Two Christian concerts over the weekend drew enthusiastic crowds to the Columbia Expo Center, and many attendees indicated they’re looking forward to returning for future events.
On Sunday night, more than 1,700 people from three states welcomed Big Daddy Weave.
It was the 10th stop on a tour that has already taken the contemporary Christian band through Ohio, Texas and Louisiana, yet the Columbia appearance was the largest selling one yet.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event. It is amazing to see so many people enjoying themselves, the music and fellowship. It’s also great to see the Exposition facility being used for different events that will draw people from out of town to our city,” Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie, who organized the concert, said Sunday night after the event.
On Saturday night, “An Evening of Praise Gospel Explosion” was also a success, promoter Ricky McKenzie said.
“It was great. Every group that performed was outstanding. The Russells really did their thing. They’re from right here in Columbia,” he said. “I’ve been getting praises from everyone who was there, phone calls wanting me to do it again. We’re going to look at it and probably try to do another one.”
He said he did not have exact attendance totals but it was in line for what they expected for his first major show and the first gospel concert in the city in quite some time. He said artists appreciated their accommodations in Columbia and that he met other promoters that had ideas for future shows.
Ricky McKenzie said he was glad the show, along with the other one Sunday night, helped portray the city in a good light.
“That’s one of the things I wanted; I wanted to have that positive attention on Columbia,” he said.
Mike Weaver, lead singer for Big Daddy Weave, was equally excited about how things went here.
“Tonight was special! The crowd was amazing, and we couldn’t have asked for a better show. The hospitality and help that was given to us by volunteers here was spectacular,” he said Sunday following the performance. “We can’t wait to come back and perform here again.”
The parking lot at the Expo Center Sunday night contained private vehicles and church buses from all over Mississippi in addition to Louisiana and Tennessee.
Greg and Sarah Beth Martin traveled more than 370 miles from Waynesboro, Tenn., to see the concert.
“Traveling the six hours to come see Big Daddy Weave was a simple decision for us. We had a chance to stay with a dear friend and see one of the top names in the industry at the same time,” Sarah Beth Martin said. “Having such an event as this in a small town is such a great idea. You can not only reach more people, but there’s a large portion of the local population that will support it.”
Her husband, Greg, followed up by saying, “The small venue for a concert of an artist that magnitude makes it more intimate. You felt like he was talking to you directly. A larger arena, you won’t have the same personal experience. The logistics of it were perfect. The ease of parking, getting in and out, the general hospitality of the people in Columbia made this an event we will always remember.”
When asked if they would consider a return to Columbia for future events, the couple unhesitatingly answered, “Absolutely.”
Pastor Brian Stewart of The Church on Main gave the opening prayer prior to the concert and said he was impressed with the unity the community displayed.
“The turnout of the event was spectacular, but seeing all the local churches there was amazing. Events like these help create bonds of faith and a unity of love when we can all come together for a singular cause,” he said. “When we come together as the Body of Christ both in our churches and community, we can accomplish anything. The group that got this together and all the local volunteers that made it happen truly blessed my heart.”
Pictured Above: A large crowd gathers Sunday night at the Columbia Expo Center to hear Big Daddy Weave. Lead singer Mike Weaver, inset, said they can’t wait to come back again. | Photo by Brandi Perry
