Starting the first annual Uprising Festival in Ridgefield, WA at the Clark County Amphitheater was Portland, OR natives Generation Unleashed. After a short sound error, the band started a fantastic set of upbeat worship. As the crowd trickled in, everyone quickly joined in. Jumping and dancing are a huge part of this band and their ministry, and quickly they made that clear that this is one of the many ways, they praise God on stage, and I could not help but notice the deep vocals, resulting in something different and refreshing from the typical worship band. Nothing is ordinary with Generation Unleashed though, a total of 10 very talented and gifted band members, result in an amazing worship experience.
Next was Seattle’s very own The Myriad, they have a great melodic rock sound, with soothing vocals. Although this was one of the main bands, I wanted to see. They are not very popular to the particular demographic in the crowd, which had arrived. I did overhear a few people say that the band was very good and they went out and bought their CDs. They hit a high when they played “When Fire Falls” which is one of their better-known songs. Therefore, even though they are from the northwest it goes to show that they were not familiar to this particular crowd. Nonetheless, they are a very good act!
NEEDTOBREATHE was next; I had not heard much from the band. Hailing from Seneca, SC, this band knows how to put on a show! Amazing guitar riffs lead and fantastic vocals lead this Alternative and sometimes Southern Rock band. From the stage, they appear very friendly and they have great hearts for God. I also overheard people say, even though they had only heard the hit single “Shine On,” which was featured in the movie Employee of the Month, they loved the band. Therefore, they went out and bought the band’s debut CD as well. NEEDTOBREATHE is must see act! They are very talented and have a great stage presence!
SRE Recordings’ hard rockers Disciple took the stage next. The band did not hold back at all! Many of the parents quickly left after they realized a hard rock / Screamo band took the stage. The band has an amazing live concert! They also have amazing hearts for the Lord! As usual, the band prayed in the middle of their set. Every time I see that, I am very impressed! The teens in the crowd got very into it. Personally, I was very pleased with Disciple’s all around performance. Afterward I noticed that they had found their way near the concessions. I did not see Kevin (lead vocals) leave until after Aaron Shust, a good hour and a half after Disciple’s set was over. That too left a good impression in my book.
Albany, OR natives Falling Up, took the stage. Starting off with a toned down version of “Broken Heart” showed off that Jessy Ribordy (lead vocals / keys) has improved his vocal ability tremendously sense I had last seen the band a few months prior. Although the one downfall to the rejuvenated vocals of Ribordy is that his scream has taken it for the worse, and during “Moonlit” it was almost forgettable. The band’s set was mellow compared to what I have seen but on their up-beat songs, they still had the original Falling Up style in them. I have seen this band probably 20 times and this was by far one of the best, both, vocal and musical performances I have seen from them, which made up for the mellowness in my book.
Unfortunately, due to hunger I had to miss most of Aaron Shust’s set. I recently saw him on MercyMe & AudioA’s tour and he was amazing! Likewise, from what I heard he did another fantastic job leading the crowd in worship.
Portland, OR and hometown heroes Kutless was up, they put on a good show, but for me it lacked originality. Being that they are from the area, some even live in the same area as me, I get the chance to see them a lot! I found myself guessing what songs they would play next, and sure enough, I was right. They have not changed their set list, or at least to the shows I have been to. I was surprised to see the crowd as into it as they were! It was an amazing atmosphere, definitely a good choice to put right before the next act…
The next act just happens, to be one of the best live shows you can find! tobyMac took the stage and quickly got the party started! Playing many of his radio hits from both his solo albums and DC Talk songs such as: “Jesus Freak” and “Gone.” Toby and his dancers really have a great stage presence and are fun to watch. I caught myself laughing many times and just added to the enjoyment of the entire event. Toby also played two of my latest favorites “Boomin’” and his latest radio hit “Made to Love.” Toby puts on an amazingly great show, well worth seeing!
Headline band Third Day came out and the crowd gave an overwhelmingly loud roar. I am not a big fan of Third Day and I had to get home so I actually missed most of the band’s set, but from what I saw, they put on a good show! If you like, the band’s music, then make sure the next time they are in town to go see them!
Overall, I felt that everyone who put together Uprising Fest did a good job. Although the venue has its negatives for this type of event, it was not a bad idea at all! I enjoyed the entire event more than I had anticipated and came out very pleased. I am not sure if I would pay to go to this festival unless it had more music to my liking, but if it suits, you and you happen to be in the area next year, then you should go!
Article by Jeremy Koering
