Go Fish to perform concert in Worthington

• Go Fish

Submitted Photo Andy Selness (left), Jason Folkmann and Jamie Statema make up the a cappella Christian music group Go Fish. They will perform a free concert on the lawn of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington Thursday evening.

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WORTHINGTON — The people of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington are praying for good weather Thursday night, when they open up their lawn to a free concert presented by the Christian musical group Go Fish. The guys will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the west lawn of the church, at 230 Clary St.

Once an a cappella group catering to adult listeners, the group has transformed into a “rock ’n roll show tailor-made for kids,” according to its website. Go Fish consists of founding member Jamie Statema, along with Jason Folkmann and Andy Selness. The trio has released three albums, a DVD and a Christmas album since moving into children and family music in 2003.

They will be in Worthington as the finale to Westminster’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) program that began Sunday. More than 1,200 people are already expected, including children from VBS Go Fish programs as far away as LeMars, Iowa.

They estimate as many as 3,000 people — or more — could show up. The only concern is that if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the concert will be moved to the Worthington Hockey Arena and tickets for the indoor event are already gone.

“I’m confident the sun is going to shine,” said the Rev. Jim Krapf of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

“We just hope everybody comes and has a great evening of fellowship and fun,” added Krista Petersen, one of the event organizers.

The Go Fish guys are coming to Worthington thanks to a private donor, said Sandy Nelson, who is also coordinating the event.

“That was one of the stipulations — that it be a free concert so that any child is able to come and not have to worry about the cost,” said Nelson. “We are very blessed and lucky to have that private donor.”

Petersen said the church had 90 participants in its VBS’ Go Fish program. Each of them will receive a free backstage meet-and-greet pass to use prior to the concert. The general public will have an opportunity to meet the guys after the concert, during a planned autograph signing. The group will sell its T-shirts and CDs throughout the evening.

Concessions will be available starting at 5 p.m., and will include barbecues, hot dogs, coneys, chips and beverages as a fundraiser for the church. People are asked not to bring coolers to the event, but are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the performance.

A free-will offering will also be collected during the concert to benefit the Christian Education Fund at Westminster.

The public may park in the church parking lot, the lot of American Lutheran Church and the lot at the former West Elementary, in addition to on-street parking.

Petersen said children in the VBS program have worked on several projects this week, including making rock star posters, scrolls and crosses. One more project they have yet to do is make guitar pick necklaces with a Christian meaning. The final night will focus on “going forth and sharing the message of Jesus Christ,” said Krapf. The Go Fish guys will encourage the kids to do just that.

“The kids are so excited to see Go Fish,” Nelson added.

Tags: go fish, news, band, concert, worthington