The Official Monthly Jars of Clay Email News Digest
8/1/96
3,479 Subscribers
web site: http://www.jarsofclay.com
CONTENTS:
*CCM Article: Consider This!
*Jars usenet newsgroup proposal
*Liquid released to mainstream radio
*TV and Radio Appearances
*Tour Updates
*Phone number for tour dates
*Concert Review: June 8, 1996, W. Palm Bch, FL
*Prayer Requests
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The following article is from the "Consider This" column in August CCM by John Fischer: We believe that it sums up the style of ministry that Jars have been given, and hope it sheds some insight to the rest of you as well:
"Only a World to Reach"
Last month I suggested that in an important time of self-reflection, the Christian music industry should be careful not to miss a positive new development - the current acceptance among popular culture of Jars of Clay. To what can we attribute this surprise success? To good music done well with a fresh sound and creative lyrics that happened to hit alternative radio stations at just the right time? To the liaison between Christian companies and general market promotion and distribution that was able to support and supply this interest? To the open window of a spiritual hunger at large among a lost generation? You could probably say yes to all of these, as well as to some other reasons we may never know anything about. What I didn't know at the time of that writing was that I was soon to have an unexpected occasion to witness this group in action. Now I normally don't give this much attention to one artist in this column, but I believe what is happening right now is not normal, and therefore worthy of special attention. A group of young, dedicated Christians are writing contemporary music that dredges some pretty challenging theological themes such as guilt, sin, crucifixion, salvation, belief and unbelief. What's unusual is that this group is being embraced all over the FM dial in cities across the country, not to mention courting a concert tour of clubs and popular venues that would cause any new band to salivate.
Please forgive me if I seem a little excited. It's just that for 10 years I have been saying from this page that this could be done, and now someone has done it. But that's only me saying "I told you so." What's really exciting is a guy named William.
The event I attended was a free birthday bash at the Starplex amphitheater in Dallas sponsored by a local alternative rock station. The Dallas Morning News listed the groups to play that day as Cowboy Junkies, Jars of Clay - "one of the few Christian groups that tons of non-Christians have actually heard" - Jewel, Dada and Deep Blue Something.
The summer night air hung low and smoky from tobacco and some other leaves that were burning. I looked out over rows of shaved, cropped hairdos. The guy next to me had five earrings on his face and only two of them were actually on his ears. Two stage hands were lighting candelabras on either side of the large dark stage when a disk jockey from the local rock station came out and introduced the last group. "Ladies and gentlemen, a new group we happen to like a lot, and I know you will too. Please welcome....Jars of Clay!"
Under cover of fog and loud Gregorian chanting, six young men slipped on stage. Soon two acoustic guitarists emerged from the fog. The audience was on its feet - some standing on top of chairs and some dancing in the aisles. Three layers of tight vocals mimicked the chanting and then the strains of the first lyric could be heard as the music backed off to let the words through: "Arms nailed down, are you telling me something?" All I could think of was, "We've waited a long time for this." The guy next to me, the one with the facial jewelry, had been waiting all his life. "Are you with Jars?" he had asked when I first came in, probably noticing the backstage pass I had stuck on my chest.
"Yes," I said.
"If you're going to see them afterwards, would you thank them for me? I became a Christian listening to their CD."
"You mean, he got everything he needed to know to become a Christian off of one CD?" I asked myself.
"I played it over and over and figured out just about everything. I went and got a Christian friend of mine - pulled him out of a party - and told him I wanted to get saved right away. He didn't believe me. You wouldn't have either. I hated Christians."
But you see through my forever lies/ And you are not believing/ And I see in your forever eyes/ that you are forever healing. (From Sinking by Jars of Clay).
Now here you have a guy who hates Christians, falling in love with Christian music, and following the lyrics right up to the gospel. His name is William, by the way, and I'm sure he would appreciate your prayers. He's now reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and wants to be a novelist. Something about this seems fragile. Breakable. We need to back off, and let this thing happen. Pray if you will, but please, don't go to hear Jars of Clay at a club and cheer for Jesus. This isn't a contest. There are no sides. There are only sinners and a gospel. If you want to do something, look for people with lots of earrings, who are finding ears for God they didn't know they had.
