II Guys MN/WI Road Trip - a Report!

[sue d.]

Was there anyone from the Zone (other than Tim & Andrea) who made it to Club 3 Degrees, Menominee, Sturgeon Bay & Wales this past weekend for some AWESOME II Guys shows??

I'm telling you - their concerts just keep getting better & better!

Here's a little something new I wrote up to try & explain - see what you think:


The II GUYS CONCERT EXPERIENCE
This is acoustic music like you've never experienced before... an incredible mix of Petra classics ranging from "Why Should the Father Bother" to "Creed" to "Right Place" to "Jekyll & Hyde" - all on an acoustic guitar! Who needs a band when you have Bob?!!!

You will also hear praise music off of the new album "Vertical Expressions," stories from the past 33 years, plus Bob and John's testimonies - and when John gets on a roll - watch out, because he's a preacher in disguise!

And don't forget the comedy! Yes, II Guys from Petra are entertaining as well... not only entertaining, but downright hilarious! Be prepared to witness a different side of Bob that few have ever seen before - he's quick on the draw and a master of the one-liners with his deadpan delivery. And it's usually John who unknowingly walks right into the proverbial trap!

But don't worry - John won't take a hit without delivering a few well-aimed shots at good 'ol Bob! Once the two get rolling... look out! (the next time you see the guys walking down the street, ask Bob about John's perspiration & personal hygiene after a concert, or check in with John on what Bob is like when he's on a coffee buzz!)

II Guys from Petra in concert = a night of laughter, music and ministry at it's finest!

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The Report:

We had a greatly enthusiastic crowd at Club 3 Degrees... the atmosphere was perfect for what the guys do. Cafe/club-style seating, excellent sound system, top-notch lighting... and they really treated us wonderfully. And the Guys were playing it up to the max that night - they were on a roll! I'm not only talking music & ministry, but FUNNY! Oh my gosh... you all should have been there!

People were laughing all night... John & Bob are hilarious together! I'm hoping to get some vid clips up to SHOW you what I'm talking about. BOTH of them can fling out the one-liners, but it's usually John who takes the hit from Bob.

Of course JOHN can let 'em fly as well (especially to ME in the car as we drove back & forth across the state, commenting about my driving). By the end of the trip I dubbed him the "the Backseat Boy!" I can dish it out too!

We won't even talk about BOB, giving me a near heart attack as I pulled out from a parking spot onto the street, yelling "WATCH OUT!" like I was going to hit someone during rush hour traffic in downtown Minneapolis (there was NO ONE there! ). I wacked him good for THAT one! Yes, I smacked Bob. He deserved it! lol!

The concert in Menominee was great as well - it was an outdoor festival in the city park, out in the public eye. A great opportunity to really preach Christ thru the Guys' testimonies... and preach it they did! We will never know until heaven who just might have been walking past and stopped to listen. Seeds get planted in this way, folks.

We did a church service Sun. a.m., which will be online on the church's site once they edit it down (it was a 1.5 hour service). Again, major ministry, music and wonderful fellowship with all the believers in that church.

That evening we trucked down to Wales, to a church that was struggling with departure problems and a split congregation. Again, just the right mix of ministry and lightheartedness to help the church forget their troubles for the night and concentrate on the Lord instead. We heard afterwards from a number of the people how thankful they were, and how listening to John & Bob truly uplifted them in their troublesome time.

So there's a little run-down of the weekend.... I can't tell you enough how really excellent these shows are. I probably shouldn't say 'show,' because that makes it sound like entertainment-only. It IS entertainment, because if you want to laugh and joke around - these guys can deliver. But if you want to get serious about Christ, hear some wonderful preaching and testimonies, not to mention the music - II GUYS FROM PETRA is where it's at.

[carol d.]

Mike and I were at the show in Menominee...it was wonderful! We planned our vacation around it and the show was like the icing on the cake of a relaxing week. Sorry we didn't get a chance to say hello, Sue. (I was able speak to John for a few secs after the show as he was headed to the meet/greet table. )

I love your new write-up and I agree that the acoustic performances are absolutely amazing with Bob's playing. For any doubters out there, Bob truly does make an acoustic guitar sound like a band...unbelievable! Their ministry is such a blessing to me personally and I know it was to those around me that night, as well. I, too, wonder who the Lord brought through that park just to hear His word. Mike talked to a guy the next day on a fishing pier that had been passing through the park at some point. Not sure what all he heard and how long he stayed, but we know the Lord works in wondrous ways.

Thanks, Sue, for making these live shows happen and for "trucking" the guys through 3 states in one weekend...we appreciate all your hard work!!

[Schlittism33]

Sue is right on with this one! II Guys are fantastic and have it all! My brother and I drove all day to make it up to Minneapolis from Missouri for the concert. Some people (even John and Bob) say we're crazy for making these kind of trips - which we have done often including places like Indianapolis, Chicago, Waterloo, and others! But it worth it everytime! I saw the first II Guys Show in Waterloo, Iowa - or atleast I think it was the first one - and I thought it was great! I loved the casual-ness of it! They make you feel part of the band often inviting you to sing and clap along! Also, they are both hilarious! and anybody that thinks they've seen a funny side of John and Bob before - your in for a treat yet! .... and then being at the Minneapolis show at 3 degrees I was in AWE cause I couldnt believe they were even BETTER!!! They are SO comfortable with the acoustic set and have customized the songs to work VERY well! I'm usually one to like a whole band and it to be really rocking - The acoustic show WAS really rockin and honestly - during the concert it never once crossed my mind that "Somethings missing" ... They are truely great! Bobs acoustic playing is amazing and he covers all the bass guitar parts and the keyboard melodies on his ONE acoustic guitar VERY VERY well! Ands John's voice!! Oh my goodness its better than ever - I'm a singer and it can be intimidating sometimes singing with ONLY an acoustic guitar (especially when you are used to a whole band) John is not intimiadated at all (or doesnt seem like it) He does an amazing job!! and what I really like is that John doesnt soften up any of the rock stuff just becuase its acoustic - NO WAY - he does the very well known "Whaaaaaaw" "Oh Yeah You Got It" just like the Petra days!!

and then one of the things I am always most impressed with - JOHN AND BOB SUGAR COAT NOTHING WHEN IT COMES TO TALKING ABOUT THE LORD!!! They wear their relationship with Jesus Christ right on their sleeve during the whole evening - and its great to hear John and Bob's testimony! - even though I have heard Johns testimony many times before - everytime I hear him tell it - it really pulls me. and its not the exact same everynight likes its been written down - its straight from the heart everytime! This last show I went to - I found myself fighting off tears through the testimony AND the music thoughout the night. Everything hits you SO boldly and is delivered with such passion.


All I can suggest is - If you havent seen a II Guys show ... GO TO ONE - for you are missing out! and if you have been to one --- Go to ANOTHER!!!


-Stephen

[sue d.]

I'm sorry I dissed you, Stephen, on not including you and Seth in the 'list' of Petheads at the shows! DUH!!!

even though I have heard Johns testimony many times before - everytime I hear him tell it - it really pulls me. and its not the exact same everynight likes its been written down - its straight from the heart everytime! This last show I went to - I found myself fighting off tears through the testimony AND the music thoughout the night. Everything hits you SO boldly and is delivered with such passion.

I know exactly what you're saying.... I've probably heard John's story more than anyone, and every time I hear it - whether live or on video - I'm just amazed at what the Lord has done in John's life, and I praise Him for it... and I too fight back the tears (and usually lose).

[Schlittism33]

ha ha - its ok Sue! But you better not forget next time He he only kidding!!

Hope you had a good Labor Day!

-Stephen