October 14, 2002
Hannibal—Hannibal-LaGrange College (H-LG) hosts Christian artist Bebo Norman in concert at the Orpheum Theatre, 7 p.m., Oct. 30. LaRue and Ten Shekel Shirt will open before Norman takes center stage.
The concert, co-hosted by H-LG and WGCA Radio in Quincy, Ill., is part of H-LG’s Homecoming week.
Since 1996, Norman has released three successful albums, including the independent release, "The Fabric of Verse," and "Ten Thousand Days" and "Big Blue Sky" with Watershed Records.
Norman, 27, had no plans for a music career, but earned a biology degree in hopes of becoming a doctor.
During college, Norman played at Young Life camps in his spare time, piquing his artist’s creative side. After college, he took a year off to pursue music and has been playing ever since.
His songs are known for their intricate lyrics and rootsy guitar sound. Norman’s latest album includes songs about God’s creation, as well as his grandfather, mother, and future wife.
"I have been overwhelmed lately with the sense that I am small and God is big," said Norman of his most recent work, "Big Blue Sky."
"It puts my entire world into perspective…when I walk outside every day and see that the sky is still blue and God is still God."
"Big Blue Sky" claimed the top spot on Amazon.com’s "10 Best Christian and Gospel CDs of 2001." It was acclaimed by the Dallas Morning News and the Baptist Press.
The music of Ten Shekel Shirt is getting more air play by radio stations across the country. Their debut album "Much," is said to "blur the lines between performance and praise, by transforming thinking-man’s rock into conversations with God."
The three-member band met in Tyler, Texas, while working with Youth With a Mission (YWAM), an international volunteer organization. Their ministry, now based out of New Haven, Conn., continues to be an outreach of YWAM.
LaRue is comprised of the brother-sister duo Phillip, 20, and Natalie, 18. They released their third album, "Reaching," this month. LaRue’s popularity began with their 1999 release of their self-titled album and the 2001 release, "Transparent." Two of their videos, featuring the songs "Reason" and "Jaded," made the Disney Channel rotation.
LaRue says the goal of their new album is to challenge people to think about God in higher terms.
"Our generation has lessened the image of God. We don’t think about Him in the highest terms of how He actually is. I hope the direction of Reaching will intrigue people and cause them to look deeper into God," the group said in a press release.
Tickets are $11 for groups of ten or more, $12 in advance, and $13 at the door. Tickets are available by calling the Student Affairs Office at 573-221-3675, ext. 231, or at the Mustard Seed in the Quincy Mall. Seating is limited.