Lifest 2011
July 6 – 10, 2011
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
One year following a hail storm of criticism over
progressive speakers from local uber-conservative Christian organizations, calm
settled over Lifest 2011. In the heart of the conservative Christian Midwest,
this festival bore no scars from the criticism of last year’s festival hosting
progressive speakers. Actually, attendance has high, reaching record levels on
Saturday due in large part to reduced ticket prices and a poor economy
resulting in ‘staycations’.
Lifest, a family
oriented, Christian 5 day festival held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is in its 13th
year. Not unlike many Christian festivals, Lifest provides multiple stages
showcasing various musical styles, speakers covering varying topics, merch,
food and fun for all attendees. Under the heat of a big July sky, friends and
family trickled in amid an epic traffic jam on day one. As the dust settled, tents were drawn up, and
communities of campers once again assembled as the event began to hit its
stride.
While entertainment takes a back seat to spiritual
engagement at Christian festivals, it certainly enhances the event! Generally,
the ‘selection’ of musicians was good, not great, with returning acts and old
favorites of the more popular variety. Comedians including Daren Streblow and
Joby Saad drew large crowds. Art forms, including movies, were not worth
serious consideration. As previously mentioned, following last year’s criticism
non-progressive speakers were given the stage including Justin Lookadoo, Reggie
Dabbs, Greg Laurie, and Lifest founder Bob Lenz. While heart felt with a sound message there
was nothing new here and Lookadoo’s attempt at injecting humor into his
presentation was a crowd turnoff.
As in all festivals, there were jewels to be found,
including:
- Rachael Lampa showing a
minimized early evening set on the Edge stage. Surprised by not only having Lampa on
the schedule (it’s been a while since she’s been on a semi-sabbatical of
late) but on a rock stage, I couldn’t resist. Lampa’s vocals shined
brightly while accompanied by minimalistic acoustic guitar, electric base
and percussion in the form of only a beat box. Old favorites and new tunes
shone brightly in a light jazz-like format. This is a memory not likely to
erode over time.
- For
the second year running, Laura Story packed the Café stage for a late
night offering. Again, she captured the audience with familiar story
telling and heart-warming songs.
- Something
old and something new was offered in the performance of Men As Trees Walking.
The Texas based 8 piece band showcased an eclectic mix of the ancient with
a reggae sound to their ever-growing audience. Their sound brings the
listener back to the now defunct Madison Greene but with a much more
polished edge. With lyrics strongly entrenched in Old Testament stories
and New Testament meaning, and a sound heavily founded on solid percussion,
they both surprise and satisfy.
- A
youthful, southern Wisconsin band left tongues busily singing their
praises in their wake. Loftland, a five piece band with a sound at times similar
to Stellar Kart, packed the Pit
Stage despite intense mid-afternoon heat with great stage presence and
strong musical backing. It is no surprise this band is on its way.
- Others
of note included Red, Skillet, Toby Mac, Mercy Me, Newsboys, JJ Heller,
Kutless, The Afters, Ginny Owens, Jason Gray, and the list goes on.
As a sign of the times, event cuts were evident in the loss
of annual Saturday fireworks. In this
case not required since Saturday’s main stage closing act, Skillet, again
enhanced their pyrotechnics and stage theatrics. Other cuts included Lifest’s fixture
horseback security patrols, misting tents to cool attendees, and not one
concession stand selling cinnamon mini-donuts!
As the saying goes, “change is good.” Lifest continues to provide a consistent
level of family-based entertainment and education, something that is lacking in
our ever changing world. This fixture in the American upper Midwest is a proven
winner. While lacking a progressive edge, the Lifest experience remains a constant
for a growing family of followers. But, please bring back the cinnamon
mini-donuts!
SS Mertens
2.5 tocks
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