Tenth Avenue North has played Riverbend, but Saturday’s show at Jfest marks its first appearance at that festival.If you go
› What: Jfest› Where: Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge› When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19› Admission: $20 ages 12 and older› For more information: jfest.com
Ted Gocke was at the first Jfest when it launched 20 years ago at Camp Jordan Arena. Several hundred folks turned out to see what the new Christian music festival that radio station J103 was launching was all about.
Over two decades, Jfest has grown to become the largest Christian music festival and longest-running in this region, says Gocke, now J103’s morning show host, music director and promotions director. Last year’s event drew nearly 8,000 visitors; its biggest year saw close to 10,000 pass through the gates.
“The music has become more diverse. Christian music has evolved and now there are all the different Christian genres: rap, hip-hop, rock, contemporary Christian,” says Gocke. “But one thing hasn’t changed about Jfest: the mission to evangelize and to give people the opportunity to sit down with their families and spend time together listening to a variety of music.”
Jfest marks its 20th anniversary on Saturday, May 19. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., when the first of 10 Christian music acts takes the stage.