JOPLIN, Mo. —
By Sarah Guinn
news@joplinglobe.com
With low spirits and heartache looming after the May 22 tornado, Joplin resident Kenny Cox, a Christian concert promoter, had the idea to bring a group of Christian recording artists to Joplin.
Cox’s parents and daughter had lost their own homes to the storm, and wanted to coordinate a concert to help ease some weary minds. He went to his contacts, lined up a group of artists willing to play for the area and chose Convoy of Hope as the driving force behind the festival. Restore Fest was the result.
A year later, Restore Fest will take place again.
Jeff Roman, partner relations director at Convoy of Hope, worked with Cox to return Christian recording artists to the stage in the second Restore Fest, which will take place Saturday in Landreth Park.
“Restore Fest 2012 is a chance for us to bring the people of Joplin together and at the same time, raise funds to help them in their continued effort,” Roman said on the festival’s Web site, www.restorefest.org.
The concert is set to start at 1:30 p.m. and last all the way to 10 p.m., ending with the headliner, national recording artist, Jeremy Camp.
Other artsts in the lineup include Stars Go Dim, an up-and-coming Tulsa-based group; two-time Grammy nominee and “American Idol” contestant Mandisa; and Sanctus Real, a Grammy-nominated group.
“We (started Restore Fest) as a fundraising vehicle to help with the rescontruction and disaster costs,” said Jeff Nene, senior director of public relations at Convoy of Hope.
Audiences can expect a similar festival to last year’s Restore Fest, Nene said, except that this year will be about the rebirth and renewal.
“There’s so much attention on Joplin again with the anniversary and the rebuilding effort,” he said.
For every ticket sold, Convoy of Hope will donate a ticket to an at-need member of the community, according to the festival’s Web site.
The festival will also offer activities including inflatables, pony rides, mechanical rides and games for children.
Funds raised will benefit Convoy of Hope and relief efforts in Joplin and around the world, Roman said.
General admission is $10 and VIP tickets, which grant access to the VIP lounge and a meet and greet with the artists, are $35. Admission is free to children six and younger.
A community outreach will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon prior to the festival and will offer free groceries, family portraits and haircuts, among other needs, said Cox.
For more information, visit www.restorefest.org.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
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Jeremy Camp will headline Saturday's Restore Fest in Joplin. Courtesy | Jeremy Camp
Discussion
Second Restore Fest to feature Jeremy Camp, Mandisa
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