Mark's Notebook

Heavy Metal Church

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Salvation Army monthly concert gives kids a safe outlet to rock

It's an "At the Loaf" Friday night, the monthly transformation of the Salvation Army center in Lawrenceville into a hard-core rock venue. The 250 or so young people who came Friday night knew in advance there would be no drinking, no drugs, no profanity. Aside from that, they knew they could dress as they please, jump with reckless abandon, and crank up the volume beyond all industrial safety standards.

For their part, the adults agree: (1) Not to proselytize and (2) Not to complain about the music.

The kids are cool with that.

The young people who come are typically not the ones trying out for cheerleading, the football team, or much of anything at school, she said.

"To a lot of people, we're the heathens," Jessica said.

However, the "heathens" find a Christian welcome and a judgment-free place to enjoy their generation's music. "These people are my friends and family; this is where I belong," Jessica said.

So, does heavy metal fit the mission of the Salvation Army? It's not so much of a stretch, said Ken Chapman, Salvation Army community liaison for the Lawrenceville Center.

"This is what the Salvation Army does, it takes in the people that society casts out," Chapman said.

Each month, four or five rock bands perform. About 100 people attended the first shows, but recent crowds have reached about 400, Salvation Army officials said. For the May 19 show, a popular band called Cool Hand Luke will play. A capacity crowd of 700 is expected.

Though these young people might look edgy, he said, the atmosphere "At the Loaf" is wholesome. "Parents can trust that they can drop their kids off here, and when they come to pick them up, they'll be here and be safe," Jay said.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/0504metpunk.html

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Last updated Monday 3 August 2009