Edan Productions put on a matching pair of concerts the third weekend in April. Friday, in the west Chicago suburb of Elmhurst at Timothy Christian High School, and Saturday, in Chicago at North Park College, a full slate of loud acts played for appreciative fans at an event that was billed as the "Ultimate Ska/Punk Alternative Weekend." 

Their well-oiled concert machine was in full swing. Separate crews for each location meant fresh volunteers making sure both shows went off without a hitch. $12 ticket holders heard six bands Friday and eight on Saturday, when the evangelistic preaching and the appeal for sponsorship of Compassion children left just as strong an impression as the entertainment. 

Bulletproof Records' "United We Stand" tour formed the core of both lineups. Squad Five-O has developed a presence on stage and rapport with their audience worthy of a headliner after only a year of touring. Jeff Fortson’s white tank-top set off his heavy-lined tattoos well, and the black paint on his cheeks emphasized the extreme poses he struck while playing and singing his classic punk rock. Johnny Respect’s interest in the fifties answers the question: "What if Elvis were a punk rocker?" once and for all. This is another Bulletproof Band with promise.  Crooked Smile, the label’s newest artist, made one of their first appearances away from their Atlanta, Georgia, home base. 

Edan is never satisfied with a paltry three-band lineup. To fill out the four-and-a-half hour show, they brought in reinforcements. Dear Ephesus played a set of emo rock that nicely complimented the emotional intensity of the punkers surrounding them. Pop punk Ghoti Hook picked up the tempo and spirits of both already-hyper crowds. They played a solid set of well-executed material, interspersed with their usual unpredictable interruptions and improvisational humor. Friday they closed the show and on Saturday paved the way for the thunderous worship experience of P.O.D.  San Diego-based P.O.D. opened their set with stop-everything prayer, then roared out a vibe so deep and wide, the gymnasium felt like it was perched on the edge of Niagara Falls. The center of the maelstrom was the lead singer Sonny Sandoval who lead the crowd in sing-along refrains of his low-end rap-core vocals, worship dances, and simple jubilation for the goodness of God.  

Local band Nifty Fifty, a high school group made up of long time Edan supporters, opened the shows, setting a high standard for the acts that followed. Buck, a new ska band from Detroit, followed on Friday, making the audience anxious for them to finalize negotiations with some record label. Lazarus, a Chicago area rapper, transitioned between the goofiness of Ghoti Hook and the extreme worship of P.O.D. on Saturday with his old school rap on Easter from the first person perspective of the crucifixion cross.  

Promoters Ed and Dan are committed to reaching young people through musical styles they are attracted to. Although neither event sold out, the theme to live a soldout life for Jesus came through loud and clear to everyone in the hall, while their parents waited in quieter parts of the buildings.