These dudes think they're awesome. Touche', dudes
It’s an interesting thing to be in a Christian band and play in Las Vegas. People back home raise their eyebrows at you a little bit and think things like, “Vegas, huh? Are you really a Christian?” At least that’s what I assume, but I haven’t actually asked anyone. I know I used to think things like that though, and since everyone is like me, I’m sure it’s true. And I’d agree with the sentiment of those people I haven’t talked to: Las Vegas has a reputation. It’s the only city I know of built solely as a brand and product. It’s advertised and sold in the form of hotels, casinos, pornography, and buffets, aka, adult freedom, and it’s been very successful. This product of distraction has made tragedy in many, many lives.
However, not everyone knows Las Vegas as Sin City. Or probably they do, but secondarily. These folks know and love it as home, the same way I love Ohio and the dirt that raised me (I love Ohio, if you haven’t heard). The same way my southern friends love Georgia and my northern friends love Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. I have to believe God knows where we’re born and raises us there on purpose.
So being in a Christian band in Las Vegas, we’ve gotten to see and know a side of the city that isn’t the product. We’ve gotten to meet Christians who grow up and live in the midst of it. And I’ll say every time we’re there, it’s truly great. They take their faith seriously…much more than I do if I’m honest. They’re faced every day with the aftermath of sin and the damage it causes in ways the rest of us aren’t. It’s so direct and unashamed. If there’s any church in the country that needs encouragement, it’s this one.
The Venue: Henderson Pavillion
Inside the Pavillion
We had a good two days in Vegas. The tour day with Casting Crowns, The Afters, and Lindsay McCaul was beautiful. We played outdoors, and it was a perfect night for it. The next day was a day off. The tour cruised on to California while we stayed behind. Our friend Scott Campbell set us up with hotel rooms in the MGM Grand and got us tickets to Cirque Du Soleil, which was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life. A HUGE thank you to Scott! Everything you did was a great blessing to us.
The rest of the day we wandered the Strip a little bit and got to see more of what Las Vegas is known for. The product. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Aesthetically, there is soo much to take in; lights, colors, sounds, architecture, tv show pawn shops.
Pawn shop from the TV show, Pawn Stars
I really enjoyed walking around and taking everything in. Functionally, the sidewalks are built to coral you into casinos and malls. You’ll be hard pressed to find a place to sit and rest your tired bones unless it’s in a restaurant or behind a slot machine, or some other place meant for spending money. At night, people wander the streets with ambition. Drinks in hand, dressed from glamor magazines. At some point it dawned on me…these are our brothers and sisters and they’re literally wandering the middle of the desert in search of happiness. The broken and sad nature of the human condition became extremely evident. Folks on the strip are doing whatever they’re doing because they’re looking for peace and they don’t know how else to go about it. As obvious as that sounds to me now, it was hard to pinpoint while I was there looking at it.
Anyway, we really did have a great couple of days, and I look forward to going back. But for now, the tour continues on. Next stops: Universal City, CA, Lake Tahoe, and Portland, OR!
QUESTION: I guess since I haven’t asked, maybe I should…What comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas? Where are you from and what leads you to your thoughts?
Hanging Danny Ocean style
