Breaking Chains to host Christian music festival in April

By Dustin Henggeler

Breaking Chains – Christian Concert Promotions of Maryville will be holding its second concert series April 22 after a successful start to the series in October.

The upcoming event will host 12 artists from a multitude of genres, along with a passion painter and a Christian speaker. This free event will take place at noon on the grounds of Calvary Chapel Maryville, 24770 Interlude Road.

The October Breaking Chains concert series took place at The Rose Theater and Breaking Chains coordinator John McBride said he was more than pleased to see the place packed. That series hosted just five artists, so the expansion has required Breaking Chains to look for a larger venue.

“Pastor JD (Dirks) of Calvary Chapel has been gracious enough to allow us to use the space behind the church,” McBride said. “This will allow for those in attendance to really spread out and make a day of this. We’re hoping to provide a positive and encouraging family atmosphere where people can spread out a blanket and stay for a while.”

McBride added that food trucks will be on hand for those looking for refreshments. All the while, McBride said he hopes the multi-genre experience will be refreshing on a more lasting front.

“We want people of all ages to come and experience the encouraging messages these artists share through their music,” he said. “We want people to leave filled with the spirit, and more importantly than that, we want to reach out to those who may be new in Christ and encourage them. The last thing we want is for someone to leave here and ask ‘what next?’ We want to talk with them and help them through those next steps.”

Musical talents include Manic Drive, We Are Vessel, Crossing Fire, Calvary Chapel Bible College Band, Jayme Green, Theody, Adelaide, High Road, Aaron Ray, Tiffany Sinko and Shonlock. Several of the artists will share personal messages and testimony along with their talents.

Andy Richard Raines of Passion Painter Ministries will be there to create works of beauty while music plays. He will have works available for purchase at the event.

Speaker Logan Merrick, a pastor in St. Joseph and author of the book “Chasing Dreams, Killing Idols,” will share a message of encouragement.

A number of fundraisers are happening to help make this event free to the public. McBride is selling Sonic and Pizza Ranch cards. Pizza Ranch is also hosting the group April 3 for a community fundraiser event. To contact McBride about the event or to help with the fundraisers, call 660.254.7497 or email him at breakingchainsconcerts@gmail.com. The event website is breakingchainsconcerts.org.