Story by Rachelle Reeves
GCU News Bureau
Christian singer-songwriter Phil Wickham played his newest songs to a packed Thunderground on Thursday, giving Grand Canyon University students, high school seniors and Valley families a chance to worship together.
The crowd experienced Wickham's soft falsetto, artfully combined guitar chords and explanations of the inspiration behind the tracks on his seventh album - "The Ascension." The show was billed as a national CD release party.
Cupcakes and coffee flew off the table around 6 p.m. as students waited for Wickham to arrive in advance of the evening concert, which was the second of six major Thunderground shows this fall.
Wickham, whose album includes background vocals by GCU's New Life Singers, provided more of an intimate worship vibe at Thunderground than a big or bustling concert. Students raised their hands and voices to familiar songs and choruses from new "Ascension" songs.
Cooper Hopkins, a freshman business management major from Iowa, heard about Wickham from his cousin who played the music in his car.
“My biggest impression about the night is how much (Wickham) sounds like his recording," Hopkins said. "It’s awesome there was such a huge turnout because it just shows how much of an amazing singer he is.”
Students recognized Wickham’s love for God in his performance. Freshman Nathan Keck said he was inspired to follow Wickham's passion of leading worship.
“It’s great to see his love for God be his No. 1 priority," Keck said. "Tonight was more of worship than other Thunderground concerts."
Contact Rachelle Reeves at [email protected].
