Jesus Jam to rock Friday

Get ready for a heavenly rock show Friday.

The 17th annual Jesus Jam will bring a mix of faith and music to a crowd of about 1,500 people at the Yuma Civic Center.

The event will feature two nationally known Christian rock bands, both recipients of that musical genre's highest honor: the GMA Dove Award. Those bands are Decemberadio and The Afters.

Jesus Jam is a musical event staged each year by KCFY 88.1-FM, Yuma's nonprofit Christian radio station.

But organizers say their event is more than just a big concert. They  explain that Jesus Jam not only aims to bring hands together in applause, but in heartfelt praise as well.

"Obviously the name says it all," said radio station director Michael Bondora. "We want a Christ-centered event ... but we also want to demonstrate the fact that Christians can get together and have a really fun time."

Bondora said that folks wondering how Christianity can be joined by rock 'n' roll under the same roof need only attend Jesus Jam to understand.

"It can actually be cool, unlike the traditional understanding of rock shows," he said. "The reality is that rock concerts can be very family-friendly."

Doors will open on Jesus Jam at 6 p.m. at the Yuma Civic Center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive off South Avenue A. The concert is set for 7 p.m.

Advance tickets are $10 each, or $8 each when purchased 10 at a time. Tickets on the day of the show will be $14. Tickets are available at AEA Federal Credit Union, The Ark, Audio Einsteins and KCFY.

Jesus Jam started out with local bands at a much smaller venue.

"By 2002 we were using as much as half of the civic center. 2003 was the first year we did full use of the civic center," Bondora said. "2004 was our first sellout with 1,600 people. We've been sold out a few years. Last year we were close to 1,500."

In 2003 Jesus Jam started focusing on nationally known bands. Bondora stressed that bands aren't chosen just because they are successful and sound good, however.

"It's more than just someone who has some talent. It must be someone whose values line up with ours, especially our faith in Christ."

For more information on Jesus Jam, call 341-9730 or go to www.KcfyFm.com.