Parachute music festival
Encyclopedia
The Parachute Music Festival is a Christian music festival
Christian music festival
A Christian music festival is a music festival held by the Christian community, in support of performers of Christian music...

 held annually at Mystery Creek Events Centre
Mystery Creek Events Centre
Mystery Creek Events Centre is a large events centre based in the outskirts of Hamilton, New Zealand. It is home to many events, the largest being the National Agricultural Fieldays which is held annually in June....

, Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately south of Auckland...

.The festival is run by Parachute Music
Parachute Music
Parachute Music is a Christian music organisation from New Zealand, that was formed in 1989 and operates in two main areas: Events and Artist Management. The organisation runs the annual Parachute Festival, which has grown to become a staple of the Kiwi summer and regularly attracts an audience of...

 and lasts for four days and three nights. 'Parachute' is the Southern Hemisphere's largest Christian music festival, primarily featuring music and guest speakers. It is usually held in the week Auckland Anniversary Day
Auckland Anniversary Day
Auckland Anniversary Day is a public holiday observed in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand. It is observed throughout the historic Auckland Province even though the provinces of New Zealand were abolished in 1876...

 falls on, usually in late January.

About

Parachute Festival annually attracts around 25,000 people. The largest crowd came in 2007, with 27,813 attendees. Most people who attend stay on-site in tents and caravans, and a large village area supplies food, amenities and band merchandise.

Over 100 bands from many different genres play at Parachute each year and the festival is aimed at a wide demographic ranging from families to teenagers. It is classified as a non-denominational Christian event, with enforced bans on drugs or alcohol and unmarried couples being discouraged from tenting together. However, a large percentage of non-Christian people do attend.

The Festival is covered by most news & radio stations in New Zealand and is quite a well known event of the New Zealand summer. It has also been sponsored by, and is in partnerships with a number of organisations - Some examples are Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...

, Sanitarium
Sanitarium Health Food Company
The Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing Company is the trading name of two sister food companies . Both are wholly owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church....

, V
V (drink)
V is an energy drink brand produced by Frucor Beverages Ltd since August 1997. In 2003, in supermarkets and service stations, V had a market share over 60% in New Zealand and 53% in Australia, making it the most popular brand of energy drink in both countries. V is made in New Zealand and...

, Pepsi
Pepsi
Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo...

, Vodafone
Vodafone New Zealand
Vodafone New Zealand is a British owned telecommunications company, a subsidiary of Vodafone Plc operating in New Zealand. It is New Zealand's largest mobile phone operator, based in Auckland, New Zealand and was formed in 1998, after Vodafone purchased BellSouth's New Zealand operations...

 and The NZ Police.

Parachute is often in partnerships with many charities, for example World Vision
World Vision
World Vision, founded in the USA in 1950, is an evangelical relief and development organization whose stated goal is "to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of...

. Parachute Music have been working with World Vision since 2006 to sponsor a village in Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda or , officially the Republic of Rwanda , is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million . Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo...

 called Tubehoneza. Over the last five festivals, festival-goers have donated $265,000 to the area. This money has been used to build five water tanks, three classrooms, a maternity unit and a health centre for Tubehoneza. Also through the festival 1,900 children have been sponsored.

History

In 1989 a small festival named 'Mainstage' was held on a farm near Otaki
Otaki
Otaki may refer to:*Ōtaki , a parliamentary electorate in New Zealand*Otaki, New Zealand, a town in New Zealand*Otaki River, a river in New Zealand*Ōtaki, Chiba, a town in Japan*Ōtaki, Saitama, a former village in Japan...

 which was run by 'Parachute Productions.' In 1992 the first 'Parachute Music Festival' was staged at El Rancho Christian Holiday Camp, Waikanae
Waikanae
Waikanae is a small town on New Zealand's Kapiti Coast. The name is a Māori word meaning "The waters of the yellow eyed mullet". Another settlement called Waikanae Beach exists near Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand....

. In 1995 the festival moved north to a larger venue at Totara Springs Christian Centre, Matamata
Matamata
Matamata is a rural Waikato town in New Zealand with a population of around 12,000 . It is located near the base of the Kaimai Ranges, and is a thriving farming area known for Thoroughbred horse breeding and training pursuits...

. The most recent move was in 2004, to the Mystery Creek Events Centre, just outside Hamilton.

In 2009 Parachute Music revamped the look and layout of the festival's Mainstage. The current Mainstage is New Zealand's largest concert stage.

Stages

As of the 2012 Festival the stages are:
  • Mainstage
  • The Palladium
  • Deluxe
  • The Apollo (ex Debut Stage)

Other Venues

  • The Seminar Space - Holds seminars and speaker segments. It is also the venue which holds events such as Catholic mass.
  • Noise Venue - This stage hosts Parachute Music's Noise programme & The Parachute's Got Talent auditions

Former Stages

In the past the festival has had up to 9 Stages running at the Mystery Creek site. Former Stages include:
  • Debut Stage - In 2010 the Debut Stage was replaced and changed to The Apollo.
  • The Dome - In 2010 The Dome was demolished by Mystery Creek Events Centre.
  • Massive - This stage hosted mostly dance crews, R&B and hip-hop artists. Massive will be integrated into the Deluxe stage programme for the 2012 festival.
  • The Hangar/White Elephant - This stage was the home to acoustic performances and will also be integrated into the Deluxe stage programme in 2012.


