This last Friday night, Griffin House performed a concert at S.P.A.C.E. in Evanston, Illinois – and UTR was on hand for the fun.  UTR host Dave Trout along with his friend, Griffin House enthusiast, and UTR listener Gail Hafar (and their spouses) not only enjoyed a terrific night of music, but they compared notes and reactions to the event.  Here’s their overall review of the concert:
 

What were your feelings and expectations before the concert began?
Gail:  This was the first chance I had to see him sing since becoming a big fan of his music.  While in line for will-call, I commented about how I haven’t been this excited to see someone perform since the New Kids on the Block when I was in grade school. Obviously, my taste in music has matured.
Dave:  This was also my first time seeing Griffin perform, and I was only familiar with a handful of his songs beforehand. I was actually nervous that I might not like him live.  One thing that added to the anticipation was that this was all of our first time seeing a show at S.P.A.C.E., & it was sold out.

How would you describe his performance?  Did he pass the test?
Gail:  The entirety of his performance could have itself been given the title of his latest album, “The Learner” – even though surprisingly he only played one song off that CD.  The songs he performed lamented lost love, celebrated the complexities of love, and longed for peace and truth in the face of depravity.
Dave:  He more than passed the test in my eyes.  It was just a mic, a guitar, & a harmonica – and yet he commanded every second of the sold-out crowd’s attention.

What was the biggest highlights of the concert?
Gail: His hope-filled presentation.  Griffin conveyed the truth of his life  - pain, loss, love, joy, confusion, rage, competition, longing, frustration, a hunger for wholeness, and a desperation to move closer to the One who set it all into motion... to the One who will redeem every last bit of it… every last bit of us.
Dave:  Several things.  I was also so encouraged by how Griffin is shining the light of his faith to people who probably have no interest in visiting a local church. I also loved some of the sing-along songs, like “The Way I Was Made” and Jonny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”  Another surprise was that he talked a little bit about his life, but didn’t share any stories about the songs, which is different than what I’m used to with singer-songwriters.  This showcased the quality of his songwriting and the trust he has in the songs standing on their own.

How were you feeling as you left the event?
Gail:  I remain a very big fan of Griffin House. New Kids ain’t got nothin’ on this dude!
Dave:  He has won me over.  I bought his entire discography at the concert.  I can’t wait to dig deeper into his music, and already look forward to the next time he performs in my area.

GRIFFIN HOUSE’S SET LIST ON 1/13/12

1. Better Than Love
2. I Remember (It’s Happening Again)
3. Waiting for the Rain to Come
4. Standing at the Station
5. I Wanna Go Down
6. Man In the Long Black Coat
7. ‘Cause I Miss You
8. I Will Follow
9. Let Me In
10. Never Again
11. Judas
12. Ring of Fire
13. Volkswagon
14. The Guy That Says Goodbye to You is Out of His Mind
15. The Way I Was Made
16. Waterfall
17. When the Time is Right
18. Only Love Remains

Take a look at our photo gallery of Griffin’s concert, and watch a video of a live performance.