Blog

By: Naomi Bower

Liberty students can’t get enough of Chris Tomlin’s music. From walks down University Boulevard to nights of worship in campus community, Tomlin’s songs continue to leave a mark on the student body. TIME magazine said it best when they stated that he is “likely the most often sung artist anywhere.”

While most of us are probably familiar with some of his most popular hits like “Good Good Father” and “Our God”, Tomlin has continued to create more inspiring music, such as his latest release “Resurrection Power”.  Much like his other music, “Resurrection Power” encourages listeners and reminds them of the hope that comes to those who follow Jesus. This idea is common among Tomlin’s music as he uses his platform as a ministry to his listeners.

In a time where all the music we can imagine is available at our fingertips, artists are oftentimes challenged to create something that will last. Nevertheless, Tomlin has repeatedly defeated the odds with music that the church has continued to sing throughout the years. As a result, his hard work has earned one platinum album and a GRAMMY followed by many more nominations.

Student Activities is excited to bring Chris Tomlin back to Liberty for a show in the Vines Center on February 23rd! There is so much to look forward to as he leads us once again in some of our favorite worship songs.

by: Trae Christian

Since “The Greatest Showman” was released in theaters on December 8th, it has filled news feeds, entertainment blogs and maybe even your friends’ conversations with reviews and opinions. Your friends at Student Activities are here to give you some background on yet another popular musical that will make you say, “I’m glad I purchased a MoviePass so I can watch this movie three more times in theaters!”

“The Greatest Showman” is a musical that follows the life of P.T. Barnum as he works to create what is known as Barnum & Bailey’s circus. The film features original music written by Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, who both wrote for your favorite recent musicals “La La Land” and “Dear Evan Hansen”. There is also a star-studded cast featuring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Zendaya and many more talented actors/actresses. While the movie is nothing short of a visual masterpiece, its album also does an excellent job of taking listeners through Barnum’s journey of following his dreams with every song.

Speaking of the album, it starts off on a high note with “The Greatest Show”. This song fulfills its purpose of setting the tone for the rest of the movie. The songs “Come Alive” and “The Other Side” also do a great job of capturing the thrill and excitement of the circus life. While these three songs are more upbeat and fast-paced, the rest of the album offers uplifting ballads. When listening to “A Million Dreams”, one can only feel inspired as young Barnum sings “a million dreams are keeping me awake”. “This Is Me” tells the circus’ bearded-lady’s story of self-acceptance in an honest way, with lyrics such as, “When the sharpest words wanna cut me down, I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out, I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be, this is me”.

Overall, “The Greatest Showman” is a well-written body of work that effectively communicates the journey and challenges that P.T. Barnum faces while trying to make his dream come true. Whether listening to the album or watching the movie, you can easily follow along with the musical’s uplifting message. Come feel the inspiration with us on March 3rd for Movie Night in the LaHaye Event Space!

References:

https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-greatest-showman

Hey everyone! With Christmas Coffeehouse coming up this weekend, we want to make sure that you’re aware of some security updates you haven’t seen at the show before. We’re taking extra precautions this year to make sure you feel safe and have a good time.

Below are five things to know about the event!

1. Each seat section in the Vines Center will have a designated gate for entry. You will only be allowed to enter through your designated gate – a photo is on our Coffeehouse page.
2. We will be utilizing metal detectors and enforcing the Clear Bag Policy (which you can also find on our aforementioned Coffeehouse page) – we encourage you to bring as few belongings as possible so that you can move through your gate swiftly and find your seat.
3. Skip the line – pick up your ticket early! The Box Office at Vines will be open today through Friday until 5 p.m., and on the event day at 9 p.m.
4. There will be NO RE-ENTRY once you’re inside the Vines Center, meaning you should pick up your ticket and your friends’ tickets this week. You will not be allowed to pick up your friends’ tickets and walk outside to hand them to your friends.
5. We want to move through this security process as quickly as possible. Because of this, the first 1,000 people who walk in the doors on Saturday night will be entered into a raffle to win a $150 TARGET GIFT CARD!

BONUS: join us for the Coffeehouse pre-show! DOORS OPEN AT 10 p.m., and we want you to come take photos with our scene decorations, grab some snacks/drinks at the concessions stands, and mingle with your friends!

We appreciate your patience with us for all these changes in advance. Our first priority (besides putting on the best Coffeehouse ever) is to keep you and your friends safe. Thank you for working with us, and don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the show!

The music industry is a difficult one to get into, and an even difficult one to find longevity in. There are thousands of artists out there that get very little exposure, even though they are just as talented as those who have achieved “mainstream” status. One of these artists is Canada’s own: Mr. Colter Wall. While we give Canada credit for artists like Drake and Justin Bieber, we don’t really see many country music artists coming from our neighbors to the north.

Wall’s music is classified as folk music, but has some strong influences outside of the folk genre. His first EP Imaginary Appalachia has a dark and folky/Americana feel. “Sleeping on the Blacktop” and “The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie” are two great examples of this folky/Americana feel and a good place to start when listening to Colter.

