The mammoth Christian music fest at Heritage Landing in Muskegon opened with an estimated crowd of 13,000, with a full weekend of performances ahead. The recap, photos and schedule at Local Spins.
The Crowd on Opening Day: Heritage Landing overflowed with Unity fans. (Photo/Terry DeBoer)
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Singer-songwriter Colton Dixon sat on the layered, cement stage at a humid Heritage Landing in Muskegon on Wednesday evening.
The artist was in a reflective moment while headlining the first day of the Unity Christian Music Festival.
“My hair is like the wicked witch of the west,” he remarked. “It’s slowly melting.”
Sing-Alongs & More: Colton Dixon (Photo/Terry DeBoer)
Yes, the well-coiffed Dixon was working up a sweat. But even in moments of vulnerability, he delivered a worthy, 70-minute sampling of his musical catalog before an estimated crowd of 13,000 on the festival’s free-admission day. (The music continues through Saturday. View the schedule below).
There might have been a bit more spring in his step than usual: Earlier in the day, Dixon learned that his anthem, “Build A Boat,” was nominated for a Gospel Music Association Dove Award as Song of the Year. The song, with references to Noah and the biblical flood, has been a staple on Christian radio.
During Dixon’s performance, many in the crowd sang along, aided by the lyrics of the chorus added to the supportive images on the venue’s three giant screens.
The technique was used in several other of his songs.
The artist shared the story of his song “Not Goodbye,” written following the death of his grandfather. He asked for a show of hands in the crowd of anyone who might be in a season of grief. And then he led in a prayer for them.
“Miracles” was the encore song for Dixon, who had endeared his fans while gaining a few more, and this festival — now in its 22nd year — appeared to be off to a good start.
DISCIPLE, TRAMPOLINES, SIS N LIL BRO PUMP UP THE FIRST DAY
Earlier, the hard rockers Disciple stormed through an hour and 40 minutes of stage time.
Pounding out songs such as “The Executioner” and “Dead Militia” dominated. “For the Life Of Me” proved a nice change of pace and set up an address by lead singer Kevin Young. Young said that the lowest point of his life was also the best as his string of addictions and related behavior was finally broken.
“I had a father (God) who never gave up on me,” he stated.
Rocking the Main Stage: Kevin Young of Disciple. (Photo/Terry DeBoer)
Their roster of a dozen or so songs finished strong with “God Save Us All,” carrying extra crunches from guitarist Josiah Prince.
Among those in the audience was Tim Darland, 24, of Barryton, Mich.
“This is my first Unity,” said Darland, who was eager to hear Dixon and had seen Disciple a number of years ago, recognizing several of their songs.
He was accompanied by Meredith Johnson, 22, of Muskegon. Johnson has been attending the festival for the last 10 years. “I like the atmosphere,” she said. “There’s so many things you can do here; see friends and see a lot of artists at once.”
Jay Van Hoff of Spring Lake was there with his 12-year-old son. “We came to see the headliner (Dixon),” he noted. “It’s great to see everybody together. It’s community.”
Opening acts Wednesday were Trampolines, a multi-genre ensemble anchored by the husband/wife tandem of Lane and Cary Terzieff. Among their song offerings were “Future Glow” and “Amen to That.” They also led a funky-beat version of the praise anthem, “Waymaker,” engaging the crowd through their movement and numerous trips down the stage ramp that led out over the audience.
Also making their West Michigan debut was Sis N Lil Bro, a rap/hip-hop duo featuring brother and sister Tytist Dean and Celena Eamigul. “We Show Out” and “Priceless” were highlights from their fast-paced, half-hour set.
PHOTO GALLERY: Unity Chritian Music Festival – Day 1
Photos by Terry DeBoer
UNITY CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHEN: Thursday-Saturday (Gates open at 1 p.m.)
WHERE: Heritage Landing, 1050 W. Seventh St. downtown Muskegon
WEBSITE: www.unitymusicfestival.com
HEADLINERS: Casting Crowns (Thursday), We The Kingdom (Friday), For King & Country (Saturday).
TICKETS: one-day pass $60, 3-day pass $90; Kids under age 5 free. Available online at https://www.itickets.com/events/468849
BONUS: Family Fun Zone featuring free games and activities; toddlers’ and kids’ areas, plus Camp Unity for older youth
TIPS: Bring own chairs or blankets. Coolers not allowed.
PARKING: In adjacent lots $10, handicap spaces available. There are alternate parking options in nearby private lots and on-street.
UNITY CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023: The Schedule
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