Chris Renzema performs: College for a Weekend (CFAW) attendees enjoy concert

Students and guests packed the Vines Center to see Chris Renzema’s performance amid a busy College for a Weekend (CFAW) April 5.

Renzema provided an opportunity for guests to enjoy his music and worship alongside him. Jordan Hassler, Student Activities event supervisor, led the planning and preparations for this event. His team completed the behind-the-scenes tasks to allow the concert to
run smoothly.

“Many people overlook this, but artists that come and perform at Liberty are often in the midst of their own tours across the country, which can be draining on every level,” Hassler said. “We do our best at Student Activities to make their time on campus as restful and relaxing as possible before and after their performance.”

According to Hassler, Student Activities strives to provide a comfortable experience for the performers as well as the attendees. The team prepares its signage, promotional tables and artist merchandise. Student Activities also coordinates with Rhino Security and the ticket office at Liberty to ensure a smooth entry process for all guests.

Hassler and others excitedly welcomed Renzema back to campus. Renzema has performed at Liberty on multiple occasions in the past.

“When booking artists, we try to bring in artists that are already loved and popular with the student body, such as (Renzema), but also introduce up and coming artists within the Christian music genre that could become new campus favorites,” Hassler said.

Concerts do not only draw a crowd of students, but also bring in guests. With many additional people on campus for CFAW, the concert appealed to a wide range of people.

“Having shows during CFAW weekend, is a really unique opportunity for incoming or potential students to get a taste of what it’s like to be a student at Liberty and the many amazing things that take place on this campus,” Hassler said.

Prior to Renzema’s performance, Zach Bolen from the band Citizens came to the stage. Bolen performed many of the band’s songs, including “everything and more,” “here I am” and “Day by Day.”

Following Bolen, Renzema entered the Vines Center in front of a cheering crowd. He played many songs from his newest album, “Manna,” which released to all streaming platforms March 13. Renzema also sang music from other albums: “God and Prozac,” “Hard Drugs,” “Narrow Road” and more.

When Renzema exited the stage, the crowd began to chant for an encore. Within a few minutes, Renzema and his band returned to the stage to provide a three-song encore. He closed out the evening by performing three more songs:  “Manna (After All These Years),” “How to Be Yours” and “Fountain”.

Student Activities strives to provide Liberty students with the option to see various artists without the expense of travel.

“The goal of all our concerts — whether it’s a big show in Vines with Chris Renzema or a more intimate show in the LaHaye Event Space — is to give students an opportunity to come together and watch an artist that they love perform right in their own backyard,” Hassler said. “Many people travel far to go see their favorite artists, but it’s a really cool thing when we can give students the chance to do that right on their own campus.”

During the remainder of the semester, Student Activities will host two more concert events.

“We believe we’ll have a great turnout for the Abbie Gamboa show taking place on April 19 in the LaHaye Event Space,” Hassler said. “And we can’t wait for the biggest concert of the semester at our end of year celebration — After Party — on April 27.”

Garman is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion