Musical lineup set for Lion and Lamb Festival
A full day of free concerts has been lined up for the Lion and Lamb Festival, and there is something for everyone. Folk, Rock, Pop, spoken-word poetry, and Blues artists from around the region will converge for a day, “to inspire and be inspired by music, art, and stories of love, justice, hope, and peace.”
This free event will take place again at Camp Milan Retreat Center in Milan. It is free to the public. The first concert will start at 11 a.m. on September 17, and will last until the headline act, Ellis Kell Band, finishes around 8:00 p.m. “At the end of his set, Ellis has promised that anyone who wants to will be invited to join him and the band for an impromptu jam,” said organizer Robb McCoy.
There are a few groups who will be returning after back after enjoying the 2015 festival. Nick Bifano and the Innocents is a rock band from Saint Louis who cranked up the energy in 2015. They claim to be a “good-old American rock and roll band,” with driving guitars and an energetic performance, it is difficult to sit still with these guys on the stage.
Also returning is Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, who represents the opposite end of the energy spectrum. A man of deep conviction and peace, Richard’s life work has been putting Psalms to modern music and melody. He is committed to the truth, struggle, joy, pain, and love that are found in the Psalms. He also has a large repertoire of kids’ songs, and has been known to sing about eating bugs.
David G. Smith is a local musician who appears often in and around the Quad Cities. He is a pure American roots musician with a particular passion for Alzheimer’s awareness. His song, “In the Silence,” is heartfelt tribute to two men in his life who suffer from the debilitating disease.
Katie and Jacob Eckeberger, the married duo that makes up My Anchor Holds “recognizes that human spirituality is one of the most ragged and yet beautiful parts of life. Honesty, love, and good music are always our priority.” Katie’s voice is as powerful as their lyrics, they are sure to bring an emotional reaction.
Spoken-word poet Emily Joy, and singer-songwriter Sara Quah will come up from Bloomington, Illinois. Two other male rock/folk singers will fill out the lineup. Jason Ropp will be coming from Goshen, Indiana. Nate Bjorge will bring his whole band from the Chicago area.
All of the music will take place under a covered stage outside at Camp Milan Retreat Center. This historic camp ground is full of giant okay trees, a playground, and a basketball hoop. Also outside will be a marketplace for artists and handcrafted vendors. Vendor space is still needed, and reserving a booth is free. Vendors can apply at the website lionandlambfest.com/apply
At the same time of these great musicians, there will be speakers inside the climate-controlled retreat center. They will be speaking on a variety of topics, including immigration, domestic violence, human trafficking, Biblical justice, and interfaith peace.
Food will be available through local food trucks. Camp Milan Retreat Center is a short jog off of US Route 67, just south of Milan. The address is 1328 127th Avenue. If heading south on US 67, turn left on 127th Ave, then a quick right on 13th Street to get to the parking entrance. For more information, go to lionandlambfest.com, or check LionAndLambFest on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Photos of all the artists are available upon request. Call Two Rivers United Methodist Church at 309-788-9384 to talk to Pastor Robb McCoy for more details.