Photos and Feature: Unity Christian Music Festival, Heritage Landing, Muskegon, Michigan.

We attended Unity Fest Day 2, out at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Michigan, with an opening by the Unity Praise band and all the other great acts, and wanted to highlight the event!

The first artist to play was Thunderstorm Artis, who was a Season 18 finalist on The Voice. Artis wowed audiences with both his original compositions, including the quiet acoustic track “Sedona,” and loving reinterpretations of songs by artists like The Beatles and Louis Armstrong, with John Legend describing his tone as “magical” and Billboard praising his “earnest, uplifting presence.

Next to take the stage was Hopeful, a band that brings their unique and somewhat spiritual "Toes in the Sand" kind of anthemic indie rock vibe to the Christian music scene, all the way from California. With a heart to write music that gives hopelessness a kick to the teeth and their listeners a reminder to hold on to hope.

We were also blessed to see former country-turned-Christian music artist Rachel Purcell, who I would LOVE to see more of in the future, as she has such a unique voice, still maintaining some of the country sound!

“I feel like country found me,” she explains, adding that she wrestled with guilt over scoring a record deal so quickly, without intentionally chasing it. When her time with the major label ended, she was already feeling the pull of an impending new season. As an independent artist, she began writing songs about her faith. “This first song idea about my relationship with God came to my mind, and I wrote it all by myself. It was the first song I’d done 100 percent by myself in years, but it just started flowing. Then, more songs started coming,” recalls Purcell, who’s collaborated with numerous acts ranging from Rascal Flatts to Blessing Offor. “It felt very divine. It was like the songs would finish themselves before I could even get it all out.”

Another act with great promise is Cochren & Co., which also has some country ties, as they have played the Grand Ole Opry multiple times. Nominated for a GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year, their debut full-length album Don’t Lose Hope was released on Gotee Records in 2021. The debut included three Billboard Top 10 Radio Hits, “One Day”, “Who Can”, and the RIAA® Certified Gold single “Church (Take Me Back)”. The title track “Don’t Lose Hope” was featured in an episode of CBS’s MacGyver. 

The Final act and Headliner for the night needs no introduction: for King & Country. They have performed on numerous network television shows, including The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Today Show, The Tonight Show, FOX and Friends, and have songs featured on the Emmys, The Super Bowl, Sunday Night Football, U.S. Open, 7UP, and more.

The duo’s growing list of accomplishments - number one radio singles, headlining tours with sold-out arena shows in major U.S. cities, sold-out shows on multiple continents, GRAMMY and Billboard Music Award wins, multiple RIAA certifications, and appearances on CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, TODAY, and CMA Country Christmas - alongside their bold pursuit of a more just and loving world, has allowed them to create music with some of their musical heroes: Dolly Parton, Timbaland, Echosmith, Lecrae, Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin.  Not only all those accomplishments, but they have played Unity multiple years and are returning to Michigan on their “A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS” Tour, playing Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on December 13th, 2026.

Although Unity has great Bands and Artists and is a multi-day event, it isn’t just about the music; it is far bigger than that! For over 25 years, the heart behind the Unity Christian Musical Festival has been bigger than music: Unity exists to strengthen and support nonprofit ministries, making an impact across our communities. Nonprofit ministries are given opportunities to connect directly with thousands of festival attendees through on-site booths and relationship-building opportunities during the event.

Through the generosity of festival attendees, sponsors, volunteers, and partners, Unity has given more than $1.5 million in festival profits back to ministry organizations over the past 25 years. Ministries are invited into year-round training and encouragement networking opportunities through the One in Christ Collaborative, helping strengthen connections between churches, businesses, and nonprofit leaders for greater kingdom impact. 

Some of those wonderful onsite partners included a Family Zone: The Outpost for kids 1-8, with Critter Barn on Friday and Saturday, Extreme Games provided by Cran Hill Ranch, and Camp Unity provided by Grace Adventures, and plenty of other nonprofit organizations as well.

For all things Unity and to keep an eye out for announcements about next year's festival, including keeping in the loop with who will be performing and how you can get involved, follow them online at www.unitymusicfestival.com, on Instagram at instagram.com/unitychristianmusicfestival, 

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