Spirit West Coast Kicks Off Music Festival

By Kevin Jackson, Christian Post Reporter Friday, May 25, 2007

Spirit West Coast festivals, the two largest multi-day Christian music festivals in the southwest United States, starts their fourth annual extravaganza today with its first venue gearing up in Del Mar, Calif.

Held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego County, the May 25-27 event will feature some of the biggest names in Christian music. An estimated 18,000 ticket buyers from California and the surrounding states are expected, but the Del Mar Festival, along with the Spirit West Coast – Monterrey Festival, generally bring in a cumulative 100,000 visitors, 40,000 of those being "unique visitors."

"The Memorial Day weekend [Del Mar] extravaganza provides Christian music fans and event-goers a closer opportunity to experience the same dynamic combination of music and ministry that has been enjoyed by thousands in Monterey for years," explained organizers in the event description.

Over 50 artists are expected to perform on the multiple stages at the festival. Some of this years performers include Third Day, tobyMac, Newsboys, BarlowGirl, Kutless, Delirious?, Hawk Nelson, Salvador, Aaron Shust, Family Force 5, Seventh Day Slumber, and Stellar Kart, among many others.

The festivals also offer more than just music. There is a myriad of leisure and ministry activities, including Christian comedians, worship services, seminars, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and evangelical lessons, as well as hosting many inspirational speakers.

Additionally, there is a free skate park and basketball court on the grounds, as well as rock-climbing wall, bungee jumping, inflatable games, and other activities. Little children that attend the event can also delve in to VeggieLand, based on the popular Christian kids' animation VeggieTales.

The festival hopes to cater to every age group, allowing many people to experience the presence of God and create a deep relationship with Him.

"Ministry happens at Spirit West Coast on many levels," the organizers note. "Of course there is the inspirational message in the music – after all this is a Christian music festival. Regardless of the music style, the message of Jesus and His love permeates the music at Spirit West Coast. The message of faith in Christ is delivered in many other ways, always with the paramount purpose of impacting people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

"Spirit West Coast – Del Mar" will officially begin today at 2 p.m. PT, with the last act on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. PT.

The Del Mar event is the newer of the two concert series, with Monterrey having been around since 1997.

The festival is boasting Wi-Fi (wireless internet) for the first time as well.