Scott Middlebrooks, Director of Sales, Marketing and Promotions for the Cottonmouths, was the first person that I spoke with. When asked why a hockey team would sponsor a Christian Music night, since the two just don't normally go together, Scott said, "You don't normally associate hockey with the south-central Georgia either, but it is the premier professional sporting attraction in this area. It has much to do with people coming out and experiencing different things. In the south you have sports and you have Jesus." He further stated, "When you throw in a mix like a Christian concert, yes, it's different, but it makes it easier to reach groups like high school, college and junior high students. This is a way for us to invite the community out to see something that is totally different, to expand their experiences."
When I admitted my ignorance about the game and the fans, Scott made me feel better by saying, "The typical hockey fan has changed. I think that in the south people aren't as aggressive in the stands. They're more reserved. The stereotype of the traditional hockey fan is probably aggressive. They like to get in there and rough it up, but it's not as intense here. The fan base here is very loyal and well behaved. They are respectful of each other and of the kids in the audience. I think the worse you'll hear is 'Hey ref - you suck'!"
At this point, Torn Temple Veil, the band playing that night, was ready to talk.
The members of TTV are:
- Travis Sanders
- Josh Taylor
- David Blaine
- Robert Farrar
- Phillip Elder
When asked why they were playing Christian music at a hockey game, Davey responded, "We're here because we're looking for opportunities to expand the market that we play in and for a bigger chance to bring glory to God. We know that a hockey game probably doesn't have as many Christians in it as a church service does, so we're here to try and spread the gospel in a way that might appeal to people that would come to a hockey game, but not necessarily to a church service".
Sadly, Columbus, GA doesn't have a whole slew of venues that Christian bands that aren't "church" bands can play. For the past couple of months, that hasn't been a problem for Torn Temple Veil. "We've been taking a break for about a month or so trying to get our priorities straight as individuals. After a while you lose focus on who you should really be singing to, and that's Him. We had gotten a little of track, so we decided to take it back to the beginning, practicing a lot and praying a lot.", explained Robert. Philip added, "We're guys, and so our all time biggest problem is pride. Psalm 131 has come to mean so much to us. It's kind of been our theme for the past few weeks. It's a constant reminder that it's not about us."
For indie bands, the future is generally a dream of getting signed and "making it big". TTV has a little different outlook for the future. "I know it sounds like a cliche', but I really want God to be able to use us to whatever extent He wants to use us to. I'd love to get on a stage and play in front on 10,000 people, but if we just do local ministry, I'm fine with that.", said bassist Trav. Davey went on to say, "Part of the reason we have to take a break sometimes is because we're selfish. We want to be big and have the opportunity to minister to a place bigger than this. Sometimes we think that God is saying that there's a field here to be harvested and sometimes we overlook this because we've got dreams bigger than this. We have to learn contentment and not overlook the trees for the forest."
All in all it was a great night. The guys in Torn Temple Veil are talented, down to earth and fun to be around. Their manager, Chad Vaughn, who is a Commander in the U.S. Army with a degree in Music Composition, is a true gem with a gift for people and a head for business. The staff for the Cottonmouths was absolutely great and the hockey ... well, it turns out that hockey is pretty cool to watch! When the Cottonmouths have another Christian Music night, I'll be there!
Editor's Note - Sadly, Torn Temple Veil, the band featured in this piece, played their last show in November of 2005. Good luck to all of the members as they walk the new paths that God has put in front of them.
