Gospel to Again Come Alive at Saturday's Praise in the Pines

Tickets are still available for the Praise in the Pines event that returns this Saturday, July 19, to bring the gospel to Northland Pines field house in Eagle River.

With acts including the world-renowned Newsboys and a local keynote speaker lined up, the second Praise in the Pines promises a day of fun spiritual renewal, inspiration and transformation. Its mission is to "cultivate an environment in which the profound love of Jesus Christ touches hearts and instigates enduring change through relatable teaching, relevant Christian speakers, inspiring music, and a celebration of revival."

Bill Lochte, president of the Praise in the Pines Board of Directors, said he thinks this event is going to be "electric," adding that they have more volunteers at the ready to than last year to make this event a success. "Our sponsors covered all capital expenses, which were considerably higher than last year. I think our branding, our social media presence is better than last year, but ticket sales are not where they were last year," he said.

Last summer's inaugural event was a success, raising nearly $45,000 that went back to organizations within the community including Northwoods Share's Esther's House ministry, New Dawn Pregnancy Center, and Weekend Backpack Program. This year, the board decided that instead of choosing their beneficiaries ahead of time, they would create a list of charities and make their decision once the event is over. More information will be released once those funds are divided up.

Praise in the Pines is put on by a group of volunteers who started a nonprofit 501(c)(3) last year. All donations made to the group are tax-deductible.

While music is the cornerstone of the event, plenty of other activities are planned that will include dynamic teachings aimed toward illuminating the path to spiritual growth, personal testimonies of individuals who have used faith to triumph over despair, and a time to connect with like-minded individuals who share a common journey toward faith, hope and Christ's love.

Pay It Forward

Lochte highlighted a new Pay It Forward program this year which invites the public to sponsor tickets for those who may not be able to afford to attend. He said so far, 100 tickets have already been paid for and distributed to families, and says there are more to come.

"I don't want inability to pay for a ticket leading to people who want to go not being able to," Lochte said. "We've been working very hard to make this a great experience for the community, and we want everyone to be able to attend who wants to, regardless of financial status."

Any families or individuals who would like to attend but cannot afford to do so can contact rejoice@praiseinthepines.org to talk to organizers about available Pay It Forward tickets.

Schedule of Events

Praise in the Pines will open at noon at Northland Pines Middle and High School with food trucks on site at 1 p.m. From 2 to 6 p.m., the Ministry Faire will act as a space for attendees to connect with local ministries, alongside a free worship experience from 3 to 5 p.m. The Newsboys and speaker Brad Davison will take the stage for the main event from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The evening's keynote speaker will be Pastor Brad Davison of Northwoods Assembly in Eagle River. Davison's authentic leadership inspires growth and welcomes those from all walks of life, breeding a sense of encouragement, exhilaration and transformation. He and his wife, Mikki, create a warm atmosphere that brings passions and relatability to biblical teachings. Guided by the motto "Come as you are, leave better," Davison's words are sure to have a lasting impact on attendees who listen to him speak.

Headlining the event is the Newsboys, who have a decades-long career venturing into various genres and styles of music. The band has sold more than 10 million albums spanning 24 studio recordings, amassing one RIAA Double Platinum and eight RIAA Gold certifications, 33 No. 1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nods, and multiple Gospel Music Association Dove awards.

Despite serious sexual assault allegations against Newsboys former lead singer Michael Tait earlier this summer which he confirmed were "mostly true," the Praise in the Pines Board of Directors maintained its decision to continue on with the band as the headliners of the event.

Tait left the band in January 2025, and the current lineup includes lead guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, drummer Duncan Phillips, and rhythm guitarist, bassist, and lead vocalist Adam Agee.

In a statement released in June following the allegations, the board said it was moving forward with its "mission to glorify God through music and worship," adding "the Newsboys, with their unwavering commitment to ministry, remain dedicated to this event." Sponsors and ticketholders also came out in support of the decision to move forward with the event as planned.

"The board is unified around empathy, compassion and forgiveness," Lochte said in the final week leading up to the revival. He also stressed that the remaining four band members who are slated to perform on Saturday were "stunned" by Tait's behavior. "I hope people can rally around the Newsboys," he added.

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets are still available, ranging from $25 bleacher seating, to $45 main floor seating with early entry, to $75 premium seating.

Those with VIP privileges can enter at 5 p.m. in time to take part in the Q&A with the Newsboys from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Early entry ticketholders can come in at 5:45 p.m., and general admission entry will be at 6 p.m.

Event organizers urge caution when purchasing tickets due to some fraudulent ticket sales being touted as the real thing. They warn that unauthorized ticket vendors are reselling tickets at inflated prices and falsely claiming to offer reserved seating. Organizers stressed that tickets should only be purchased directly through the Praise the Pines website or the Newsboys website.