Christian rock groups perform at ISU

By: Amanda Mayer & Heidi Staggs

Three bands performed in Hulman Center and celebrated a birthday backstage Tuesday night.

Lead vocalist and guitarist for Skillet John Cooper celebrated his birthday just prior to the concert.

"We had Batman birthday cake," he said.

Cooper's wife Korey Cooper is also a member if the band, and they tour with their children.

The bands Disciple and Decyfer Down opened for Skillet.

Skillet is a Christian rock band, which has been compared to Kutless and Three Days Grace.

TJ Harris, lead vocalsist for Decyfer Down, said to prepare for concerts he must stretch and exercise and talks with his other band members before performing.

"Me and the guys get together and pray," he said.

Before praying, Decyfer Down celebrated Cooper's birthday backstage with a meet and greet with fans.

"I didn't get to eat some of that cake," he said. "I wanted to save mine for later, when I can cool down."

Katie Shew, a junior from Terre Haute North Vigo High School, attended the concert with her youth group.

"I like their music," she said. "I never heard them live before."

Adam Bennett, a senior construction management major, also celebrated his birthday at the concert after receiving tickets from his friend.

He said he never heard of Skillet personally, but was urged to go.

"I know they are harder then Kutless," he said. "And, that is some good stuff."

Kelly Bridgewater, a Terre Haute resident, waited in line thirty minutes prior to the ticket release to get front row tickets for her birthday.

"Skillet is my second favorite band," she said. "They aren't the regular CCM [contemporary Christian music], but they still have core Christian values."

She wanted to hear the song "Collide," performed by Skillet at the concert.

She said it was her favorite song by Skillet because "it has a nice beat."