Wall’s voice is similar to that of some country music stars from days’ past. Wall released a self-titled full album in May and it is a little different from the EP, but still exceeds expectations. He again brings back the darker folk sound, but also more of a classic country aspect to the album. “Snake Mountain Blues” is midway through the album, and could be the song that epitomizes the album.

If this post has caused you to have some strong considerations to listen to Mr. Wall’s music, you need to keep a few things in mind. The reason why this incredibly talented 21-year-old won’t be featured on the radio is because his music is on the darker side and offers a lot of deep lyrics to match. While music on the radio leans more toward the shallow side, it doesn’t always favor the depth that you find in Mr. Wall’s music. His music stands out, and that’s what makes it unique.

All in all, Colter Wall’s music is relatively slept on, and that’s a shame considering his talent. If you’re looking to shuffle up from the same rainy-day music or just looking for something a little different, give Colter a shot.

For our last post concerning local Mexican food on the blog, Logan and Clay give us a glimpse into a place you probably know all too well – Sparky’s Cantina. Read below for their full review!

Nuzzled up in the back of the Reber Thomas dining hall lies the hidden gem of Mexican eateries in Lynchburg. Sparky’s Cantina offers a fiesta of flavors and helping sizes that will leave you content.

When it comes to authenticity and flavor, nothing compares to the slow cooked chicken and perfectly seasoned beef found at Sparky’s Cantina. Sparky’s Cantina is the perfect place to grab a bowl or burrito with heaps of meat, rice, beans, and all the fixings, including FREE GUAC!

Sparky’s Cantina is a staple for on-campus life. As long as you have a valid Flames Pass and a meal plan, the dining hall’s gem is undoubtedly the easiest Mexican joint to visit.

No one can argue that a meal swipe for unlimited food is quite the deal. If you do not have a meal plan, a visit to the dining hall for Sparky’s Cantina will cost you about $10. Keeping in mind that you can eat until the shame from getting back in line becomes unbearable, this is a legitimate deal.

On the hunt for a first date venue? There is no need to look any further. Sparky’s Cantina offers wide open seating in a busy, loud setting filled with mixed scents and probably ten people from your hall. If you’re looking for a quick, easy option that doesn’t scream, “I’m trying to impress you,” Sparky’s Cantina is the spot for you.

A couple weeks ago, we had the honor of hosting Q-Union. Q-Union, in short, is an event that incorporates simulcast national speakers, live local speakers and group discussion concerning the culture around us. Q-Union prides itself on being “a one night event giving guidance and inspiration for how to engage society’s most difficult conversations”. Liberty was proud to be one of 20 colleges across the country to host the Q-Union conversation, which included topics such as technology, community, faith and more.

We recorded our three student speakers’ lectures as well as a critical thinking Q&A session, led by the Executive Director for the Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, Dr. Chatraw. You can watch them below, and for more information on Q-Union, visit their website.

Kevin Richards, School of Divinity, PhD student

Kevin is married to his awesome wife of 4 yrs, Nicole. He is from Lynchburg, VA. He played football for Liberty in undergrad. His current research pursuits involve comparative eschatology and ethics.

Maria Kometer, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Masters student

Maria is a Graduate Student Assistant for the Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, and she hopes to work in Mental Health in some capacity.  Current research pursuits include psychoeducation, postpartum and prenatal Mental Health, and the physiological implications of child abuse.

Jack Carson, School of Divinity, Graduate student

Jack pursuing ministerial education, and his research interests include ecclesial relationships with culture, how our understanding of Scripture’s inspiration influence our hermeneutics, and the influence Christian redemptive theology should have on the ethos  of  Christian para-church organizations.

Q&A led by Dr. Chatraw

Mi Patron has five locations in the Lynchburg area, the closest of which is found in Candler’s Station near Staples. Each location offers a homey spin on traditional Mexican-American restaurants.

Mi Patron delivers healthy portions of good old-fashioned Mexican food. The menu is large and mostly unintimidating, offering familiar options like chicken fajitas and some more innovative recipes like the Mexican Cheese Steak (thinly sliced steak, onions, and nacho cheese on a soft tortilla). While Mi Patron serves some less traditional meals, the flavors should leave you satisfied.

The Mi Patron on Candler’s Mountain is one of the easiest Mexican restaurants to access in Lynchburg. Walking to Candlers Station from Green Hall is comparable to walking from East Campus to the Rot, while the furthest location (Forest) is about an 18-minute drive if you want to show off your car.

The most important part of choosing where to eat, for college students at least, is the price. Mi Patron is one of the more affordable restaurants in town. Their lunch menu boasts 20 meals between $5 to $8. All things considered you’ll probably spend under $10, unless you have taken Dr. Wheeler and tip 87%. Mi Patron proves to be a great bang for your buck.

While Mi Patron is no Mexican Shoemakers, it is a solid choice for a casual date. Its affordable meals and cozy décor create a good environment for a 2nd or 3rd date, when your wallet is a bit skinny from that flashy first date.