_{Reaching Out with Music that Touches Young Souls}

Audio Adrenaline performs at the Fred during 4Nights - Photo courtesy of 4Nights -

By Shar Peters

Test your memory. Remember the recent long distance advertisement that encouraged you to "reach out and touch someone?" Here's another test. Remember the lyrics, "whoa-oh-oh, listen to the music?"

 

Of course, you remember those lines. Well, Peachtree City saw them take on a completely new meaning for four nights in October. Not only were thousands of young people listening to the music, but the Christian bands they stood in line to hear were reaching out and touching them in a positive, upbeat way.

Did you know that Christian music is one of the fastest growing music genres in the nation? Walk into bookstores and music shops and you'll see shelves and walls full of Christian music selections. It's no surprise that this music is appealing to more and more teens. Many find that the messages touch their lives and bring them closer to finding their place in today's fast-paced, sometimes confusing world.

Christian music was the draw in Peachtree City when people poured into the community to attend the annual 4Nights in October event. Held Thursday through Sunday, October 7-10, thousands of teens, young adults, and even some older, young-at-heart music enthusiasts packed into the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater to hear Christian music played by award-winning bands, such as Casting Crowns, the David Crowder Band and Audio Adrenaline.

Some came for the first time, and for others this concert series has become an annual event. Some young people were following a favorite band while others were simply curious about the music that is entertaining, energizing and changing their friends.

Each group's unique blend of guitars, percussions, drums and voices filled the surrounding night air with rock, gospel and rap. Bodies of all ages and sizes moved in rhythm, joy and praise to songs titled, "You are My Strength," "If We are the Body," and "I Am Not Alone." The bands and speakers reached out; the reception was overwhelming.

Where and when did such a huge event begin? It all began five years ago as a simple outreach effort to local high school and college students. A local ministry organization, U-Night17, founded and headed by John Paone, joined with area churches to reach out to the community, particularly the young people. Paone, the director of this annual event, says, "I wanted to show area teens that Christians could have a good time and still be true to their faith. There is an incredible, positive message at these concerts."

"This year's lineup was arguably the best assembly of any Christian Music Festival nationwide," boasts Paone. "Concert goers came from as far away as Honolulu, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, California and all the neighboring states. We even had a Marine order tickets from Iraq."

Such a huge event requires a tremendous amount of planning. "Area churches are a vital part of the success of the 4Night event," says Paone. "We have many adult Sunday School members volunteer to host bands and help with the concert so the kids can enjoy the music. And," he laughs, "you'd be surprised how many volunteers get caught up in the music, too."

Doug Harper of Peachtree City United Methodist Church, speaks enthusiastically about his church's efforts, "Our Men's Group assists the U-Night17 ministry by helping fund and support their activities; 4Nights is a major event for us."

"We helped shuttle people to the concerts and sold T-shirts, as well as doing other things." Harper adds, "It's not just the music we support, but it's the ministry. Young people answer the altar call and commit to becoming a Christian. That's what it's all about. It's a community outreach that works."

Steve Brown, Peachtree City Mayor, attends the event each year and is an enthusiastic supporter of the concert series. Brown comments, "The 4Nights in October concert is one of the most positive experiences for teens anywhere in the United States. The musical acts are first class."

Not only was the amphitheater filled with 2,500 energetic souls each night, but during the day, area parks and lakes were bustling with U-Night17 activities and friendly competitions.

There was something for everyone. This year, the Kiwanis-sponsored Great Georgia Air Show joined the 4Nights event to bring even more people into the community. Eyes were sky-bound watching military planes, aerial acrobatics and awesome air maneuvers that were part of this annual crowd pleaser.

There's no doubt about it. October saw the Peachtree City area a buzz on the ground and in the sky. People were listening to the music, reaching out and touching others with a spiritual message, and marveling at aerial activities. What more could you want ?