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With an event such as Encounter Ontario (Canada) 2005, it is difficult to properly provide an overview of all the day's activities and performances. This particular event played host to 18 live performances covering three stages with more genres of music, comedy and drama than you probably knew existed. Here's my look at the Toronto-based concert event staged on Saturday August 20.

The headline act was Atlanta-based Casting Crowns, fronted by Mark Hall. Casting Crowns is one of the few bands in the history of music to debut with a platinum selling album, and if you were at the Molson Amphitheatre on Saturday night you now know why. Hall, Hector Cervantes and the rest of the supporting cast write in-your-face lyrics that make you confront real-life issues. At the same time, the band is one of the few that has the ability to flip a switch and lead you into worship with anthems such as "Glory" and the beautiful hallelujah tune, "Praise You With the Dance."

Casting Crowns consists of Melodee Devevo on violin and Megan Garrett on keys. Both provide excellent backup vocals and on some songs take the lead vocals or lead during a portion of song. Hall, Devevo and Garrett, combined with a supporting cast, of bassist Chris Huffman, drummer Andy Williams, guitarists Juan Devevo and Hector Cervantes to give us a sneak preview of the title track from their new album Lifesong (August 30 release date).

The Parker Trio, who often simply goes by the acronym P3, demonstrated clearly why they are such a highly regarded Southern Gospel group. Singing tunes from several of their albums, Warren Parker, wife Shannan and Angie White combine superbly orchestrated harmonies with songs whose lyrics remind us that it is not about us but about God. Tearin' Down the Walls confronts a Christian community that often seems more interested in competing with one another than it does with as Warren Parker said, "winning souls." Another tune, "I'll Just Stand" (my personal favorite) encourages us to stand firm in our faith.

The all-female trio Carried Away had a new look this time out--at least it was new for me because it was the first time I had seen the ladies perform with a live band. Backed by a drummer and two guitars joined by Christine Prankard on her acoustic guitar, Carried Away rocked the Tyndale stage with a cover of Sierra's "Story of Life."

Carried Away will be slamming through several states during the next few months as part of the Shoutfest tour. To date the band has released one single to radio and their album Closer to You is now being distributed throughout the United States. You can check their schedule at <http://www.carriedaway.ca/>.

One of the biggest highlights of the day for me will come as a surprise to many fans. I was particularly impressed with how much progress has been made by the rock band Hello Kelly fronted by Francois Goudreault. I last hooked up with Hello Kelly last March when they opened for Superchic[k] and Paul Wright. At that time there really wasn't much to distinguish them from other young and very green bands. They had lots of energy, could whip the crowd into a frenzy and seemed to subscribe to the notion that more decibels means better music. Saturday was a completely different scenario. This group has matured in a very short time. They have learned that they can still have those jarring guitar riffs and strong drum beats but do it in a cohesive manner that communicates to the audience they are a collection of artists dialed in to the same channel. On a rock music stage that will often chew you up and spit you out by the time you are in your mid twenties Hello Kelly is young enough and managed well enough (Chris Vacher) that you can look for good things to come from this Canadian band.

Other highlights included multi-award winner Greg Sczebel whose R&B / disco blends had the audience standing and dancing to the keys driven grooves. The ever popular Starfield, now firmly entrenched in the hearts of Americans played their hits "Filled With Your Glory" and Revolution."

Finally, I only had an opportunity to take in one half of the act by XpiritMental a music / drama / dance troupe that used funky videos, scintillating dance moves and outstanding vocals to communicate the love of God in a manner that was captivating, entertaining, and knew no age or cultural barriers. If you weren't excited about these young performers who hail from Toronto then you better check for a pulse.

Despite very poor onsite organization by the event's directors and their staff, the day did provide good music from several outstanding performers. Unfortunately Toronto once again lived up to its reputation as a city that just does not do a good job of supporting Christian concerts. This time the promoter can't be blamed. Despite my comments about the onsite management, the concert was well promoted, and the acts are highly visible--if not internationally then certainly regionally.

By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved

Joe Montague is an internationally published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18. All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.