You know when Christian music started, it was a lot like this. You would have gone to hear a Christian group and smelled pot and sat next to someone who appeared at first to be as far from the kingdom of God as you could imagine, until you talked to him and found out he had just walked into it three weeks earlier. Twenty-five years ago there wasn't a Christian audience to entertain; there was only a world to reach. Now, 25 years later, there still is.
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*Jars Usenet Newsgroup Proposal:
There has been a newsgroup proposed, and we are interested to hear what people think- the problem with this is people don't think there are enough posts in the rmc.music.christian folder about jars of clay, so they don't think it would work. If you have access to newsgroups and would be interested in a place to go and post messages about the band, or the latest news or Earthen Vessels, then please post something in rmc.music.christian or write to peter@netaxs.com
The charter and description of the proposal follows. Thanks to Peter for proposing this.
From: peter@netaxs.com
Date: 13 Jul 1996 03:50:33 -0000
Message-ID: [837229831.1285@uunet.uu.net]
REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION (RFD)
unmoderated group rec.music.artists.jars-of-clay
Newsgroup line:
rec.music.artists.jars-of-clay II Cor 4:7--But we have this treasure in...
This is a formal Request For Discussion (RFD) for the creation of a world-wide unmoderated Usenet rec.music.artists.jars-of-clay. This is not a Call for Votes (CFV); you cannot vote at this time.
Procedural details are below.
RATIONALE: rec.music.artists.jars-of-clay
The band Jars of Clay has stormed both the secular as well as Christian markets and posts pertaining to the band has appeared in rec.music.christian, alt.music.alternative, as well as other Usenet newsgroups. The band has a loyal and dedicated following of fans with varing musical tastes, making it hard for fans to follow threads in all the music newsgroups. For example, a fan of Christian music would read rec.music.christian but does not follow alt.music.alternative, and thus would miss many of the messages posted there. A dedicated newsgroup would help solve this problem.
Jars of Clay as an up and coming band has been making various appearances on TV, in concert, as well as other locations. The newsgroup would serve as a clearing house for fans to inform fellow fans of these appearances.
The music of Jars of Clay contains deep, well thought-out lyrics. These lyrics will often have different meanings for the listener depending on their faith, lifestyle, etc. And a discussion of the lyrics would be interesting for other listeners, to see who shares their opinions.
The name rec.music.artists.jars-of-clay lends it self very plainly. And thus fall correctly in the hierarchy and be specific.
CHARTER: rec.music.artists.jars-of-clay
The newsgroup rec.music.artists.jars-of-clay would be an unmoderated discussion group for the band Jars of Clay. This would include:
o reviews of concerts and appearances
o notices of concerts and appearances
o reviews and interpretations of the music and lyrics
o reader transcribed versions of JoC's music (ie tab & crd files)
o notices of updates to the official web page
o copies of Earthen Vessels (the official newsletter)
o Jars of Clay items forsale ads will be tolerated
END CHARTER.
PROCEDURE:
This is a request for discussion, not a call for votes. In this phase of the process, any potential problems with the proposed newsgroups should be raised and resolved. The discussion period will continue for a minimum of 21 days (starting from when the first RFD for this proposal is posted to news.announce.newgroups), after which a Call For Votes (CFV) may be posted by a neutral vote taker if the discussion warrants it. Please do not attempt to vote until this happens.
All discussion of this proposal should be posted to news.groups.
This RFD attempts to comply fully with the Usenet newsgroup creation guidelines outlined in "How to Create a New Usenet Newsgroup" and "How to Format and Submit a New Group Proposal". Please refer to these documents (available in news.announce.newgroups) if you have any questions about the process.
