PRESS RELEASE - Spetember 8, 2010
CONTACT: Daniel Vandever, Public Information Officer
Phone: 928-810-8510
Email: dwvandever@gmail.com

After some weather delays, fans of Mercy Me & Addison Road get the performance they've been waiting for on September 7, 2010, Dean C. Jackson Arena.

Mercy Me lead vocalist Bart Millard (Photos by Geri Hongeva)

Mother Nature baptizes Mercy Me

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – After a delay of nearly an hour and a half from complications of rain, the 64th Annual Navajo Nation Fair got to witness two of contemporary Christian music’s biggest acts.

With some fans traveling as far as California to see the two bands, a crowd of more than 1,500 faithful stayed out the dreary weather to witness history.

MercyMe and Addison Road represented the first bands in the 64-year existence of the Navajo Nation Fair to perform live in the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena.

“I think it’s great that they’re here because it’s a nice change,” stated Olin Bluehouse of Ganado, Arizona. “The music brings hope to people feeling down and desperate.”

Addison Road has been a recent hit in the contemporary Christian genre with a string of top singles with “Hope Now,” Fight Another Day,” and “All That Matters.”

MercyMe on the other hand has been one of contemporary Christian music’s top bands after their 2001 crossover single, “I Can Only Imagine.” Since then they have won numerous Christian music awards, including several of the infamous GMA Dove Awards.

For a concert that almost didn’t happen, those who attended were quite pleased with having the opportunity to experience a type of music other than the typical country bands that perform.

Some were even surprised at how many people stuck out the weather.

“I think it’s awesome just how many people are here,” stated Navajo comedian, Ernie Tsosie, III of the comedy act “49 Laughs.” “It’s a good turnout.”

The set that each band played was condensed because of the delay, but the opportunity to see each band play even overshadowed the rain clouds.

“We worked so hard to bring this new event to the Navajo people and we’re just glad that it happened,” explained fair manager, Norma Bowman. “ Hopefully we can make this a tradition and have it at the fair for year’s to come.”

For more information please visit www.navajonationfair.com or contact the Fair Office at 928.871.6478, 928.871.7998 or 928.871.7979.

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