Various other stages have appeared at festival in the past. A notable stage was 'The Cage,' which was run when the festival was hosted in Matamata.

At the 2000 and 2001 Parachute Festivals there was also a separate 'festival within a festival' dedicated to electronic and dance music in its various forms. This N'Dorphin Village was created by members of Dance Generation and featured continuous DJing and live electronica acts, along with urban dance culture elements such as break dancing performances and live Hip Hop.

Other Attractions

Events/Attractions that usually take place at Parachute:
  • Amusement rides, Inflatables & Carnival Games
  • Water Slide
    Water slide
    A water slide is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size...

  • Paintball
    Paintball
    Paintball is a sport in which players compete, in teams or individually, to eliminate opponents by tagging them with capsules containing water soluble dye and gelatin shell outside propelled from a device called a paintball marker . Paintballs have a non-toxic, biodegradable, water soluble...

  • Kids Programme
  • Skatepark
    Skatepark
    A skatepark is a purpose-built recreational environment made for skateboarding, BMX, aggressive inline skating and scooters. A skatepark may contain half-pipes, quarter pipes, spine transfers, handrails, funboxes, vert ramps, pyramids, banked ramps, full pipes, pools, bowls, snake runs stairsets,...

  • Market shopping at 'The Village'
  • Punters vs international artist competitions - There have been Cook off's, Volleyball, Cricket and more.
  • Parachutes Got Talent competition
  • A type of party, each year the theme may change. For example - An 80s Party, or Barn Dance, Silent Disco
    Silent disco
    Silent disco has become a common name for a disco where people dance to music listened to on wireless headphones. Rather than using a speaker system, music is broadcast via an FM-transmitter with the signal being picked up by wireless headphone receivers worn by the participants. Those without the...

  • Noise, a collection of seminars/workshops from international and local artists on music and performance, with some seminars and workshops focusing more on the technical (production) side of performances

Headline acts

Although Parachute Festival has been around since 1991 the first international headliner performed in 1995
  • 1995: dc talk
    DC Talk
    DC Talk is the first studio album released from vocal trio DC Talk. It is the most hip hop-oriented of all of their albums as each later album gradually progressed into a more rock-centered sound. Michael Tait stated that their original goal for the album was to sell 10,000 units. It sold 7,142...

  • 1996: Newsboys
    Newsboys
    Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 15 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold...

  • 1997: Newsboys
    Newsboys
    Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 15 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold...

  • 1998: Jars of Clay
    Jars of Clay
    Jars of Clay is a Christian rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. They met at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois.Jars of Clay consists of Dan Haseltine on vocals, Charlie Lowell on piano and keyboards, Stephen Mason on lead guitars and Matthew Odmark on rhythm guitars...

    , All Star United
    All Star United
    All Star United is a Christian rock band that was formed by solo artist Ian Eskelin in 1996. The band is known for clever and sometimes sarcastic lyrics, as they frequently use their songs as vehicles to lampoon perceived excesses in Western culture...

    , Margeret Becker, MIC
  • 1999: Delirious?
    Delirious?
    Delirious? were an English Christian rock and worship band. For the majority of their career, the lineup featured Martin Smith on vocals and guitar, Stu G on guitar and backing vocals, Jon Thatcher on bass guitar, Tim Jupp on keys and piano, and Stew Smith on drums and percussion...

    , All Star United
    All Star United
    All Star United is a Christian rock band that was formed by solo artist Ian Eskelin in 1996. The band is known for clever and sometimes sarcastic lyrics, as they frequently use their songs as vehicles to lampoon perceived excesses in Western culture...

    , Five Iron Frenzy
    Five Iron Frenzy
    Five Iron Frenzy is a Christian ska band formed in Denver, Colorado in 1995 and disbanded in 2003. The band announced they were recording new material on November 22, 2011....

    , JC Culture
  • 2000: Delirious?
    Delirious?
    Delirious? were an English Christian rock and worship band. For the majority of their career, the lineup featured Martin Smith on vocals and guitar, Stu G on guitar and backing vocals, Jon Thatcher on bass guitar, Tim Jupp on keys and piano, and Stew Smith on drums and percussion...

    , Mike Tait, Pete Stewart
    Pete Stewart
    Pete Stewart is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer from Washington state. He is the lead singer and guitarist of Grammatrain, was the lead singer for The Accident Experiment, and is the former guitarist of Tait....