DISTRIBUTION:
This RFD has been posted to the following newsgroups:
news.announce.newgroups, news.groups,
alt.music.alternative,
alt.music.misc,
rec.music.christian
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*Liquid released to mainstream radio:
Flood continues to amaze us as it lingers within the Top 20 and Top 30 positions on the National Top 40. Meanwhile, Liquid has been released to mainstream rock radio and is getting somewhat of a "cold shoulder" from the radio stations. Please remember to call in and request the second single! We hope to eventually put a list of radio stations and their phone numbers at the web site to help out with this.
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*TV and Radio Appearances:
There have been many recent appearances by the jars on TV, including CBS this morning, Z-TV, MTV News (one short segment), Much Music (Canada), Fish-TV, Edge-TV, and ABC In Concert. In addition, Jars continue to do radio interview and live acoustic shows such as Modern Rock Live. We will try to update you of any appearances we hear of, but usually we find out after the fact.
Please keep us posted if you hear anything as well!
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*Tour Updates:
August 2: Fairfield, OH - Tri-County Assembly of God 7:30 pm 606-586-0173
August 3: Knoxville, TN - Bearden Sr. High School 7:30 pm 423-539-7800
August 4: Cleveland, OH - Odeon 8:00 pm 216-574-2722
August 5: Richmond, KY - McBrayer Arena, E. KY Univ. 10:00 pm 219-267-6622
August 8: Nashville, TN - Riverfront Park 8:00 pm WRLT Radio 615-242-5600
August 9: Chicago, IL - Double Door 10:00 pm 312-489-3160
August 10: Louisville, KY - Gardens 7:30 pm 502-587-3800
August 12: Washington, DC - Bayou 8:00 pm 202-333-2898
August 13: Scranton, PA - Tink's 11:00 pm 717-346-8465
August 15: Boston, MA - Paradise 8:00 pm 617-562-8800
August 16: Agawam, MA - Riverside Park 7:30 pm 413-583-9300
August 17: Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony 8:00 pm 201-988-7267
August 18: Hampton, NY - WBLI-FM 12:00 pm n/a
August 18: Wantagh, Long Island, NY - Mulcahy's 10:00 pm 516-783-1838
August 24: Lancaster, PA - Purple Door Festival 800-336-3206
August 25: Norfolk, VA - w/ MW Smith - Naval Amphibious Base 4 pm 804-464-7905
August 27: State College, PA - Crowbar 11:45 pm 814-237-0426
August 28: Richmond, VA - Flood Zone 7:00 pm 804-643-6006
August 30: Birmingham, AL - Samford University 7:30 pm 205-879-3313
August 31: Monroe, LA Quachita H.S. 7:30 pm KHLL Radio 318-323-5994
September 1: Kansas City, KS - K.C. Spirit Festival - Penn Valley Park 816-741-6070
September 2: Minneapolis, MN - Mill City 4:00 pm 612-228-1175
September 4: Wichita, KS Catillion
September 6: Dallas, TX - Starplex - opening for STING
September 7: Austin, TX - Southpark Meadows - opening for STING
September 8: Houston, TX - Mitchell Pavillion - opening for STING
September 9-15: In Europe
September 16-22 OFF
September 23-30 Rehearsing
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*Phone number for tour dates:
If you are not sure of any tour dates, or if not all of the information was provided to you by us here or at the web site, *please* call the following number: 615-361-0444
This line will have a recorded message detailing upcoming concert dates. Callers will be able to leave a message if the date they need information for is not in the recording. Hope this helps all of you get to the shows!
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*Concert Review: June 8, 1996 Carefree Theatre, W. Palm Beach, FL
Heres my review of the Jars of Clay concert on June 8 in West Palm Beach, Fla at the Carefree Theatre. It was AWESOME! PERIOD! I honestly think that it is the best concert I have ever been to. They had some guy opening for them - His name was Michael McDermott. Finally when they set the stage for Jars, it was rather bare. Four candelabras were the only extraneous stuff beside the mics, instruments and the guys. There were just one on each corner of the stage. It gave a almost gothic feel to it. I liked it. They opened with Liquid and moved right on to Like a Child and then Boy on a String.
