Yes, I am well aware that it has been many days since the related activities of this day’s diary were one’s reality, but your patience has been noted, and the end is nigh, so let’s get to Saturday’s happenings!

While on Day One, Man of Spin had come to that present conclusion that there was a different vibe at Parachute, Saturday night, in particular, brought back “that loving feeling,O that loving feeling” as it seemed that the Chute finally opened on another musical moment at Mystery Creek!

While the Village still seemed eerily absent, compared with previous years anyway, there was more land in the Parachute living, as revelers began to flock to the sounds of summer with more fervor, mayhem, and even more mojo!

If you have not read my previous ramblings, you should be able to work out where to find these… and Yes, they are also on this blog, so don’t be lazy!

But let me begin by dealing with what to do with daylight… when the Sun’s on, and there is no place to go!

In retrospect, it’s easy to remember the rain, but Saturday was rarght nice!  Therefore, wife of my lagging youth and I, decided to head off to Parachute, from our Hamilton base, post-brunch time, with our two youngin’s in tow, and experience some Parachute Village time.  After a shortish time, the wife pulled up operations and left me to wander about, like the Village reject!  However, the joy of such an activity became rather holey, as it worn thin, and very quickly, which is why I made the text, calling time out on my time at Parachute, heading to the Tron, in the hope of maximising my potential toward midnight!

Such a reality, also highlights a bone that I have been gnawing on for some time…

I believe that this time at Parachute can be better utilised, and also can compensate for what I believe is lacking in the Parachute experiment.  I have written about some of these things HERE, but let me briefly affirm that the lack of musical activities in the daylight, could be remedied by adding a world-class conference or 12, that could fill this period with, you know, righteous activities, which could also be a catalyst to springboard into the night, when the majority of the bands worth their price of admission come out to play!

Not only would such encourage a greater diversity of believers… you know, the geeky book types… If you are offended by this reference, this is also a self-inflicting wound for the Man of Spin in kind! Nevertheless, such would surely increase capacity, would further encourage the completion of the Parachute goals, and would maximise the Gospel-potential that is endemic in the context that this Festival generates.  Such would not even have to necessarily limit the bands that are already scheduled, as there seems to be plenty of spacial capacity, and the potential is in the eye of this beholder, and those who have eyes to see it.

Listening to Mark De Jong talk about the vision of Parachute in the early days, and their belief in the power of music to communicate and empower, which has proved catalytic in what we see and hear today, it would be sadly regrettable if such a position pigeon-holed Parachute, as this should not be an either-or fallacy, and I would even go so far as to say for Parachute to further their impact, such needs to become more of their reality, as while music can move the emotions, transformative-depth is really produced when the mind is meditating on other worldly realities (Rom. 12:1,2), which seeps into the inner repositories of man, instigating a personal revolution of Christ-like proportions!

I am now getting off my soap box, so you can start reading again… NOW!

After spending a good portion of the afternoon blogging, followed by the consumption of cooked goods, the time was right for Mr to head back to the Chute, to await the arrival of Mrs and son number two for the nightlife!

First up on my listening rendezvous was Family Force 5…

I was at Parachute in the year 2009, so this group of 5 were not new to either my ears, or even my eyes, but it was a pleasure to experience them afresh in 20-10!  My eldest also has their dulcet tones, more like krunk rock, on CD, and as they also have good air-time of the “living FM” station, one could easily just push play, turn it up loud, and save some coin, but the Force really come out to play in person, and as one who is happy to often view from afar at Parachute, I was glad to be able to watch these band of brothers rock on, up close, where it gets more personal.

Suffice it to say, that as I reflect on the Chute, this may well be the act that stood out the most for the Spin.  It wasn’t just their histrionics on stage, nor their creative attire, but also the mix of the sound, which would sound-to-be-lacking later on, was pretty epic dude with this act!  Also, as this was their second time at the Festival, they seemed to feel, and therefore act, more like they were at home, which resulted with a greater connection with the public… of one, at least.

As I commented on in my summation of last year’s Festival, while their final act, may be a cherry, it casts a substantial shadowy context on their performance, as it both contextualises all that has transpired, but also challenges the perception and frame of reference for those thus impacted, particularly those who are a long way from Home!  After all, there is power in prayer… in Jesus Name, Amen!

