It’s rare for faith-based musical artists to cross over into the secular world, but bands Switchfoot and Relient K have both had success across the Christian and mainstream markets, and they continue to garner fans from all walks of life. Both bands started out in the Christian rock scene in the late ’90s, releasing albums independently before signing to major labels and garnering airplay on alt-rock and adult contemporary radio, as well as on MTV and VH1.
Although their lyrics never stray from uplifting spiritual messages, they’re also relatable and universal, reaching out to people of many faiths. That’s helped both bands score radio hits like Switchfoot’s “Meant to Live,” “Dare You to Move” and “Stars” and Relient K’s “Be My Escape,” “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been” and “Must Have Done Something Right.” Both bands are closing in on 20 years of making music, and both have new albums that were released this year (Switchfoot’s Where the Light Shines Through, Relient K’s Air for Free). Their mainstream popularity has faded a bit, but their faith remains strong, and their fans know that each band can still deliver a positive message with a catchy hook.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 5 p.m. Nov. 23, $33.50 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