Then Dan took the time to introduce all of the guys to the crowd and to introduce the very infamous Good Coffee, Strong Coffee I had never heard this before, and looked forward to it. For anyone who hasnt heard it it has the typical haunting melodies that the guys have become famous or infamous for, but lyrics that you just want to laugh at! Unfortunately Matt didn't do the cappuccino impression, and I forgot to ask him why! Anyway, I think they should make it like FourSeven on the next album.
Dan then proceeded to "When I was in high school, I read a book". This drew a response, most likely from people who knew what was coming, but he responded with, your response can only mean one thing: a) youve heard of books, b) youve heard of high school or c) you actually read a book in high school. Then on to..."I read a book about Child Abuse..." and the whole deal about how they wanted to write a song about it, but they also wanted to remind people that there is a hope and a relief from the torture. This was the closest they came to mentioning religion at all, (more explanation at the end) and then on to He. Very moving, as usual I suspect. From it they went straight into Sinking with only the explanation that it was a song about addictions.
After that, well, then came the time that we realized that Jars of Clay are just human beings. They tried to go straight into Worlds Apart but something got in the way. Steves guitar wasnt tuned correctly and it sounded BAD! They tried to continue but kept looking at each other and making faces. Finally Dan said, Ok weve got to stop b/c this is hurting your ears. And it really was. Dan said "Weve given up all hope on being professional now, and you can see that all we are just a bunch of dropouts!" Things got better and they started over, trying not to laugh.
The next song they said was a new one off the proverbial second album (to be corrected by someone as the third) and it ended up being Fade To Grey I'm not sure how many people realized this, no one around me did. Then straight into Flood The entire house knew that one, and it rocked BIG TIME! They ended it with Hallelujahs. They came back for an encore with Love Song For a Savior and audience participation with the I want to fall in love with you Very moving! They ended with FourSeven and Na Na Nas at the end. Then we went out back to meet the guys.
Dan, Scott (drummer) and Aaron(bassist) were there when we got there, and then Matt and Charlie came soon after. They just hung around and chatted with everyone, signed stuff and took pictures. Eventually Dan and Aaron went to see their family that was there, and Matt and Scott stayed and talked with us while we waited for Steve who was visiting with family too.
One thing Scott responded to was the lack of ministering in the show. He said that they believed that if they came full out and started preaching that more than half the audience would get up and leave and they would be preaching to people that already believed. I agreed with him, especially in that he said many, many seeds were sown that night. (The concert was sponsored by a mainstream radio station) He also said that Lisa Loeb was gonna open for them later in the summer.
I mentioned to Matt about our upcoming chat,(on Prodigy) and he had no idea. Some of us there knew their schedule better than they did. =) Other fans wanted to know how some of us knew their schedules so well, and the only response was that we receive a totally awesome, really kicking, very informative e-mail newsletter.
Whats it called again? =)
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*Prayer requests:
[Note: we are thinking of having an additional supplemental smaller newsletter for those interested in receiving prayer requests separate each week or so....we find that by the time they're reprinted here, they can be a bit out-dated...please respond to b.simpson5@genie.com and let him know you're interested, and he will count the responses and see if we should go ahead with it. Thanks for praying for all these!
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mwielgu@siue.edu (Mike Wielgus, Jr.)
To: Earthpots@aol.com
I have a prayer request to mention. My dad is losing his job on September 28. He has worked with this company for 20 years and he has no college education. We've known that the plant was closing, but negotiations delayed the closing date for about 2 years. It comes to a close on September 28. My prayer is that through the search for a new job, and the change of my dad's lifestyle, God's hand may be on us and that he may strengthen us during this tough period. Thanks for your time.
Mike
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jmwrig01@morehead-st.edu (Matt Wright)
My name is Matt. I have a friend who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer this past week. His name is David Nickell. Please keep him in your prayers. He has been sick for many weeks now. He will have to undergo six months of kimotheraphy and radiation. His survival rate is not very high. The doctors have said that his only hope will be our prayers. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share this with you. PEACE.
