Iron Street Distillery Hosts A Massive Fundraiser Festival With 25 Live Acts

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- It's being called "St. Cloud's Biggest Ever Open Mic Night". The first "Be the Hope Music Festival" is a fundraiser for The Place of Hope Ministries.

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The event this Saturday will be at Iron Street Distillery with two indoor stages and one outdoor stage. Pastor Carol Smith says they've got at least 25 musicians committed to performing, and the list is still growing. The seven-hour live music event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Charlie Roth has been instrumental in organizing the event and lining up the artists.

Artists include: 
Matt Vee
Paul "Stretch" Diethelm
Leon Laudenbach
Tom Wakefield
Emma Cotton
Paul Imholte
Charlie Roth
Jeff Engholm
Cathie English
John Larson
Chris Laumb
Kiley Hughes
Joe Meyer
Matt Murphy
Grant Erickson/Scott Baker
HoneyBee Hullett
Dos Offbeats
John Theis
Cory Davis
Pastor Carol Jean
Angela Christine Smith
Faye Hazel
Pastor Jake and Deacon Elwood

Smith says the artists are all donating their time, and the money collect in their "tip jars" will all go to The Place of Hope.

We'll have our QR code everywhere for giving, and we'll have big boxes at every stage for donations.  Kind of like when somebody plays on stage and has a tip jar, except the tips will all go to Place of Hope.

They are not selling tickets, and it is free to attend; you are just asked to make a donation if you are able.

Smith says a single donor has given a $50,000 matching donation. The food trucks and all the other vendors will also be donating 10 percent or more of their revenue.

There will also be a family-friendly area with bounce houses, clowns, and face painting.

You are asked to bring your own chair for the outside stage. Smith says the money they raise on Saturday will help with their renovation of the Place of Hope Family Center.