It was Homecoming Week at this beautiful college tucked away on the north side of St. Paul and a homecoming of sorts for the members of PFR. Bass player Patrick Andrew is from Brainerd, MN. Guitarist and vocalist Joel Hanson attended Bethel. The group last performed at Bethel's gorgeous Benson Great Hall in 1995. I just happened to be in the area for a conference and heard about the concert on Minneapolis' KTIS-FM 98.5. I figured that going to a Christian concert was better than spending the evening in a hotel room. The show did not disappoint.

Given PFR's Minnesota origins, the crowd seemed disappointingly small as the concert venue was less than three-quarters' full. I managed to get a seat in the fourth row.

Former Sparrow Records artist Michelle Tumes was the opening act. Her last release for Sparrow, Dream was a near-complete departure in style from her first two albums. Many fans did not care for the pop-music approach on Dream. Michelle opened her segment with "Listen," from her debut CD of the same name. With only herself playing a grand piano, this song was hauntingly beautiful and allowed Michelle to display her vocal ability. Given that Michelle is better known for her ethereal style, she seemed an odd choice as the opening act for PFR. Before she launched into "The Light," Michelle told the audience she had to search through her catalog for a "fast song."

Overall, Michelle was in fine form during her 40-minute set and it was good to see her performing again. There's also good news for fans of her music. After the show, Michelle was hanging out at her product table. Michelle was very approachable. Before signing her CD, she even had a small letter opener to zip open those nasty CD stickers. Striking up a conversation, she told me that she had just completed a new recording deal with Warner Records and hopes to have a new project out next year. She said the new project would be more similar to her first two CDs, more "organic" with violins, etc.

The crowd was clearly there to see PFR. While I'm not as familiar with PFR's music as I am with Michelle Tumes, the band put on an excellent concert. I say concert instead of show because the band is not at all flashy. That isn't necessarily a bad thing as the audience can focus on what the band has to say through their music instead of pointless theatrics and pyrotechnics.

PFR favorites such as "Forever" and the infectious 60's-pop flavored "Great Lengths" were well received by the enthusiastic crowd. The most interesting aspect of the concert took place during the band's second set. That's when bassist Patrick Andrew took a solo turn. Patrick told the crowd he was going through some personal struggles, including the loss of a baby girl on 9/11/02. His music reflected that. The first song he said was titled "Wasted Time" and revolved around themes of pettiness, what's important, etc. He didn't mention a title for his second song but with the chorus "the transformation hasn't been fun, but I know that life has just begun" seems to suggest a title. Patrick's raw emotion during the performance of this second song blew away not just the audience but his fellow band mates as well. After the show, Patrick told me that he hopes to have his independent solo release completed this year. Fans can look for it on his web site, patrickandrew.com.

PFR concluded the evening with a 40-minute encore, finishing with a rousing cover of The Beatles "We Can Work It Out." Drummer Mark Nash told me the band likes playing that particular song simply because "it's a great song." In fact, the lyrics "life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend" take on a whole new meaning when performed by a Christian band. Let's hope PRF decides to continue recording new music.