Published: July 21, 2008 10:26 am         

Vespers show features high-energy act

As guests filed to their seats Sunday to attend the vespers service at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, all were looking forward to hearing nationally-acclaimed Christian recording artist Nicole C. Mullen.

But more than a few were also anticipating the performance from the opening artists, Marcie and Jeremiah Olson of 40 Miles North.

The duo, both worship leaders at Grace Community Church, worked the crowd, playing familiar music from their albums “Incarnation” and “All this Space.”

Sponsored by Youth For Christ, the service brought YFC volunteers and members together to help share the story of the organization.

“Kids lives have been changed eternally,” explained board president Scott Bucket. “Some have grown up and come back to be part of our board. We’re touching children who need to hear the story.”

As 40 Miles North wrapped up their performance, those in the crowd were readying for Mullen’s high-energy, spirited act.

Donna Bowers, Wakarusa, was in the crowd, anticipating the show.

“I listen to WFRN and I’m looking forward to the concert. I like the words to her songs,” Bowers said.

Goshen resident Steve Dolby, who is a YFC volunteer, was glad to have the opportunity to hear Mullen live.

“I’ve enjoyed listening to her on the radio,” Dolby said.

Mullens bolted to the stage and as her back up band began to perform, she asked the crowd to join her and dance.

“Are you ready for this?” she asked.

“Come on, I know y’all can do this,” she laughed.

After the crowd was on their feet, Mullen launched into a series of hits, including “Reedeemer,” and “Call on Jesus,” two of this area’s most requested songs, according to Doug Moore, morning show personality from WFRN.

“It’s been fantastic, the response,” Moore said, looking into the full grandstands.

Moore added that Mullen is so focused on Jesus Christ, people love her and her music.

“When you watch her perform live, it’s like a cross between a rocking worship concert and an ESPN fitness workout!” Moore said.

Mullen shared her story of faith with concert-goers, explaining that both of her grandfathers were Pentecostal pastors. She joked that she was in church 11 days a week as a child, but that the experience helped her draw her faith from the early foundation she was given.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” she asked the crowd.

Mullen has proven herself as a talented singer, songwriter and choreographer. She has performed backup vocals for Michael W. Smith, written songs for artists including Jaci Velasquez and worked as a dancer and choreographer with Amy Grant.

She’s collected eight Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including two Female Vocalist of the Year honors, two Song of Year honors (“On My Knees” and “Redeemer”), Songwriter of the Year and the 2005 Urban Album of the Year for her previous CD, Everyday People.

Mullen’s new CD, A Dream to Believe In, Vol.2, will be released Tuesday.