Christian music has been a part of Mya Hagen’s life for most of her life. She attended concerts by Christian music stalwarts Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith in the Twin Cities when she was young. Her love for Christian music further grew when she was introduced to the Unity Klan, a 1990s rap band. The first concert in the series, WhatConcert, was started by Hagen in 2003 when she was just a high school student. The series was designed to bring Christian performers closer to her community.
A Fan of Christian Music
Growing up in Southeast Minnesota, Hagen’s love for Christian music was evident. She enjoyed listening to Christian music and singing along to her favorite songs. Her favorite artists include Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and the Unity Klan. She also enjoys Christian hip hop and indie artists like Manifest, Josiah Queen, and Seven Places.
The WhatConcert Series
The WhatConcert series has been running for 20 years, and it has become an integral part of the community. The series features a variety of Christian artists, including Nine Lashes, KJ-52, and Silverline. These artists are known for their humility and willingness to interact with the youth off the stage.
Choosing Artists
Hagen chooses artists who are fun, humble, and willing to interact with the youth. She believes that these artists are able to connect with the audience and create a fun and energetic atmosphere. Some of the artists who have performed at the WhatConcert series include Nine Lashes, KJ-52, and Silverline.
- Trampolines, the latest artist to perform at the WhatConcert series, will be playing EDM, pop, and rock music.
- The band travels around the world to share music and their faith, and they are known for their energetic live performances.
The Impact of WhatConcert
The WhatConcert series has had a significant impact on the community. It has provided a platform for Christian artists to share their music and message with a local audience. The series has also created a sense of community among the attendees, who come together to enjoy live music and worship.
BMX Show
The WhatConcert series also features a BMX show, which has been a hit with the local youth. The Stunt Dudes, a group of BMX riders, perform a high-energy show that includes stunts and tricks.
The Future of WhatConcert
Despite facing some challenges, including a brief pause in the series, WhatConcert has continued to thrive. The series has been funded by a team of dedicated volunteers who believe in the mission of the event. The series has also become more inclusive, with the addition of youth as leaders and participants.
The Importance of Community
Hagen believes that community is essential for creating a positive and supportive environment. She emphasizes the importance of including everyone and making sure that everyone feels valued and included. The WhatConcert series is a testament to the power of community and the impact that it can have on individuals and society.
| Year | Concert Artist |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Unity Klan |
| 2017 | Nine Lashes |
Conclusion
The WhatConcert series is a testament to the power of community and the impact that it can have on individuals and society. Through the series, Hagen has created a platform for Christian artists to share their music and message with a local audience, while also providing a sense of community and connection among the attendees. The series has become an integral part of the community, and it continues to thrive despite facing some challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The WhatConcert series has been running for 20 years and has provided a platform for Christian artists to share their music and message with a local audience.
- The series has created a sense of community among the attendees, who come together to enjoy live music and worship.
- The series has been funded by a team of dedicated volunteers who believe in the mission of the event.
- The series has become more inclusive, with the addition of youth as leaders and participants.
A Message from Mya Hagen
“Just growing up here I always loved live music and went to a lot of shows and had the opportunity to do that. So I did really enjoy being able to bring that to our community,” Hagen said. “There’s something really special about having something created for you. I love it when artists put (Bible references) in there but it’s not necessarily like I’m quoting this verse. You know, but it helps me to understand it more when they kind of express how that has impacted them and you can see it in the lyrics.” Hagen said. “We hope people come and leave feeling loved and valued and like someone noticed them. Our theme this year is created and we really just wanted to share with people, like you were made intentionally and you were made in God’s image, you have so much value and worth.”
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“I try to look at it as, ‘what do I wish that I would have had growing up? And can I turn around and do that for someone else?’” Hagen said. “Even just in our youth group, it’s just been so beautiful to watch as we kind of set the standard of like, nope, we’re going to include everybody. We’re not going to make fun of anybody. Like we can all do this together and enjoy this.”
What’s Happening This Weekend
This weekend, the WhatConcert series will feature the band Trampolines. The concert will take place at the Wykoff Commons Fitness and Recreation Center gym at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. The event is free and will include a BMX show and games. Members of Trampolines will be available to meet and greet an hour prior to the concert.
Supporting the WhatConcert
The WhatConcert series is funded by a team of dedicated volunteers who believe in the mission of the event. If you would like to support the WhatConcert, you can visit their website or follow them on social media. The series is also looking for volunteers to help with future events. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact Mya Hagen at myahagen@gmail.com or phone: 507-645-1234.
Conclusion
The WhatConcert series is a testament to the power of community and the impact that it can have on individuals and society.
