It’s time for Spirit West Coast, the hugely popular Christian
Music Festival which will be held at the Laguna Seca Recreation
Area near Monterey on Aug. 3-5.
It’s time for Spirit West Coast, the hugely popular Christian Music Festival which will be held at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey on Aug. 3-5.
This is the 10th year for the event, which drew crowds totaling nearly 60,000 when it was held last year, making it the most successful Christian music event on the West Coast.
Besides music by top artists in the field of Christian music, the festival features comic routines, illusionists, Bible teaching by gifted speakers, activities for all ages – supported by more than 1,000 volunteers who donate their time to provide security, concessions, ministry, traffic and parking control, ushering, and the many other services required to meet the needs of such a large crowd.
The number of entertainers, performers, and presenters is enormous: Eight stages host groups like Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Thousand Foot Krutch, Falling Up, Casting Crowns and Inhabited. There will be seminars with speakers like Brennan Manning, Alex McFarland and Bob Reehm. Comedians appearing include Bob Smiley, Ron McGehee, Kerri Pomarolli and Paul Aldrich, as well as illusionist Brock Gill.
New this year is a talent showcase being held at the festival sponsored by America’s Christian Music Showcase. This is an opportunity for emerging artists to demonstrate their talent by performing before a panel of Christian music industry professionals. Registrants are judged on performance, song-writing, musical ability and audience impact.Â
Ministry, spreading the Christian message and supporting the faith of participants, is an important part of Spirit West Coast. This is accomplished by the spiritual message of the music being performed and the Gospel messages preached and taught at various sessions throughout the day and night.
Evangelism happens at “altar calls” or “decision times” when participants are given opportunities to publicly accept Jesus as their Savior, which over 300 people have done during previous festivals. Water baptism ceremonies are performed in a festive but spiritual atmosphere.
Another ministry opportunity is offered by Compassion International. Each year at SWC attendees are asked to sponsor a child, which directly connects the sponsor with a little boy or girl in an underdeveloped nation. The monthly support of $32 “materially and spiritually changes their lives.” Almost 7,000 children have been helped through this program.
There are also prayer tents with counselors present, evangelism training sessions, new believers’ classes,and various worship opportunities. More than 100 exhibitors set up displays to inform festival-goers about art, music, books, other merchandise available for purchase, as well as additional ministry groups.
Children are a major focus of this family-friendly festival, with many trained adults ministering to them through age-appropriate shows with singing, puppetry and juggling.
A country fair atmosphere is created in Veggie Land, a special area on the festival grounds offering many fun kid activities: face painting, arts and crafts, clowns, train rides, bounce houses, balloon-tying, games, sports activities and a petting zoo.Â
Spirit West Coast is sponsored by a nonprofit organization, Christian Music Today, dedicated to “presenting the gospel of Christ.” They present Christian music performances throughout the year at many different venues. For more information about Sprit West Coast, including admission and camping prices call (831) 443-5399 or check the internet at www.spiritwestcoast.org.
