The bands playing at Acquire the Fire are serious about reaching this generation and have a passion for young people.
Don't miss hearing their hearts and their music.

 

Asbury
Asbury is a band representing Teen Mania’s School of Worship. With Mary Vorrath on lead vocals, Danny Leggett on guitar/vocals, Joel Settle on keys/vocals, Jessica Parks on background vocals, Chris Pound on lead electric, Kenneth Reid on bass, and Danny Hageman on drums, Asbury takes worship to a new level. The heartbeat of Asbury is to awaken their generation and to set the captives free by ushering in the presence of God with their music.
Building 429

Though accolades look nice on a shelf, it’s how an artist manages its success that really matters. The members of Building 429 all agree that with success comes added responsibility – to whom much is given, much is required. Jason Roy (vocals/guitar), Scotty Beshears (bass), Michael Anderson (drums) and Jesse Garcia (guitar/keyboards), are eager to use their newfound influence to serve God fearlessly.

Da' T.R.U.T.H.
Each of us are writing a book. The question is: how does your life read? In
his third album Open Book—GRAMMY nominated Da’ T.R.U.T.H. provokes us to
pursue “Open Book” living—

A graduate of The Institute of Jewish Studies and Philadelphia Biblical
University, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. has been involved in urban missions since he was
16 years old. As a rapper and urban missionary, he is on a mission to impact
the culture with godly values.

On the heels of the recent surge in “artist-hosted” radio shows, Da’
T.R.U.T.H. was just tapped to host “Truth With Da’ T.R.U.T.H.”—his own
four-hour Sunday-morning Gospel show. He has been featured in Vibe, The
Source, XXL, ESSENCE, Sister2Sister and JET magazines and profiled in
Charisma, CCM and New Man magazines. His television appearances include “BET
News” BET’s “Lift Every Voice,” TBN’s “Praise The Lord,” INSP’s “Steelroots”
and “Mixx Master’s Lounge” as well as the Word Network’s “Bobby Jones
Gospel.”
David Crowder
The band began when David Crowder, from Waco, Texas, realized that almost half of the students at Baylor University were not attending church, which he found surprising since it is a Christian university. He and Chris Seay started University Baptist Church in 1996 while he was still a student. Crowder led worship there and continued to do so throughout the year. The band was signed to sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records and has released six more albums to date. The band tours the United States continuously, but make it back to their home church in Waco, Texas, almost every Sunday.
Decyfer Down
A common theme in Decyfer Down's music is one of crying out and fighting to reach that place of overwhelming passion for God, as heard in "Bring Back the Sun" and "Life Again." One step to reaching that passion is found in killing one's own desires, and the band battles honestly with such struggles in "Break Free" and "Walking Dead." "We're supposed to be dead to ourselves and 'Walking Dead' talks about killing your own desires, intentions and self-nature, so that you can walk for that Person that brought you back to life," says Caleb, the band's primary lyricist.
Dooney
“DOONEY”, better known as “Da Priest”, has etched and carved a permanent reminder of who orders his steps in Gospel Rap music. The last decade of his life has been dedicated to excellence! His mission and destiny is to save the lost. Many of his supporters and countless fans know him as “The Priest of the Streets”. His compassion for “YOUTH” spills over seamlessly into his love for music and ministry. Dooney stands on the uncompromising word of God. He believes there is a generation developing that must know the truth. They must know they are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation of peculiar people set aside for God’s divine purpose. Dooney stepped into the minds of the today’s youth with the beats and rhythmic sounds in order to plant the unadulterated gospel like seeds in a new field. Considering his level of success, Dooney’s experience proves that God can use anyone.
El Trio De Hoy
El Trio de Hoy is a bilingual band that consists of five members.

Having started in 1995 with its original tree members (Jessie Gonzalez, Freddie Velez and Jesus "Kuzo" Velez), their blend of sweet harmony and acoustic† guitars combined with an extra bass player (Alex Moran) and solid drummer (Orlando Gonzalez), brought about its five members with a unique sound that pleases audiences of all age groups.

With their five records, they have been proclaiming the word of God and its power to change lives.

Their contemporary rhythm has taken them around the country to play in venues like the Madison Square Garden with Dr. Rodney Howard Brown, the TWA Dome in St. Louis, MO. where they performed at the Church of God General Assembly, the RCA Dome, with the Assemblies of God General Council. Other venues involve performances where they've shared the stage with artist like, Jennifer Knapp and Third Day at the Hill Alive Christian Music Festival in South Dakota, Andre Crouch, Anointed, Darlene Schcek, Bryan Duncan, Jackie Velasquez and many others. Most recently, God opened the door for them to minister at the Potters House in Dallas, where Bishop T.D. Jakes is pastor.

