http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2009/05/celebration-fest-in-foley-alab.html

 

If you've bought tickets to the Celebration Fest scheduled for May 16 in Foley, Alabama, or you've agreed to sell tickets for the event, here's a head's up: you've probably been scammed.

 

Foley, Alabama police arrested 37-year-old Justin Anthony Gray, the festival founder, this week on charges of "Theft of Property by Deception." Gray allegedly was securing sponsorships and selling tickets to a festival that wasn't actually going to happen.

 

"Either he's conning people or he is just a terrible planner," Lt. David White with the Foley Police Department told WALA-TV. With just days before the event is supposed to take place, WALA reports,:

 

"The property owners of the land where Celebration Fest was supposed to take place had not been contacted. The stages and sound systems had not been secured. There were no set infrastructures set for the event, such as utilities, fencing or parking areas. The bands listed on the web site had been contacted by Gray but had not been secured, no contracts had been signed by Gray and no deposits had been made to the booking agents."

If you had been recruited to sell tickets, have purchased tickets or if you have any information concerning this case, you're being asked to contact Investigator Tony Nelson with the Foley Police Department. The number for Administration and Investigations is 251-952-4010. You can also visit the website for the Foley Alabama police department.

 

If you're looking for a legitmate Christian music festival, you can start by checking out the website for the Christian Festival Association. Just because a festival isn't on the list doesn't mean it's a scam; there are dozens and dozens of small town festivals that take place all summer long. But it's a good place to start.

What Would Justin Do?

I would argue that "Christian music" itself is a scam, because it doesn't really pass for music.

I would argue that "Christian music" itself is a scam, because it doesn't really pass for music.

:lol: :lol:

 

I saw this one coming and I totally agree.

I would argue that "Christian music" itself is a scam, because it doesn't really pass for music.

 

One could say that about most of mainstream music today.

One could say that about most of mainstream music today.

 

And that's why I steer far clear of what passes for mainstream popular music.

I would argue that "Christian music" itself is a scam, because it doesn't really pass for music.

 

I don't consider music with a positive message to be a 'scam'. Compared to a lot of the garbage that is out there that some feel must have foul language or indecent material to be 'music'. You may not like it, but calling Christian music a 'scam'?

 

I will admit that much of it is not as original or commercially appealing as some other music. But to call it a 'scam' is just wrong. But then again, there really isn't much originality out there period. Every musician is influenced by some group or somebody they have listened to, regardless of what they say. And when I hear someone referring to rappers as 'musicians', I just want to puke. How many actually play an instrument or have any real musical ability at all? Very few. Same for many pop artists. Very few even write their own songs anymore. But to argue that Christian music itself is a 'scam', ... well, that is troublesome.

I don't consider music with a positive message to be a 'scam'. Compared to a lot of the garbage that is out there that some feel must have foul language or indecent material to be 'music'. You may not like it, but calling Christian music a 'scam'?

 

I will admit that much of it is not as original or commercially appealing as some other music. But to call it a 'scam' is just wrong. But then again, there really isn't much originality out there period. Every musician is influenced by some group or somebody they have listened to, regardless of what they say. And when I hear someone referring to rappers as 'musicians', I just want to puke. How many actually play an instrument or have any real musical ability at all? Very few. Same for many pop artists. Very few even write their own songs anymore. But to argue that Christian music itself is a 'scam', ... well, that is troublesome.

 

The "message" is not where I have problems with Christian music. It's the haphazard way the songs are constructed, with very little originality.

The "message" is not where I have problems with Christian music. It's the haphazard way the songs are constructed, with very little originality.

 

With that, I can agree for a large portion of nearly any music genre as far as the originality part. They follow a pattern and nobody wants to break away from it. But as most of us agree, too much popular music has no originality anymore in almost every genre.

I would argue that "Christian music" itself is a scam, because it doesn't really pass for music.

:thumb::thumb::thumb:

I would argue that "Christian music" itself is a scam, because it doesn't really pass for music.

 

Though christian music isn't always my cup of tea, one of my favorite bands is a christian band. As I Lay Dying is one of the most talented bands out right now. It sounds just as hard as anything else only with messages that aren't typical Metal themes. They are amazing.

I think it bothers me that some look at the format and not the content, and refer to it as a 'scam'.

 

IMHO, the biggest 'scam' the music industry has pulled on the public is the majority of 'rap'. I cannot understand anyone who refers to 'rappers' as musicians, when most them can't play an instrument or carry a tune. The genre itself built its popularity by lifting clips from real musicians and then talking over the beat. Many of the 'beats' go back to Billy Squier's 'Big Beat' song in the early 1980s. I will give some of them credit, at least those who gave credit to those real musicians from whom they lifted tracks/riffs/clips. There are even a few rap songs I like. But in general, that is the biggest scam, ... well then, maybe the 2nd biggest after the emergence of 'boy bands'. AAAAARRRRGGGGHHH!

The "message" is not where I have problems with Christian music. It's the haphazard way the songs are constructed, with very little originality.

 

The best singers in the world are in the Christian Music business.

With that, I can agree for a large portion of nearly any music genre as far as the originality part. They follow a pattern and nobody wants to break away from it. But as most of us agree, too much popular music has no originality anymore in almost every genre.

 

:clap::thumb:

I would argue that "Christian music" itself is a scam, because it doesn't really pass for music.

 

 

Glad I wasn't the first to say it.

 

Faith+1 FOREVER!!! :lol: