7/24 Ignite Festival, Chicago

 Well I guess I had it coming to me.  Last weekend was so unbelievably smooth, logistically speaking, that a 24 hour period of misery was due to come my way.  I’ll sum up my travel like this: Departed Atlanta three hours late, plane was diverted to Ft. Wayne, IN, where we arrived at 4 am, then left via TAXI for a six hour drive to Chicago O’Hare.  Needless to say, it has been a struggle to keep my eyes open.  As I type this, I am running on 3 hours of sleep, hopefully I’ll be sleeping shortly on this two hour trip home.  We’ll see.

Anyway! We were under the threat of stormy weather all day, so we were waiting on pins and needles to make sure the show was still going to happen.  The city of Chicago was underwater--as we discovered on our taxi journey into town.  The good news was that Alexian Field is located in the suburb of Schaumburg.  It is a nice little minor league baseball stadium.  So nice in fact that since the ground was wet, they didn’t allow the audience to stand in the outfield for fear or messing up the grass.  The stage was set up in center field and faced home plate, meaning that there was around 300 feet of distance between the stage and the stands.  Because folks weren’t allowed on the field, it made it a difficult performance for most of the bands on the festival.  But the sun came out, and dried up all the rain.... And we were pleased to see the throngs of people rushing toward the stage as we ate dinner in a skybox.  Shortly after dinner while Jeremy Camp was on stage, we were able to prep the stage and get ready to rock.  

We were two men down for this show, our regular Lighting Director John Hansen, and Production Manager/Monitor Engineer Matt Guice both had to miss this one.  In their stead, we had a guy from Indiana named BJ behind the lights and our old friend Chris Biggs on monitors.  

The band had their share of weather difficulties too, in the form of plane delays and cancellations. Its funny Tai mentioned after the show that it always seems to be hard to get from the country’s biggest airport to the second biggest.  Ironic.  

The show itself felt and sounded great.  The band played the usual summer set list, including the two new songs, “Lift Up Your Face”, and “Gone” in the encore.  The festival crowd was very energetic, and responsive.  It felt like an absolute jungle up there, but we all pushed through it and finished strong. 

We have a couple of weeks off, so stay tuned... I think I’m going to have some new goodies to post up here in the near future.  Have a good one... Nathan

     

Comments

[Cindy Boo]

Well... I had traveling problems getting there too! What should have been a 2 hr drive from NW IN took 6 hrs of standing traffic, detours to who knows where & just being lost in general because of the flooded expressways! Was soo glad to get to go out in the outfield to see you guys! Did a great job of getting us refocused on the wonders & love a God who brought us all there that Hot, muggy day! Had a great M&G with the guys, slthough my WIRED pic truly depicted the hot miserable weather we all went through! Thank God for getting us all there! It was worth the struggle! BTW When will Ignite be posted on WIRED Radio? Third Day sounded great, as always! Cindy Boo (goatkeeper)

[Kathyntskathy]

Third Day is the best Christian rock bank,you guys were awesome here in chicago despite all the adversities that came your way,and ours included,but we made it there and you performed,thank you so very much,love you guys
kathy

[steve lechner]

third day is awesome band the music pumps u up w the holy sprit

[douglas]

i think what are you did it's awesome..god blesS THIRD DAY!!

[Linda J. Bates]

Third Day, You are the best band in the whole world!!! The music and vocals are splenderifous!!!!!!!!! Mac, I really LOVE the way you sing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless you guys!!!!!Thank you for your wonderful songs about Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Linda

[Susanhohenrath]

when will you guys come to NYC?

[peter jimmerson]

i love you guys plse email me back if you are free

[Debbie]

U guys rocked last night! God shines through all of u! I'm so thankful for ur music. It's so encouraging and uplifting! We serve an awesome God! God bless u guys and keep shining for Him!

[Debbie]

Have a w o n d e r f u l, well desevered rest! Jesus Rocks my world through you! Keep up the good work! :)

[Jen Casino]

Your music drastically changed the course of my husband's (Brett) life and I'm so glad that after 12 years he was finally able to meet you all and share his testimony with you last night after the Ignite show. Your music has meant so much to us both over the years. Thanks so much & God bless.

[marlene]

give chicago all you've got. they really need your music.i love your music god bless.

[Jackie brown]

Thank you for making the journey. I came to Ignite to see Third Day specifically. Hope the concert at Six Flags St Louis isn't stormy this year. I love seeing you guys play there!

[Sue Marie Wicke]

Keep up God's work!

[Washington]

Get some rest, we " Curtis and Danielle Washington" love love love you! Ur are gifted and Blessed by God with that beautiful never forgetting voice! Ur words and ministry last night was the path way of the Holy Spirit to lift us all up! Thank you! God bless you Mac and Third Day!

[Danielle budd]

Thank you for your hard work. Your music is my favorite.
Please get rest, and God bless you!
Would like to see you live soon! :)

[Oscar]

Wow, dude! What a trooper! Get some well deserved rest. :-)