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AGAPE brings Christian hip hop to Fergus Falls
Published 2:42pm Monday, September 20, 2010Christine Helland, 18, is hoping to become something of an amateur concert booker. But this Fergus Falls resident isn’t in it for the money.
Helland, who is also a student at Minnesota State University – Moorhead, has formed an informal committee of acquaintances to book Christian bands and musicians to play in the area. Her first successfully-booked show is taking place on 7 p.m. Wednesday at Life Church, and Helland and her committee are providing it free of cost.
The show will start out with the hardcore metal band Prevails, but the headline act is one Helland picked out herself: AGAPE*, otherwise known as David Scherer, a Christian hip-hop and rap artist who performs with a back-up band.
AGAPE* has been touring for over 10 years, and he’s released six albums, but Helland was first exposed to him recently. “I went to a Lutheran Brethren convention and they were one of the guest bands there,” she said. “I really liked them a lot and so I went to a concert they held in Moorhead … I thought, ‘Man, I really want to bring them to Fergus Falls.’”
One of the reasons Helland likes AGAPE* so much is that she believes Scherer can transcend age differences and musical preferences. “The guy is extremely talented and he just touches many people’s hearts,” she said. “It’s not like it’s just for teens and youth. Even my dad, who is 50, likes this guy, and he doesn’t like hip-hop.”
Helland also thinks that Scherer’s message breaks stereotypes about Christianity. “He always gives a very good message, and he doesn’t make it seem like he’s preaching to you,” she explained.
Helland said the committee was able to provide the concert free of charge by soliciting donations from a number of interested people and churches around the city. She was very appreciative of the network of fundraisers she got in touch with.
AGAPE* has performed with a number of famous Christian acts, including David Crowder Band and Toby Mac. His act combines a variety of influences, including storytelling and dance.
Helland hopes that a successful AGAPE* concert can open a door for bigger things in the future.
“We hope to get more events and concerts and different events like that happening in Fergus Falls,” she said.
Tags: Arts-Entertainment, church, music