    , MIC
    MIC
    - Business and industry :* Military-industrial complex, the relationship between a nation's military forces and its arms industry* Miami Intermodal Center, a mega-transportation hub in Miami, Florida...

    ,
  • 2001: Third Day
    Third Day
    Third Day is a Grammy award-winning Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and former member Billy Wilkins. The other band members are bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr...

    , Audio Adrenaline
    Audio Adrenaline
    Audio Adrenaline was a Christian rock band that formed in the late 1980s at Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky. During the band's 17-year existence, they were awarded two Grammy awards, multiple Dove Awards and they released 17 number one singles. They were regular performers at the...

    , Earthsuit
    Earthsuit
    Earthsuit was a short-lived New Orleans-based Christian rock band formed in 1995. The band consisted of guitarist Dave Rumsey, keyboardist/vocalist Paul Meany, bassist Roy Mitchell, drummer David "Hutch" Hutchison, and vocalist Adam LaClave...

    , Newsboys
    Newsboys
    Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 15 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold...

    , Raze
    Raze
    Raze may refer to:* Demolition* Raze, Haute-Saône, a town in France* Raze * Raze * Raze , a fictional character in the Underworld films* Raze , a made for TV film aired on syfy...

  • 2002: Delirious?
    Delirious?
    Delirious? were an English Christian rock and worship band. For the majority of their career, the lineup featured Martin Smith on vocals and guitar, Stu G on guitar and backing vocals, Jon Thatcher on bass guitar, Tim Jupp on keys and piano, and Stew Smith on drums and percussion...

    , The O.C. Supertones
    The O.C. Supertones
    The Orange County Supertones is a Christian ska band hailing from Orange County, California. The band was signed to Tooth & Nail Records before becoming an independent band for its final tour...

    , Paul Colman Trio
    Paul Colman Trio
    Paul Colman Trio is an Australian Contemporary Christian music group composed of Paul Colman, Phil Gaudion, and Grant Norsworthy. The band released four studio albums, two live albums, and several Christian radio hit singles such as Turn, The Selfish Song, and Fill My Cup...

    , Earthsuit
    Earthsuit
    Earthsuit was a short-lived New Orleans-based Christian rock band formed in 1995. The band consisted of guitarist Dave Rumsey, keyboardist/vocalist Paul Meany, bassist Roy Mitchell, drummer David "Hutch" Hutchison, and vocalist Adam LaClave...

    , Skillet
    Skillet (band)
    Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...

  • 2003: Toby Mac, Out of Eden
    Out of Eden
    Out of Eden was an American Gospel music group often identified with R&B, and contemporary Christian music. It featured sisters Lisa Kimmey, Andrea Kimmey-Baca, and Danielle Kimmey...

    , Superchick
    Superchick
    Superchick, originally known as Superchic[k], is an American Christian alternative pop/rock band. Their music incorporates various styles such as pop, punk, rock, rap, and R&B. Their sound has been compared to mainstream artists No Doubt and Avril Lavigne with a heavier sound...

    , Andy Hunter, Tree63
    Tree63
    Tree63 was a Contemporary Christian Music band from Durban, South Africa.-History:The band was formed in 1996 and originally, it was unnamed. In 1997, the band had to come up with a name before performing at North Beach, Durban, and came up with "Tree". They added the 63 part of their name in 2000...

    , Pillar
    Pillar (band)
    Pillar is a Christian rock band currently located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their sixth studio album, Confessions, was released in 2009.- Formation and independent albums :...

  • 2004: Newsboys
    Newsboys
    Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 15 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold...

    , Relient K
    Relient K
    Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Matt Hoopes during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone University...

    , Christafari
    Christafari
    Christafari is a Christian reggae band formed in 1990. It is centered around the personality of ordained religious minister Mark "Tansoback" Mohr , an American born-again Christian. Until the age of 17, Mohr was a Rastafarian...

    , The Tribe (Formally The World Wide Message Tribe), Pillar
    Pillar (band)
    Pillar is a Christian rock band currently located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their sixth studio album, Confessions, was released in 2009.- Formation and independent albums :...

    , Paul Colman Trio
    Paul Colman Trio
    Paul Colman Trio is an Australian Contemporary Christian music group composed of Paul Colman, Phil Gaudion, and Grant Norsworthy. The band released four studio albums, two live albums, and several Christian radio hit singles such as Turn, The Selfish Song, and Fill My Cup...

    , Magnify, Darlene Zschech
    Darlene Zschech
    Darlene Joyce Zschech is an Australian Pentecostal worship leader and singer-songwriter who primarily writes praise and worship songs. She is the former worship pastor of Hillsong Church and is currently a member of Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith.-Biography:As a young adult...

    , Hillsong United
    Hillsong United (band)
    The Hillsong United band is an Australian praise and worship band that originated as a part of Hillsong Church. The band tours the world, performing at the various Hillsong church locations as well as general concert venues. They compose the songs for their own performances and for the other...

