Music
Press
July 16, 2009, 5:24AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- You wouldn't expect a stint in the Marine Corps would lead to formation of a Christian hard rock-metal band.
"I was born again when I was 17, but didn't take my faith seriously," said Matt Pifer, 26, who fronts Grand Rapids band Edge From Falling. "Then I went into the Marines, and the whole war experience brought me closer to God. Ultimately, that transitioned into music, because writing is how I express myself."
IF YOU GO
Rock Your Soul II
When: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center NW
Admission: Free; donations will be accepted for youth/teen center ministry of Real Life Church of Jesus Christ, 357 Knapp St. NE
More info: 364-8576, myspace.com/reallifecojc
Pifer's four-year service included three stints in the Iraq-Kuwait theater, for a total of 15 months. He's now a student at Cornerstone University in addition to his band duties.
Edge From Falling is one of 16 local and regional faith-based music acts performing Saturday at Rock Your Soul II. The noon-10 p.m. festival in downtown Grand Rapids' Rosa Parks Circle is building on last year's debut in Riverside Park.
"This is helping people to get out of the box -- there's more than one way to worship God," said Felicia Smith, co-pastor of Real Life Church of Jesus Christ and the event's chief organizer again this year. "Music is therapeutic and a ministry for all sorts of people."
Here's a look at the schedule of performers (times are approximate and subject to change):
Noon -- It Can't Rain Forever, new band from Middleville area
12:30 p.m. -- Glenda Williams, gospel/praise and worship artist from Wyoming
1 p.m. -- Trinity ftL, acoustic alternative rock band from Martin
1:30 p.m -- KidChrist, solo hip-hopper from Grand Rapids
2 p.m. -- Salt, Christian rock band from Monroe
2:30 p.m. -- Vertical, solo rap artist Wes Sova from St. Johns
3 p.m. -- Payback, hard-rock band from Nunica area
3:30 p.m. -- The Legend of Xero, rap artist from Saginaw
4 p.m. -- Above the Influence, worship-based band from Ionia
4:30 p.m. -- Beacon Light, solo rapper from Grand Rapids
5 p.m. -- Jericho Road, rock band from Ravenna
5:30 p.m. -- Heavenly, solo hip-hop artist from Kentwood
6 p.m. -- Dean Allen, singer-songwriter from Kentucky
7 p.m. -- RIME, rapper from Detroit
8 p.m. -- Edge From Falling, hard rock-metal band from Grand Rapids
9 p.m. -- ICRIS, Christian rapper from Ionia
- The Grand Rapids Press
Discography
Fire Down Demo- 2009
Glory of a Righteous War- Due out in August 2010
Photos
Bio
In a lost and hurting world where can one find hope? Broken homes have become the majority, cutting and suicide has become the answer for so many who hurt, and worst of all- the church has become stagnant in engaging a hurting world. Edge From Falling may be one small voice in this world, but they are a voice who is willing to stand up for what they believe in and to challenge all believers to do the same.
In an emerging culture so many people refuse to believe in any form of a deity or if there is one he must not care about them. In opposition to this view, EFF wants to bring this message to the world: "It does not matter who you are, what you have done, or where you have been. God loves you the way you are but he loves you too much to keep you that way. He wants to change your life and heal your hurts. He is simply asking you to come."
Much of this passion has branched from personal experiences of the band members. In their upcoming release of their EP "The Glory of A Righteous War," these four men lay it all out on the line for the sake of God's love. The reality is that Life is a battle and you will be hurt and you will want to give up and throw up the white flag. But this world can only survive through God's love if they would just reach out for the hands that were pierced for their transgressions.
Although some may find some of their music controversial their message cannot be more clear. For those who know Christ- it is time to show the love of Christ as we were commanded to do. For those who are hurting- only Jesus can heal you, only Jesus can bring you peace. Won't you please come?
-Edge From Falling
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
-Matthew 11:28-30
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