Festival welcomes Sanctus Real July 5
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha-crforsha@gmail.com
Ohio natives and veteran Christian rock superstars Sanctus Real have been announced as the featured opening act to kick off the 2012 Festival of the Bells.
Sanctus Real, whose members hail from the Toledo area, will perform July 5, organizer Brian Robinson said.
The group is composed of Matt Hammitt (lead vocalist, guitar), Chris Rohman (lead guitar), Dan Gartley (bass), Pete Prevost (guitar), and Mark Graalman (drums).
This concert will mark the seventh consecutive year the Hillsboro Ministerial Association has organized a concert for a Christian artist to open up the festival.
Sanctus Real released their first major label album, “Say It Loud,” in 2002, according to their website. Their two most recent albums, “We Need Each Other” and “Pieces of a Real Heart,” were both nominated for Grammy awards. Their singles include Billboard hits “Forgiven,” “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” and number-one single “Lead Me.”
[[In-content Ad]]Robinson added that the group is also known for the story of lead singer Matt Hammitt’s youngest son, Bowen, whose plight with hypoplastic left heart syndrome has been well-documented on popular Christian music station KLOVE as well as in the national news.
Sanctus Real toured with Casting Crowns in 2011 and can currently be seen on the Winter Jam Tour with TobyMac, said Robinson.
“We’re just excited that they’re going to open up the festival,” Robinson said. “Their music will reach all ages.”
Local churches interested in assisting with the event are encouraged to contact Robinson at (937) 402-0353.
The Festival of the Bells will be July 5-7. To find out more information on the Festival of the Bells, visit www.festivalofthebells.com.
Sanctus Real, whose members hail from the Toledo area, will perform July 5, organizer Brian Robinson said.
The group is composed of Matt Hammitt (lead vocalist, guitar), Chris Rohman (lead guitar), Dan Gartley (bass), Pete Prevost (guitar), and Mark Graalman (drums).
This concert will mark the seventh consecutive year the Hillsboro Ministerial Association has organized a concert for a Christian artist to open up the festival.
Sanctus Real released their first major label album, “Say It Loud,” in 2002, according to their website. Their two most recent albums, “We Need Each Other” and “Pieces of a Real Heart,” were both nominated for Grammy awards. Their singles include Billboard hits “Forgiven,” “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” and number-one single “Lead Me.”
[[In-content Ad]]Robinson added that the group is also known for the story of lead singer Matt Hammitt’s youngest son, Bowen, whose plight with hypoplastic left heart syndrome has been well-documented on popular Christian music station KLOVE as well as in the national news.
Sanctus Real toured with Casting Crowns in 2011 and can currently be seen on the Winter Jam Tour with TobyMac, said Robinson.
“We’re just excited that they’re going to open up the festival,” Robinson said. “Their music will reach all ages.”
Local churches interested in assisting with the event are encouraged to contact Robinson at (937) 402-0353.
The Festival of the Bells will be July 5-7. To find out more information on the Festival of the Bells, visit www.festivalofthebells.com.