By Mitch Holt, Copy Editor
Power pop/punk Tooth and Nail Records foursome Hawk Nelson will bring the rock to Cullen Auditorium Friday at 7 p.m. with fellow touring bands Run Kid Run and Mainstay.
The three bands’ stop in Abilene is part of a Tooth and Nail Records tour that will last through Nov. 19 and bring them to many states across the country.
Jordan Williams, Students’ Association executive vice president, said Hawk Nelson originally planned to come through Abilene and play at Beltway Park Baptist Church but will end up playing at ACU because of something else going on at the church.
So Beltway planners called Maher Saab, SA president, with the idea, and he passed the idea along to Williams, who has been booking bands at the university for the past two years.
He said planners are excited about the concert because of Hawk Nelson’s growing popularity and the other bands’ increasing popularity in the Christian music industry.
“They’re an awesome band and they’re starting to make headway in the public music realm,” Williams said. “Run Kid Run is pretty awesome as well. They’re just now starting to get out there. Three Tooth and Nail bands in Abilene is a great opportunity.”
Williams was granted a $4,000 budget for the concert-$2,000 from the Campus Activities Board and $2,000 from SA-and he hopes to recoup the investment to at least cover expenses.
Cullen doesn’t have adequate sound equipment for a concert like this, Williams said so he is bringing in quality equipment from an outside source.
According to a search on Facebook.com, 86 ACU students have Hawk Nelson on their favorite bands list, and Williams said he’s optimistic about the ACU fanbase, radio advertising and promotion at stores in the mall contributing to an increased number of attendees.
Planners encourage members of the Abilene community and students not involved in social club grubs to attend the concert for several reasons.
“It’s something to do on a Friday night,” Williams said. “Hawk Nelson is taking off, and this is a great chance to see them before it’s more difficult. They probably won’t be swinging by Abilene anytime soon after Friday.”
