Without a doubt, with the demise of the Cornerstone & Purple Door Festivals, Grandfather Rock declares this summer Soulfest is the place to be this summer.

Right about now many of my friends are lamenting the fact that the Cornerstone Festival is just a memory and will not be happening this year. Might I be so bold as to offer a viable summer alternative, The Inside-Out Soul Festival or as it is more commonly known Soulfest is once again happening this summer in Gilford, New Hampshire. The festival runs from Wednesday July 31st through Saturday August 3rd and is a delight to not only the ears but also the eyes as well as the soul, excuse the play on words there. Nestled in the mountains of New Hampshire and located on the grounds of the Gunstock Mountain Resort near Lake Winnipeusaukee, Soulfest is definitely the place to be this summer for great music, company and food.

The festival site contains a number of stages among which is the Mountaintop Stage. This stage is actually the front porch of what in the winter I believe would be the ski patrol shack. It is accessible by either a breathtaking 15 minute ski lift ride or for the more hearty and adventurous about a one hour climb. Primarily an acoustic stage artists who have graced it in past years have included: Jon Foreman, The Choir, Paul Phillips and Maeve. The music is as exciting as is the view from the overhanging balcony of the adjacent snack shop. Be sure to check out Jars Of Clay on the Mountaintop.

Mercy Street Stage is situated inside the lodge building and for the most part is my favorite stage. Perfect sound, a great atmosphere and good tunes make this the place to be. Among this years performers include: Steve Taylor & the Perfect Foil in one of only two summer appearances as well as the always lovely and talented Rachel Taylor.

Revival Stage serves as the festivals main stage and is located at the foot of Gunstock Mountain. This stage features the primary acts of the fest and includes: Hillsong Live, Crowder & Plumb as well as many others.

Inside Out Stage is the home of some of the more alternative acts as well as some of the musically harder edges bands such as Project 86 and Ilia, Also gracing the stage this year will be Lost Dogs & The Violet Burning.

One of the coolest stages is without a doubt the Deeper Well Stage which offers a well rounded lineup of up an coming acts as well as more established performers. Various lectures and seminars are featured on many of the stages throughout the day. In addition the the many spiritual and mental things offered there are a great many exotic food and clothing vendors displaying their wares for the discerning shopper.

Without a doubt with the demise of the Cornerstone & Purple Door Festivals this summer Soulfest is the place to be this summer. You can check out their web site at www.thesoulfest.com. and I'll see you there!!!

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