A concert at the Athens Junior High School on Nov. 5 will feature two popular contemporary Christian bands along with special guest Willie Kitchens, lead singer for The Impressions. The event is a fundraiser to further the ministry of Christian radio Station J-103 and is co-sponsored by several local organizations, including the Athens Chamber of Commerce.
The concert begins at 6 p.m., but food concessions, including dominos pizza and coffee from Java on the Square, will begin serving at 5 p.m. A portion of all CD’s, T-shirts and other items sold by the bands will go toward J-103, and station owner and founder Bob Lubell will be on hand for a book signing.
"We are humbled by this outpouring of support from the Athens area. We have a loyal family of listeners who love Christian Music and this event will bring everyone together to celebrate and worship,” said Ted Gocke, Morning Show host and development director of J103.
The Blue City Band and Calling Glory, both winners in last year’s Battle for Christ, will share the stage. The bands were featured at the 2009 Ichthus Festival held in Kentucky. Blue City Band features Christian Blues with a contemporary sound, while Calling Glory centers on Contemporary Praise.
“We are proud to have both of these bands in concert, and it is topped off with Willie Kitchens, one of the great singers and a tremendous musician,” said Legacy Recording Studio owner, and event co-sponsor Mark Hutchinson.
He said having the three artists in one event is a first for the area.
Calling Glory guitarist and lead singer Dana Potvin said they are looking forward to the concert to present their original music to J-103 supporters, and Blue City lead singer Joseph Gordon said sharing the stage with Calling Glory and Mr. Kitchens will be a unique and fun event for the band and those attending the concert.
Chattanooga native and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Willie Kitchens joined The Impressions in 1999, and toured with the group while singing backup vocals on a tour with Eric Clapton. He has also written and produced music with the Impressions.
Now he has returned to his first love of Christian music, and travels around the country as a solo performer while ministering at many venues.
J103 is a non-profit ministry, serving a multi-state area with their Contemporary Christian programming, and is supported by all age of listeners along with businesses and churches.
Athens Chamber Director Rob Preston said they are proud to help sponsor the concert and hope to fill the auditorium for the event with fans and church groups who enjoy the station’s music.
The concert is free, but donations will be taken for J-103.
Athens Jr. High is located at 200 Keith Lane, and parking is available. From Interstate 75, take exit 49 and travel east on State Route 30. Continue East to Washington Avenue, and turn right. Continue South on Washington to Keith Lane and turn left. Entrance to the Athens Jr. High is on the right.