Revelation Generation (RevGen) held its fifth annual two-day Labor Day Weekend extravaganza Sept. 4-5 in Frenchtown, NJ. This year’s line-up was ambitious and impressive with big hitters such as Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, Relient K, Needtobreathe, Flyleaf, and MercyMe taking center stage along with other favorites such as Derek Webb, Jon Foreman (s0lo acoustic performance), BarlowGirl, Seabird, The Devil Wears Prada, and GRITS. Thirty-thousand people, five stages, good eats, and great weather–the combination made for a great day!
Beach balls of all sizes started flying during Relient K’s set. I got hit on the head a few times!
Attending only the second day of festivities, here’s what I discovered–The Fold (great band!), Dawn from Fireflight is super nice, Seabird is amazing live (and in conversation), BReith is a funny guy, Relient K keeps getting better and better, Jon Foreman on acoustic packed out the Nashville Tent, BarlowGirl is wild in concert (must see again!), I like Derek Webb’s new album much more on acoustic!
The ever-entertaining Matt Theissen of Relient K.
Like any festival, there are degenerates who ruin the fun for everyone. I wanted to keep this positive, but Sarah got spit on by a teenager girl (“What? I wasn’t spitting on you!” she protested), got kicked by rowdy college boys (who came dangerously close to kicking my precious camera), was hit on the head by a half-empty water bottle that came flying out of nowhere (no one claimed it or apologized), and dodged numerous frisbees and footballs. In fact, I was almost clubbed a few times as well. I can honestly say that some people were completely out of control–and, no, they weren’t all teenagers and I don’t think any of them were drunk. It was so exasperating that we didn’t dare venture past the acoustic stage after dark. With a crowd that size, people don’t need to throw concussion-causing objects–that’s what yards and parks are for!
This is B.Reith. I met him in the merch tent. He was pretty amusing. Check him out!
Overall, the event was wonderful. The staff and volunteers were courteous, helpful, and so kind! The festival really stepped up service to the media this year, which made things much easier. And–this is almost unheard of–the shows ran almost perfectly on schedule! Good management, RevGen! I will definitely make RevGen a permanent part of my Labor Day weekend.
If you’ve been following me on Twitter, you know I’ve been talking about The Glorious Unseen [read Take 5] all week. Well, here’s a happy TGU member running the merch table. Sadly, I didn’t get to attend their live show.
When I got to RevGen, The Fold was on the New York Stage, and they were really good. I caught up with the band later and also discovered, they are really nice guys. Unfortunately, I didn’t take their picture. But I will definitely interview The Fold for Backseat Writer.
Aaron Morgan of Seabird on keys [top and bottom].
The first band I had a chance to watch and photography was none other than Seabird. I’ve been dying to see these guys live since I first heard Til We See the Shore. And Seabird delivered as promised. The only downside–they didn’t play my fave song, “Maggie Mahoney,” but they did play two songs from their upcoming (insert girly scream) album! [Read Seabird interview.]
Jon Foreman performing for a packed out tent of fans [top and bottom].
Next, I checked out Jon Foreman’s acoustic set in the Nashville tent, which was packed out with rabid Jon Foreman fans. He sang “The Cure For Pain” when I was taking my closer pics. I know I’m supposed to be objective as a journalist, but tears were just pouring down my face as I snapped these shots. “The Cure For Pain” seems to be an anthem for so many judging not only by my reaction, but the crowd reaction as well.
I also caught BarlowGirl, Relient K, and Derek Webb on film, but missed out on Switchfoot’s photo pit. It was getting pretty crazy up there, so I kept my distance. Here are the rest of my photos::
BarlowGirl
Relient K
Derek Webb did a fabulous acoustic show, including some songs from his new album, Stockholm Syndrome, which just released Sept. 1. [Read BSW interview with Derek Webb].
I’ve been super busy lately, but I promise to let you know when I’ve edited/uploaded all my RevGen photos.
She is Beloved 
absolutely great photos!
amen to the tears and anthem bit for “The Cure For Pain”
I resonate with the part where Foreman sings, “It’s been 10 years trying to write these tears away, but the water keeps on falling from my eyes” (Or some semblance of those words) I thought he wrote that part for me. I guess he was talking about all of us…in different ways.