Free concert at county fair to feature Sidewalk Prophets, 33 Miles

Sidewalk Prophets, the Gospel Music Association's winner of the 2010 New Artist of the Year award, will perform in concert Thursday, July 19, at the Saline County Fairground amphitheater. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be free thanks to the efforts of the SOUL team, a group of area residents who believe in "creatively introducing the world to Christ."

Sidewalk Prophets are best known for their hit songs "The Words I Would Say" and "You Love Me Anyway," which hit No. 3 and No. 1, respectively, on Billboard magazine's Christian Singles chart.

The band's debut album, "These Simple Truths," was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year by the GMA.

Their recent release, "Live Like That" -- from the album of the same name -- is one of the most played songs on Christian radio.

Also returning to Marshall to perform at the concert will be Jason Barton and Chris Lockwood -- collectively known as 33 Miles. This concert will be their third appearance in Marshall in the past year.

Patrons who attended the Mark Schultz "Letters From War" tour last October or the Magic of Christmas tour in December are already familiar with this duo.

"When I first heard their hit song, 'What Could Be Better,' I dreamed of having them play in Marshall during the Saline County Fair," said SOUL team organizer Randy Shannon.

Shannon noted that 33 Miles is frequently compared to the country group Rascal Flatts because of their tight harmonies.

Their three albums -- the self-titled debut, the sophomore project "One Life" and their most recent release "Today" -- contain the hits "There is a God," "Thank You," "When I Get Where I'm Going," "One Life to Love" and "Where I Wanna Go."

Nashville producer Ian Eskelin produced the new albums for both 33 Miles and Sidewalk Prophets.

Sponsors have made it possible to present this concert without charge for admission. As a thank-you to sponsors, there will be a reserved seating section for them and their guests, Shannon said.

All other seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Although there will be bleacher-style seating for approximately 1,000 people, Shannon suggests concert-goers might want to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

"This is an outdoor, summer event," Shannon said, "so patrons should prepare accordingly for the sun and heat."

Area 4-H members will sell concessions during the concert and merchandise tables for both bands will have shirts, music and other souvenirs available.

For more information, or to volunteer to help, contact Shannon at 660-886-2402.