CCM's Generation Next

Gungor (the band) was in town for a show Friday, at a beautiful local venue called Hoyt Sherman place. It's a one-time mansion

converted now into a public space for the arts and civic business.  

The theatre has been nicely restored, and was pretty packed out for the show (at least on the main floor; the balcony was closed off).

The band was great. And let me tell you, this is not your father's Contemporary Christian Music. (Believe me, I know. I AM your father's age. The CCM I grew up with was pablum in comparison. Except for Larry Norman, of course. He was CCM's anti-hero.)

Gungor had the quirkiness of the Decemberists, the breadth of style of The New Pornographers, and a vocal duo that recalled the sound of Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova from Once. Their single, long set was a 4 part drama that ran from Creation, to Fall, to The Bride, to (Re)creation. Outstanding.

It was even more amazing considering that I went high school with the front man's father and his uncle (even played in a rock band with them in my senior year). I'm sure they had a bit of influence on Michael Gungor, the band's leader and namesake.

It was a balmy March evening, and a great night to stroll around the grounds with wife, son and a 20-something mutual friend in tow.

Next up... arena football! :)