We’re honored to welcome Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan’s Purse, as our keynote speaker. With a heart for service and a powerful message of faith in action, Edward brings encouragement rooted in real-world ministry and hope for today’s challenges.

Darin and Brooke Aldridge continue to ascend to new heights in the music industry while keeping their easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences everywhere. Brooke is a four-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Female Vocalist of the Year, while Darin, once a former member of The Country Gentlemen,is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. They have had numerous nominations over the years from the IBMA, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), the Gospel Music Association (GMA Dove Awards) and the Inspirational Country Music Association. In April 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Also in 2023, the IBMA nominated the smash hit “Jordan,” featuring Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain, in the Gospel Recording of the Year category while the GMA nominated the song for its Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year award.  

Boone & Church is an award-winning bluegrass band from Western North Carolina, featuring Jaxton Boone, Ethan Church, and Eli Church. They gained national recognition by winning the 2022 FFA National Convention Talent Competition and have performed at regional events like the Valle Country Fair and with Blue Highway. 

Trish has a huge musical repertoire - excelling in both Southern and Soulful Gospel. She averages over 30 performances yearly including "Singing on Grandfather" at Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC.

Caldwell County of western North Carolina has a long history of musical talent. This group of men pulls from that pool of talented people to form a choir of about 30 and singing different styles of music in multi-part harmony.

Rev. Michael McKee serves as the Minister of Word and Sacrament at Newland Presbyterian Church in Newland, North Carolina. A graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, he is dedicated to leading the congregation in faithful worship and community engagement.