Christian bands rock Orlando's Universal, Disney parks for a weekend

Mickey, step aside. Harry Potter, you've got company.

This weekend, two of Orlando's most popular theme parks transform into the epicenter of Christian music.

Disney World was first with its Night of Joy, a mega fest of faith-inspired entertainment now in its 28th year. Neighbor Universal Studios decided it wanted a piece of the action, responding 13 years ago with Rock the Universe.

With the dueling events bringing in some of the industry's hottest acts, what's a Christian music fan to do?

If you've got the disposable income, you could split it into two days - Friday at one park, Saturday at another. Both venues bring in an impressive lineup to play during special hours. Admission includes the music and the attractions, most of which remain open during the special night hours.

Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North, a pop rock group that plays the opening night at Night of Joy, says it's a big thrill to play at Disney.

"We're from Palm Beach, so Mickey has always had a special place in my heart. It's an honor to play in his kingdom," Donehey says.

Maybe it's not a traditional venue for a band that sings about God. But keeping Christian music in churches is like preaching to the choir.

"The spirit of God invaded us, so it doesn't matter where we take our music. Whether it's a bar or a Starbucks or a church, we bring the sacred with us."

And audiences are responding, despite a depressed economy. Chris Clark, special events manager for Night of Joy, says double-digit unemployment hasn't had too much of an impact on Disney's Christian music series.

"It just grows and grows," she says. "There's a lot of negativity in the world now and people are looking for a glass half full, instead of half empty. This is just a feel-good time where the music has a higher purpose and a bigger meaning."

She says Night of Joy is geared toward the whole family, with a diverse program on multiple stages. Among the offerings: urban, gospel, hard rock, mainstream, 'tween and teen music, pop contemporary.

Jim Timon, senior vice president for entertainment at Universal, says Rock the Universe goes for "cutting edge" Christian music. Booking talent for the event gets easier every year as the genre continues to expand.

"We've got a lot more choices these days. When we started out, it was a new venture, and that made it a risk," he says. "But the response has been overwhelming. My favorite part is standing back and watching the crowds get into it. It's a very uplifting scene."

That's the power of today's Christian music, says Dawn Michele. She's the lead singer of Fireflight, a hard rock group from Eustis playing Saturday at Rock the Universe. It's the band's second appearance at the event.

Michele, 28, whose voice draws comparisons to Joan Jett and Chrissy Hynde of The Pretenders, says Fireflight's songs are like "roadmaps to God," taking listeners through difficult circumstances and leading them to a better way. She has personal experience with heartache: Her younger brother drowned at age 5, and her 17-year-old brother was just diagnosed with brain cancer.

"Music has always been a very powerful force. It's positive self-talk," she says. "It helps to remind you that there is hope. And when bad things happen, and you get to the end of your rope, it can help you through."

Third Day, slated for Saturday at Night of Joy, first came on the scene in 1991. Guitarist Mark Lee says much has changed on the Christian music scene in that time, including the personal lives of the four original band members.

"We've now got 14 kids between us all, and 19 if you count the rest of the group that travels with us," Lee says. "And the oldest one is 11, so you can imagine how busy things can get."

Third Day's songs reflect those changes.

"You learn it's not all about you anymore," he says. "When you become a parent, you care about things way beyond your personal sphere."

Although Lee is a fan of mainstream rock music, he says Christian rock does aim to make a more lasting impact with its message of faith.

"I love entertaining people. But more important, I want them to be encouraged by our songs," he says. "And with what's happening in our country now, people need that more than ever."

Donehey of Tenth Avenue North agrees, saying that people are learning a hard lesson now. With the loss of jobs comes a loss of self-esteem, possessions and income. This can be a pivotal point in their lives.

"When everything falls apart, where do you turn? God isn't asking for you to work it out by yourself. He's about intervention and redemption. He's there all along, and he wants you to lean on him," Donehey says. "Our music is all about delivering that message."

NIGHT OF JOY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m., Sept. 10-11

WHERE: Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista

INCLUDES: Appearances by Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, BarlowGirl, Chris Tomlin, Third Day, MercyMe, Tenth Avenue North, Day of Fire, Britt Nicole and others

TICKETS: $50 for one day, $90 for two; includes park admission. Special group rates and other discounts also available.

INFORMATION: www.nightofjoy.com

ROCK THE UNIVERSE

WHEN: 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Sept.10-11

WHERE: Universal Studios, Orlando

INCLUDES: Jars of Clay, Newsboys, Skillet, Grits, Fireflight, tobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Relient K and others

TICKETS: $50 for one day, $85 for two; includes park admission. Special group rates and other discounts also available.

INFORMATION: www.rocktheuniverse.com