GREENFIELD – People from all walks of life gathered Thursday for the first day of the three-day Christian music festival SoulFest at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
Now in its 26th year, SoulFest secured the Greenfield Fairgrounds for the first time after previously being held at venues in New Hampshire. This year’s festival lineup includes more than 60 musicians and speakers.
However, music is not the only focus this weekend. Christian organizations, non-profits and educational partners are also present to achieve the festival’s goal of encouraging engagement in social causes.
Peryle, an indie pop musician from Boston who has performed at SoulFest for several years, said she feels the festival is justice-focused and aims to build a deeper connection with people through both music and service.
“There are a lot of organizations and nonprofits here that we support,” Peryle said. “I think my biggest hope on stage is to connect with the audience and for people to connect not only with each other but also internally.”
Artist and songwriter Jim Trick, who has performed at SoulFest every year since its inception, takes a similar view.
“Our work is specifically about reflecting the other side of life, in the hope that when people come, they feel like they see themselves in the songs,” Trick said.
Although the festival is based on religious interest, Trick believes there is room for anyone interested in serving others.
“The festival’s mission is less religious than service,” Trick said. “That is, we believe love is the revolution that Jesus started. In a world of religious hypocrisy and condemnation … SoulFest is about helping people who are inclined toward service to find a place to live out their love.”
Both Peryle and Trick expressed their excitement for the rest of the weekend.
The festival’s religious atmosphere is why Ruth and Tom Akers of Westminster, Maryland, have been coming to SoulFest for 15 years.
“It’s nice to get together with other people. We share a common faith and I love the atmosphere here,” said Tom. Ruth noted that as a teacher who works with children, she appreciates the family-friendly nature of the festival and the different people she meets each year.
SoulFest volunteer Elaine Welzant of Canterbury, Connecticut, has attended the festival before as a youth pastor with her group, but this year she wanted to help out on a volunteer basis.
Welzant believes the festival is unique and calls it a “Christian Woodstock” because it offers people the opportunity to express their Christian identity in a communal setting.
“Sometimes you just feel so alone, almost like you’re the only one,” Welzant said. “You’re safe and you can worship God together.”
SoulFest takes place on Friday and Saturday at the fairgrounds. Tickets are still available at the door. For lineup and schedule information, visit thesoulfest.com/lineup.
Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at [email protected].
