Among the chaos of the first weeks of school, a musical oasis offered students an evening of fun.
Friday, Sept. 13, Montell Fish and Ecclesia performed at the Breu Patio. Over 100 students gathered to enjoy the music and the craft soda bar that was offered.
“Sonically, they’re incredible and their message is just as booming — it was truly an honor to have them,” said senior Jake Vriezelaar, president of the Integration of Faith and Culture (IFC).
Montell Fish and Ecclesia are two up-and-coming artists who have been increasing in popularity. Senior Jazmin Tuscani, Mainstage president, reached out to the artists about coming to Taylor after seeing an Instagram post over the summer about them going on a free tour. She recognized them due to friends bringing them up in conversation and thought their music would be a good fit for Taylor.
Students had a better chance to connect with the artists due to their closeness in age. Both Fish and Andrew Padilla, the leader of Ecclesia, are in their early twenties.
“It was fulfilling getting to see students walking up to them initiating a conversation knowing they have something in common, whether that be because they are college aged artists or simply for the fact that they wanted to get to know these artists better,” Tuscani said.
Their age gives them a fresh perspective, and both groups bring a unique voice to the world of Christian music. Fish bases his music around his conversion at the age of 17 and the experiences he’s had with his faith and struggles with sin. Ecclesia writes music for the younger generations and tries to cross the boundaries of culture and community.
The event continued IFC and Mainstage’s history of bringing unique artists to Taylor.
“I've actually discovered lots of my current favorite artists because Mainstage brought them to Taylor over the past couple years,” sophomore Grace Hester said.
Tuscani promises many great events to come. This concert was the first event from IFC’s new Upland Home Sessions.
Rather than provide a regular concert experience, IFC and Mainstage hope to give students a more personal experience.
“This project was designed to bring artists who are creating next level work into intimate spaces; immersing students in a dynamic concert experience,” Vriezelaar said. “We host these shows to celebrate creativity and togetherness.”
