Chippewa Falls, WI
May 30-31, 2008

    Christian Family Music Fest 2007 Recap
The second annual Christian Family Music Fest was held on June 2, 2007 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair grounds in Chippewa Falls. This one day, non-alcoholic family event was a huge success even though the headliner band, Big Daddy Weave, was unable to perform on the main stage due to a downpour of rain.

View photos from the 2007 Music Fest.

MAIN STAGE ACTS:
The day before the Second Annual Christian Family Music Fest was to be held, weather forecasters were calling for a rainy weekend. In the heat of the day, the crowd was introduced to the smooth sounds of

Jessie Daniels
Minneapolis native Brian Bates, New York City’s 18-year-old standout, Jesse Daniels

Crystal Meyers
with her dynamic personality and strong vocals, then rounded out the solo set with soft rock stylist 18-year-old Crystal Meyers who brought young and old to their feet, dancing.

It wasn’t until about 7:00 that evening when the heavy, dark clouds started rolling in around the Northern Wisconsin State Fair grounds. During the middle of Tree63’s concert, it began to sprinkle. The three band members from South Africa joked with the crowd while tossing cheese curds at each other, and cavalier with the weather, began the tune: “Rain Down.” Moments later the skies did indeed “rain down,” and even an umbrella couldn’t keep a person dry. Spectators from the fairgrounds and bleachers had no choice but to run for shelter, and as the stage was being covered a Tree63 singer said, “Let’s hope for the best.” It was 8 p.m., and Big Daddy Weave was yet to take their turn on the stage.


Tree 63
A nearby exhibit hall was the best location for those looking for cover. People anxiously waited to see how long the rain would hover over the area. A young man gathered a few of his friends, and began playing worship songs on his guitar. Soon, a crowd of people began forming around the young man and his guitar, and joined in the singing.

Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave
Suddenly, the horde of people erupted in a wave of clapping and yelling: the lead singer for Big Daddy Weave, Mike Weaver, was making his way through the crowd with his own guitar and two members of his band. They humbly joined in the song the young man was currently playing, and the singing grew louder as strangers smiled at each other with wonder and excitement.

Big Daddy Weave may not have performed in front of hundreds of screaming fans on a stage with fancy lights and a hi-tech sound system, but the intimacy and spontaneity of their music despite the rain left an uplifting impression. Though families were dodging puddles and mud on their way home, they all left with smiles. One remarked, “It was far more wonderful than concert-goers could have ever expected.”

GORDY’S COUNTY MARKET STAGE ACTS:
What better way to open a Christian Music fest than to have talented local Catholic and Public High School students perform together in praise of our Lord. GLU (God Loves YoU) started the day with an array of songs praising God with a presence only our youth can provide. Freedom Central performed mostly contemporary songs of praise. The 10 member group from Central Lutheran Church is a cross section of Chippewa Falls and they enjoyed the opportunity to perform on a new level.

The final performance on the Gordy's County Market stage was Elizabeth Hunnicutt and band. With a beautiful voice that rang through the area, Elizabeth held the crowd as listeners felt her love of God. This talented performer is only beginning and remember you saw her up close at the Christian Family Music Fest.