March 29, 2024

Fun in the Son Festival returns

We Are Vessel headlines the Christian music festival in McKinley Park

After a successful inaugural event last year, the Fun in the Son Festival returns for its second year Saturday in McKinley Park.

This year’s event features more bands performing in the Christian music festival, which starts at 5 p.m. and will run to approximately 10 p.m. at the McKinley Park bandshell.

The event is free to anyone who wishes to attend. Park benches will be set up in McKinley Park, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating if they wish.

“There will be a number of churches there that will pass out water or selling cookbooks and different things like that,” said John Carter, guitarist for Second Chance. “Little Green Trailer is going to be out there providing food. We’ve invited other people, we just have to see who shows up.”

Local bands Second Chance and Heart of Flesh are set to perform, while Jenna Parr and We Are Vessel, who are on the Recovery Rocks Tour, will also perform. We Are Vessel is a nationally touring Christian rock band that has previously opened for MercyMe.

We Are Vessel has had several Christian Billboard top 20s, and their music can be found at www.reverbnation.com.

“I’d say it’s a mixture of contemporary Christian music from both local and national performers,” said Dr. Chuck Hoyt, bassist for Second Chance. “It varies from contemporary Christian to Christian rock. We Are Vessel are more get down, hard rock.”

Second Chance includes Carter on guitars and vocals, Hoyt on bass, John Stineback on guitar and vocals, Jennifer Hoyt on keyboards, David Livingston on drums and Megan Masters on vocals. Aaron Young provides technical support.

Heart of Flesh includes Livingston, Young, Masters, Daniel Thatcher and Mady Yacko.

The event will also include skits by Teen Challenge between band sets and a presentation for Compassion International prior to We Are Vessel taking the stage.

Carter said he expects each act to perform for about 45 minutes, with We Are Vessel having the liberty to play longer.

“Our desire is that people would come to know Jesus Christ and His salvation,” Carter said. “That’s the most important part. We want to honor God in our community, also. If one soul could come to Jesus, it makes it all worth it. We hope everyone will come out. It’s free, there will be food there, in the sunshine, in the park, with good music and good friends.”

“I think it’s a good chance for family friendly, outdoor live music that’s not centered around other things,” Hoyt added.