SEQUIM — Rise Up, a new music festival, will come to the Sequim Valley Airport at 12:30 p.m. Saturday to feature several Christian rap and hip-hop artists.
The free event will be at the airport at 468 Dorothy Hunt Lane. Donations will be accepted.
Organizer Ted Bowen of Internal Grind Ministries, who operates from a faith-based gym located in Agnew, said his goal is to create an environment that’s positive and inclusive.
“I want to find a place for people that are coming to faith without having to come right in a church building,” he said. “To some people, church is scary.”
Bowen said he hopes to reach people through artists sharing personal stories and music.
“It’s a way to bring people from all walks of life to a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy music, find common ground and celebrate life and faith,” he said.
The day features music and testimonies by Kirtis Hoppie, Mike Servin, Justin Vaughn, J Rich, Meezilini Tha Messenger, Taylor Martin, Chris N Desiree and RRR Ministries.
Music will include 30- and 45-minute sets throughout the day and early night, Bowen said.
Rise Up will offer free food and drinks from the Lower Elwha Food and Fuel, along with children’s activities and a photo booth from Sky Island event rentals.
Bowen said the only items that cost money are musicians’ merchandise that supports their ministries.
Rise Up has an approved COVID mitigation plan through Clallam County, he said, which includes frequent sanitizing every hour.
“We want everyone to have fun, be respectful and observe appropriate physical distancing,” Bowen said.
“We’re coordinating with the Clallam County Health Department and other local officials to ensure the event complies with all health, safety and security guidelines.”
The event is co-sponsored by La Vina Outreach and Promise of Life Café.
For updates, visit Internal Grind Ministries on Facebook and Instagram.
________
Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach him at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
