The three-day Spirit West Coast event, July 31-Aug. 2, will feature over 50 performers including Michael W. Smith, Jars Of Clay, Point Of Grace, Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, 4 Him, Rebecca St. James and Bryan Duncan.
The Thursday through Saturday event will be presented at the spacious Laguna Sea Recreation Area, just seven miles from the picturesque resort town of Monterey and the Pacific ocean.
Some of the speakers and teachers confirmed for the first ever musicfest include Dr. Tony Campolo, Rev. Raul Ries, Miles McPherson, Hank Hanegraaff, Steve Russo and Laurie Polich. These speakers and others will address various age groups and interest levels including children, teens, singles and couples. A significant commitment to children’s and family ministry has been made, witnessed by the bookings of Mary Rice Hopkins, Psalty, Bibleman and more.
Spirit West Coast will feature seven stages including the Tooth ‘n Nail alternative stage. Over a dozen alternative bands will appear including PlankEye, Supertones, Six Pence None The Richer, Johnny Q. Public, Five Iron Frenzy and MxPx.
The quality and quantity of talent appearing at Spirit West Coast makes the 1997 event the largest such event ever presented in California. Since the early 1980s, various festivals have come and gone in the country’s most populous state, leaving a ministry vacancy in recent years. Spirit West Coast has been in the planning for two years under the event’s parent non-profit organization, Christian Music Today! The festival director is veteran West Coast concert promoter Jon Robberson.
Other artists appearing include The Kry, Steve Camp, Jaci Velasquez, Big Tent Revival, NewSong, Aaron Jeoffrey and others. Worship and praise will be an important aspect of the new festival, with the worship leaders still unconfirmed.
For more information including registration details and on-site camping arrangements, call 408-377-9232.
