Rest and relax at Gospel Songfest

By KARA KOCZUR, Globe staff reporter
May 29, 2008

Kick off a summer of relaxation with the ninth annual Gospel Songfest slated from 3 to 7 p.m., June 8, at the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend.

This year's acts include the Johnson Family Singers, Algona Area Children's Chorus, Pure Faith and the Algona Cornbelt Chorus.

The Gospel Songfest, which brings an average of 350-400 people, is held every year not only to bring awareness of the Grotto, but also to get people to come back to the Grotto, said Rhonda Miller, executive director of the Grotto.

It's also an opportunity to bring families together and use Sunday as a day of rest, she added.

"There's so much to do today, as far as options for people, whether it be amusement parks to kids' sports to everything, and an event like this is a nice family day to get together and kick back and enjoy and slow down," Miller said.

Although the Songfest is described as being "gospel," Miller said the music this year is more Christian easy-listening, with some patriotic songs as well - "a mix of family-based entertainment."

The Johnson Family Singers will kick off the music at 3:30 p.m. A local family singing group with 10 children from Humboldt, Miller said besides their voices they will also be bringing some of their instruments. The family started singing together in their vehicle during trips and over the years started being asked to sing in public.

David Redenius and Stacey Schnuckel formed Pure Faith in 2006 and will be performing at 5 p.m. Redenius is a life musician. He grew up playing in his family's band and then in his own country music band. When his band parted ways, Redenius taught himself guitar and began writing his own gospel music. Schnuckel was involved in music in high school and college. She has been a church organist since 8th grade. The pair have recorded two CDs and are working on a third.

The Algona Cornbelt Chorus will perform at 6 p.m. and is part of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The forty-four members of this award winning chorus come from a 40-mile radius of Algona. The chorus was small chorus champions for eight years before moving from A division to AA division. In 2003 the chorus took eighth place competing against AA and AAA choruses.

The only group that has performed at the Songfest in the past is the Algona Cornbelt Chorus, Miller said.

"We try to get varying groups in every year," she said.

Father Peter West, of the Priests for Life, will also be at the Gospel Songfest. He will be speaking about pro-life ministry beginning at 3 p.m.

"[Since he's first] he'll be able to mingle with people if people want to visit with him more about his work and energies of what he's working for," Miller said.

There is no admission for the Songfest, but a freewill offering can be made. The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a barbecue with hamburgers, baked beans and chips from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for $5. Those who plan on attending are reminded to bring a lawn chair.

"People definitely enjoy the day," Miller said. "This gives people a chance to slow down."