Record Numbers Gather at Lifest Jesus Party
The 13th annual Lifest Christian music festival started on Wednesday and is expected to feature a record high of 20,000 attendees this year.
Bob Lenz, the motivational speaker who created Lifest, said this year’s performances will top those of past festivals.
“I’m pretty pumped because our headliners are top of the line,” he said. “We usually either go with Skillet or TobyMac, which are two of the biggest (Christian acts). This year we have them both.”
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With 200 musicians, speakers and comedians, this year’s Lifest in Oshkosh, WI is bigger than ever. Lenz said he started the Jesus party as a way to have a good time.
“I wanted to throw a party for my friends, and it just has grown a little bit,” said Lenz, president of Appleton-based Life Promotions.
Although the festival is open to all, the admission is not free. However, Lenz and his staff lowered ticket prices this year in an attempt to accommodate everyone with interest.
"It's not about just the profit. We really wanted to get more people there. So we're excited about it," he said. “I would rather have more people there and make the same amount of money."
The festival’s party playlist will feature all types of musicians-- from acoustic singers to heavy metal headbangers.
Former Korn guitar player Brian “Head” Welch is a top name who is scheduled to perform and give his testimony at the festival. Aside from great music, the festival will offer wise words from renowned speakers.
Some of the festival’s speakers will include Lenz, youth speaker Reggie Dabbs and world evangelist Luis Palau. More than a melding of music and speeches, Lenz said those in attendance can look forward to a melding of denominations.
"We continue to say it's not about a denomination," Lenz said. "It's about knowing Jesus, and we want all churches to come together. You can be a Lutheran or a Catholic or don't even have to go to church, but if you want to have a party around Jesus, come on out."
