue to spread the love and mercy of God through their talents.
I remember something a preacher said one time many years ago..."God didn't come to change my shirt, He came to change my life." Holiness and Godliness goes way beyond outward appearance. Do I have my preferences, YES! But, how they comb their hair, brush their teeth or what they wear on stage is immaterial to what is on the inside and their relationship with God.
What's on the inside shows on the outside . . .
Really TJ....well let me tell you a quick story.
I would just like to say its whats on the inside and outside that counts. Truly it isn't only the outside that people see and judge you by. You have to act right and have a good attitude also. Don't judge everyone in skirts bad just because you some may have a bad attitude. I can't make anyone do anything and I won't even try to.
I agree - you can't just go by the outside, but shouldn't the outside reflect the love of Christ within and not immitate those without His love?
Sorry, I didn't finish that last statement!
Well, i have to go with TJ on this one. I am a young person in Sg too and its awesome to see someone else who feels the same way. It's true, the outside does not always reflect the inside but MOST of the time it does. I'm a youth minister and I try t keep up with what's goin' on, but you can keep up too much. Jesus did say "come out from among them".
Thanks man. It's nice to know that not everyone likes the rock look in SG music.
Well, I don't like it. MTV is invading SG.
You said it, brotha!
Thank God that not everyone in the world feels as TJ and Jer do. If everyone did, the only people who would be reached with the message of Jesus Christ would be those who could be reached by 4 men in three-piece suits with crew cuts singing barbershop quartet style music. As a high school teacher, I can tell you that everyone will not be reached that way. It takes many different styles of music and personal styles to reach people of all ages. God did not make us cookie-cutter people. He made us individuals with individual likes and dislikes. You have every right to your opinions, likes and dislikes, but thankfully, we all do not feel the same. We are all called by God to go and tell, to reach those who need to be reached for Him, before it is too late.
TJ and Jer, perhaps you would prefer the Crabb Family's drummer to wear his hair more like Kirk Talley. Now that's a SG haircut.
I think everybody is taking us wrong.
So, i guess a christian version of Marilyn Manson is ok? or the church in L.A. using porno to reach people? I though Jesus said "lift me up and i will draw ALL men unto me". I'm not big on old school qt music, i like different styles as long as it DOES NOT compromise. Jesus doesn't "Rock". Im not saying these are bad people, they just need to get in the word a little more. I know some of the orgin of alot of thses fads that these people are doing and they are not of God. Like the jelly bracelets, they stand for very ungodly things. People need to check up on stuff before they do it. The Bible says that the anointing destroys the yoke. Jesus does not need our ideas to help him reach others. All we have to do is lift him up. I've watched MTV and it is a weapon of the enemy to mess kids up. Why should we look like we play with some messed-up punk band?
The Gospel According To SG
"Be not deceived, God is not mocked."
I'm sorry ThinkTank I don't believe I've ever seen the Scripture in that light before (ha!)
This is getting totally ridiculous. People are so busy looking at the outside and don't even care with what God is doing on the inside. Only eternity will tell the full story.
Jesus not only ROCKED! He is the ROCK. I think you guys are missing the point about conforming to the world. What you choose to wear in your closet isn't conforming to the world...bashing people, lack of kindness, jealousy, unrighteous judgement...now that is conforming to the world...now go back and read your post and see who is conforming to the world. Just my 2 cents!
I would just like to say to the Crabbs, McRaes, Crossway that this shows you are doing exactly what you are called to do!!!!
Just the fact that all this discussion is happening proves that the appearance is over the top. People are talking about their appearance more than the message. That alone shows that their appearance is a distraction. While I know that all the liberals will says ignore their looks, Jesus said man cannot see the heart, so then our appearnce DOES matter! Period! Like it or not, many people are affected by how we present ourselves.
Let's just all agree to disagree...let everyone win souls in the way that God has called them and let God be the judge! It is my understanding that the altars have been lined in many of the Crabb Jams and Crabb Family concerts, so God is definitely blessing them with souls for their labor and showing the fruit of what they are doing. It is just a shame that others, who are called to a different purpose, feel that their purpose is to take God's position of judge and the Holy Spirit's position of conviction and decide what is the acceptable dress code or hairstyle for all Christians. Your energy and enthusiasm would be much better placed in praying for those who are on the front lines in the battle, not by giving them more to battle from the devil. Instead of kicking them by your criticisms, pray for them, lift them up and encourage them in their goal to minister. If they were not there to minister, they surely could use their talents to do something else. They are there because they have been called, chosen by God, and given the talent to do the job. If they have God's approval, why don't they have yours?
Shad, I'm not sure what you meant by "While I know that all the liberals will says ignore their looks, Jesus said man cannot see the heart, so then our appearnce DOES matter! Period!"
Jamie I'm not sure I agree with your comments.
The definition of Christian is "Christ-like" right? I wonder how Christ feels about the altars being full after a Crabb Jam concert?? I wonder if He is busy looking at their hairstyle, clothing or jewelry or if he's looking at their hearts as they share the message of His boundless, unjudgemental love?? I also wonder if He's thinking that tj, shad and others should get a life and worry about more pressing problems. Just a thought.......
I never stated that the bible said "he rocked" that was my words...that was not to take away the rightousness and sinlessness of Jesus. This seems like a genrational gap of some sort. That phrase "that rocks" mean that is awesome...great. This is the last time I will post on this because it seems to me most on here would rather shred a persons than lisft them up...wow how worldly is that!
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Wow! All this discussion about the Crabb Family? All I can say is they must be doing something right! Go Crabb Jam!
Jelly Bracelets- FYI
I couldn't agree more, "Christian Music Fan."
I guess I just don't see that anyone in the Crabb Family, Crossway or McRae's looks like they are a follower of satan or trying to copy those who are. I think they look like young people trying to do God's work and minister to other young people as well. I am not offended in the least at any of their fashion or hairstyles. In fact, I really don't think I could describe what a Christian's exact fashion or hairstyle should be, with modesty and decency of course. I will just leave that up to God and the Holy Spirit. I think as long as God is blessing what they are doing with souls, that says they have His stamp of approval and that is all that matters. I applaud them for their dedication to Him and willingness to travel thousands of miles and spend countless hours away from families ministering to people of all ages.
Another thing I'd like to mention concerning the the reaction against progressive styles in SG
TJ, thank you for clearing that up. I really appreciate your comment. I love all Christian music, whether it is SG or progressive. Although I'm not a major fan of old quartet music, I do like Gold City, SSQ and Brian Free & Assurance. I guess what I don't appreciate is anyone slamming someone on a personal level without knowing anything about them, except what they look like. I took Jerry Goff's comment at convention as a sort of joke, but also felt that there was an underlying current there. You obviously perceived that as well, carrying on with a negative comment. I think that is what upset those on here who have seen Crabb Jam, felt the Spirit there and seen souls saved.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME I AM A SINNER THAT IS FED UP WITH BEING A SINNER
I just finished praying for you. Please turn to Him. It will be the greatest decision you have ever made.
YOu just made the hardest part of any decision. YOU admitted that you are a sinner and that you are tired of living that way. Simply talk to God like He was right there with you, because He is. Tell Him that you are wanting to give your life to Him, that you accept the fact that Jesus died for your sins and ask Him to ofrgive you for all of your sins. He is waiting to hear from you and you will change your life forever.
You can trust that I and many others who will nveer write on this are also praying for you.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
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