September '04 Update
Steven Curtis Chapman finished out the night's music in his usual lively, and almost-universally appealing pop style. He even did four encore songs.
The next day, we made a run to Wal-Mart before the concert, because I knew my head would fry if I didn't wear a hat. We arrived in time to hear Uncommon Sense, whom I got to hear at my first Hot Dogs for Jesus concert. They were, as expected, good, but they were located such that they didn't draw the crowd they deserved. After Uncommon Sense, I went to the stage near the 1030 The Light table, since that's where Abbington would be playing.
Nate Evans, I believe, was finishing up his alternative with a retro flavor line-up when I got to the lower stage. The next few bands crossed the music/noise threshold for me. Despite the noise, I stayed, and wondered why moshing is so popular. Anyway, Abbington soon came to the stage, and they were lots more polished than the earlier bands. Being more melodic helped them, in my eyes (ears?), as well. When Abbington finished, I went to find my wife.
I found Becky talking with some friends from church. I got us some drinks, and a pizza. It wasn't long before the main arena was starting to fill up, so we went in to secure decent seats. Again, I missed Bar Judah! They were last of the unsigned bands performing in the upper stage. I'd heard of Unified Front, who I also wanted to hear, and who was playing opposite Bar Judah. I missed them, too. I'm not sure what happened. Bar Judah, maybe our paths will cross on 16 October in Warrensburg.
On the main stage, Building 429 was first up. they did their radio hits, and a few others, in their alternative style. KJ-52 ("five-two", not "fifty-two") lost his band for the day, due to the hurricane, but he had his laptop, on which was his accompaniment. Despite the pre-recorded stuff, and the fact that his rap-style isn't to my normal liking, he had me smiling, and even my hands and arms in the air doing the actions! He was really fun! And I appreciate his "Dear Slim" series. He did a freestyle rap near the end of his show, and even worked Skittles smoothly into the song.
Casting Crowns was next, and they're lots more diverse in style than I'd have guessed. They're soft rock, with
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