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Idol star sings at Christian concert
For Chris Sligh, faith and music are no laughing matter
Journal Photo by Lauren Carroll
Tim O'Connell, the vice president of operations for West Forsyth Family YMCA, alongside Donna Black, said Sligh’s support was a "powerful thing."
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Published: August 10, 2008
Updated: 08/10/2008 02:10 am
CLEMMONS
When Chris Sligh was a finalist on the 2007 season of American Idol, he was known for making people laugh.
Yesterday Sligh was still cracking jokes as he sat around with his bandmates before a special concert of Christian rock music last night at the West Forsyth Family YMCA.
However, Sligh's attitude turned serious when he spoke about what his art means to him.
"I have a passion for making good music," Sligh said.
About a hundred people attended the show at the YMCA in Clemmons.
The concert was put on by staff members and volunteers to help raise money for the Y's Partner for Youth program, which offers financial assistance to lower-income families needing childcare.
Tim O'Connell, the vice president of operations at the West Forsyth Family YMCA, said it was important to get a Christian artist like Sligh to perform.
"There's so much out there now, and that message isn't always positive," O'Connell said "So having Chris here singing about Jesus and God is a powerful thing."
Sligh's cousin, Tommy Lockwood, of Winston-Salem was standing in front of the stage waiting for the show to start.
He still remembers Sligh, now 30, when he played guitar and wrote songs as a teenager.
He also remembers the coffee houses and other small venues where Sligh honed his performing skills as well as his sense of humor.
"It's been a long time coming," Lockwood said about his cousin's success.
"God's put him in this position to do what he loves, and he [Sligh] doesn't let it go to his head…. Everyone was saying how hilarious he was on TV, but he is even funnier in real life."
Sligh's laid-back demeanor may be one reason he doesn't get stage fright.
He said that even when he was in front of millions on American Idol, he didn't get nervous.
"I'm weird, I just don't go through that," Sligh said.
Sligh has been on tour for about three months to promote a new CD.
He said that at times he finds the road tiring, but he isn't complaining because he's doing what he loves.
Singing about what he believes in is only natural, he said.
"I do it a little differently than most Christian rock groups," he said.
"I just want to talk about life. It would be silly to not sing about my faith, because it's a big part of my life."
■ Erik Spencer can be reached at 727-7284 or at ehill@wsjournal.com.
■ More information about Chris Sligh can be found online at
www.chrissligh.com.
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