In just six short weeks an estimated 20,000 people will be converging on our community and gathering at Lake Helen for the annual Livin' Out Loud concert. Those people will be buying food, fueling up vehicles, staying in our hotels and campgrounds and visiting our stores. The event is a huge boon to the economy of the area - and is a whole lot of work to pull off.

Behind the scenes of Livin’ Out Loud is a group of volunteer community members committed to providing quality entertainment in a wholesome family environment - and most importantly, furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the process.

The concept of Livin’ Out Loud was born following a Todd Becker Foundation block party in downtown Gothenburg in 2012. “That block party was such a success, a few of us got together and thought it would be a good idea to hold a Christian music event in town,” explained board member Tim Strauser. “We believed it was important to keep the event open to everyone and not affiliated with a specific church or denomination, and not charge people to attend.”

Those same original values continue in the planning process today. However, keeping the event admission free is even more of a challenge this year than in previous years. The concert is free to everyone because of the many generous donations from local businesses. Unfortunately many of those businesses have been greatly impacted by national economic issues this past year which is forcing them to make some cuts. That means that now, more than ever, LOL needs help from the public.

“We understand not everyone can afford to pay to attend something like this, especially with a family, but every little bit helps,” said Strauser.

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.

In 2019 the City agreed to allow Livin’ Out Loud to take place at Lake Helen - and it was a huge success. With the support of the Mayor and City Council, the LOL Board plans to host the event each year at that location - always held on the third weekend of August.

The 2022 concert will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20. On Sunday morning, Aug. 21, everyone is invited to gather back at the lake for a community worship service beginning at 10:45 a.m. Jonathan Traylor will lead the worship for that service.

The lineup for the 2022 Livin' Out Loud concert includes Ben Fuller, Jonathan Traylor and Apollo LTD. The LOL board is extremely proud to announce the return of two crowd favorites to the stage this year - Anne Wilson, who jumped at the chance to return after being here last year, and headliner Zach Williams. Williams was part of the 2018 concert lineup, and since then has experienced a string of chart-topping hits that have elevated him to headliner status.

“He will bring a really great show this year,” said LOL Board member Koby Rickertsen. Each year Rickertsen serves as the point of contact between the bands and the board, working closely with promoters and managers. It is a huge job, but Rickertsen said like everybody who volunteers their time on the board he is passionate about spreading the Gospel message through the music of this concert event.

Joe Wahlgren is the current board president, and works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the site is ready and all of the logistical needs are met. It takes a host of volunteers devoting hours and hours of time to organize an event of this magnitude which attracts thousands and thousands of visitors to the area.

While the event provides an economic boost to the entire region, it is not the driving force behind the concert according to board members.

“The main thing for me is how God has changed lives and the impact that is having in so many ways!” said board member Theresa Demoret. To which the rest of the board responded with a collective “Amen”.

The 2022 concert on Aug. 20 will get underway at 4:45 p.m. For more information on the concert and how you can partner with keeping the event going, visit livinoutloud.org.