The fall breeze and setting sun illuminated the sky, creating the ideal stage for Joel Ansett’s outdoor concert on Sept. 13 at the Bond Plaza.
Anna Purino, a sophomore on the Integration of Faith and Culture (IFC) cabinet, highlighted the unique blend of nature and music at outdoor concerts and praised Ansett’s folk-inspired, acoustic performance.
The free concert, hosted by IFC, attracted approximately 75 to 100 attendees, Issi Holbrook, president of the IFC, said. Ansett’s voice and original acoustic pieces drew people in.
“I think there’s something so cool about bringing nature and the outdoors and God’s creation in unison with music,” Purino said.
Because of its location, people were free to flow in and out whenever they pleased. The air resonated with melancholy vibes in a room full of attentive listeners. Blankets were laid out as people sang along or listened quietly.
The outdoor experience was unique to fit the style of the concert. The lighting displayed warm tones, which fit Ansett’s performance perfectly, Holbrook said.
“We will sing this melody and watch the demons flee and I pray the way I treat you always helps you believe you are wonderfully made,” Ansett sang.
Holbrook’s favorite song, “Wonderfully Made,” composed and performed by Ansett, was written for his wife.
Ansett connected IFC’s theme of faith and culture through faith-inspired lyrics, his interaction with students on campus and his kindness backstage, Kylie Roggie, a junior public relations major and IFC cabinet member, said.
“It’s not immediately obvious that it is more spiritually based,” Roggie said. “But if you actually resonate and focus on the lyrics, you can tell that God is the focus of some of the lyrics.”
Before every song, Ansett gave a preview of the story behind it, and aspects of waiting on the Lord were present throughout his time sharing.
Waiting means not right now, and sometimes moments are equivalent to hundreds of hours, Ansett’s original song lyrics from “It Takes a Long Time to Wait” said.
“I remember sitting kind of over to the side listening to him sing this song, and I just totally felt like the presence of the Holy Spirit,” Purino said. “The Lord is so cool how he orchestrates certain things, and he (Ansett) doesn’t know our chapel theme is about waiting.”
Ansett has made it a priority to play for Christian schools. He previously performed at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. His heart for God and music was evident through his performance on stage and his time before the performance, Roggie said.
Before the concert began, Ansett met with IFC Cabinet members and revealed a deeper side to his personality outside of being a performer. His simple kindness came out when he only requested trail mix and tea before the show, Roggie said.
Not only did he bless people with his musical talent, but his personality and character matched with Taylor and its mission, Purino said. She added that artists that aren’t as familiar to listeners should be given a chance, as they might surprise listeners and change their perspective on music.
“Even as a small artist, he really made me fall in love with his writing style and his music,” Roggie said. “He was like a hidden jewel to me, and I think to a lot of people who attended the concert.”
