In just six short weeks thousands of people will be converging on our area and gathering at Gothenburg’s Lake Helen for the annual Livin' Out Loud concert. Those people will be buying food, fueling up their vehicles, staying in area hotels and campgrounds, and visiting stores in surrounding communities. The event is a huge boon to the economy of our entire region - and takes a host of volunteers to pull off.

The outdoor Christian music festival, now in its 11th year, has always been free to attend. Maintaining that commitment to always be free is a huge challenge. The concert is extremely costly to put on, board members explained, and is funded solely by private donations and sponsorships. In 2018, the board received status as a 501 (c)(3) organization making all donations tax deductible.

Livin’ Out Loud is always held the third weekend in August, which this year is Aug 19-20. This will be the third year the concert will be hosted at beautiful Lake Helen, which the City of Gothenburg has graciously allowed the event committee to use.

The headline act for the 2023 concert event will be making a return visit to the area, having graced the LOL stage in 2021. CAIN - made up of siblings Madison Cain Johnson, Taylor Cain Matz, and Logan Cain - has discovered what it’s like to live their calling while doing their favorite thing, singing about Jesus. The band’s first single, “Rise Up (Lazarus)” went to No.1 on Christian radio. Their second single also hit No. 1 for numerous weeks. “Yes He Can” is a smile in a pop song and might be the truest to who CAIN is, both as a band and as individuals.

They released a new album this year titled Honest Offering which is rapidly climbing the charts, and their latest songs “I’m So Blessed” and “Any More” have been sweeping the airwaves.

Also back by popular demand after electrifying the crowd with his performance in 2022, is Ben Fuller. Ben’s authenticity in the way he shares his life story and redemption in Christ through his music allows fans of all ages, backgrounds, and musical interests to connect to him on a personal level. He recently released a new album titled “Who I Am”.

Joining CAIN and Ben Fuller on the 2023 LOL stage will be Cory Asbury and Katy Nichole. The speaker will be Ben Phillips of Dare 2 Share, who will also bring the message on Sunday morning.

The concert begins at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 19. Then on Sunday morning, Aug 20, everyone is invited to gather back at Lake Helen for a community worship service beginning at 10:45. Music for the service will be provided by Katy Nichole.

For more information on the concert and how you can partner with keeping the event going, visit livinoutloud. org.

Superstar recording group CAIN will headline the 2023 Livin’ Out Loud music festival in Gothenburg on Saturday, Aug. 19. The brother/ sisters trio was a crowd favorite when they first appeared at the event in 2021, and they are thrilled to be coming back to the area. (File photo by Ellen Mortensen)