TobyMac, Danny Gokey of 'American Idol' kick off Alive Music Festival

MINERAL CITY – Canton resident Darla Eubanks closed her eyes and raised her arms as she swayed to the music of Danny Gokey at Thursday night's start of the Alive Music Festival.

This was her first time at the contemporary Christian music extravaganza, which continues through Sunday at Atwood Lake Park in Carroll and Tuscarawas counties.

For concert schedules and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.alive.org/.

As Gokey's voice faded out and he walked off the stage for headliner TobyMac, the 65-year-old Eubanks opened her eyes and smiled.

"I love worship and I love Danny Gokey," she said. "That's when you go into the presence of the Lord and you're worshipping because of all he's done for me.

"When you hear the words of the songs, they are God's love for us and God standing with us and encouraging us."

Gokey's songs, "Tell Your Heart to Beat Again" and "More Than You Think I Am" carry special meaning.

"Those songs got me through some very difficult times a few years ago," Eubanks said.

She was among thousands who attended the first day of the annual festival, which draws people from across the country.

Still grinning, Eubanks looked to her left and right, explaining that she came to the event alone, and while she didn't know the people surrounding her, the fellow believers in Christ felt like friends.

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She was an example of what fans and organizers say is the essence of Alive — people who not only enjoy the music and its varied styles but are spiritually connected to it.

And that bond was evident as Gokey and TobyMac kicked off the festival with faith and flair.

Don Ujek, 52, of Aurora, Illinois, said he owes 10 years of sobriety to discovering Jesus.

Ujek has been to other Christian music festivals, but never to Alive until this week; he said it's among the larger ones he's attended.

Carrie Olson, 25, of Reading, Michigan, was with Crossroads Farm youth ministry.

"We're a rural youth ministry, so this is really huge for them," she said of the children. "Several of our kids have never been camping before or even out of the county or out of the state, so this is a great opportunity for them to be around other believers and something new."

Danny Gokey was third-place finisher on 'American Idol'

Gokey first gained fame as a third-place finisher on "American Idol" in 2009 while TobyMac is widely considered a pioneer in the Christian hip-hop and rap scene.

Gokey took the stage around 7:30 p.m. under a clear blue sky and waning sunlight. Showcasing his impressive vocal range, Gokey immediately launched into an upbeat song with "New Day."

A backing band was on point with guitar, keyboards, saxophone, bass and percussion.

For full-blown pop songs, Gokey strode the runway into the audience, belting out faith-inspired lyrics, including the 2021 release, "Jesus People," which energized the crowd.

Surprises included a crowd-pleasing cover of the Justin Timberlake hit, "Can't Stop the Feeling!"

Gokey also slowed the tempo a few times. Pulling up a stool, he displayed his clean, pure, soulful vocals and the ability to stretch and hold a note.

Taking on the role of a pop star-preacher, Gokey paused numerous times to extol the virtues of faith in God, both its heights and challenges.

He also told the crowd he planned to watch TobyMac from the side of the stage. And it's easy to see why.

TobyMac talks about death of his 21-year-old son

Starting just before 9:30 p.m., the elder statesman of the Alive Festival walked out of darkness as the stage burst to life with lighting and video images.

And the party was on full-tilt. TobyMac took command of an audience representing every age group.

Early on, the stylish performer held out the microphone to the audience to sing the choruses of his hit songs, including "I just need U." and "Love Broke Thru." Many fans near the stage also knew the verses, shouting out the lyrics with gusto.

The show was a hybrid of a mainstream arena act and church camp revival. And it worked to great effect.

Moments of faith and reflection were woven throughout both performances.

After playing a slew of up-tempo, dance beat songs, TobyMac paused before playing an acoustic-based ballad dedicated to his 21-year-old son Truett Foster McKeehan, who died in 2019.

McKeehan had attended the Alive Festival when he was a child and even had been on stage with his dad.

TobyMac thanked fans for helping him cope with the devastating loss.

"We have felt absolutely surrounded by love, and that's the way the body of Christ should feel," he said.

Of his son, the singer said: "I know I'll see him again. I've got the faith to believe in that. I'm standing on that. I'm counting on that."

Calling Truett his "wild child," TobyMac admitted that he also faces obstacles.  "My good doesn't outweigh my bad," he said.

Then he quoted John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

"I've known that verse my whole life," the artist said. "But now it means something more.

"... The way I see it is God gave his first born son so I can see my first born son again."

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com

On Twitter @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: TobyMac, Danny Gokey of 'American Idol' star at Christian music fest