About Us
A New Chapter, Deeply Rooted in Tradition
For 27 years, SoulFest has been more than just a festival—it’s been a home for music lovers, adventure seekers, committed believers, and the spiritually curious. It’s where friendships are formed, stories are shared, faith is deepened, and lives are changed.
Now, as we step into a new season, we’re more passionate than ever about honoring SoulFest’s legacy—while doing our best to make it even better.
New Leadership, Same Heart
SoulFest is now led by Frank Tate and Bev Abbonizio, two passionate believers in the power of music, the joy of community, and the authentic hope of the gospel.
Frank has been part of SoulFest since the beginning, bringing artists from his record label, Five Minute Walk Records (Five Iron Frenzy, The W’s, Dime Store Prophets…) to play at the first festival in 1998. He’s spent decades building music-driven communities and knows firsthand the power of shared experiences.
Bev, while newer to SoulFest, has spent her career running businesses and creating joy-filled events where old connections grow and new friendships thrive.
Founder Dan Russell has been like a big brother to Frank for over 30 years. After Dan suffered a stroke during COVID, the stress of running the festival became too much. Frank and Bev stepped in to carry his vision forward—ensuring SoulFest would continue, while giving Dan time to focus on his health and finally write the book he’s been dreaming of for years.
With deep roots in SoulFest’s history, a passion for servant leadership, community building and fresh energy for the future, Frank and Bev are committed to making the next chapters the best ones yet.
SoulFest 2025: More Than a Festival—It’s a Family Reunion
This year, we’re bringing SoulFest back to what makes it unforgettable—world-class music, inspiring seminars, fun games, and an incredible gathering of amazing souls.
A lot has changed since SoulFest began in 1998. Back then, community was built through real-life shared experiences—church potlucks, neighbors stopping by unannounced, kids playing outside until the streetlights came on, and our phones were still attached to the wall. Today, loneliness is at an all-time high, depression is epidemic, and “shared moments” too often only happen through a screen.
We want to change that.
That’s why we’re doubling down on in-person, friendship-making fun—the kind that turns a weekend at SoulFest into lifelong relationships. We want SoulFest to be a catalyst for great conversations, huge laughs, unexpected joy, and meaningful connections that last far beyond the festival.
Making SoulFest More Fun & Affordable for Families
We know community starts with family, so we’ve made SoulFest more family- and budget-friendly, including:
50% Off Kids’ Tickets – We’ve cut ticket prices for kids ages 6–11 in half and made them just 2 cents for Tiny Souls (ages 5 and under), because our two cents is the more kids, the merrier!
Tons of Organized Activities – Kids of all ages will enjoy games, arts and crafts, and old-school, phone-free fun like Four Square, volleyball, and Corn Hole—PLUS our latest addition: late-night Open Mic and live Karaoke parties with SoulFest’s favorite Aussie, Paul Colman!
GiveSendGo Coffee Houses – Parents can enjoy meaningful conversations over a delicious latte in the front half of our new GiveSendGo Café, while our energetic team leads organized games and creative activities for Tiny Souls in the back half.
After-Hours Game Nights – We’re adding three new hangout areas that will stay open after MainStage wraps—making it easy to meet new friends and spark great conversations.
Our Heart for SoulFest
A place for connection. Whether through music, inspiring seminars, shared meals, or spontaneous conversations, SoulFest is designed to bring amazing souls together to create lifelong memories.
A catalyst for faith-filled friendships. Finding community can be hard—so we’re creating opportunities for families, youth, single believers, young marrieds, and empty nesters to enjoy meaningful shared experiences.
A celebration of music that inspires. From your favorite artists on the MainStage to powerful worship at Mercy St. to discovering incredible new talent at The Launch Pad Stage, SoulFest is where unforgettable music memories happen.
Inspiring teachings with an invitation to live out the authentic gospel. Jesus said the entire law is summed up in Loving God BY Loving Others, as We Love Ourselves. Throughout the weekend, we’ll explore what that means for each of us.
Join the SoulFest Family Reunion
Whether you’ve been to every SoulFest since 1998, haven’t been in years, or are just hearing about us for the first time—this is your invitation to be part of something extraordinary.
Because the best stories are lived in community—and we’d love for you to be part of ours.
