The Casting Crowns concert is almost sold out at the BJC, Bernie Punt, director of sales and marketing for the BJC, said. He said the center was concerned when the Casting Crowns promoter requested the show to be on March 10 because it falls over spring break, but the promoter assured him that it would not matter.
"First I told her that that is spring break, but I have to tip my hat to her because she knows what she's doing," Punt said. "[Casting Crowns] really is probably one of the most popular contemporary Christian artists, because the message is positive and spiritual and connected with people college-aged."
Juan DeVevo, a guitar player in Casting Crowns, said the message the group hopes to bring to its listeners is about the openness of God, dispelling common misconceptions about Christianity.
"A lot of people say God is a book and a list of rules and it is hard to have a relationship with him," DeVevo said. "We want people to know that God is a person that you can talk to and who will help you face life in a capable way."
The group's sound consists of different types of music, including adult contemporary, rock and pop, depending on the song.
"We just try to have fun and get the message out there," DeVevo said.
The band, based in Atlanta, Ga., consists of two guitars, violin, bass, drums and keyboard. DeVevo said the group evolved from the band members' participation in youth groups.
"We're a very big band, just a few short of a choir," DeVevo said. "It was just something God wanted to happen. He sent a blessing because he had something to say through us."
Casting Crowns tours from Thursday through Saturday of each week. DeVevo said the group is home the rest of the week to attend church, especially because many of the members are involved in teaching students.
DeVevo said the group's inspiration is Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman, with whom the group has toured. Chapman has won five Grammy awards as well as Dove awards -- honors from the Gospel Music Association.
"[Chapman] has been a big influence on us coming up the ranks," DeVevo said. "He has got a humble heart and is very focused."
Katie McHale (freshman-psychology) said she first heard of Casting Crowns in her youth group. She said she loves the band's music because it is fast-paced and deep with an updated, modern take.
"As a young adult, nearing 20, [Casting Crowns] gives me a good message I can use in my life," McHale said.
Melanie Overton (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said the music of Casting Crowns takes away the stereotypes of praise music. "A lot of bands today try to bring in new songs to open up the industry," Overton said. "[Casting Crowns] makes praise music inspiring rather than redundant."
