DEL MAR, Calif. — San Diego’s annual celebration into summer begins May 26 with the start of the three-day Spirit West Coast.
Produced by Celebration Concerts, the festival’s signature may be music, but organizers plan much more.
Among the special guests will be George Huff, a Top 5 American Idol contestant during the Fox series’ Season 3.
Like many contestants, Huff is celebrating his post-Idol appearance with his first album “Miracles.” The album combines two of his first loves: church and music.
The album reflects his preference for soulful pop and R&B, but also includes a tribute to his faith, especially the track “You Know Me,” which was co-written and produced by Bruce Roberts.
“I was blown away from the first time I heard it,” Huff said in his official bio. “Not only is it a beautiful song, but the words conveyed my heart so perfectly. People only see aspects of public figures, but never the whole picture of who they are. However, God knows me completely, inside and out. And I would hope, as people get to know me, they’ll be able to see and know me beyond just an image; to see a person who’s just as human, and as ‘normal’ as they are, going through the same joys and struggles we all go through.”
He also expresses that through “See What God Can Do,” which evolved from his experiences between college and early stages of American Idol.
“I was pretty much at my wits end,” Huff said. “I was discouraged by the way things had gone in school, and I knew that Idol, and the music business in general, was such a long shot. But it dawned on me that if I was to have a chance at anything, I had to change my whole point of view from, `What can George do?’ to, `Exercise the faith you were raised on, and let go of having to control everything, and then see what God can do.’ I did, and He was faithful to His promises.”
Huff will share his thoughts and music during his performance, set for noon Sunday, May 26—the closing day—on the main stage.
Other scheduled performers, include the Newboys, Mercyme, Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew, Audio Adrenaline, Barlow Girl, Kutless and Seventh-day Slumber.
New this year will be an opening Welcome Banquet featuring a meet the artist time with musicians Jeremy Camp, David Crowder, Vicki Beeching, Matthew West, Thousand Foot Krutch and Hawk Nelson. Tickets are just $50. A separate ticket is required for festival admittance.
Other featured events include a regional indy competition produced by America’s Christian Music Showcase. About 100 contestants are expected to perform live during the showcase, which is expected to draw record labels, managers and booking agents.
A conference within a conference will be presented with the festival’s first ever marriage seminar called “Celebrate Your Marriage,” led by Jan and Laura Laffoon.
Rounding out the first-time offerings will be an ’80s rock revival show.
Returning favorites include worship seminars, children events, sports-related activities, vendors and overnight camping options
The speakers for the event include Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic Church in Los Angeles, Brennan Manning, the author of “The Ragamuffin Gospel;” Francis Chan, the president of Eternity Bible College in Simi Valley and comedian Kerri Pomarolli.
Seats for the highly popular VIP Terrace Club are already sold out. Tickets for the festival, though, are still available and can purchased through the festival’s Web site.
For those wishing to get a different angle for the event, organizers are still seeking volunteers. Among the jobs needed to fill include video team (camera operators), merchandise sellers, security/access control/ushers, construction, custodial and medical. Although unpaid positions, some benefits are available. To get an idea of what’s still available, go the Web site and look under the “Get Involved” link.
Tickets for the banquet are only available through the SWC administration office at (408) 377-9232.
For more information on festival tickets, camping, and a schedule of events, visit spiritwestcoast.com or call the box office at (831) 443-5399.
