Decided to release the entire Press Release for the show we are headlining this Saturday (7/30/11):

FaithFest began in spring of 1997 by Pastor Gary Schippling, currently Pastor at Blessed Hope Church in Lincoln Park, MI. Last year Pastor Gary found the Lord calling him in a different direction. He has been feeding and helping homeless people for years and he is now going to open free medical clinics to expand his ministry. When he sent an email to handful of candidates to see if someone would be interested in continuing the ministry of FaithFest I knew immediately that I was being called.
My name is Michael Swiecki and for the past 3 years I have been the musical director for “Unashamed”, the youth praise band at Community Lutheran Church in Flat Rock, MI. About 2 years ago I started taking the band to perform at events other than their own church. At first they were terrified, and then they got bit. After performing at FaithFest 2 years ago the group wanted to host a similar event. Last year we put on Praisefest, held the week after FaithFest. It started out as an idea to get 4 or 5 bands to play in the afternoon but soon took on a life of its own. We started at 9:00am and went until 10:00pm with 15 bands throughout the day. Everything went perfect. When I got the email from Pastor Gary about taking over FaithFest, I felt right and made sense and the success of our PraiseFest confirmed it.

While we intend to maintain the integrity that FaithFest has had all along, “Sharing God’s Word in Song”, there are a few changes. The music will be entirely indoors. There are 2 stages side by side. While one band is performing the next band is setting up. This creates a fast paced program with minimal time between acts. We are trying to have a build up as the each day goes on closing each day with a higher energy group. Most of the artists performing toward the end of each day have released cd’s and have been signed by a label. Groups such as Aaron Lucas, Brigette Donoho, Sweet Crystal, Messenger just to name a few. Of course UNASHAMED, the hosting band, will be performing as well. A complete schedule, map, and other info can be found on the website – www.faithfest.net.

This FREE event is being held on the grounds of Community Lutheran Church, 23984 Gibralter Rd. Flat Rock, MI 48134, July 29 5pm-10pm, July 30 12pm-10pm, and July 31 11am-6pm. The Men of Grace will open up on Sunday followed by a family picnic as the music continues – all are invited. There is plenty of free parking and food and beverage will be on sale all 3 days and there will be events for children as well. FaithFest is a non-profit organization and any proceeds will go to Helping Hands, an organization that provides food, clothing, etc. for many needy families in the area.
While we are getting some donations from sponsors like Mike Carey Music Co., who has been with the event since its inception, things are very tight this year. So many businesses and individuals are still struggling it has been difficult to obtain the necessary resources, but we are still praying that God will provide. Anyone interested in donating please call Kimberlee Swiecki at 734/341-3799 or email at info@faithfest.net.

See you at the show!