You may or may not have the jack to go see U2 play Joshua Tree at Tampa's Raymond James stadium this summer, but The Portico wants to give you a slice of Bono anyway — literally.
The downtown Tampa gathering space "committed to enhancing the social, artistic and spiritual fabric" is welcoming Lakeland Americana outfit Fount (who just played Rock the Park) to play songs from the iconic Northern Irishmen on March 24, and the Hyde Park United Methodist clergy will be there to offer the sacrament of communion.
Read: U2's 'Joshua Tree' world tour coming to Tampa on June 14
U2 fans afraid of the holy spirit (but okay with Bono's overtly religious themes) need not worry either since Hyde Park United Methodist communication specialist Nicki Taylor has assured CL that you don't have to be religious to attend.
"All are welcome to this event and to take Communion, if they choose," Taylor told CL. "It is not just limited to religious or spiritual folks."
There are no tickets or admission prices for this event, but Taylor said that an offering will be taken to benefit Love, Inc., a local nonprofit aimed at eliminating homelessness in the Tampa area.
“When you read the lyrics, a lot of U2’s songs have a spiritual undertone,” explained Jeremy Hearn, member of Fount. “Some U2 songs were inspired by ‘the troubles’ of Northern Ireland. I have personally been there and have experienced firsthand the religious and political tension that is still alive in Belfast. I believe these songs are timeless and will speak to the current tensions and ‘troubles’ we are facing here in our own country.”
“The U2Charist will be a special evening of important conversation, connection with each other, and positive community change,” said the Rev. Justin LaRosa, minister of The Portico campus of Hyde Park United Methodist. “All proceeds will directly support the purchase of a residence that will house 3–4 men who are experiencing homelessness.”
Listen to Fount below, and watch some of U2's more spiritual moments on YouTube. More information on the event is available below and on local.cltampa.com.
"U2Charist" w/Fount
This article appears in Mar 9-16, 2017.