SonFest lineup features variety of well-known artists

MVNU has put together an impressive lineup for SonFest 2016. The artists’ resumes include multiple Dove Award nominations, numerous charting singles within a variety of genres, and international renown. The new and returning acts will take the stage on Sept. 24 in the Grove.

Headlining the event is Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner Building 429, known for songs such as “We Won’t Be Shaken,” “Where I Belong,” and “Press On.” The band’s newest single “Impossible” broke Christian records with 95 radio adds the day it was released to broadcasters. Building 429’s newest album “Unashamed” was released in September of 2015. The Christian rock band based its name on Ephesians 4:29 which reminds Christians not to tear others down but to build one another up.

Joining Building 429 is the pop-rock band Citizen Way. The group’s debut album showcased “Should’ve Been Me,” “Nothing Ever (Could Separate Us),” and “How Sweet the Sound,” each charting well on countless radio stations and music charts. The band released its second album, “2.0” in March of 2016.

Finding Favour also has a spot on SonFest’s main stage. After the success of debut single “Slip On By” and self titled EP, the contemporary band released its first studio album, “Reborn,” in 2015. The band’s records “Cast My Cares” and “Refuge” have claimed 15 and 21 respectively on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs.

From Wellington, New Zealand, Rapture Ruckus brings 5 albums and international success to SonFest 2016. The hip-hop/rock group was awarded Best Christian Album at the New Zealand Music Awards for the 2006 release “I Believe.” Rapture Ruckus also has received three Dove Award nominations, the most recent being 2015 hip-hop song of the year for “Volcano.”

Also attending the event is VERIDIA, self-described as “alternate-rock with electronic elements.” The group’s first EP “Inseparable” features hit single “We Are The Brave,” which climbed the Billboard Christian Rock Chart all the way to No. 1. The single was nominated for a Dove Award and featured during ESPN’s broadcasts of the NCAA softball regular and world series games.

Completing the main stage line up for the 2016 festival is For All Seasons, who got its start at Biola University of Southern California. After leading worship for several years, For All Seasons released its first original album in 2014, which debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel charts.

On the second stage, DaMAC (Music About Christ) will return to SonFest for the fourth time. DaMAC, or Michael Lacoste, has been writing hip-hop songs since 2007. He has opened for bands such as GRITS, Remedy Drive and I Am Terrified.

Also joining the lineup on the secondary stage is Ever Burning Bright, Trouper, The Lasting Hope and Graceful Closure.

MVNU’s annual music festival will take place Sept. 24, from 1-9 p.m. in the Grove. All MVNU students will get in free with their student IDs. Additional tickets are available for purchase at itickets. com. For more information, visit sonfest.mvnu.edu.