Christian Music Online

Praisefest returns to Jubilee CityFest US

May 28, 2005 – 11:13 am

Soul of the festival Worshippers sing along with the Carriage Hills Praise Team during the 2004 Jubilee sunrise worship service downtown. This year’s Celebration Sunrise Service is Sunday and will once again be on the banks of the Alabama River at the old amphitheater in Riverfront Park.

On Saturday, the popular Christian music event known as Praisefest returns to Jubilee CityFest, and this year will feature its biggest act ever.

Headlined by Christian music superstar Steven Curtis Chapman, expectations could make this the biggest Praisefest ever, said Marianne McLeod, executive director of Jubilee.

“(This year’s) Praisefest has received so many positive comments that we’re really excited about,” she said. “Steven Curtis Chapman is a mega star and many people are coming just to see him.”

McLeod said those fans will be very pleased with the other acts they get to enjoy both before and after Chapman performs.

“We have a lot of good Christian artists performing before him that people may not know as much about but will definitely enjoy, and we have both (country stars) Phil Vassar and Lonestar afterward so it makes for a great day all around,” she said.

WANT TO GO?
What: Beasley Allen Praisefest

Where: Jubilee CityFest in downtown Montgomery

When: 2:30 p.m.-8:15 p.m. Saturday

Lineup: Starfield, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Sarah Kelly, 4-5 p.m.; Trevor Morgan, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Steven Curtis Chapman, 7-8:15 p.m..

Admission: $35 for a weekend pass or $25 for a one-day pass

Call: 834-7220

Over the years, Praisefest has rapidly grown in size and popularity — not a big surprise for an event that is deep in the heart of the Bible belt.

“Every year, Christian music is a music genre we look heavily at by popular demand,” McLeod said. “We have a lot of people who look forward to Praisefest.”

Praisefest speaks to the popularity of Christian music here, and the event will feature artists in addition to Chapman who are making their mark on the music genre.

Canadian band Starfield is one of the most successful Christian acts in Canada. They’ve won five Vibe Awards, which are the Canadian equivalent of the Dove Awards — the Grammys of Christian music.

Sarah Kelly was named one of the best new artists of 2004 by ChristianityToday.com and is a singer/songwriter who performs worship songs with a unique girl rock sound.

Trevor Morgan is an Alabama native who has toured with artists such as Ginny Owens, MercyMe and Third Day. The songwriter’s debut album “Wonderlight” has been getting rave reviews in the Christian music community.

“It’s a cool lineup,” said Chris James of Montgomery. “There are artists that both the young and old will like.”

Steven Curtis Chapman
– Contributed

McLeod said that is a key factor when choosing the acts — the appeal to different age ranges. It also goes well with the family friendly atmosphere that Jubilee strives for every year.

The event also is a fun event for the artists themselves.

Tim Neufeld of Starfield said he is looking forward to performing at the event.

“The South is a great place to perform because the Bible belt is so strong in their Christian beliefs,” he said. “Alabama is more representative of the South than any place else.”

Neufeld said that the opportunity to play alongside an artist like Chapman is another perk to Praisefest.

“It’s always cool to play alongside great artists,” he said. “We like playing events like this because you get to be there alongside other talented artists that are strong with their faith.”

Canadian Christian band Starfield
– Contributed

It provides a chance for the fans to feel good about their spirituality.

“I like coming to Praisefest because it’s uplifting,” said Janice Miller. “A lot of people having a good time praising God.”

The commitment to uplifting the Lord at Jubilee doesn’t stop with Praisefest.

There’s also the Celebration Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. Sunday. The interdenominational service is held on the banks of the Alabama River at the old amphitheater in Riverfront Park.

It has become another Jubilee tradition.

“We get a lot of people who come out to it on Sunday,” McLeod said. “People look forward to it.”

There is no ticket required for the sunrise service

By Darryn Simmons
Montgomery Advertiser

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