For the past several years Paramount’s Great America amusement
park in Santa Clara has been hosting Christian music concerts.
For the past several years Paramount’s Great America amusement park in Santa Clara has been hosting Christian music concerts.
This 100 acre entertainment venue is located in Santa Clara on Great America Parkway east of Highway 101, and tomorrow is the first such event of this season: Spring Celebration.
For the adult price of $44.99 (children 3 to 6, $25.99), attendees will have access to all the park’s numerous attractions.
In addition, some of today’s hottest Christian rock groups will perform onstage at the Redwood Amphitheater.
There will be five featured bands performing:
• Third Day: Influenced by the southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd, this band was originally formed by vocalist Mac Powell and acoustic guitarist Mark Lee. Third Day’s new record, “Wire,” just became available this past Tuesday, and a concert tour is beginning soon.
• Toby Mac: Winner of four Dove Awards, this performer blends hip hop, R&B, reggae, and guitar rock. “Momentum” was released in 2002.
• Warren Barfield: This guitarist began his musical career at his family’s congregation, using personal experiences to influence his music. A recent recipient of the Dove Award, his hit songs include “Mistaken.”
• Pillar is well-known for their combination of “rock and trip-hop.” They have produced two number-one singles.
• The Supertones, a ska band, has a new album out next month: “Revenge of the OC Supertones.”
Other special events on Saturday include an autograph tent featuring the day’s performers, fellowship opportunities, inspiring speakers, and an area devoted to retailers displaying Christian merchandise for sale.
Of course, all the theme park’s many popular attractions are available to concert-goers between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
New this year is Crocodile Dundee’s Boomerang Bay, an Australian-inspired water park.
There are 11 different water slides; Jackeroo Landing, a multi-level water fortress of family slides connected by bridges, passageways, and rope ladders; and Kookaburra Cay, an interactive “spray ground” with many water activities.
Also available are eight roller coasters, including Vortex, Northern California’s only stand-up roller coaster; and Taxi Jam for smaller children.
Many other shows and performances (separate from the concert) continue all day: strolling cartoon characters, “Karaoke 2004,” and “Slime Time,” based on the Nickelodeon television series.
Younger park guests will enjoy Nickelodeon Central, a themed area for families featuring 10 exciting rides and attractions related to Nickelodeon television shows.
Two additional Christian concerts are scheduled at the park for later in the 2004 season: “The One Nation Tour” in July and “Joyfest” in October. Call 998-1776 for more information.
Chuck Flagg teaches English at Mt. Madonna High School. Write him c/o The Dispatch, P.O. Box 22365, Gilroy, CA 95021.