  • 2005: Third Day
    Third Day
    Third Day is a Grammy award-winning Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and former member Billy Wilkins. The other band members are bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr...

    , Audio Adrenaline
    Audio Adrenaline
    Audio Adrenaline was a Christian rock band that formed in the late 1980s at Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky. During the band's 17-year existence, they were awarded two Grammy awards, multiple Dove Awards and they released 17 number one singles. They were regular performers at the...

    , Grits
    GRITS
    GRITS, also known as G.R.I.T.S., is a Christian Hip Hop group from Nashville, Tennessee. Their name is an acronym, which stands for "Grammatical Revolution In The Spirit." GRITS is made up of Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter, both of whom were DC Talk dancers.Their song "Ooh Aah"...

    , Day of Fire
    Day of Fire (band)
    Day of Fire is a Christian rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band announced an indefinite hiatus in June 2010, leaving open the possibility for a return to the music scene. They were first signed to Essential Records, and later to Razor and Tie Records...

    , Shawn McDonald
    Shawn McDonald
    -Childhood:As a child, McDonald lived with his grandparents because his parents could not take care of him. Not really understanding the situation, he became rebellious. He would sneak out of the house, drink alcohol, get intoxicated, and later use drugs...

    , Hillsong United
    Hillsong United (band)
    The Hillsong United band is an Australian praise and worship band that originated as a part of Hillsong Church. The band tours the world, performing at the various Hillsong church locations as well as general concert venues. They compose the songs for their own performances and for the other...

    , Ben Lummis
    Ben Lummis
    Ben Lummis is a New Zealand R&B/Pop recording artist who rose to musical fame as the winner of the First season of New Zealand Idol in 2004. He is of Māori and Pākehā and Tongan descent...

    , Magnify, Jeff Deyo
    Jeff Deyo
    Jeff Deyo is an American Contemporary Christian music solo artist and worship leader. He was also the lead singer of the band SONICFLOOd from its creation in 1999 through 2000....

     (formerly of SONICFLOOd
    SONICFLOOd
    Sonicflood is an American Christian Worship band from Nashville, Tennessee. Originally under the name Zilch, the band formed in 1997. The group took the name Sonicflood in 1998 as they became known as a praise and worship band following some line-up changes...

    )
  • 2006: Anberlin
    Anberlin
    Anberlin is an American rock band formed in Winter Haven, Florida in 2002. Since the beginning of 2007, the band has consisted of lead vocalist Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young.Members of Anberlin originally formed...

    , Delirious?
    Delirious?
    Delirious? were an English Christian rock and worship band. For the majority of their career, the lineup featured Martin Smith on vocals and guitar, Stu G on guitar and backing vocals, Jon Thatcher on bass guitar, Tim Jupp on keys and piano, and Stew Smith on drums and percussion...

    , Day of Fire, The Valley
    The Valley (band)
    The Valley, who formed in early 2005, were a Sydney quintet. The Valley became signed to Crusade Records in late 2005 and released "A Small Misunderstanding Leads To Disaster" in February 2006, and their follow up EP, "Burning At The Mistake" released in late 2006.The Valley have toured...

    , Planetshakers
    Planetshakers
    Planetshakers is a Christian youth movement that began as an annual conference and grew into an international ministry and large church in Melbourne, Australia. The conference was born out of Paradise Community Church in Adelaide, South Australia by Pastor Russell Evans...

    , Reuben Morgan
    Reuben Morgan
    Reuben Morgan is the worship pastor and one of several worship leaders and songwriters alongside Darlene Zschech at the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. He has written songs such as "Eagles Wings", "Hear Our Praises", "I Give You My Heart", "My Redeemer Lives" and "Mighty to Save", which won...

     & Band
  • 2007: Third Day
    Third Day
    Third Day is a Grammy award-winning Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and former member Billy Wilkins. The other band members are bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr...

    , Thousand Foot Krutch
    Thousand Foot Krutch
    Thousand Foot Krutch is a Canadian Christian rock band formed in 1995. They have released five major studio albums: Set It Off , Phenomenon , The Art of Breaking , The Flame In All of Us , and Welcome to the Masquerade . They also have one live album, Live at the Masquerade...

    , Rebecca St James, Shawn McDonald
    Shawn McDonald
    -Childhood:As a child, McDonald lived with his grandparents because his parents could not take care of him. Not really understanding the situation, he became rebellious. He would sneak out of the house, drink alcohol, get intoxicated, and later use drugs...

    , Hillsong
    Hillsong Music
    Hillsong Music is Christian music produced by Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia as well as offshoot churches, Hillsong London and Hillsong Kiev...

    , Dave Dobbyn
    Dave Dobbyn
    Dave Dobbyn, ONZM is an award-winning New Zealand musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. In his early career he was a member of the rock group Th' Dudes and was the main creative force in pop band DD Smash...

