Next Exit in Turkey
May 06 - May 18
Next Exit is a blues band.
Tour Highlights
We kicked off the 2002 tour season with Next Exit. They toured Istanbul, Ankara, Tarsus, Kusadasi and Izmir. It was a special joy to a have Turkish brother as a translator.
One highlight actually started during rehearsal, when a girl poked her head in the door. All day she had heard the pounding of this wonderful "live" music while sitting at her secretarial job. When she got off work she came and got her own private concert for the rest of the rehearsal. She came to concerts, talked with us, and was spiritually open.
Another highlight was a concert to over 3000 at an Ankara university!
Selah in Turkey
May 24 - June 04
Offering an eclectic mix of swing, Latin and acid jazz with powerful Gospel lyrics, the ten-member Australian Jazz Ensemble "Selah," is a highly original, innovative jazz ensemble comprising some of the most exciting young jazz musicians in Australia. Comprising bass, drums, guitar, piano, voice and five-piece horn section, this ensemble brings a sophistication to the Christian music scene in Australia. Selah delivers a mood setting, reflective and refined selection of often hymn-like songs honoring the 'cool jazz' of the 50's musically, and the Rock of Ages with their Scripture-based lyrics.
Tour Highlights
Says one band member, "In Ankara we were overwhelmed with the response. We gave an evening concert to a full house at the Ankara International Church. I believe it was the most enthusiastic response we have ever had in Ankara as Selah gave two encores to standing ovations. They shared their faith openly and in a very simple and articulate manner."
The band also gave concerts in Antakya, Kusadasi and Selcuk. From the follow-up of this concert four people are now meeting with believers and one made profession of faith.
Selah finished by giving the opening concert for a new church plant!
Ramshackle in Turkey
several weeks in 2002
Ramshackle is an American rock band from Iowa, U.S.A.
Tour Highlights
4-week tour in 9 cities with 15 concerts. 400 screaming fans in Tarsus, a moving profession of faith after a concert in Antakya, several professions of faith after the follow-up. 300 surveys filled out; 156 requesting a visit to talk more about Jesus.
"A young man named Gani, upon hearing Mehmet's short testimony, came up to our interpreter afterwards and told him that he believed Mehmet and wanted what Mehmet had found. After the concert Mehmet talked to him and he asked this Jesus to come into his heart! We had only dreamed that something this exciting could have happened."-Tim Calcara
Louis Brittz, a 44-year old lawyer by training, is a trendsetting South African singer/songwriter of Christian Music, worship leader, music producer and public speaker (on worship-related topics).
Louis has performed with Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, The Newsboys, Third Day and Sonic Flood on their tours to South Africa. Check out the Louis Brittz website.
Tour Highlights
Louis Brittz and Band did a 4-concert tour of the Izmir area, playing to approximately 2000 people. They were a phenomenal band made up of some of the best musicians in South Africa. Even more impressive was their spiritual lives, as they shared their faith and lives wherever the Spirit led them. 111 surveys were completed despite harassment from the police and a negative newspaper article about the band in the newspaper. We were able to use 2 large open-air venues to invite people to a concert at the church where the gospel was clearly proclaimed.
Selah in Kazakhstan
July, August 2002
Offering an eclectic mix of swing, Latin and acid jazz with powerful Gospel lyrics, the ten-member Australian Jazz Ensemble "Selah," is a highly original, innovative jazz ensemble comprising some of the most exciting young jazz musicians in Australia. Comprising bass, drums, guitar, piano, voice and five-piece horn section, this ensemble brings a sophistication to the Christian music scene in Australia. Selah delivers a mood setting, reflective and refined selection of often hymn-like songs honoring the 'cool jazz' of the 50's musically, and the Rock of Ages with their Scripture-based lyrics.
Tour Highlights
SELAH made their second tour appearance for a three week tour in Kazakhstan. They headlined the tour in the Almaty region of the country the first two weeks and then shared the stage with the Cory Cali Band for the third week. All together, there were 12 concerts in 9 cities. At the concert in Uzun Agash, maybe half the audience stood and prayed to receive Christ. At another concert, the gospel was shared clearly to about 2,000 people and tracts and invitations to the local church were handed out.
Cory Cali in Kazakhstan
July, August 2002
The Cory Cali Band is a a rock/jazz fusion band led by guitarist and singer Cory Cali.
Tour Highlights
Cory Cali did a two week tour and played to over 5000 people.
The concerts in a local cinema were fantastic. Every evening the hall was packed and people even filled the corridors.At the first concert 90% of the people were nonbelievers. The professionalism, good sound and light made for a good show; many local musicians enjoyed the performance. Then, people were shocked when musicians put their instruments down and began to witness. They simply and naturally shared the Word and their testimonies. After the concert several people came to me, interested in spiritual subjects.
Mr. Rotman is a renowned international concert pianist who has performed over 2500 concerts in 58 countries. Mr. Rotman has devoted a specific area of his musical life to the study and performance of the works of Beethoven. He is also a committed Christian who uses his music to glorify God. Check out the Sam Rotman website.
Tour Highlights
World class concert pianist Sam Rotman did seven concerts in three cities, our first experience bringing a classical musician. Sam did a radio interview on an FM station in Istanbul. His concert in Cappadocia was attended by government officials, with one attendee later coming to Christ. Standing ovations at every concert! Excellent gospel presentation at the Anglican church the last evening.
"Being my first time in a church building I was a bit fearful but Sam and his music allowed both my spirit to relax and my body to rest - thanks, Sam Rotman." Erdogan - 26 year old law student
Echelon in Turkey
August 29 - September 09
A super-likeable Canadian rock-band offer high energy rock originals and oddball takes of a few covers. [Broke up in 2002]
Tour Highlights
The band returned for its fifth straight TACO tour. They gave eight concerts in three cities. Three people prayed to receive Christ in Antakya, and drummer Chris Middleton stayed behind as a full-time "TACOite."
"I enjoyed the concerts very much. I have come to the conclusion that the things you have been explaining are very logical and believable. I want to talk to you more about Jesus Christ." (Asli)
"I can say it was the first time I ever felt peace in my life. You can be sure that I will never miss another one of your events!" (Piril - 23 year old women who prayed to receive Christ)
An American pastor living in Italy playing a lyrical blend of acoustic rock. Not content to woo audiences with his great voice, Scott would sometimes resort to balloon tricks to capture the attention of his crowd.
Tour Highlights
Scott Alan pioneered our first concert tour in Tunisia. Six concerts were given in three cities, and Scott was interviewed by both radio and newspaper. We were surprised at how openly we could share at some of our concerts!
We had a couple of out-door concerts in Nabeul. The second one was very special, as it was on the main street where we were reaching hundreds of youth. It was a bit stressful since the organizer had forgotten to bring stage lights and it rained, but we were all praying intensively and we managed to finish almost the whole concert.
