CONCERT REVIEW: A NIGHT WITH SIDEWALK PROPHETS - MOREHEAD CITY, NC

ARTIST: THE SIDEWALK PROPHETS

VENUE: PARKVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH - MOREHEAD CITY, NC

DATE: 4/17/2026

PHOTOS: JENNIFER SMITH / LOVIN' LYRICS

Photo Credit: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics

Let me start this review by saying if you have never seen Sidewalk Prophets, make it a point to go. WOW. I am so glad was able to be able to have the opportunity to be at this special acoustic show about 10 minutes from my house in Morehead City. I believe Dave Frey is one of the most humble and genuine songwriters the music industry has been blessed with. His words change lives. I left that room with even more reason to stay on the path I'm on and his words gave me an even deeper perspective of how I want my heart to be. I left that room a changed person. (Added bonus: He'll also make you laugh like crazy.) 

We arrived at the venue a couple of hours before showtime to be part of a Q&A session with  Dave and we were able to have some one on one personal time with him before the show to just sit and talk about his life, his music and his faith. We laughed a lot too. What an amazing conversation. There is something so refreshing, especially in today's environment, about an artist who isn't afraid to be themselves, who is willing to show their authenticity and speak their mind even if it isn't freely accepted. He is 100% who and what you see and he stands tall in his faith. That's what makes Dave a stand out, not only in a VERY commercialized industry that wants artists to look, talk, think and act a certain way, but as an every day person. The only mold he will ever fit into is the mold of the person God created him to be. He says his truth, stands by his words, expresses his love of the Lord in a very open, direct and honest way and shares his testimony and message of hope in the words of each song he writes and sings. You won't hear a single word come out of his mouth that he doesn't believe or mean. You won't hear lyrics that make you question the content of his music. He is reality in a world that lives behind a mask. His music, stories, testimony and just his personal delivery of all three is very much needed and is a much welcomed message of encouragement in discouraging times.

Dave and the band's bass guitarist, Cal Joplin, took the stage and immediately commanded the room as the crowd stood and cheered. I just love the way he interacted with us. He doesn't consider you "fans", everyone in that room was a friend and part of God's family so it was more of a "family reunion". He laughed with us, joked with us and told the best stories ever. Now let's talk about his voice. WOW. I knew he could sing but to hear him live is a whole new experience. His voice is so steady and strong and he does not miss a note. You can't help but sit there with a look of wonder just listening to him. I know I wasn't the only one looking like that either. He sings with a distinct, yet humble, self-confidence and a welcome positivity. Cal is a great musician and vocalist and I loved watching his expressions when Dave would launch into a story that you knew was gonna wind up making the room laugh. Those eye rolls were hysterical.

This wasn't just a performance, it was an experience and a much needed inner revival of the heart and spirit. It was great to see artists who are "centered" and don't let this world sway them off course. THANK YOU for the best night! Now come back!

Huge thank you to Parkview Baptist Church for hosting this amazing night of worship, praise and connection. Keep these shows coming, we appreciate them!

Set List:

"Live Like That"

"Prodigal"

"Save My Life"

"Show Me How To Love"

"Come To The Table"

"Humble Kind"

"More Than That"

"You Love Me Anyway"

"Fix You"

"Come to Jesus (How Great is Our God)"

"First Love"

"Glorious Night"

"I Apologize" (This was requested and I'm glad it was - it's my favorite)

"Father Let It Be"

"Smile"

"It is Well"

"The Words I Would Say"

Connect with them via their website and on social media - better yet, connect in person.You can find Dave and Cal on a few remaining dates of their acoustic tour now and the full band will be kicking things back up soon. Take the chance on this one, you won't regret it.

Website: sidewalkprophets.com

Instagram: @sidewalkprophets

Facebook: @sidewalkprophets

YouTube: Sidewalk Prophets

Their music is available on Spotify and Apple Music.