One wonders how many moons will cast their shadow over a summery Parachute until we next see this group, gravitate south.  Given that they have done two-in-a-row, one may doubt a hat-trick, however, such is their appeal, that, given that they may produce a new record in 20-10, they may just have more tunes up their sleeve!  Whenever such may be, it will be a pleasure to have them back.

Speaking of doubling up, the second band in this Saturday of Nights at Parachute was another that was back for more, the chargin’ ones from San Diego, Cali… Switchfoot…

I really like the Switchfoot, and a number of their numbers, are tasty morsels, and worth devouring, but I must also admit that while this is true, they do not slap me with a wet fish (if you know what I mean).  However, what stood out for me last year was their music craft on stage, their tight sound, and the overall effect of viewing a class act.

We do own a couple of their albums, but have not, as of yet, purchased their most recent album, but from what I have heard of it, I am approving of, what seems, a more “rock ya world” type of style, which has given this band more of an edge, and I think such is an appealing evolution!

There was no switching of the foot in their presentation this year, and with their statements about this being their favourite festival in the world, which is in little young Nouvelle Zelande, the love was abounding, and everyone hugged.  Well, not quite, but there was definitely a connection that was formed last year, and strengthened forthwith!

I did not see the whole set, as among other activities, Man said goodbye to Wo, and Son, and subsequently, I headed to the Village for a sit down, a good read, and a rest… old man!

This was the place, where, watching from afar I could see and hear the sound of many Parachutian reflections, on the 20 years unabated, as celebrations of what they have accomplished were spoken forth from shores far away, with honourings of those closer to the Creek!  Such is certainly worth a word or two of recognition, as this venture has been graced by God, and who would have known that it would grow to such proportions, and provide a kiwi context with such opportunities.  We should be praying that God would continue to make more out of it, and I have been known to offer some opinions!

Just when one may have thought this was the end… of their moment of memorable celebrating, that is…. Rapture was on last night, the sky became a canvas, which was lit up all over the place, as the fireworks lifted our eyes up, not only as a sign of their source, but as a metaphor for where the thankfulness for these times, truly resides, God is good… all of the time!

Night was getting on, and one was getting mellow, just in time for… Underoath….

What can one say about this act?  I am thankful that a top class act in this genre of musicology was brought to our shores, as such, it seemed to provide motivation for those who really needed to listen, to come along to the Chute, but while I don’t mind the odd scream or two, I have to admit that such is not really music to my ears.  I realise that the Oath are not one-scream ponies, but I was only drawn in for more than a cursory viewing so that I could buy the T-shirt… I went to Underoath, and survived!… however, I was not compelled for more.

This should not be construed as being a negative on this act, which it is not, but what it does affirm is that Parachute is not all about me, and some of the acts may not be my cup of tea, but they are other individuals drink of choice.  My eldest is a fan, and he was there in the flesh, and such affirms what we need to learn, even in our local churches, which is that the body is about diversity in unity, which means that there will be things that do not directly address my context, but love for my fellow believers compels me to see the worth in such an addition, understanding that such a reality affirms a family affair, and provides a vehicle for them to connect with their Creator!

I would say, and my son agrees, that the mix for Underoath was not pleasant.  While loud with a massive sound is good, loud with a mess-ive sound, which obscures the lyrics, does not make the listening experience better, but worse.  Sadly, when my son spoke about this act, the mix was his over-arching perspective.  While I was pleased to hear them reference Jesus, encouraging those listening to merely have an open mind, sounds more like rain off a parachuter’s back!

At night’s end, I was feeling my age, and traipsing up the Hill… you all know what I mean, was a protestant form of pergatory… that Mass thing again… however, finding ride, my day was done, home to a quiet room, with a comfortable bed… little did I fully understand what a blessing that would be, as in a few hours, the heaven’s literally opened on the Chute!

That was then and this is now, and I will love you and leave with the promise that Sunday’s diary is a-coming… I Believe… Keep the Faith (Heb. 11:1)!

Until then, stay tuned

For the Fame of His Name

Man of Spin