Holiday World was rocked by heat, music, and storms Saturday, but that didn’t stop crowds from gathering at the family friendly park for a fun-filled event.
During the day, it was hot and muggy, but everyone seemed to be enjoying all the fun that Holiday World has to offer in spite of the weather. In between riding the award-winning wooden coasters and other well-loved rides, I managed to catch a few regional bands at the Hoosier Theater including Jimmy Dooley and Narrow Path. The regional bands definitely provided an entertaining break from the heat! Even guests who did not purchase the Rock the World ticket option had the opportunity to watch the regional bands.
Unfortunately, rain and lightning delayed the last four headlining bands. Guests were shuffled from the main stage area (located behind the Thanksgiving section of the park where it looks like the new steel coaster, Thunderbird, will be built) into the Plymouth Rock Café, the basement of the Voyage, the waiting area in the Gobbler Getaway, and other shelters. After waiting nearly three hours, guests were allowed back into the main stage field. The delay caused the last four bands to shorten their sets. While disappointing, I think this was a good decision on Holiday World’s part. Many church groups and families were at the show, and it seemed that Holiday World took that fact into consideration as well as the fact that many guests traveled from outside the CDT zone.
1 Girl Nation performed just two songs, but I was glad. I can maybe understand the band’s appeal to tween girls, but they just looked like a Forever 21 commercial to me. Plus, they were definitely lip-syncing, something I abhor.
Update: According to Holiday World, 1 Girl Nation did sing live over a recorded track. Mea Culpa.
Sanctus Real performed a short 20-minute set. I’ve listened to Sanctus Real since high school and I particularly like their mellow rock sound for relaxation and meditation. Their songs have good messages without being over the top.
Mandisa performed a similarly short set. With her amazing voice, energetic music, and commanding stage presence, Mandisa made the most of her time and got the crowd excited and moving. It wasn’t hard to tell that Mandisa really enjoys her job!
TobyMac joins Mandisa for song "Good Morning."
TobyMac performed last. As one of the founding fathers of modern Christian music, he knows how to put on a show that makes everyone want to see him again and again. He still looks and acts just like he did when I was one of the 14-year-old girls jumping around and dancing to his music, and I think that says something about his passion for his music and its message. Though I’m always a little disappointed that he never treats his older fans to even just one DC Talk throwback or remix, I guess I can forgive him because he’s the only artist I’ve ever seen use a marching snare and tenor drum during a live show!
Rock the World ended an hour and a half after the planned ending time, but no one seemed to mind. In fact, I don’t think anyone even noticed. For more information on Holiday World and its events, including next weekend’s Red, White, and Bluegrass festival, visit their website by clicking here.
