“We are happy to have Pillar returning to the Purple Door stage and I Am Terrified making their debut,” explains Chris Strayer, Festival Producer. “We’re also excited about the addition of the Forum. This new venue will allow for performers and those who have the desire to share their heart with the youth and young people of today, to be able to do so without taking time from their performance slot.”

Featured speakers appearing in the Forum are Lecrae (co-founder of Reach Ministries and Friday evening pre-headliner), Andrew Schwab (lead singer of Project 86), Kevin Young (lead singer of Disciple), Rev. Eric Samuel Timm (No One Underground), Bryan Kemper (Stand True Ministries) and hip-hop group Every Day Process.

Additionally, the new Sandy Cove Youth Leader’s Lounge will provide seminars specifically for leaders and allow opportunities for them to meet bands performing at the event.

In it’s 14th year, Purple Door, playing host to three stages of music, speakers, an art gallery, skate park, paintball and much more, is taking a bold approach to its 2009 Festival by offering more bands for a lower overall event ticket price. The HM Stage will host performances on Friday night as well as all day Saturday and most bands on all stages will play longer sets.

Artists slated to perform include Anberlin, Family Force 5, Mewithoutyou, Disciple, Project 86, Fireflight, The Showdown, Shawn McDonald, Spoken, Seabird, Children 18:3, Capital Lights, Esterlyn and B.Reith to name a few. The weekend will also feature a special reunion of Lancaster’s own, Rainchildren.

Main Stage speakers for the weekend will include Eric Timm of No One Under Ground and Renee Yohe, who inspired the organization To Write Love on Her Arms.

Tickets for the Purple Door Festival are available now and can be purchased online at iTickets.com (http://www.itickets.com/events/217077/Lewisberry_PA/Purple_Door.html). Ticket prices are as follows:
• April 4 – August 7: Advance Individual: $36.00 / Advance Group $35.00
• At the gate: All tickets $39.50

Additional announcements of highlights and new aspects to Purple Door 2009 will be forthcoming.

For more information about Purple Door Arts and Music Festival, including photos and videos from last year’s event, please visit www.purpledoor.com and www.myspace.com/purpledoorfestival.