    , Falling Up, Run Kid Run
    Run Kid Run
    Run Kid Run is a Christian pop/rock band from Carmi, Illinois and Morganfield, Kentucky, formed in 2006. Their debut album This Is Who We Are, was released on May 18, 2006 through Tooth & Nail Records. All of the members, except Paul Stewart, were originally from punk rock band Side Walk Slam on...

    , The Valley
    The Valley (band)
    The Valley, who formed in early 2005, were a Sydney quintet. The Valley became signed to Crusade Records in late 2005 and released "A Small Misunderstanding Leads To Disaster" in February 2006, and their follow up EP, "Burning At The Mistake" released in late 2006.The Valley have toured...

    , Spacifix
    Spacifix
    Spacifix is a New Zealand Funk/Soul/Blues/R&B and Reggae boy group from West Auckland, New Zealand. They formed in April 2003 with the view of entering the Smoke Free Pacifika Beats national competition. Aged between 13 and 18 years they won the competition first time up...

    , Nesian Mystik
    Nesian Mystik
    Nesian Mystik was a New Zealand Hip-Hop/R&B group formed in 1999. Their cultural backgrounds unite a remarkable diversity of Polynesia by bringing together Cook Island, Tongan, Samoan and Maori ancestry...

  • 2008: Switchfoot
    Switchfoot
    Switchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman , Tim Foreman , Chad Butler , Jerome Fontamillas , and Drew Shirley .After early successes in the Christian rock scene, Switchfoot first gained mainstream...

    , Israel Houghton
    Israel Houghton
    -Other recordings :* "Champions for Christ" - Hi5 * "Where Are the Fathers?" from He-Motions * "Send Me to the Nations" from A Wing & A Prayer...

     & New Breed, Leigh Nash, RED
    Red (band)
    Red is an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band's lineup consists of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard. They are known for their Christian rock music which incorporates other sounds such as...

    , Jonezetta
    Jonezetta
    Jonezetta was an indie band from Clinton, Mississippi, which has released an EP and two full-length albums since their formation in 2002.- History :Jonezetta formed when its four members were still in high school...

  • 2009: Family Force 5
    Family Force 5
    Family Force 5 is a Christian crunk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They consist of Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds, Jacob "Crouton" Olds, Joshua "Fatty" Olds, Nathan "Nadaddy" Currin, and Derek "Chap Stique" Mount...

    , David Crowder Band
    David Crowder Band
    The David Crowder Band is a six-piece Christian Modern Worship band from Waco, Texas.-Band history:The band began when David Crowder, from Texarkana, Texas, realized that almost half of the students at Baylor University were not attending church...

    , Casting Crowns
    Casting Crowns
    Casting Crowns is a Grammy Award and Dove Award winning Contemporary Christian/Christian Rock band. Casting Crowns was started in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall at First Baptist Church in Downtown Daytona Beach, Florida as part of a youth group. He now serves as a lead vocalist...

    , Parachute Band
    Parachute Band
    Parachute Band is a worship band from Auckland, New Zealand, formed out of the New Zealand-based Christian organisation Parachute MusicThe band makes pop/rock music and is currently in its second generation, with the current line-up regularly topping the mainstream MySpace NZ Music Charts for acts...

    , Kutless
    Kutless
    Kutless is a Christian rock band from Portland, Oregon formed in 1999. Since their formation, they have released six studio albums including their latest, It Is Well. The band has also released a live album, Live from Portland. Currently, they have sold almost 2 million records.-Biography:Formed in...

    , Rapture Ruckus
    Rapture Ruckus
    Rapture Ruckus is a Christian Hip Hop/Rock Band from Wellington New Zealand signed to BEC Recordings. They have released four Albums - "Rapture Ruckus" in 2002, "I Believe" in 2006, Rapture Ruckus Live at World's End in 2008, and Rapture Ruckus in 2010 as debut album with BEC Recordings...

  • 2010: Switchfoot
    Switchfoot
    Switchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman , Tim Foreman , Chad Butler , Jerome Fontamillas , and Drew Shirley .After early successes in the Christian rock scene, Switchfoot first gained mainstream...

    , Underoath
    Underoath
    Underoath is an American Christian metalcore band from Tampa, Florida. Founded by Dallas Taylor and Luke Morton on November 30, 1997 in Ocala, Florida, subsequently its additional members were from Tampa, Florida...

    , Hillsong United, Leeland
    Leeland
    Leeland is a Christian rock band from Baytown, Texas. The band was formed in 2004, although lead singer Leeland Mooring had been writing songs beforehand. Leeland is composed of Leeland Mooring , Jack Mooring , Casey Moore , Shelly Mooring and Mike Smith...

    , Family Force 5
    Family Force 5
    Family Force 5 is a Christian crunk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They consist of Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds, Jacob "Crouton" Olds, Joshua "Fatty" Olds, Nathan "Nadaddy" Currin, and Derek "Chap Stique" Mount...

