Hardy Montana fans of Southern gospel music that ignored a late-afternoon winter storm as well as roads and streets glazed with freezing rain and ice were roundly rewarded Tuesday night at Christian Center in Kalispell.
The six-member Crist family sang with energy and intensity for about 250 fans who braved the elements –as well as reports that the highway south from Kalispell had been closed due to accidents.
“The Crists provided an incredible evening of music for an incredible audience whose warm, enthusiastic response brought out the best of the Crists,” said Dean Conklin, president of the sponsoring Montana Gospel Music Association. “The only way it could have been any better is if we’d had more people in the seats – but 45 minutes before the concert we were wondering if we’d even have 20 people!”
The core of the family is the brother-sister duo of Rich Crist and Tami Crist Starkel. Along with spouses Lisa Crist and John Starkel and the Crist daughters Breana and Jackie, they filled the room with great harmonies and a variety of ensembles.
After opening with a southern classic, “When I Get Carried Away,” Tami took center stage with” I Believe He’s Coming Back” and Breana (recently engaged) followed with “You Are God Almighty.” Tami came back with “Joy’s Going to Come in the Morning.”
What came next is what we’re coming to understand as Classic Crist: Beautiful, tight harmony as the group provided an a cappella opening to “Yes, He Is Amazing.“
Jackie (followed by Breana) did a great job on “I Love Loving Jesus.”
Then it was time for another Crist moment on the hugely well received “Jesus, There Is No Other Name.” In fact, it seems that the Crist Family search for songs that honor Jesus, and His name, and that makes it easy for audiences to get into the music – with the family.
Next came John Starkel with “I Sing a New Song,” and Tami’s emotional “His Strength is Perfect,” after explaining why the song meant so much. Jackie followed with “My Heart Knows.” Rich, then Tami, took the leads on a rousing “Hallelujah, He Is Risen, which had the audience on its feet to close the first half.
Tami’s enthusiastic “Oh, Happy Day,” a requested song, opened the second half and Rich gave some family insight that provided additional meaning for “I Love You, Son.”
Then the four women sang a tight opening to “Lift Up the Cross, followed by Tami on “I Wanna Be Up in the Great Beyond,” another rouser.
After Lisa’s “May He Find Me Faithful,” Rich led the way into a closing song that had the crowd on its feet again, capping a great evening.
Earlier, when Rich complemented the crowd on its responsiveness and asked if the Flathead Valley fans would like to have the group return, there was no need to translate into words what he heard: An emphatic affirmative.
The Crists made their first visit to Montana in July 2010 and for first-timers in the Flathead, they score Big Time. It was more of the same this time. Yes, we want the Crist Family to return, next year. Their distinctive music honors the Lord, and we enjoy the sweet sounds delivered in a variety of packages.
Before that happens, though, the Crists will be making a trip to Norway – in February.
The 13th annual Ken Dutter/Flathead Festival of Gospel Music has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Drive.
