“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
That St. Francis of Assisi quote embodies the focus of Turn Up the Lights, presented by People & Songs and Arts in the Park on Nov. 11 at La Porte Civic Auditorium as a fundraiser to improve Fox Park Amphitheater in LaPorte, where the Arts in the Park Summer Concert Series takes place.
“The nation’s hurting so much so it seemed like a beautiful opportunity to open up our heart and invite everybody from around the nation to stand together and unite for no other reason than we love each other,” said Jennie Lee Riddle, master of ceremonies for Turn Up the Lights.
“It’s a chance for all of us to gather and reach across generations and denominations, cultures and genres purposely for the community to live, love and laugh in these days and to turn up the lights in the face of darkness.”
Doors open at noon with a food court including LaPorte’s Karmel Coffee House, T-Berry’s Diner and the Topp Skillet Cafe plus Marya’s Muffins; food trucks including Hero’s Hot Dogs from Michigan City, SmoqTruq from South Bend and Twisted Citrus from Crown Point; and an artisan market.
“It’s a long day. We figured it would be fun to have some additional things to let people go take breaks, shop and look around,” said Riddle, founder and operator of People & Songs, a community of creatives united by the mission to strengthen and release the voice of the church.
Performances begin at 1 p.m. with a veterans tribute including adult Hoosier Star winner Julia Campoli of South Bend singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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The Tom Milo Big Band perform from 1:30-2:30 p.m. while individual artists from 3:30-8 p.m. include Crystal Yates, Marcy Each, Sean Carter, Kaden Slay debuting his album “The Mercy of Jesus,” Charity Gayle and LaPorte County native Corey Voss.
“All the artists inside People & Songs are seasoned professionals who are excellent in their craft and, yet, so focused on loving others. They’re missionaries at heart. They’re each excellent independently in their own right because of their very unique style,” said Riddle, who also performs at Turn Up the Lights.
Headliners at the live recording festival begin at 8 p.m. with Selah, who has won eight Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and is known for hits such as “You Raise Me Up” and “Wonderful, Merciful Savior,” followed by People & Songs (www.peopleandsongs.com) artists joining on stage.
“We’ll be performing all the songs from our live record. It actually debuted at No. 1 and has a lot of songs that people know,” said Riddle, a speaker, songwriter and worship leader who runs her ministry out of LaPorte.
“We’ll be performing as a supergroup for the grand finale. Then Selah will join us at the very end all over again as will the pastor for a blessing over north Indiana.”
Participating churches include LaPorte’s Agape Christian Church, Bethel Chapel, Bethany Lutheran Church, First Church of God, First United Methodist Church, LaPorte Assembly of God, La Porte Missionary Church, the River Christian Fellowship and Salem Chapel United Methodist Church.
Other participating churches include Christ Church, of LaPorte, Michigan City and Chicago; Expansion Church, of Chesterton; First Baptist Church, of Kingsbury; Liberty Bible Church, of Chesterton and LaPorte; New Carlisle Wesleyan Church, of New Carlisle; and That Church Downtown, of South Bend.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Turn Up the Lights
When: 1-10 p.m. Nov. 11
Where: La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge St., LaPorte
Tickets: $35
Information: 219-362-2325; www.turnupthelights.org