Young believers get all wired up

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

September 04, 2008 05:27 pm

— One of the newest concert venues in Muskogee is in The Wire at Boulevard Christian Church.
The church is making it a mission to bring entertainment to the youth of Muskogee in a safe, fun atmosphere. Kevin Summerhill helps coordinate The Wire’s events.
“We try to bring in live bands from the regional area,” he said. “It gives the kids something positive to do, an alternative form of entertainment.”
More than 200 youth showed up to that last concert held at The Wire, the new youth center at Boulevard Christian Church.
The Wedding, a signed band out of Fayetteville, Ark., will be performing at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Wire in Boulevard Christian Church, 1700 W. Shawnee Bypass.
Summerhill said in addition to The Wedding, local band The Reunion, will be performing.
“We are also having a couple of rappers from Tulsa,” he said. “Raw Dawg and Madd Judge will be performing as well.”
Susan Phares, 17, of Muskogee said she is thrilled the church is actually paying attention to the needs of her peers.
“It shows us they are invested in us,” she said. “We are the future.”
After moving in the new building in March, earlier this year, the youth have been excited about their new room, The Wire.
Walking through the double doors of The Wire, rock music fills the hall outside. Kids are hanging out on comfortable couches and chairs in the corner of the room. The music is coming from teens on the main stage.
“This is a great venue for concerts,” said Catie Sweeney, 16, youth member at The Wire.
Summerhill said the church is anticipating 300 or more people to attend the concert.
Ryan Summerhill, 12, said he is glad to have something to do.
“I think it’s going to be a good show,” he said.
Phares said The Wire is good for fellowship with the youth and adults.
One of The Wire’s resident musicians, Zak Wurzbach, 18, said the new concert series shows a sense of community.
“We have a lot of diversity here,” he said. “We find that important in a community.”
All the youth agree the friendships they have made are wonderful.
Sweeney said she enjoys the discussions at The Wire.
“They are more in-depth than other churches,” she said. “We aren’t afraid to talk about anything.”
Reach Travina Coleman at 684-2901 or tcoleman@muskogeephoenix.com.

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