Summer of Song: From the Seas of Alaska to the Shores of Lake Michigan
Summer of Song: From the Seas of Alaska to the Shores of Lake Michigan
What a summer it has been so far! If you’ve been following my writing journey, you know I’ve been chasing inspiration across the map—soaking in incredible music, deep faith, and unforgettable moments with thousands of new friends.
Looking back over the last few weeks, two distinct experiences stand out that truly stole my heart: one far from home, and one right in my own backyard.
Experience 1: MercyMe at Sea (Far From Home) 🛳️❄️
My first unforgettable music memory this summer took place thousands of miles away, floating through the majestic fjords of Alaska.
Setting sail from Vancouver on the MercyMe at Sea Cruise was the ultimate blend of travel, worship, and comedy. There is nothing quite like hearing world-class worship music in an intimate 600-person venue while taking in glacier views! From three incredible MercyMe concerts (including a sneak peek at unreleased tracks!) to morning devotionals with illusionist Drew Worsham and author Tim Timmons, it was a mountain-top experience—quite literally.
And of course, who could forget meeting the band in person and almost scaring lead singer Bart Millard with a promised hug? (Don't worry, I respected his personal space!). It was an incredible journey far from home that gave me endless pages of journal entries.
Experience 2: Unity Music Festival (Close to Home) ☀️🏖️
For my second big highlight of the summer, I stayed a little closer to home and traded the icy ocean for the warm, sandy shores of Lake Michigan.
Kelly and I spent a fantastic long weekend in Muskegon, MI for the Unity Christian Music Festival. (A huge shoutout to Kelly for always being down to explore the unknown with me!)
Even though we practically baked in the 85-degree heat for 8 hours a day, singing and worshiping alongside 15,000 new friends—the average daily crowd!—made every single drop of sweat worth it. The energy, community, and lineup were out of this world:
Crowder & For King + Country: Absolute powerhouses who brought the house down with incredible light shows and high-energy anthems.
Megan Woods: Hands down one of the most powerful moments of the weekend. Her vocals were so deeply moving that she literally made grown men in the audience weep.
So Many Incredible Artists: From rising stars to seasoned legends, every band brought their absolute best to the stage.
Why You Shouldn't Miss Unity Festival
What a summer it’s been so far! Between the Alaskan waters and the beaches of Muskegon, my writer’s heart is full.
Have you ever been to the Unity Christian Music Festival? If not, here are a few reasons you definitely don't want to miss it next time around:
Unbeatable Location: You get top-tier Christian artists performing right on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan.
An Unmatched Community: There is nothing like worshiping with 15,000 like-minded, welcoming people who instantly feel like family.
Incredible Diversity of Talent: From high-energy rock and pop to raw, tear-jerking worship, the music lineup genuinely offers something for everyone.
Writer's Note: I'm back at my desk compiling more stories and working on a larger upcoming series! Stay tuned, and be sure to check out my Facebook and Instagram pages for photo drops from Muskegon!
-Kathy-