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The scene: a gorgeous hotel lobby filled with the finest decorations and furniture. Extravagant Christmas trimmings to round out the holiday season. Two jam packed bars with loud music and overpowering voices socializing. Not the typical scenes associated with a youth convention, but yet the venue for the Chicag01 North Central Area Wesleyan Youth Conference. The variables of the Sheraton Hotel didn’t matter though, because it was like church all the same. A weekend full of seminars, speakers and praise events intending to steer local youth in a vertical direction of worship and submission to God reigned supreme. And how could a convention be complete without the finest in live music? That’s where Pax 217 and Earthsuit fit into the picture to headline on the Friday and Sunday of the conference. Both acts took the stage in the hotel’s main ballroom shortly after a series of speaker/praise and worship sessions on the respective nights to form abbreviated but energetic sets to wrap up the daylong activities. 

In their 30-minute performance, Pax 217 blazed through hits off their self-titled Forefront debut and even introduced some new music off their forthcoming disc. Their slick hybrid of reggae soaked alternative jams coupled with flavorful percussion gave them an instant connection with those in attendance. From hits like “Sandbox Praise” to “Prism” the group poured out charisma and emotion with the remaining youth who turned the spacious and elegant hotel into a groovin’ coffeehouse. 

The group’s debut of the new song “Tonight,” off their Engage release (slated to hit stores in May 2002) continued in their tradition of fusing genres, but showed the group’s maturity and tightened up playing style from spending the last year on the road. The same could be said about already familiar songs “Check 217,” “No Place Like Home,” and “A.M.” ensuring the band’s ability to continue making waves, both immediate and beyond.

Earthsuit brought an equal amount of eclecticism to the table, although their alternative rock was laced with more techno styled beats and occasional rap sessions. Although equally energetic as the prior evening’s top act, Earthsuit had less luck hooking the crowd, who were perhaps weary on their last night of conference. Many filtered out during their performance, despite its intricateness. Memorable moments of their time on stage included a slowed down version of “Schizophrenic,” the psychedelic inspired “Do You Enjoy the Distortion?” and the bubbly club jam “Wheel.” Of course, Earthsuit’s biggest single “One Time” received the biggest ovation, but instead of settling with the usual version heard on the airwaves, the group extended the hit, giving them time for some impromptu solos and freestyle raps.

Those that stuck around until the very last song on that final night are certainly brimming with the passion both groups stirred up. For those that cut out early, don’t fret because both Pax 217 and Earthsuit will be coming at you again in the New Year.