What is Godstock ?

Godstock is an all-day Contemporary Christian Music festival held each September.  For many years, the event was held on the grounds of a local church, but since this is a non-denominational Christian event, the concert is now held on the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Fairfield, Illinois.  Despite fund raising and charity events throughout the year, the concert event has realized the need to charge a small admission fee of $10.00 to the public, even though the line-up has come to consist of some of the top names in Christian rock, alternative and contemporary music as well as many regional and local artists of interest.  Group Tickets are available for just $8.00 each for groups of 20 people or more. Thats 8 bands for $8.00---Wow! 

Our History:

In 1994, 5 laymen of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fairfield, Illinois, had a dream to reach the youth of their community through a concert event. That year saw the first Godstock Concert with local artists and a crowd of 200.

The cost to get in . . . nothing.

In 1995, the 5 laymen gathered some friends from other churches and stretched their vision for the concert to include John Schlitt, the lead singer for Petra as the headliner for the day. That was the second Godstock Concert with a crowd of 700.

The cost of admission . . . free.

In 1996, working with youth ministers, local businesses, and churches the Godstock Committee stretched their vision even farther to bring in Code of Ethics, John Cox, Nouveaux, Three Crosses, Reality Check, Maia Amada, and Paul Aldrich. The crowd swelled to over 1100.

The price of admission . . . still free.

In 1997, more effort in both fund-raising and production brought Petra, John Cox, Kenny Marks, Reality Check, and Steve Geyer in addition to some fine local talent. Approximately 5000 attended Godstock that year.

Godstock ticket price . . . absolutely zippo.

The 1998 edition of Godstock featured New Song, Bob Hartman, Grover Levy, Shaded Red, Randy Stonehill, Skillet, Spiritual Animal, Shine, Sold Out, and the Awesome Power Team. It promised to be the best ever, and it delivered! To the tune of about 6000 spectators.

What did these tickets go for? . . . nada, nothing.

In 1999 Godstock attracted such talent as Geoff Moore, The Insyderz, Bleach, Eli, Send the Beggar, Malachi, Holy Cross and Feezel. We hoped for crowds to match the previous year. Oops, sorry....we hosted about 8000!

And what did we charge? Uhhh, well.....you guessed it...

2000 saw a lineup of Big Tent Revival, The Waiting, The Normals, The Nobodys, Layton Howerton, Brian Fuller, No Shades of Grey and Cross-Eyed plus guest speaker TJ Folz. The day also brought threat of rain, but we still had attendance matching 1999, which has to be considered a success!

Did anyone have to pay to get in? Don't even think about it...

In 2001, God smiled down upon us once again. Appearing were Third Day, Skillet, Bleach, Aurora, Disciple, Daniel's Window, Reflektor, and Skywire. We had not only the biggest crowd we've ever had, but also the best natured and most enthusiastic crowd ever!

Again we charged not a nickel...

2002 brought Salvador, Geoff Moore, Luna Halo, Disciple, For All the Drifters, 24 Idaho and The Chris Shepherd Band to Godstock. Sweltering heat could not keep the crowds at home and once again nothing could bring us to charge an admission price.

In the face of ever-increasing expenses and a year of preparation and hard work, our ticket price simply has to be . . . nothing.

In 2003, many things fell into place, and by the grace of God, we were able to put together an outstanding line-up which included:  Sonicflood, John Schlitt, Bleach, Apologetix, Buck Enterprises, Liptocoal, Sioux St. Marie, Alive Through Death, and Drowning Jonah. 

Expenses had grown, but we maintained our strong faith in this ministry....so the ticket price remained...zero.

2004, despite increasing costs, we were able to place (9) quality acts on stage and the crowd continued to swell throughout the day and evening hours to see...Moreovers New Trick, Solafide, Slingshot 57, Bastian, Jonah 33, Radial Angel, Holland, Number One Gun, and Matthew West & Band.  Still, the admission price:  you guessed it....zilch!

Why do we do this?

We believe that everybody has a right to hear the gospel, and we are going to do whatever it takes to make this possible. We do not want financial status to determine who hears the Word of God through music.

The purpose of this concert is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.