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–By Amy Nelson
December 1, 2012 Valley Bible Fellowship
After a six-year hiatus, Christian Rock band Audio Adrenaline finally regrouped for a benefit concert at Valley Bible Fellowship Church in Las Vegas, with Kevin Max as the new vocalist. The new lineup now consists of: Max, Will McGinniss, bassist guitarist Dave Ghazarian (formerly of Superchick), drummer Jared Byers and keyboardist Jason Walker.
The band recently signed with Fair Trade Services and performed together for the first time in six years with Max to promote their new album, lead some prayer and worship, and gain support for their charity organization, Hands & Feet Project. Audio Adrenaline also trained for months for the annual Las Vegas Rock n’ Roll marathon, and planned to run the grueling 26.2 miles the following day in support of their charity.
The Hands & Feet Project, founded by Audio Adrenaline, was created to help the impoverished and orphaned children in Haiti obtain the nourishment, shelter, education, and spiritual muscle that they need to survive.
It was evident that the band’s temporary break was put toward a positive endeavor that was not only impacting the lives of the children that they saved, but encouraging others to reach out and support the cause as well.
This contagious, optimistic vibe began early in the evening as several hundred people gathered inside the church auditorium, waiting patiently to hear some wonderful music.
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Singer Stephanie Smith and her new husband, Tim Skipper (House of Heroes), opened with several beautiful songs that contained moving harmonies. Stephanie’s voice was so pure and magnificent that she sounded like an angel as she sang. Her remarkable vocals were reminiscent of Jewel, and range and riffs were comparable to Mariah Carey. The crowd was in awe.
The pair played their new single, “Letting Go,” a passionate song about letting go of one’s fears and giving God the driver’s seat in your life. The song is soon to be a hit on many Christian radio stations worldwide.
After Stephanie and Tim’s enticing performance, former Lead Singer Mark Stuart walked onstage to discuss the Hands and Feet Project that he co-founded, why it was created, and how it had changed his life for the better as he and his team helped significantly improve the lives of helpless children.
Mark spoke with a strained voice, explaining (for those who didn’t know) that his vocal chords were damaged indefinitely and he regrettably was unable to continue performing with the band. Though unable to sing, he’s still involved with the band as a songwriter and producer.
The attendees watched on the projector screen as he described several horrific stories of children who they helped conquer adversity and helped heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He even went on to discuss a story about a newborn girl who had been dropped into a 28-foot-deep outhouse right after birth, and was left to die.
Luckily, someone heard her cry and she was rescued and brought to the Hands & Feet Project. Mark’s family took her in and showered her with the love and care that she needed.
In September of 2011, Mark adopted this little girl as his own daughter and named her Christela Belle. (Christela means “Christ was here” in Creole, and Belle means beautiful) He also adopted a little boy about her same age, named Journey. And just recently, Mark added another little girl to his family named Edline.
Upon the completion of Mark’s touching presentation, Audio Adrenaline came onstage and began to play. It was exciting to watch the band perform together after such a long time apart, especially with former D.C. Talk Singer, Kevin Max, on lead vocals.
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Max’s unique vibrato and remarkable tone stood out clearly over the band’s instrumentals, carrying the melodies to the heavens and beyond.
Audio Adrenaline played passionately on the small stage, performing a few of their hit songs including, “Hands and Feet,” “Ocean Floor,” and the new single, “Kings and Queens.”
“Kings and Queens” is a song about children without homes that need to be loved, and was filmed in Haiti with many of the children that the Hands and Feet Project are currently fostering.
“I know my God won’t let them be defeated,
Every child has a dream to belong and be loved.”
Audio Adrenaline’s exhilarating set touched the hearts of their fans, due to the quality of their music and spiritual love that has positively impacted the lives of so many people!
Stay tuned for updates on the band’s new album due out in 2013, and inspirational stories about helping the disadvantaged children in Haiti receive the nourishment, shelter, education, and love that they need to survive.
–Photography by Sandor Padilla II / © 777 Photography
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Jan 20 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ
Mar 02 Washington High School Washington, NC
Mar 15 Pinewood Christian Academy Bellville, GA
Mar 16 Columbus Baptist Church Columbus, GA
Mar 17 River Electric Auditorium Gaffney, SC
Mar 22 New Life Church Biddeford, ME
Mar 23 E. Powell Convention Center Ocean City, MD
Mar 30 Queens Park, Easterfest 2013 Toowoomba Qld, Australia
Apr 06 Venue 510 Burleson, TX
Apr 11 Indianola Community Church Indianola, IA
Apr 26 First Assembly of God Fort Wayne, IN
May 05 Salina Bicentennial Center Salina, KS
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| Christela Belle Stuart | Christela Belle Stuart | Christela and Journey |
www.audioa.com
www.handsandfeetproject.org
