“We just love the Carolinas...coming to Colonial has become an inseparable part of our summer," said Keith Getty during a Friday afternoon rehearsal preparing for five weekend performances at Colonial. Keith and his wife Kristyn, along with their six-member band, began their weekend at Colonial Friday, August 28 performing for the convocation of Shepherds Theological Seminary. They also participated in worship during all three Sunday morning services August 30. But the highlight of the Gettys’ weekend at Colonial was a 90-minute concert given Sunday evening for an audience—spread across the auditorium, the Chapel and the Choir Room—of more than 2200 fellow-worshipers.

Taking the stage after a warm welcome from Worship Pastor David Loftis, the Gettys began the evening with Song of the Kingdom. From the first notes, it was clear that the audience was more than just a little enthusiastic about the “distinctly Irish flavor” the Gettys brought to their 2009 Colonial concert. Joining the Gettys and their band were more than 160 orchestra and choir members, including several members of the Cary Alliance Church Choir. With their Celtic sound complemented by Deborah Klemme on violin and Skip Cleavinger on uillean pipes and whistles,   the Gettys’ theologically rich lyrics came alive, as the audience leapt to their feet and clapped along.

Slowing things down with their third song Keith said, “We’re going to begin with a call to worship from the Shema [the Jewish confession of faith from the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy].” With that, Kristyn’s clear, sweet voice rose to sing “Hear, O Israel,” the lead song from the Gettys’ latest CD, Awaken the Dawn. (Note: “If you don’t have a copy, you should!”) A pin-drop could have been heard as the audience completely stilled in an attitude of worship.
 
“Over the past eight or nine years, we’ve been writing hymns that teach the truths of the faith,” said Keith. Called modern hymn-writers by some Keith said, “ninety-five percent of our ministry is about the songs.” The Gettys’ 2009 tour which includes more than eighty concerts, including a home-coming concert in Ireland earlier this year, is about getting their songs out to the body of Christ where they can be learned and used in worship across the generations. Keith added that the churches, like Colonial, where they have built the strongest relationships have three things in common: a love for the Gospel; a love for church family; and, of course, a love for music! 

Colonial first met the Gettys, who are originally from Ireland but now make their home in Cleveland, OH, during the 2007 Summer Series. Now hymns like Hear the Call of the Kingdom and In Christ Alone have become favorites. After Sunday’s performance, songs from the Gettys’ new album such as Still, My Soul, Be Still; By Faith; and All Around the World, are sure to be added to Colonial’s list of best-loved worship songs.

If you met the Gettys three years ago, you know that having a band along for the concert is a new addition to their performance. We love Keith and Kristyn, and now we have six more reasons to love their music… the excellent musicians who have become part of their team. In addition to Skip and Deborah, appearing with them this visit to Colonial were Raleigh native Dustin Rohrer (drums); Peter Wahlers (bass); Joni McCabe (keyboard, vocals on the Compassion Hymn, and manager); and guest artist, Fionan de Barra (guitars). Behind the scenes, working on sound and as tour manager was Bret Farmer of Charlotte.