Bridgefest Press Releases and Media

CONTACT: Brian Rechten,

General Manager,

732-588-0861 direct,

888-861-6100 station,

brian@bridgefm.org

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“Dove Award Winners Rock Sixth Annual Bridgefest,

As Largest Gathering Of Teachers Share”

OLD BRIDGE, NJ – God must love Bridgefest, Bridge-FM Christian radio station's annual beach festival in beautiful Ocean Grove. When organizers of the event booked Brandon Heath (“I'm Not Who I Was,” “Give Me Your Eyes”) and Francesca Battistelli (“Free To Be Me,” “Hundred More Years”), they had no idea that their headliners would go on to win the 2010 Dove Awards' Male and Female Vocalist of the Year right before tickets went on sale earlier this year. Heath and Battistelli are up for a combined four 2011 Dove Awards!

The extra buzz is likely to make this sixth annual gathering on June 24 and 25 the most bountiful for the Lord yet, said Brian Rechten, the Old Bridge, N.J.-based radio station's general manager.

"We couldn't be more excited if we tried! Between the amazing artistic talent and the largest turnout of Bridge FM teachers in the history of Bridgefest, we really can't wait for June."

Joining Heath and Battistelli onstage will be the Canadian recording act Downhere, who'll warm up the crowd inside Ocean Grove's historic Great Auditorium. One of these amazing bands will stay over for Saturday's beach stage along with a return visit by another popular Canadian; Dan Macaulay.

Downhere will be preceded by a powerful testimony from Brian Broderson, a pastor at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, the Southern California church that started the Calvary Chapel movement, which has led to the growth of more than 1,500 non-denominational churches around the world. One of The Bridge's many popular teachers, Broderson said he is looking forward to making his first-ever appearance at Bridgefest.

The evening's gospel message will be provided by Pastor Jack Hibbs, founding senior pastor Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, also in Southern California. Pastor Jack is excited to be back for his second consecutive Bridgefest visit. When asked if he would return and be this year’s main speaker he responded; "WHAT????? This is an amazing answer to prayer. I had so much fun (last year) that I asked the Lord if I could go back! This is great. I'll pray about it.......................... Okay, yes, can't wait!!!"

With even more Bridge FM teachers than ever before Bridgefest also will include Pastors Rodney Finch, Jack Abeelen, Lloyd Pulley, Chris McCarrick, Tony Clark, Bobby Hargraves, Nathan Robinson and John Randall speaking throughout Ocean Grove starting at 9 a.m. on Friday and/or on the beach stage and under the boardwalk pavilion on Saturday through 6 p.m.

Bridgefest will kick off with teachings in the Tabernacle next to the Great Auditorium from 9 a.m. to about 6 p.m. A youth rally will take place in the Youth Temple on the other side of the Auditorium from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by an opportunity to meet the many Bridge FM teachers during the 'meet-and-greet' starting at 6 p.m.

At 7:15 p.m., the faithful will head into the Great Auditorium for the talks with Broderson and Hibbs and the music by Downhere, Battistelli and Heath, all of whom have new albums that they are touring behind.

Battistelli's new “Hundred More Years” follows the award-winning success of “My Paper Heart,” which featured the smash hit “Free to Be Me.” Tunes from Heath's just-released third album, “Leaving Eden,” will be sprinkled throughout the night with such acclaimed fare as “Give Me Your Eyes,” “No Not One,” “Don't Get Comfortable,” “I'm Not Who I Was” and the roof-rousing praise “Our God Reigns.”

On Saturday, the family fun will move to Ocean Grove's beautiful beach starting at 8 a.m. with free surfing lessons, followed by sports, games, inflatables, barbecue, vendors, concerts, teachings and an ocean baptism.

Tickets to Bridgefest are $30, ($35 after June 1st) which includes two-day beach access, admission to all activities, and discounts from local merchants. Tickets are $25 for the Friday night concert only. Saturday beach badge only is $7. All options are free to children ages 11 and younger.

Gold Circle tickets are $50, $25 for children ages 11 and younger. They also include concert seating in the first five rows and a Friday night buffet dinner and a chance to mingle with teachers and artists.

Group sales of four or more are available through April 30 for $25 each, free for children ages 11 and younger.

About The Bridge:

The station went live on the air for the first time on June 27, 2003. Since then, the station broadcasts inspiring praise and worship music along with the life-changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, without compromise, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Its programming reaches seekers with the Good News, and also equips believers to reach their world in the power and might of the Lord Jesus Christ.

God has used The Bridge to reach literally millions of people all over the world, through the station’s online streaming, and throughout the New York / New Jersey area on these stations:

89.7 FM in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ
91.9 FM in Southern Middlesex County, NJ
103.1 FM in North Jersey and New York City
99.7 FM in Sullvian County, NY
94.3 FM in Pomona, NY
106.9 FM in Poughkeepsie, NY

The Bridge Christian Radio (Bridgelight, LLC) is a radio ministry of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, NJ. For more about Bridgefest, visit www.bridgefest.org or call Brian Rechten at 732-588-0861. For more about The Bridge, visit www.bridgefm.org.