    , Newworldson
    Newworldson
    Newworldson is a Canadian Christian pop/soul band. The band was formed in a jazz bar in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada and released its debut album, Roots Revolution, in 2006. Their musical style is very eclectic, but is principally soul music. The band is signed to Inpop Records and...

    , Falling Up, Manafest
    Manafest
    Chris Greenwood better known by his stage name Manafest, is a Canadian Christian rapper and rock artist from Pickering, Ontario....

    , Parachute Band
    Parachute Band
    Parachute Band is a worship band from Auckland, New Zealand, formed out of the New Zealand-based Christian organisation Parachute MusicThe band makes pop/rock music and is currently in its second generation, with the current line-up regularly topping the mainstream MySpace NZ Music Charts for acts...

    , Rapture Ruckus
    Rapture Ruckus
    Rapture Ruckus is a Christian Hip Hop/Rock Band from Wellington New Zealand signed to BEC Recordings. They have released four Albums - "Rapture Ruckus" in 2002, "I Believe" in 2006, Rapture Ruckus Live at World's End in 2008, and Rapture Ruckus in 2010 as debut album with BEC Recordings...

  • 2011: Chris Tomlin
    Chris Tomlin
    Christopher Dwayne "Chris" Tomlin is an American Christian Contemporary Music artist, worship leader, and songwriter from Grand Saline, Texas, United States. He is a former staff member at Austin Stone Community Church and is signed to EMI's sixstepsrecords. Tomlin also leads worship at many...

    , Skillet
    Skillet (band)
    Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...

    , Brian 'Head' Welch
    Brian Welch
    Brian Phillip Welch , better known as Head, is an American musician best known as the former guitarist and co-founder of the nu metal band Korn...

    , Newworldson
    Newworldson
    Newworldson is a Canadian Christian pop/soul band. The band was formed in a jazz bar in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada and released its debut album, Roots Revolution, in 2006. Their musical style is very eclectic, but is principally soul music. The band is signed to Inpop Records and...

    , Stan Walker
    Stan Walker
    Stan Walker , is an Australian recording artist and actor. In 2009, Walker was the winner on the seventh season of Australian Idol. He subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia....

    , Seabird
    Seabird (band)
    Seabird is a Christian alternative rock band from Independence, Kentucky. The band formed when Aaron Morgan, Micah Landers, and Aaron Hunt began playing songs with each other in 2004. The band soon added accordion player David Smith. After playing together for a little under a year both Landers...

    , Parachute Band
    Parachute Band
    Parachute Band is a worship band from Auckland, New Zealand, formed out of the New Zealand-based Christian organisation Parachute MusicThe band makes pop/rock music and is currently in its second generation, with the current line-up regularly topping the mainstream MySpace NZ Music Charts for acts...

    , Rapture Ruckus
    Rapture Ruckus
    Rapture Ruckus is a Christian Hip Hop/Rock Band from Wellington New Zealand signed to BEC Recordings. They have released four Albums - "Rapture Ruckus" in 2002, "I Believe" in 2006, Rapture Ruckus Live at World's End in 2008, and Rapture Ruckus in 2010 as debut album with BEC Recordings...

    , Manafest
    Manafest
    Chris Greenwood better known by his stage name Manafest, is a Canadian Christian rapper and rock artist from Pickering, Ontario....

    , Elemeno P
    Elemeno P
    Elemeno P is a New Zealand rock band. The band's first album, Love & Disrespect was released on 4 July 2003, and reached number one on the RIANZ albums chart. Their second album, Trouble in Paradise was released on 24 November 2005 and includes the singles 11:57, Burn, One Left Standing and You Are...

  • 2012: Casting Crowns
    Casting Crowns
    Casting Crowns is a Grammy Award and Dove Award winning Contemporary Christian/Christian Rock band. Casting Crowns was started in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall at First Baptist Church in Downtown Daytona Beach, Florida as part of a youth group. He now serves as a lead vocalist...

    , Parachute Band
    Parachute Band
    Parachute Band is a worship band from Auckland, New Zealand, formed out of the New Zealand-based Christian organisation Parachute MusicThe band makes pop/rock music and is currently in its second generation, with the current line-up regularly topping the mainstream MySpace NZ Music Charts for acts...

    , Relient K
    Relient K
    Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Matt Hoopes during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone University...

    , The Almost
    The Almost
    The Almost is an American alternative rock band from Clearwater, Florida, formed in 2005, and is most notable for being the side project of former Underoath drummer, Aaron Gillespie.-History:...

    , Desperation Band
    Desperation Band
    Desperation Band, led by Jon Egan, is part of the worship ministry of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.The band has been featured on the main stage at Creation East and Kingdom Bound, and has led worship in the Worship Tent at both Creation East and KingdomBound. They have also been...

    , Showbread
    Showbread (band)
    Showbread is an American Christian rock band originating in Guyton, Georgia. More specifically, the band lives in a small community within Guyton called Marlow. They formed in 1997. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes since its formation but maintains its two founding members, Josh...

