Sonfest returns to MVNU on Sept. 18

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Sonfest is returning to the campus of MVNU with an incredible slate of artists including Cory Asbury of Bethel Music.

The outdoor Christian Music Festival will take place in The Grove, on Saturday, Sept. 18, from noon to 10 p.m.

Asbury is best known for his hit single, “Reckless Love,” which was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. The album of the same name topped Billboard’s #1 Christian Album chart in 2018 and he went on to win three GMA Dove Awards, and the ASCAP Christian Song of the Year award. His single, “The Father’s House” was released in early 2020 and the smash hit spent several weeks on multiple Christian music charts.

Sonfest organizers are excited to bring Asbury to the stage as the festival’s headliner.

“Cory Asbury presents a unique opportunity to bring the community together for a night of worship after what has been a difficult time for everyone,” said Cheryl Sharpes, MVNU Associate Director of Admissions Visits & Events. “In addition to Cory, our entire lineup provides a variety of music that is sure to please everyone’s taste in Christian music.”

Joining Asbury on the main stage lineup will be Jordan Feliz, Riley Clemmons, Hulvey, and Damac. A second stage will feature B List Boys, Goodnight Fear, Sam Day and Safekept.

During the day-long festival, family-friendly activities will include inflatable games, gaga ball, Knockerball, Spike Ball tournament, and sand volleyball, with additional experiences yet to be confirmed. Exhibitor booths provide opportunities for festival guests to speak directly with organizations and merchants while food trucks will provide dining options to please the whole family.

Each year, Sonfest promotes a special cause in an effort to draw attention and support. Out of Darkness, a chapter of the ministry of the Atlanta Dream Center, will have representatives available to discuss its antihuman trafficking initiative with an emphasis on providing housing to adult victims.

Sonfest is held rain or shine. Acts are subject to change without notice.

Individual tickets are available for $25; a special rate of $20 each is available for groups of 10 or more. At the gate, tickets cost $30. Gates open at noon with music starting at 1 p.m.

For more information on the artists, and to purchase tickets online, visit sonfest.mvnu.edu.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to more than 2,100 students from 42 states and nine foreign countries.

DAVID JACOBS/SDG Newspapers The departure of storms and arrival of sunshine provided the opportunity for Shelley Bylica of Shelby to work in her garden at the Shelby Community Gardens on July 18. She is growing a variety of items including tomatoes, parsley, cucumbers, ground cherries, zucchini and basil. Bylica’s garden within the Community Gardens is 20 feet by 40 feet, she said. The Shelby Community Gardens are located on the north side of the Water Treatment Plant along North Gamble Street.