Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Concert Review


Saints and Sinners Tour 2015

 

Saints and Sinners Tour
10/15/15, at Amplify Church, Pittsburgh PA

Matt Maher, in support of his latest album which dropped earlier this year, rounded up some of his Rock & Roadshow cohorts and hit the road for the Fall leg of the Saints & Sinners Tour.

Up first was newcomer Hannah Kerr, in her first ever touring appearance. While her set was brief, she showcased a beautiful voice and some catchy, ready-for-radio CCM tunes. She reminds me a lot of Moriah Peters, and I think she has a bright future ahead of her. Her debut EP I Stand Here is now available on iTunes.

Next up was Jon Guerra, who was one of the more pleasantly surprising acts at The Roadshow earlier this year. Accompanied by his wife on violin, Guerra beautifully sang a few songs from his newest album, Little Songs, with a Dylan-esque vulnerability that makes him so easy to enjoy. Perhaps the standout was his song "Stained Glass" and explanation of how, much like a stained glass window, made up of broken pieces, God puts us together to make something wholly unique and beautiful.

I was privileged to get to photograph I Am They for the third time this year at this show as well. However, this is my first time seeing the show with new lead singer Abbie Parker at the helm. Her voice is definitely different from her predecessor's, but it still meshes well with the folksy rhythm of the rest of the band and she is a welcome addition to the lineup. I Am They went through their usual breakout hits, full of fire and fervent foot stomping, clapping, and tamborining energy. They are always a joy to witness live and there are some powerful testimonies within the group.

After a short intermission, the man of the hour, Matt Maher took the stage. Maher worked through most of his huge hits, but the set was rightfully skewed towards the tour's namesake album. Threaded throughout the set were moments where Maher explained the meaning and inspiration behind the songs, many of which were grounded in Catholicism. For a non-Catholic, and someone who isn't well studied on certain Saints and lore, I appreciated the information and it allowed me to connect further with Maher's material. Matt Maher has a lot of songs that personally resonate with me, but on this night, the one that stands out the brightest is his song "Instrument." Based off of St. Francis of Assissi's prayer, this song and the preceding monologue was the highlight of the night. Such a beautiful prayer and song to cap off a wonderful night of worship.

-- BJ Smith, 10/23/15

Saints and Sinners Tour 2015 Photo Gallery
click on an image for a bigger size
**vertical images cropped for thumbnails**

Hannah Kerr

Jon Guerra

I Am They

Matt Maher

*all photos by B.J. Smith and are the property of the photographer and Jesusfreakhideout.com

 



Leave a Comment

 

go to main Album review page

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, April 11, 2025
ALBUMS
Benjamin William Hastings How I'd sing it on a sunday (from the studio) [Capitol CMG]
Kingdom Family Sueña - EP (independent)
Life.Church Worship Sueña (independent)
Tommee Profitt, Sam Tinnesz The Fall [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Holy Rain MG NEVER (Ic3rd, Cas, DeAndreGodSaves) - Single [Syntax]
Luvell Elevado Clouded Skies - Single [Syntax]
Melody Noel So Good - Single (independent)
NXTMIKE MOON - Single [Syntax]
Prodi Da Prodigal Raindrops (Gritty Version) - Single [Syntax]
SNT. VINCENT Lay My Life Down - Single [Syntax]
Brandon Watson Furious - Single (independent)
Phil Wickham What An Awesome God - Single [Fair Trade]

VINYL
Audio Adrenaline Some Kind of Zombie (Remastered) Vinyl [Girder]
Petra Washes Whiter Than (Remastered) Vinyl [Girder]

This Saturday, April 12, 2025
VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Live at Gruene Hall Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive) [Flatiron]

Next Tuesday, April 15, 2025
BOOKS
Sandra McCracken and Tim Nicholson Maker of the Mountain [B&H]


Next Friday, April 18, 2025
ALBUMS
Ronnie Martin Consume Like A Moth What Is Dear [Velvet Blue]
Sixpence None the Richer Live at Gruene Hall [Flatiron]

SINGLES
Fred Hammond, Khristian Dentley, Gabriel Preisser Via Dolorosa - Single [Tomb Slayer]
LO CLOUD Dreams Fail - Single (independent)



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out the newest JFH Metal compilation - FREE!
Get JFH's 13th free indie compilation now!
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images