Christian band spoofs songs
The parody band ApologetiX is sometimes compared to Weird Al Yankovic.
But its Christian-themed music has led lead singer J. Jackson to a different description: "It's kind of like Weird Al Yankovic meets Billy Graham," said Jackson, who will perform with the band in Butler this month.
The free concert, to be hosted Sept. 10 by First United Methodist Church, will include spoofs of pop music such as "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne. The ApologetiX version is titled "J.C.'s Mom."
Other spoofed hits include "Hotel California" by the Eagles, which becomes 'Hotel Can't Afford Ya,' when referring to the Nativity and "no room at the inn."
"Enter Sandman" by Metallica becomes "Enter Samson," the story of the Biblical strongman — and a spoof of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is "Bethlehemian Rhapsody," the story of David and Goliath.
The five-member band, based in the Pittsburgh area, includes Jackson, lead guitarist and producer Karl Messner, bassist Keith Haynie, drummer Jimmy Tanner and keyboardist Bill Hubauer.
Since its first concert in 1992, the band has produced 13 CDs. In 2004, the band received Alternative Artist of the Year and Alternative Song of the Year recognition at the American Christian Music awards.
In 2005, it was named Favorite Indie Artist in the CCM magazine Readers' Choice Awards.
The band also won the Best Album award in Christianity Today's 2005 Readers' Choice Christian Music Awards.
ApologetiX also has been featured on national television programs and in nationally distributed magazines.
Despite the fact that ApologetiX concerts — expected to total 150 this year — are typically offered through paid tickets, Doug Raraigh of First United Methodist said the church negotiated a flat fee as a way to kick off the youth ministry season with a free concert.
Raraigh is director of youth ministries at the church.
"I wanted to do something really big and great for these kids,"he said.
"We decided, 'Hey, let's just open this concert to the whole community and do something great for the community as well.'"
Although the group often appeals to teens and young adults, Jackson said the ApologetiX repertoire offers songs familiar to all ages.
"We do everything from the '50s to today — everything from Elvis to Eminem. We're multi-generational. Sometimes you'll see three generations (at our shows),"he said.
<B>WHAT: </B>A concert by the Christian parody rock band ApologetiX<B>WHEN: </B>6:30 p.m. Sept. 10<B>WHERE: </B>First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St.<B>COST: </B>Free<B>INFORMATION: </B>Call 724-283-6160.
