CHRISTIAN ROCKERS WILL SHAKE BANDSHELL

Five Christian groups will rock the Jackson Bandshell on July 29.

Music Fest 2000, brainchild of Southeast Missouri State University student Ryan Harper, will feature five Christian bands of various contemporary styles.

The free concert will begin at 2 p.m. at the Band Shell. The band will have merchandise tables and T-shirts. The up-tempo music will be geared toward youth, but adults are invited, as well. A variety of styles will be played.

The groups performing include:

* Lordchain (2 p.m.) -- Started by Southeast student Chris Bassham, this band of college rockers feature hard, aggressive rock and original music. CDs available.

* Straight Street (3:30) -- Often seen playing at Touch of Grace in Cape Girardeau, this great features light rock, worship music and has been compared to the group America. Straight Street has also played the Godstock music festival.

* Ryan Harper (5 p.m.) -- Harper, with a band behind him, will play a variety of tunes, including funk, Latin and Afro-Cuban. His style has been called "very percussive, festive music." The music is regional. Harper recently made a CD, Colours of the Sun, on which he played all instruments and sang all vocals. CDs and T-shirts available.

* Manna (6:30) -- Based on the worship band from Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau, this group features light rock, blues and contemporary music. Manna has played local benefits and worship explosions. It plays original music.

Flightborn (8 p.m.) -- Chris Nall, music minister from Cape LaCroix United Methodist Church, features original music and progressive rock style. Called a "technically amazing band," all the members have extensive recording experience.

The concert is being sponsored by Jackson First Baptist Church.