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From: msmith1633@worldnet.att.net (Michael Smith)
I would like ya'll to prayer for my church. We are going through a dry spell and I would like ya'll to pray that the holy spirit would fall down on us. I would also appreciate it if ya'll would pray for me. I have been having a spirit of fear at certain times. If you would also pray that I would be a better witness and not be afraid.
God bless,
Kristen Smith
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From: Wyzzard@msn.com (Paul Simmons)
Looks like I have some great news of my own - I got one of the best Father's Day presents a guy could get....I'm gonna be a DADDY again!!! Erika took her ept test, and did a follow up with the doctor, and both tests showed positive. We're about as excited as we could be!
If you would, please put a prayer request in the next newsletter concerning this. Erika has been experiencing some sharp pain in her lower abdominals off and on for a couple of months now. The doctors thought it might have something to do with ovulation, but now that's ruled out because she's having them right now, even though she's pregnant. Pray that 1) we find out what's causing this and 2) it's nothing serious that could harm Erika or the baby.
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From: dshaw@omnifest.uwm.edu (David R. Shaw)
My sister Jen and her good friend Wayne are both going on mission trip over the summer. Jen is now presently in a country called Belize working at a bible camp and Wayne is going to a camp in Canada. Please pray that God allows his will to help Jen and Wayne while they are away from home and that they come to understand his will and purpose in their life and for their life.
Thanks,
Dave
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From: MPacman17@aol.com
Anyway, for my prayer requests, I was wondering if you and the Jarheads out there could pray for me and my family. We are hosting a Norwegian girl as a part of a tournament that my traveling soccer team is involved in. The story behind this is the USA Cup, one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the world for young people, is held in my home state of Minnesota every year. Unfortuneately, the entering costs for each team can get quite expensive ($5,000 for each team, if not more). So to keep the costs down, other local teams can host soccer clubs from out of town. So my team is now hosting a U17 (under the age of 17) team from Norway. I don't know anything about the girl staying with us, but was hoping that if she was not a christian, my family and I could witness to her in one form or another. I'd really appreciate it as I am a little nervous and not quite sure as to how I should present Christ to her. Thanx!!
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From: CAFARRIS@ruby.ncbc.edu (Christa A. Farris)
Dear Jars People,
Thanks for sending me the new newsletter...it was great as always. I have a prayer request...I just finished my sophomore year in college and will be beginning my junior year this fall. I am double majoring in journalism and broadcasting and know that's what God wants me to major in. But, I am not sure exactly what He wants me to do with that. I have always had the dream of becoming a sportswriter, but I am not sure if that is what God wants for me. It's getting close to that time of thinking about internships and stuff and for the first time in my life, I am afraid and not sure what to do. It's a lot for a 20-year-old to think about and I would appreciate everyone's prayers. I am sure that many of you have been in the same boat that I am in right now. Thanks for your prayers.
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From: ijacks1@tiger.towson.edu (Inger Jackson)
I am a tv production at Towson State U. in Maryland. God has opened my eyes to what I would like to do when I graduate (12/97). I would love to do video production within the Christian music industry. Monday (7/22), I am going to Nashville to see what doors are open. I would also meet up with some other production companies. Right now, I am just trying to see if I could get an internship lined up for next summer. Please pray for God's direction, for doors to be opened, etc. I know he is faithful, and everything will work according to his perfect plan. Thank you!
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From: s009mad@discover.wright.edu (Melody Deel)
Hi, I have a prayer request for the newsletter.
ok, this is hard for me, but I need to deal with it...
my mom is moving away tomorrow. It is a long story, but due to her operation she lost her job... no income.
that was ok, due to the fact that my sister recieved Social Security benefits...well, my sister got married..(this is not a good thing) the guy isn't a Christian and my sister has some mental disabilities, yet she is going to be 23. My mother could not legally stop her from getting married.
Well, since of this my mother now as to move to Pennsylvania with my Grandmother...and I am not happy about this..considering my mom is all I have.(besides God of course). ok, please pray for me. I didn't even want to say goodbye, which is tonite, but I have to, I have no idea when I will see her again.
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