With a humble heart and a clear vission of their calling, these five pastor's sons are taking the message of Jesus Christ across the country letting God open the doors of the path that they should continue to travel. With the continuing prayers and support of the people of God, El Trio de Hoy belives, as one of their songs say, "With God... All things are Possible"
Fireflight
Hints of emo-core, modern rock, and progressive metal permeate Fireflight's sound. This is all wrapped in a package tied together with soaring vocals and memorable melodies. Their lyrics are selfless and direct, a reflection of the bands mission as a whole. Though its goals are large, the band is committed to remaining unified no matter what. The obstacles and many years invested have prepared Fireflight to keep its head grounded and to continue to make music that inspires, mends, and revitalizes.
Group 1 Crew

One dream. One Chance. One Crew

When the conversation turns to musical influences, not many groups are likely to mention Michael Buble, Beethoven, Stevie Wonder and flamenco music in the same breath . But it's the diversity in what inspires them, not to mention their distinctive faith backgrounds that makes new Fervent artist
Group1 Crew stand out in the crowd.

Hello Kelly
Hello Kelly is making so much noise with their hyper-charged show and supersonic sound that it's hard to ignore this little band that could. But why would you want to do that?

To put it simply, Hello Kelly of Orangeville, ON is a pop-rock band. Whether they're romping through an upbeat riff-rock power tune, or moving gently through one of their stirring ballads, this band will put a smile on your face and keep it there. From the vibrant and colourful guitar-work, to the tingling synth sounds that never get old, this band has constructed a sound that is teaming with fresh melodies, creative arrangements and lyrical confidence.
Kirk Franklin

Never defined solely as a gospel artist, Franklin is also responsible for several mainstream cross-over successes, the highlights of which include 1995’s multi-format smash “Stomp” (performed by Dallas/Ft. Worth-based youth choir God’s Property) which garnered airplay on MTV as well as a Song Of The Year nomination and performance on the 1998 Grammy Awards of “Lean On Me”, a track from his 1997 release, “The Nu Nation Project”, which featured guest appearances by the likes of Mary J Blige, U2’s Bono and R Kelly. Always celebrated for weaving seemingly disparate musical influences–R&B, modern rock, hip-hop, pop, jazz, gospel–into a seamless fabric, Franklin is known for creating his own singular style and sound that truly transcends any and all boundaries of genre, race, denomination or social background.

To say that Kirk Franklin has been instrumental in changing the landscape of Contemporary Gospel Music would be a gross understatement. Since his 1993 debut, Franklin has gone on to win 3 Grammy’s, 33 Stellar and 9 Dove Awards. Now, after more than a decade on the charts, the biggest-selling Contemporary Gospel artist in Soundscan history is poised once again to make a resounding debut –– this time as an entrepreneur and head of his own entertainment venture: Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Krystal Meyers
This talented teen has received a Dove nomination for Best New Artist, scored a hit album, and has not only become one of the most successful newcomers in the U.S, but has become a sensation in Japan. She's been on the cover of Nylon and Bounce magazines and knocked the Red Hot Chili Peppers from the top slot to achieve her first No. 1 single in Japan. All that can add up to a swirling vortex of changes, commitments and challenges, but at the center, everything remains the same - Krystal's God-given talent, her unwavering faith and her intense passion to spread the gospel
Kutless
After three full-length albums, several countries, hundreds of shows, thousands of miles and 1.6 million faces rocked, Portland, Oregon-based fivesome Kutless has decided it’s just as great to give as it is to receive.
Leeland
Musically, the sound contains layer upon layer of emotionally majestic melodies. With Jack Mooring on the keys, Jake Holtz on bass, Austin Tirado on guitar, and Mike Smith on drums, passion resonates from every song. They may be young, but their music moves people of all ages, an amazing example of the impact that teens with God-given vision can have. "So many kids are lost when it comes to having a true relationship with God, even ones who go to church," 17-year-old Leeland Mooring says. "Whenever we play, our main goal is to be able to minister to our generation."
Nevertheless
Hope. It’s a concept that is both elusive and fragile, both rare and powerful. So few dare to allude to it, and fewer still make it their mantra. After all, it is so much easier to sing of loss and regret than to push through it and persevere. Yet, the word “hope” is the very word that Josh Pearson, front man for the Chattanooga, Tennessee quintet NEVERTHELESS, uses to describe the goal of his band. True hope though faith. Their debut album Live Like We’re Alive is the vehicle through which they want to make this one word known. They are far beyond driven to live for this purpose.
Newsboys


One of the more media-exposed Christian rock bands of the '90s, Newsboys formed in the late '80s around a core of John James, Peter Furler, and Philip Urry. Though early in their career the band was panned for a perceived over-reliance on religious clichés in their lyrics, Newsboys later grasped secular music's alternative revolution in the early '90s for an image makeover, with good results. The group gained six number one singles on the Christian charts, and have been featured in more secular media outlets than the average Christian band.
Phil Joel
Phil Joel was the charismatic bass player and support vocalist for the Newsboys for 12 years.  Recently, Phil sensed a call to begin a solo ministry and career, and will be coming to Aquire The Fire with renewed vision, a recharged musical direction, and excitement about the things the Lord has laid on his heart to sing and share.
Roca Firme

This Spanish-performing band has smashed through the language barrier to reach non-Spanish speaking audiences as well as Spanish-speaking ones. The band’s appeal comes from their unique hardcore sound and their dynamic stage presence. But behind the edgy musical exterior are five hearts beating for God, using the music that they love to impact people in both the Christian and Non-Christian realms.

