[Mickey]

(NEW YORK, NY) September 12, 2002 – With over 12,000 in attendance at New York City’s world-famous Madison Square Garden, award-winning and critically acclaimed rock band, Third Day shared a musical message of hope at an event honoring heroes and victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event was aptly titled, “Tribute to Grace and Hope.”

The mission behind the tribute, brought to fruition by a group of New York City churches, was to provide an evening of inspiration and hope, celebrating God’s demonstrated grace in the midst of our nation’s greatest tragedy; and pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during last year’s national tragedy.

Following a moving performance, Third Day’s front-man Mac Powell shared, “What an honor for us as Third Day to join such great artists on stage; artists we look up to - Steven Curtis Chapman, TobyMac and Fred Hammond. We’re glad to have been a part of giving back to the people of this great city. We’re overwhelmed by their spirit and strength and are so glad to have been here to pay tribute to some of our nation’s most courageous people.”

Tai Anderson, bass player for the band, adds, “New York city has been a focal point for the entire country, if not the world. The people here have offered all of us hope by their daily examples of rising above.”

The band performed three songs, “Come Together,” “My Hope Is You,” and “Your Love Oh Lord.” The evening was also marked by powerful testimonies from New York firefighter John Picarello, and World Trade Center survivors, an on-court tribute by NBA players Allan Houston, Charlie Ward and David Wood, and a musical segment by Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Fred Hammond, TobyMac and Marcos Witt. Local and national political leaders will participate including Senator Robert Torricelli of New York and Senator Jon Corzine of New Jersey.

“Tribute To Grace and Hope” sponsors included Operation Blessing International, Focus on the Family, The American Bible Society, WMCA 570 & 970 DJ (New York’s Christian Radio), WAWZ 88.1, Eastridge Christian Assembly and Allan Houston. The event is being co-produced by Jammin’ against the Darkness, Northeast Clergy Group, Christian Cultural Center and CitiVision. (Detail on sponsors or producers available on www.jammintribute911.com.)

After a successful spring tour and headlining festivals throughout the summer, Third Day is readying for a highly anticipated fall tour. In addition, the band is partnering with GRAMMY-winning artist Michael W. Smith and renowned author and speaker, Max Lucado on the ground-breaking, Chevrolet-sponsored Come Together and Worship event series, which will impact 16 markets through November.

Three-time GRAMMY nominee and two-time reigning Gospel Music Association Group of the Year Third Day, has become known for their riveting live show. The band graced the June 22 cover of Pollstar magazine and was named one of the top 50 grossing tours this summer – outranking artists including Bob Dylan, Alicia Keys, No Doubt and Ozzy Osbourne in the magazine’s mid-year tour report. For further information on Third Day please visit www.ThirdDay.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: Following a moving performance by Third Day, band members visited backstage with fellow artist, Steven Curtis Chapman and New York Knicks players. Pictured L-R are: Allan Houston, (Guard, New York Knicks), Brad Avery, Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, David Carr and Mark Lee (Third Day), Chapman and Charlie Ward, (Guard, New York Knicks).

For much more on Third Day, click here