    , The Rocket Summer
    The Rocket Summer
    The Rocket Summer is the solo-project of Bryce Avary who is based in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Avary is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer. He writes and produces every song on his records, and plays every instrument on them....

    , Ascend The Hill, Randy Stonehill
    Randy Stonehill
    Randall Evan "Randy" Stonehill is an American singer-songwriter from Stockton, California, best known as one of the so-called "fathers of contemporary Christian music". His music is primarily folk rock in the style of James Taylor, but he has assayed other styles, with various albums focused on...

    , Avalanche City
    Avalanche City
    Avalanche City is a folk music band from Auckland, New Zealand.The group was originally a solo project of Dave Baxter; however, after he released his first album Our New Life Above The Ground he assembled a group of musicians, namely Ben Duncan on drums; Johnny Brock on bass; Ben Tolich on...

    , The Chariot
    The Chariot (band)
    The Chariot is an American mathcore band from Douglasville, Georgia, formed in 2003. The current lineup consists of drummer David Kennedy, bassist Jon "KC Wolf" Kindler, vocalist and bandleader Josh Scogin, and guitarists Brandon Henderson and Stephen Harrison. The band has experienced frequent...

     and Aaron Gillespie
    Aaron Gillespie
    Aaron Roderick Gillespie is an American musician, best known for being the former drummer and clean vocalist for the metalcore band Underoath, and the current lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock band The Almost...

     from The Almost will lead a worship set.


Popular local bands that have regularly played at Parachute in the past include Mumsdollar
Mumsdollar
Mumsdollar was a New Zealand rock band formed in 1998 with Ben Claxton on lead vocals, Dave Barr on guitar and backing vocals, Tim Beale on drums, and brothers Pete Wood, on guitar, and Steve Wood on bass and backing vocals.-History:...

, Steriogram
Steriogram
Steriogram is a rock band that formed in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1999. Their 2004 song "Walkie Talkie Man" was used in an advertisement for the iPod and a number of films and video games.-Formation and first album, 1999–2005:...

, The Lads
The Lads
The Lads are a New Zealand Christian rock/pop group that was formed in 1993. In early 2005 the band moved from New Zealand to Nashville, Tennessee.-History:...

, Brooke Fraser
Brooke Fraser
Brooke Gabrielle Fraser Ligertwood, better known as Brooke Fraser is a New Zealand award-winning folk-pop and Christian music artist...

, Rapture Ruckus
Rapture Ruckus
Rapture Ruckus is a Christian Hip Hop/Rock Band from Wellington New Zealand signed to BEC Recordings. They have released four Albums - "Rapture Ruckus" in 2002, "I Believe" in 2006, Rapture Ruckus Live at World's End in 2008, and Rapture Ruckus in 2010 as debut album with BEC Recordings...

, juliagrace
Juliagrace
Juliagrace is a Christian pop singer and songwriter. Julia was born and currently resides in Auckland, New Zealand. She was born and grew up in a Christian family, both of her parents are Christian. Her brother Paul Cato is a New Zealand artist.Vucich began to play the piano at age three and...

, Kingston
Kingston (band)
-Early Beginnings:Dan Gibson and Scott Cleary attended the same high school and wrote songs together as teens. Dan met Shohan Hustwick at a youth camp in 2005 and invited her to practice as they wanted to form a band...

, Late 80's Mercedes, Arms Reach, Form and Parachute's own Parachute Band
Parachute Band
Parachute Band is a worship band from Auckland, New Zealand, formed out of the New Zealand-based Christian organisation Parachute MusicThe band makes pop/rock music and is currently in its second generation, with the current line-up regularly topping the mainstream MySpace NZ Music Charts for acts...

. Representing dance and electronic music over the years have been DJs and MCs including Andy Hunter, Tim Richards, Andy Pulzar, Dr Siminz, Paul Spain/MC Preacher Boy and DJ U-gene.

Cancellations

  • Hawk Nelson
    Hawk Nelson
    Hawk Nelson is a Christian rock band from Peterborough, Ontario. The band has become very popular in the Christian music scene and was voted "Favorite New Artist" by CCM Magazine in their February 2006 Reader's Choice Awards. In 2006 Hawk Nelson won a No...

     were scheduled to play in 2007 and 2008 but double bookings prevented them from making it.
  • Flyleaf
    Flyleaf
    Flyleaf is an American alternative metal band, formed in the Belton and Temple, Texas regions in 2000. The band has charted on mainstream rock, Christian pop and Christian metal genres. They performed around the United States in 2003 until releasing their eponymous debut album, Flyleaf, in 2005....

     were scheduled to play in 2011 but due to a band member's pregnancy, they had to pull out of the festival. Elemeno P
    Elemeno P
    Elemeno P is a New Zealand rock band. The band's first album, Love & Disrespect was released on 4 July 2003, and reached number one on the RIANZ albums chart. Their second album, Trouble in Paradise was released on 24 November 2005 and includes the singles 11:57, Burn, One Left Standing and You Are...

     replaced Flyleaf which caused some controversy over Elemeno P not being 'Christian' enough.

