The Big Ticket

June 17, 2016

SPIRITUAL SOUNDS ROCK

If you’re looking for an upbeat, family friendly festival with a positive message, the Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord is for you. A threeday music festival chock full of some of the biggest names in Christian music, this fest is focused on faith and backed by a wide range of additional festival experiences sure to affirm your spiritual side.

AUDIO EXPERIENCES

“The Big Ticket Festival is very unique,” said festival president Drew Spanding. “I’m not sure how it exactly compares to other northern Michigan festivals, but BTF is all about experiences. And the three days of concerts are arguably the largest Christian music headline lineup in the country.”

A fourth day of music, called Country Faith Live, prefaces the main Big Ticket Festival on Wednesday. This year it features headliner Scotty McCreery and RaeLynn. McCreery was the winner of the 10th season of American Idol and is working on his third studio album, while RaeLynn is a former contestant on The Voice who has signed to Warner Music Nashville. Local Traverse City country musician Drew Hale will open the Wednesday show.

POSITIVE PERFORMANCES

The main festival starts on Thursday, with performances by hip-hop artist Toby Mac and multi-million albumselling singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin. On Friday, the headliners are Canadian singer Matt Maher and California alternative rockers Switchfoot, who also have had some crossover success with their hit singles “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live.” Saturday will feature Dove award-winning singer Jeremy Camp and rockers Needtobreathe, who are promoting their upcoming July album, Hard Love.

Spanding projects that around 4,000 people will attend Country Faith Live, while over 10,000 are expected each day of the Big Ticket Festival itself. But this festival, he added, is not just about music.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

“We also have an art experience, a kids’ zone, a huge blood drive, grandstand shows including the Jack Pine Lumberjacks and the Stand Strength Team, a 5K run and a family fun run, experience tents featuring various nonprofits doing amazing work all over the world, plus many great speakers covering many different topics,” Spanding said.

Another highlight will be this year’s special Inspired exhibit, featuring biblical artifacts that are on their way to the National Bible Museum in Washington, D.C. All of this, combined with top-name faith-based musical acts, draws people to Gaylord from all over; Spanding said that over 70 percent of the fest’s attendees arrive from at least 100 miles away. “22 different states will be represented, and many people from Canada,” he said. “This festival is special because it’s about experiencing something greater than oneself. It’s a true celebration of life.”

Festival takes place at the Allegan County Fairgrounds in Gaylord, June 23–25. One-day tickets start at $35, threeday tickets at $79. For ticket purchasing, more information, and a complete schedule, visit bigticketfestival.com.