Kingdom Bound offers Christian music acts and more
Starting Sunday, Darien Lake will become more than just an amusement park. For four days, it will bring thousands of Christians together for music, entertainment and a celebration of their faith.
Since the first festival in 1987, Kingdom Bound has grown into a music and arts-centered celebration of Christianity, attracting nearly 50,000 people to Western New York each year. Part of the festival’s success is credited to the diverse entertain - ment.
“We get a big mix because of what we provide,” said Wendy Menter, Kingdom Bound promotions manager. “We have events geared towards kids with the Kids Ministry, and we appeal to adults with some of the acts we bring in, and especially with the camping. We get a lot of families and youth groups.”
The Kids Ministry will take place Monday through Wednesday at the festival, featuring “God Rocks!,” an upbeat Canadian ministry dedicated to teaching kids about God. “God Rocks!” is a popular television show that mixes animation and live action, and the live performance will feature popular songs from the show.
“The emphasis, the distinction with ‘God Rocks!’ as a series is, it’s all scripture-based, so the songs are based on word-for-word scripture,” said Bruce Stacey, the creator of “God Rocks!” “But it’s very entertaining and fun music, and the parents love it, too. It’s an exciting show — lots of hip-hop dance and interaction for the kids.”
For the teens, an extreme-sports group called Enemy Opposition will be performing demonstrations and tricks throughout the park.
New to the festival this year is the Worship Arts Technology Tent. For visitors interested in music and entertainment, the tent will offer seminars on lighting and sound mixing, as well as drum and guitar clinics.
Kingdom Bound’s attendees come from across the United States and Canada, largely due to the popular acts that appear. National and international musical artists will appear at the Performing Arts Center (see below), and popular worship leaders Paul Baloche, Jason Upton and Robin Mark will appear at the Worship Tent.
“We’re really just trying to provide a fun atmosphere for the entire family,” Menter said. “With the musical performances and things like Enemy Opposition, we’re especially giving kids a positive environment to enjoy.”•
CONCERT LINEUP AT KINGDOM BOUND Kingdom Bound takes place from Sunday through Wednesday at Darien Lake. Festival tickets include park admission and entrance to all festival events. A four-day ticket is $105 and single-day tickets are $49. To purchase, visit www.itickets.com.
Below are each night’s main acts playing the Performing Arts Center stage. For a complete festival schedule, visit www.kingdombound.org.
Sunday: Robin Mark (8 p. m.), Lincoln Brewster (9:30 p. m.)
Monday: David Nasser (8 p. m.), Third Day (9:30 p. m.)
Tuesday: Lakita Garth (8 p. m.), Jaci Velasquez & Salvador (9:30 p. m.)
Wednesday: James Ryle (8 p. m.), Newsboys (9:30 p. m.)