Speakers

The Key speakers at Parachute since 1993.
  • 1993: John Smith, Trevor Yaxley
  • 1994: John Smith, Trevor Yaxley
  • 1995: John Smith, Tome Sine
  • 1996: Frank Wilson, Bunny Wilson, Geoff Bullock
    Geoff Bullock
    Geoff Bullock is an Australian Christian singer-songwriter and pianist best known for his song "The Power of Your Love". He began his journey of faith in 1977, when he was in his early twenties....

  • 1997: Glenn Kaiser
    Glenn Kaiser
    Glenn Kaiser is a Chicago-based Christian blues musician, singer-songwriter and pastor. He was the leader of Resurrection Band and is currently the leader of The Glenn Kaiser Band.-Childhood:...

    , Paul Aldrich
  • 1998: Brian Houston
    Brian Houston
    Brian Houston may refer to:*Brian Houston , pastor of the Hillsong church in Sydney, Australia*Brian Houston , Northern Irish musician...

    , Glenn & Wendi Kaiser
  • 1999: Phil Pringle
    Phil Pringle
    Phil Pringle OAM arrived in Sydney, Australia, in 1980 with his wife Christine with the intention of establishing a church. He has now planted more than 200 churches around the world...

    , Sy Rodgers, Bobbie Houston
    Bobbie Houston
    Bobbie Houston is a Pentecostal Christian pastor in the Australian Christian Churches. Bobbie Houston and her husband Brian founded the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia.-Biography:...

    , David Pearce
  • 2000: Tony Campolo
    Tony Campolo
    Dr. Anthony "Tony" Campolo is an American pastor, author, sociologist, and public speaker known for challenging evangelical Christians by illustrating how their faith can offer solutions in a world of complexity. With his liberal political and social attitudes, he has been a major proponent for...

    , Sy Rodgers
  • 2001: Johnny Lee Clary
    Johnny Lee Clary
    Johnny Lee Clary is a former Ku Klux Klan leader who became a Pentecostal Christian and now travels around the globe preaching the gospel and teaching against racism and hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Neo Nazis, and Aryan Nations...

    , Pat Mesiti, John & Helen Burns, Sy Rodgers
  • 2002: Darrell Scott, John & Helen Burns, Brian Houston
  • 2003: Tony Campolo, Sy Rogers, John & Helen Burns, Shirley Carpenter
  • 2004: Christine Caine, Phil Baker, Nancy Alcorn, John & Helen Burns
  • 2005: Christine Caine, Wayne Alcorn, Rich Stearns, Winkie Pratney
  • 2006: Greg Laurie
    Greg Laurie
    Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.-Ministry:Laurie, who was born in Long Beach, California, became a Christian under the ministry of Pentecostal evangelist Lonnie Frisbee...

    , Wayne Alcorn, Phil Baker
  • 2007: Joyce Meyer
    Joyce Meyer
    Joyce Meyer is a Charismatic Christian author and speaker. Meyer and her husband Dave have four grown children, and live outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her ministry is headquartered in the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, Missouri.-Early life:Meyer was born Pauline Joyce Hutchison in south St. Louis in...

    , Christine Caine, Jurgen Matthesius
  • 2008: Reggie Dabbs, Tony Campolo, Charlotte Scanlon-Gamble
  • 2009: Brian Houston, Tim Costello
    Tim Costello
    Timothy Ewen Costello AO is a prominent Baptist minister and current CEO of World Vision Australia.He is an "Australian Living Treasure". He is the brother of former treasurer of Australia and Federal Member for Higgins Peter Costello....

    , Chris Hill, John Burns
  • 2010: Mike Pilavachi
    Mike Pilavachi
    Mike Pilavachi is a British charismatic Christian evangelist and author of Greek Cypriot descent. He is the co-founder and leader of the Soul Survivor charity based in Watford, United Kingdom. He is also the Senior Pastor of the Soul Survivor Watford church, based in North Watford, which he set up...

    , Matt Fielder, Paul de Jong
  • 2011: Louie Giglio
    Louie Giglio
    Louie Giglio is a pastor , speaker and founder of the Passion Movement.-Biography:Giglio graduated from Georgia State University and earned a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Later he went to Grace Theological Seminary to pursue a Doctor of...

    , Brian 'Head' Welch
    Brian Welch
    Brian Phillip Welch , better known as Head, is an American musician best known as the former guitarist and co-founder of the nu metal band Korn...

     and John Cameron of ARISE Church Wellington
  • 2012: Darlene Zschech
    Darlene Zschech
    Darlene Joyce Zschech is an Australian Pentecostal worship leader and singer-songwriter who primarily writes praise and worship songs. She is the former worship pastor of Hillsong Church and is currently a member of Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith.-Biography:As a young adult...

    , Tim Costello

External links

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