By Kathryna Hoyman · Managing Editor
This Saturday, the faded red velvet seats, antique stained windows and beloved wooden stage of the college’s very own Crawford Auditorium will be graced with the music of The Gray Havens’ Zion Caravan Tour.
The Gray Havens, a Christian folk band comprised of husband-and-wife duo David and Licia Radford, played at the college last year with their Anywhere Tour, and the campus received them with great enthusiasm.
“I went to The Gray Havens’ concert last year and I loved it! Their music is more folk and indie than I was expecting, but they put Christ at the center of their music and are such a fun band to listen to,” junior Bonnie Pittman shared. “They were super interactive with the audience, and you could just tell they have so much heart for their music and the people they play for. I’m so excited to go back and hear them again this year!”
Accompanying the band are Christian artists John Mark Pantana, Antoine Bradford and LOVKN, who will enhance the energy of the night with their acoustic, indie and pop sounds.
The Zion Caravan Tour has already played 75 shows across the nation, many showings being at colleges and universities.
The concert is sponsored by International Justice Mission, a global ministry focused on building up local justice systems to fight abuse and exploitation and to establish safe and just communities.
The Gray Havens’ showing this week follows the Campus Nights Tour’s concert the college hosted on Oct. 24. Gable Price and Friends, Jervis Campbell and Strings & Heart put on a dynamic Christian indie pop show that was thoroughly enjoyed by many students, locals and visitors.
“This was my first concert I went to on campus, and I wasn’t disappointed. The energy in the room was great, and I enjoyed the Christ-centered music. I loved that there was a mosh pit, and I am looking forward to bringing that same energy to Gray Havens!” junior Kaitlyn Rumbuc said.
The concerts that the college has hosted in the past couple of years have served to meet the demands of Grovers’ music tastes.
Indie, acoustic and folk music with pop influences seem to be the genre sweet spot for the student body, with Christian artists elevating these genres to put on shows that are not only entertaining and vibey but truly transformative.
The anticipation for this Saturday’s show and future events is evident in all years of students, from the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed freshmen to seasoned upperclassmen.
“I’m excited for the concert because it seems like it’s going to be a really cool and unique experience. I love how Grove brings lots of music artists here, and I think it creates great opportunities for students!” freshman Sophia Rivera said.
Junior Madeline McMahon shared similar sentiments, saying, “I am so excited about the concert this Friday! It is all of my favorite artists that I have been dying to see for years now!”
The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Standard admission tickets are $29.50 in advance and $40 at the door, with students being offered a discounted advance rate of $15, plus purchasing fees.
Whether the trek be a walk across the quad from your dorm or an out-of-state road trip for parents and friends, the Zion Caravan concert will surely make it well worth it with an illuminating night to remember.
