Christian mega-group will play Wednesday at Cape First

One of the biggest contemporary acts in Christian music is making a stop in Cape Girardeau next week.

Multiplatinum and Grammy Award-winning band Third Day will be in concert in Cape Girardeau at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Cape First Church. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door the day of the show. The show is part of the Miracle Tour in support of their newest album, "Miracle."

"This will be an amazing concert and rare opportunity," said Ben Crass, general manager of Christian radio station KHIS. "They wanted to stop by. We're blessed to have them come through."

According to Crass, Third Day was looking for some smaller venues to play on their tour route and contacted Cape First.

"They went online and called us and it worked out well," Crass said. "Third Day has been around for years. They are well- known and are gracious enough to come. It's nice of them to come to town."

Crass said Third Day will sign autographs after the show.

Crass has been a fan of the group since they first began making music.

"I like their style," he said. "There's a different rock feel to their music. It takes courage to step out of the Christian music comfort zone."

Jacob McIntosh, of Lifeway Christian Bookstore, said he is excited to see Third Day play in a more intimate setting.

"No matter where you sit, you'll get a good seat," McIntosh said.

McIntosh said Third Day has a style that can easily be picked out, and he likes the group because their music is, "worshipful, catchy and distinct."

Scott Ryan, worship leader at Red Star Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, said, "they bring a great atmosphere that is worshipful and energetic."

Ryan said he regularly plays Third Day songs in worship services, such as "Children of God," "Revelation" and others.

"As a worship leader, I like their music because it's real and relatable to the average person," he said. "They can appeal to both Christians and non-Christians and can have a huge impact reaching out to all people."

Crass said Third Day has been receiving regular radio play on KHIS. Their single, "I Need a Miracle," was the first release from their latest album. Other well known songs include, "Consuming Fire," "God of Wonders," "Cry Out to Jesus" and "Show Me Your Glory."

Third Day came together in the early 1990s, when high school friends Mac Powell, lead vocals, and Mark Lee, lead guitar, wanted their garage band to play more songs about their faith in God. The two were later joined by bass player Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr.

The group's name, Third Day, is a reference to Christ's resurrection on the third day after his crucifixion. Based in Georgia, the group's southern-rock inspired sound is distinct in Christian music.

"Miracle" is the group's 12th full-length release and was produced by award-winning producer Brenden O'Brien. O'Brien also has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Train and The Killers.

Third Day has won four Grammy Awards, 24 Dove awards and garnered one platinum and eight gold albums.

The Miracle Tour will visit 45 cities and will run through May.

Tickets are available and can be purchased from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cape First, Lifeway Christian Bookstore in Cape Girardeau, Paul's Christian Bookstore in Sikeston, Mo., and online at www.itickets.com. For more information, call 334-4421 or go online to www.thirdday.com.

apicar@semissourian.com

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