|
 Kingdom Bound Ministries is pleased to announce their most diverse line-up in twenty-two years for this summer’s Kingdom Bound international Christian music festival, to take place August 3-6, 2008, at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort in Darien Center, New York, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester. Are you ready for concerts by Lincoln Brewster, Third Day (pictured), Salvador, Jaci Velasquez, and Newsboys, among 40 or so others? Kingdom Bound helps thousands of people experience "God at an amusement park." And it's only a few weeks away! Get info at www.kingdombound.org or call 800-461-4485 today!
Kingdom Bound, one of North America’s largest and longest running events of its kind, typically attracts more than 50,000 people from all over the United States and Canada for four days of faith, fun, and fellowship through concerts and seminars.
Families love coming to Kingdom Bound because they can ride Darien Lake's many roller coasters (including the new MotoCoaster), splash around in the water park on a hot summer's day, and even stay on-grounds in a tent, RV, or the deluxe hotel. Kingdom Bound is also where all sorts of people from different backgrounds and beliefs gather together to hear thoughtful speakers and inspiring singers and musicians coming from a Christian perspective. It's become an annual summer tradition for many families, church youth groups, and over 500 volunteers.
Kingdom Bound started as an idea in the hearts and minds of two people from Buffalo, New York: Fred Caserta, a booking agent and concert promoter, and Mike Caputy, a drummer and evangelist. In 1986, they presented a concert featuring Sheila Walsh, Russ Taff, and Mylon LeFevre. Following this concert, Kevin Ketcham, Special Events Coordinator for Darien Lake Theme Park, presented them with the idea of a Christian music day in the park. The first Kingdom Bound debuted on a chilly October day in 1987. Even though it was 39 degrees, 6,000 people showed up for the three day event, and had a great time in the Lord. Speakers at the first Kingdom Bound included Will McFarlane, Michael Peace, Larry Norman, Rick Cua, and Jeri Barricks. Other notable talents at Kingdom Bound 1987 included Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart, Twila Paris, Steve Taylor, White Heart, and Randy Stonehill. In 1989, a children’s ministry, deaf ministry, and the worship tent were added. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kingdom Bound grew in attendance and scope, welcoming artists like Petra, Margaret Becker, Phil Keaggy, Glad, Carman, Larnelle Harris, Bryan Duncan, John Michael Talbot, Tony Melendez, David Meece, Newsboys, and Wayne Watson. Speakers like Josh McDowell, Dave Roever, Mike Cavanaugh, and Fred “ReRun” Berry (from the show “What’s Happening”) also made appearances. In the early 1990s, during the last weekend of May, Kingdom Bound offered several “Praise” weekends held at Darien Lake. In 1992, the August festival got soaked with rains from Hurricane Andrew.
No matter what the weather, Kingdom Bound has always had prayer at the center of the ministry, and many people from all types of backgrounds have “given their lives to Christ” because of this. From the beginning, a communion service and water baptisms have been an integral part of Kingdom Bound. Kingdom Bound exists to see all people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to build up, renew, and encourage those who already consider themselves believers.
 This year, there are several wonderful nightly headliners at the park's Performing Arts Center stage, including Lincoln Brewster, who was born in Homer, Alaska, and once toured with Journey's Steve Perry. Brewster will lead thousands in worship during a Sunday night service that helps kick off the festival. Monday night, fans of Southern rock will turn out in droves to hear multi-platinum, three time Grammy-winning band Third Day. Tuesday night's headliners include multi-platinum, Latin Grammy-nominated pop singer/actress Jaci Velasquez with her band, along with her husband Nic Gonzales, and his band, Salvador. Newsboys end the festival on Wednesday night, with their groovy pop-rock sound, amazing light show, and, if we're lucky, a rotating-in-the-air drum set that has to be seen in action to be believed.
Kingdom Bound brings in lots of different types of artists so that as many people as possible will feel like there's music they can relate to and enjoy.
At the Worship Tent, people will hear spirited artists like Jason Upton, Vicky Beeching, Downhere, Anadara, Robin Mark, Kathryn Scott, Matt Maher, Ricardo, Will McFarlane, Rick Cua, and Lenny LeBlanc.
