Cornerstone 97
Written by DJ Darryl Cottier   
Saturday, 15 May 2004

Cornerstone has become the main event in the US as far as the Christian scene is concerned. Imagine being out on a farm in humid either exteremly dusty or muddy ground, and walking into a small barn with about 2-400 people from all over the US from various denominations dancing franticly while the staff quickly tries to find ways to keep them cool. The bands and DJs are a mixture of the best Christian acts the Christian and secular worlds can offer. If you can imagine that, then you might just have a glimpse of what it is like on the surface to be there. Everyone who goes, is changed. There is just something about that festival that changes you.

This is DJ Darryl's report from Cornerstone 1997. Some things have changed, others have not. Regardless, every year, lives are changed, friendships are solidified or started and everyone is both dead tired and renewed at the same time. —Editor

NIGHT 1

DJ Scott Blackwell opened the night with various sets from the N-Soul CD collection. Scott was mixing on his Pioneer CDJ-500 II dual CD players and mixer, he mixes exclusively CD's now. Next up was Maximillian and he put on a great show . The title 'human beatbox' is well deserving. Some times you couldn't believe all those sounds were coming out of his mouth, and the man can even scratch through his month. With Max, who needs equipment? Max also sang songs from his latest N-Soul project. The next group up was Sweet Salvation featuring Stephanie. Stephanie was dressed as a cheerleader/ballerina with the voice to match. She sang somewhat like Julie Brown/Toni Basil or a Julie Miller on helium. The crowd didn't know how to take the performance, some dancing, some staring in disbelief. They performed about 5 songs, the background music was sort of house, techno. After them came DJ Free T, mixing vinyl. DJ Free T does a very Gospel/House/Spiritual mix. He mixed for about 1 hour, the crowd loved it. He also didn't hide behind the system. On stage he was dancing and even lip singing some songs. DJ Free t also talked a bit about what God was doing in his life. The last one up was Joey Belville from Echoing Green, his set was a little bit more dance orientated than his latest album. His set was full of energy, and excitement. 5 minute walk records has asked Joey for his next CD to make it more like Prodigy meets Chemical Brothers... should be great.

NIGHT 2

Was hip hop night at the tent, opening up was Mista Tru featuring Faze. Went to a Hip Hop show and church broke out. While only putting together the lyrics 1 week before they were in very good form. They also had the first official alter call at the festival that I saw. Idol King was another praise and worship experience with Hip Hop/ Rap. The night ended with Flynn Atkins rapping from his new CD, which is very good.

NIGHT 3

Started with cloud2ground, with a techno/house beat, that really got the audience dancing early. He has an indie release that is getting air play in the States. Industry news (rumors) has it that Jeremey Dawson of cloud2ground has signed with N-Soul and his new CD will be out in the Fall, and that Aqua Boogie will be releasing a 12" of his, 1 a month for a few months. Up next was Joy Electric, his set was more like Five stars for Failure that some of his later (ice-cream truck sound) CD's. Prophecy of P.A.N.I.C. which now is just Brian Scroggins, he played a set that featured a few songs that were more Drum & Bass orientated. He played over 1 hour and had the crowd all sweaty. His new sound is very refreshing and I don't believe anyone in the Christian market, is really doing Drum & Bass right now. He needs to get another album out with this stuff on it. Next up were the true pioneer's of Christian dance, the Prodigal Sons. They started out there set with a 15 minute remix of Prosperity Tweakers, all new sounds are sampled and it starts out slower and works up to a fewer pitch of about 150bpm. As Greg Hobgood works the switches, samples and beats, JR Barbee, works the stage like a preacher battling demons. The word of God is preached from the stage as you are encouraged to dance like David. They also did a remix of "Satan is Dead", I had forgotten how good that song is. DJ Scott Blackwell closed out the time with another set of his mixing.

NIGHT 4

Started with Sonik Boom of Love, a sort of disco/house sound. These guys are very good and put on a good show. I even saw Scott Blackwell dancing to their sound... They have stuff out on CD and Vinyl. Next up was Antidote, they came out in a dog and bird (!!!!) outfit. They will be on an N-Soul compilation in late 1997, and a full release in 1998. Dance/Techno/happy sound. DJ Scott Blackwell and DJ Star finished out the night.

At another tent G.R.I.T.S. played or had church, or both. They had two DJs mixing behind them, very cool sound. About 1 hour into their set they had a altar call and about 40 people went down for prayer. That is what it is all about, bringing others into the Glory of God.

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