2 of 4

Both Resurrection Band and DeGarmo & Key—another one of Christian music's leading acts in the 1980s—are reuniting for the occasion. Because of his fondness for the festival, Eddie DeGarmo himself contacted Herrin to see what he thought about the act playing at Cornerstone. "Last year, we were awarded the prestigious Visionary Award by ASCAP. We reunited there and played three songs at the awards ceremony. I must say we can still rock, so we decided to play for the fans again at Cornerstone."

Herrin says the success of Cornerstone stems from JPUSA's commitment to being authentically diverse. "Cornerstone has the freedom to say we're not going to try to be everything to all people," Ironically, it's that very freedom that enables the festival to do just that.

Underoath is just one of many popular bands that have graced Cornerstone's Main Stage. (Photo by Scott Stahnke)

Cornerstone's reputation was built in large part on the music. More than 650 bands are scheduled to play on ten festival-sponsored stages in 2008, as well as other stages on site sponsored by groups like Compassion International. Many of Christian music's biggest groups—as well as some popular mainstream bands—got their start playing at the festival's new band showcase. P.O.D., Switchfoot, Third Day, Sixpence None the Richer, Mute Math, Underoath—all were relatively unknown when they first played in Bushnell. Many of them have since made repeated trips to play the bigger stages.

Linda LaFianza, co-publisher of the e-zine Phantom Tollbooth, says the event is the most important Christian festival of the year. "The most interesting and authentic music is coming through Cornerstone. MuteMath and Switchfoot won't play other Christian festivals for fear of being labeled as Christian bands, but are eager to appear at Cornerstone."

For other bands, Cornerstone is a must-stop destination. Elbel and his band Ping have no expectations of their group hitting it big, but they are perennial performers because they enjoy the bonds formed between artists and audience. "We always feel like we're part of the community, even when we're on stage," Elbel says. "We're just a couple feet above others, but we know most of the people who come to our shows."

In addition to the music, the festival has since become known for its seminars and creative outlets for the entire family. That was intentional. Herrin had been as dismayed by the selection of speakers as he was frustrated about the lack of musical diversity. He recalls attending a festival in which one of the speakers on the main stage told the audience that healing was possible for all who have enough faith. "A couple speakers later, Joni Eareckson Tada comes out on stage in her wheelchair. What are people supposed to think?"

Attendees also had no opportunity to ask questions of the speakers. So Cornerstone organizers decided to reserve entire days for multi-session seminars that allowed for interaction between presenters and attendees. The seminars and other educational offerings are as diverse as the music. This year, more than 200 hours of seminars are scheduled. Attendees can sit under a tent and listen to one of the world's leading theologians, Yale professor Miroslav Volf speak on "Us vs. Them: Identity, Otherness & Reconciliation," or listen to JPUSA Pastor Wendi Kaiser speak on "Sex, Love, and Dating: Connecting the Dots."

next page... |  2 of 4