Just because it's a Christian music festival doesn't mean any less rock 'n' roll music at the ninth annual Dunkard Valley Live.

The two-day festival includes 13 bands and four speakers.

Saturday afternoon and evening has been set aside for "the harder Christian rock sounds," said Duane Bahn, who helps coordinate the festival.

The popular event is a miniature version of Creation, the outdoor Christian music festival in Mount Union.

But Dunkard Valley Live is free, although donations are accepted. That money is combined with funds raised selling food to cover the cost of the show.

Musicians set up in the shell of a tractor-trailer bed with oversize speakers at each end.

Saturday's lineup includes Keith Grim, Ryan Henry, "Pastor Rick" Sitler, Voni Grimes, Wing & A Prayer, Brandon Testerman, The Edge, Pleasant View Praise Team and Where We Are.

On Sunday, Kathryn Pfaltzgraff will lead worship at 10:30 a.m. and be followed on stage by Imprint, Codorus Male Chorus, Jerry Duncan, New Season, Kevin Becker, Dane Hartman and The Versetones.

"There is a mix of traditional Christian music as well as the contemporary music, which reaches out to all types of people," Bahn said via email.

Dunkard Valley Live kicked off nearly a decade ago as a way to bring the community together at a venue for Christian music, Bahn said. Usually, performers share personal reflections about their faith and music between songs.

Worship and devotion time are also scheduled each day.

The music stops at 8 p.m. Saturday evening and the movie "Courageous" will be screened at 9 p.m.

A tent of crafts and games for children will be up from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. both days.

Home-cooked food will be available for purchase, including pit-beef sandwiches and fresh-cut french fries.

Bahn advises anyone planning to attend to bring chairs and/or blankets on which to sit.

On-site parking is available.

- JOHN HILTON
Flipside staff