Dakotafire Get your spark here.
By John K. Erbele, Tri-County News
When’s the last time a country music legend came to Streeter, N.D.? The answer would be never.
But that will change Sunday, when Collin Raye—who has sold more than 7 million albums and has had 15 No. 1 hits—arrives at Streeter City Hall.
The 7 p.m. performance has been organized by the new nondenominational Recharge Church, which started in April 2012 with the goal of being a “positive charge in a negative world.” The church offers programming for all ages, focusing on building up the community and investing in kids and youth. The gathering outgrew their church facility and now meets Sunday evenings at Streeter City Hall.
Part of their vision is to provide positive and sober events in their community. These alternative events are intended to bring the community together, and also offer opportunities that wouldn’t normally happen on a small, local level. Comedian Jeff Allen performed in October, and Collin Raye is the next performance the church is offering the community.
Five times nominated as country music’s Male Vocalist of the Year, Collin Raye has consistently used his stardom to advance social causes. Among the organizations he has supported are Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness (OVER) National Initiative, Easter Seals and Make a Difference Day.
Raye received the Country Radio Seminar’s Humanitarian of the Year award in 2001 for his issue-oriented music and his extensive charity work.
The man who topped the charts with hits such as “On the Verge,” “One Boy, One Girl,” “What the Heart Wants,” “Every Second” and “That Was a River” in the 1990s is ready for another round of successes.
“I believe in Providence,” Raye said. “I believe there is a reason things happen the way they do. I also believe that if you’ve treated people right and you continue to work hard at your craft, things will happen. I want to keep going. I want hit records. I want to make music.”
Raye had originally been scheduled to perform on Wednesday, Jan. 9, but his performance was postponed because Raye was sick with the flu. Raye posted this on his Facebook page on Wednesday:
I have been looking forward to coming to Streeter, ND tonight and appreciate so much the work that John Erbele has done to put this concert in place. I am so grateful to everyone for giving me a few extra days to get over the flu. Can’t wait to be with you all on Sunday!
Tickets for the performance ($18 and $20) are available at www.rechargechurch.com, Allied Agronomy in Gackle, Double “AA” Seeds in Kulm, Green Iron Equipment in Napoleon, Streeter Elevator, Big Dog Country in Jamestown, or at the door.
John Erberle is lead pastor of Recharge Church.
