Free Christian Concerts in Kittanning Next Week

by Jonathan Weaver

Singers and musicians in the regional bands “Mercies New” and “Promise Land” have two different styles of music, but have both chosen to return to Kittanning as site of their latest concerts.

The music starts playing November 10 at the Kittanning Salvation Army with New Kensington-based “Mercies New.”

The four-person band only formed about a year ago, bassist Anthony Celender said, but it will be their second performance in Kittanning (following their show at ChristStock at the beginning of October).

“We actually do a lot of ministry – that’s kind-of how we got together as a band,” Celender said. “We’re all either worship leaders or pastors. When we first got together, we were all in one church together – that’s how we all started playing together.

“We were actually all on the worship team when we started playing together. God’s just really anointed the work that we’re doing together.”

Salvation Army Lieutenant Amber Imhoff was referred to “Mercies New” by Ford City Pastor Mark Crosby.

“We scheduled (“Mercies New”) before we heard them (at ChristStock) because we believe their stories can help others. There is power in our stories,” Lieutenant Amber said.

Music will continue Saturday, November 12 at the Radioactive Events Center with Pittsburgh-based “Promise Land.”

Band Founder (and last original member) David Michael formed the group in 1997, a year after graduating from Brashear High School in Pittsburgh. The band started as an acoustic rock duo while looking for members for a group to be called “Revelation,” but quickly changed into “Promise Land” after a show in McKees Rocks.

“We had an offer to play at this youth center and I was informed that all the kids there were Marilyn Manson and Slipknot fans and hardcore. So, I tell the guys I really feel we need to turn all our songs into hard rock metal,” Michael said.

The band actually performed a soft open at the Radioactive Events Center in July, and rented out the facility for next weekend, Center Owner Mark Gibson said.

“Promise Land”s rhythm guitarist and vocalist Rod Kosikowski, of New Kensington, played in Gibson’s band, “Pearl”, 30 years ago. Gibson enjoyed “Promise Land’s” sound and encourages local youth groups to attend next Saturday night.

“When I grew up, Christian music was very traditional – so hearing today’s Christian music is actually very refreshing,” Gibson said. “It’s energetic, it’s live, it’s rock – with a positive message.”

To read more on each band, stay tuned for the Kittanning Paper Week-End Edition.

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