Rojo

Spanish for “Red”, Rojo is both the name and the theme for this Latin-infused pop-rock quartet, symbolizing all that the color brings to mind: Stop, Warning, Love, Fire, and most importantly, the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Made up of Oswaldo Burruel on guitar, Emmanuel Espinosa on bass and vocals, Linda Espinosa on lead vocals, and Ruben Gonzalez on keyboards and electronics, the band pushes forward after its sweeping success in Latin America and its 2004 Latin Grammy. From catchy, bouncy tunes to rough 'n' ready rock, to contemplative worship and passionate stadium anthems, these fine musicians never cease to please.

Sanctus Real
Last year, members of ther dove  award-winning Sanctus Real discovered their greatest joy - making and playing music together as the best of friends.  Today, with the release of their third national record, The Face of Love, Sanctus Real comes of age, pressing forward to carry a compelling image of hope to an eager world.
Stellar Kart
Instead of trying to fit into some preconceived notion of what they are supposed to sound like, Stellar Kart has spent the last year and a half defining, refining, smelting, hacking, merging, polishing, and crafting the twelve songs that comprise their highly anticipated sophomore release, We Can't Stand Sitting Down. A quick listen will convince even the most lead-eared among us that what you are hearing isn't punk rock music, or power punk music, or pop rock music, or whatever other label you might want to hang on it. It's just great music, performed by one of the hardest working bands in Christian music.
Superchic[k]
What started as a vision for a one-girl revolution has multiplied into an army of nonconformists who believe in themselves and their ability to affect change. So defines the impact of Superchic[k], a Chicago-based band whose albums inspire, empower, and entertain with a call to rise above society's unhealthy trappings. Superchic[k] is ready for another round, and the band's new album, Beauty From Pain, breathes fresh life into their relentless search for the next young revolutionary.
The Cross Movement
Philadelphia-based BEC/CMR recording artist, The Cross Movement, blazes new trails in Christian Hip-Hop. Their lyrics penetrate the negativity portrayed in today's rap songs with messages of abstinence, education, personal development and responsibility and a gospel of relevant Christianity. "We are hoping to bring a holy standard to a culture and an art form that is desperate for it, whether it realizes it or not," says John K. Wells who doubles as group member of The Cross Movement, The Tonic, and CEO of Cross Movement Records.
The Michael Gungor Band

Having plenty of experience leading worship at Acquire The Fire and Battle Cry events, the Michael Gungor Band surely feels just as much at home on stage singing praises as they do anywhere else. But singing is just the start; Michael's guitar work is truly awe-inspiring. Add to that the flawless synergy of Lisa Gungor on keys and vocals, Michael Rossback on guitar, John Arndt on keys, David Gungor on bass, and Josh Eatmon on drums, and the result is nothing short of amazing.

TRUCE
The Mission Statement

Our mission is training young people to utilize their gifts in the performing arts to reach those that are trapped in the life of hate and violence, pain and tribulation, fear and loneliness. Our motto is a 'Temporary TRUCE for a Permanent Peace.' In the midst of violent inner-city areas of our country, we have witnessed warring gangs stand peacefully as the message of reconciliation, love and hope for a better life was presented. Behind every performance and every rehearsal, it has been the significance of personal testimonies from the group that have enhanced the effectiveness of what Truce is called to do. Each one of the Truce artists holds a story of hardship that they have once faced - pain and misfortune in which they have learned to overcome. Through the testimony of Truce, we purpose to lead people to salvation and freedom through God's love.


The individual artists of TRUCE have seen and experienced the life of drugs, alcohol, gang violence, domestic and sexual abuse. Now they live their life telling others that there is an answer for the pain and hurt that we all go through. The music of Truce takes listeners on an aggressive, spiritual ride, and challenges people to live a life of love, peace and forgiveness. These young people have a unique sound that explodes with street-worthy beats, catchy rhyme schemes, and melodic hooks. The album consists of young artists representing diverse ethnicities, backgrounds and Biblically based church denominations (traditional and contemporary). Truce is motivated through continual prayer and daily worship, in the extent that integrity and holiness will exceed their recognition as rappers and singers, thus reversing the cultural standard of hip-hop. The music contains one topic and significantly one story line. It is the love of Jesus Christ.

THERE IS NO GREATER MESSAGE THAT MUSIC CAN DELIVER THAN THE MESSAGE OF GOD'S LOVE.
Unhindered
Unhindered is a Christian worship band based out of Atlanta, GA. More than just a group of musicians playing together, Unhindered is a community that is dedicated to tirelessly laboring to lead people to God. Led by front men Ben Smith and Patrick Barrett, Unhindered has the unique ability to engage worshippers across age as well as cultural barriers has brought the group in front of churches and conferences nationwide.
Urban D
Tommy, a.k.a. Urban D., has recorded five solo Hip-Hop albums since 1996 and has traveled across the U.S., Germany, Japan and England performing and speaking at conferences. He is also part of Crossover’s own “Fla.vor Alliance” that has collectively released more than 20 albums in the past seven years. His music showcases a variety of east coast flavor with his trademark Mediterranean/Latin influence.