Letters in the Pocket #1 - Concert Presentations

Hey Right Said,

I have never understood why Christian concerts have presentations between sets. I understand that there are sponsors and charities but they don't need to be thrown in your face when you need that break between acts to recharge. I'm going to use an example from a non-Christian concert to illustrate how maybe these Christian promoters (or whoever they are) can make your concert experience better.

My very first Rush concert was when I was in grade 12. I did remember bringing non-perishable food items and it was also widely advertised leading up to the event that a portion of every ticket went to the United Way. When I got inside Maple Leaf Gardens, there were kiosks set up by the United Way and the Food Banks were taking the food. This was in the lobby the whole night.

The Tragically Hip opened and rocked the house. Gord Downie thanks everyone for coming and reminds us that we're helping the United Way just by being here. The crowd goes nuts. Now on to intermission.

Just imagine if someone from the United Way or the Daily Bread food bank had gotten up at intermission and cried about the plight of the battered, homeless, and hungry. It is an important issue but like every season, it has its time and place.

The issue has a simple solution. The Christian promoters should eliminate the half-time presentations and prominently advertise the causes they are supporting ahead of time. Lord knows I get enough of those little paper advertisements stuck in my windshield at every church I park in so why can't they put the causes on there. And if they're already there, make it more prominent. Charities like World Vision could use the help and plastering their name on thousands of cards being place all over the city is a good way to start.

I'll have more tomorrow.