Uprise Festival (formerly Vertical Fest), the Cumberland Valley's premier Christian music event, is pleased to announce several changes for 2009, including bigger name bands, two stages and a chance for attendees to join in the act with karaoke. Additionally, the event has moved from its usual date in late September to Saturday, August 1st at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds in Shippensburg, PA.

The lineup for the 6th Annual one-day event boasts the biggest names in Christian music today, including Newsboys, The Afters, Group 1 Crew, Manic Drive, Wavorly, Showbread, Phil Wickham and Jonny Diaz. Speakers include, nationally known, Bob Lenz, as well as local pastors, Tyree Sterling, Brad Mowery and Chris Clugh. The Roxtreme Showcase stage will also play host to up-and-comers, Failure to Excel, Sunday Obsession, The Safety of Routine, Skyhawk Drive and Noel McLeary to name a few.

"We changed the date to make it more of a summer festival that local youth who are involved in sports or may be going away to college could be a part of," explains Scott Brown, festival administrator. "We also wanted to kick things up a notch this year by offering bigger name acts. We scaled back on the number of bands, but are thrilled to have the Newsboys, one of the best in the industry, along with The Afters, Group 1 Crew and the others. We're very excited to have Bob Lenz as our key speaker as well."

Aiming to be a family-friendly event with something for everyone, the festival also hosts a children's program, Uprise Kidz, which will feature face painting, story telling, games and prizes, kids worship, clowns, snacks and much more. A Youth Leaders Lounge will also be available, providing resources, networking, encouragement from speakers and a place for youth leaders to hang out.

In addition to the music, the Festival also provides free activities and entertainment for all ages including inflatables, skate park, climbing wall, disc golf, volleyball and video game den. A few local companies will be providing free treats: Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Rita's Italian Ice and Starbucks Coffee.

Tickets for Uprise Festival are $20 prior to July 24 and can be purchased at area LifeWay Christian bookstores or online at www.iTickets.com. After July 24, tickets will be available at the gate for $25.

For more information about Uprise Festival, to see the full lineup and to get up-to-the-minute information, please visit www.uprisefestival.com