Young people and the young-at-heart will want to hang out at the Park Stage to catch several rock bands including Skillet, Leeland, Seventh Day Slumber, Joel Auge, This Beautiful Republic, Fireflight, and Grey Holiday. It's not easy to find female rockers in Christian music, so it's pretty cool that Kingdom Bound will feature Ilia, an all female band, this year, along with Joy Whitlock and Stephanie Smith. And since thousands of Canadians come to Kingdom Bound, it's only fitting that Canadian Christian rock bands Thousand Foot Krutch, Hawk Nelson Manic Drive and Turn Off The Stars are part of this year's line-up. At the Performing Arts Center, there'll be concerts by Delirious, Big Daddy Weave, Matthew West, and DecembeRadio, among others.
In 2008, Kingdom Bound will feature several very distinct artists who add a certain something unique to their sound making music fans take notice. Don't miss the pop-country band 33 Miles, featuring former “True Vibe” boy bander Jason Barton; reggae-soul band NewWorldSon from Niagara Falls, Ontario; big band/swing act Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, who recently finished in the top 3 of Fox-TV's “The Next Great American Band” show; and Western New York bands The Dig Project (from Rochester) and Relevant Worship (from Buffalo).
When attendees aren't listening to music, Kingdom Bound offers several seminars where both local and national speakers take the various stages and share their insight and expertise regarding a range of topics that matter to everyday people. The very well-known Dr. Kevin Leman, an internationally-known author, psychologist, and media personality known for “The Birth Order Book,” will be one of the main speakers at the festival this year. Bob Lenz, a teddy bear of a man who used to be made fun of and bullied, will speak to young people letting them know they have value. David Nasser fled Iran as a young boy, with his family, during a 1979 revolution, and will speak about the freedom he found in Christ. Joe Rojas, the lead singer of rock band Seventh Day Slumber, will talk about his past drug problems and how God helped him overcome them. Justin Lookadoo, a 6'7” motivational speaker who talks to high schoolers about drugs, alcohol, dating and relationships, will also be speaking at this year's Kingdom Bound, as will Lakita Garth, and she will focus on abstinence. Several other speakers and seminars will take place during the festival.
On the Boulevard near The Predator, you'll see the return of Enemy Opposition, daily, Monday thru Wednesday, from 1pm to 4pm. These are the young skateboarders and BMX bike riders doing all sorts of tricks and stunts using giant ramps. Nearby, you'll be able to experience a wide range of Hip-Hop artists, from Dunamis to Todd Bangz, and about a dozen others, as they testify to what the Lord has done in their lives to throngs of teens who find themselves attracted to the beat. For the little kids ages 4-8, their parents will want to take them to God Rocks, a energetic, interactive presentation that'll not only have kids smiling, but learning about God as well.
New this year at Kingdom Bound is Garbonics, a skit where garbage comes to life using video, dance, drama, sound effects and more. Adults who work on their church tech teams will want to visit the Worship Arts Technology Tent featuring reps from Yamaha, Shure Microphones, Martin Lighting and others. The purpose of this venue is to provide hands-on training for bands and tech teams. Clinics from Lincoln Brewster, Paul Baloche, and Matt Maher will be offered during the festival.
If you're a rollercoaster lover, come check out Darien Lake's new Orange County Choppers MotoCoaster, new for 2008. It joins the several other coasters people enjoy, including the Boomerang, the Mind Eraser, the Viper, and the infamous Ride of Steel, which climbs to 208 feet and reaches speeds over 70 miles per hour!
Kingdom Bound starts on Sunday, August 3, 2008, and continues through Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Kingdom Bound 2008 event or day pass tickets are now on sale, and include admission to the majority of Darien Lake’s amusement park rides. Specially-priced “after 5pm” tickets are available for commuters. Accommodation packages are also available if you would like to stay overnight on the grounds. Call 800-461-4485 or visit www.kingdombound.org for more information, tickets, or reservations. |
