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Diversions

A different way to get the word out

Instead of preachers standing in front of a crowd, a two-day festival relies on entertainment and celebrities to spread its message of faith.

By SHARON KENNEDY WYNNE
Published March 1, 2007

Where the legendary Billy Graham crusades turn sports stadiums into giant cathedrals to spread the word, Luis Palau packs stadiums with rock and pop bands, skateboarders and sports legends.

But the goal is the same: to spread a Christian message.

The two-day festival, which comes to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Saturday and Sunday, includes music acts as diverse as American Idol's Mandisa, country superstar Wynonna and Christian rockers P.O.D.

Among the celebrities expected to speak: honorary chairman Tony Dungy.

It's all free, including parking. For more information, see www. tampabayfestival.com.

Here's a schedule of entertainment:

Both days

NOON: Hip-hop/rock concert

1 P.M.: VeggieTales kids area, sports zone and food court open

1:30 P.M.: Children's stage performance

2 P.M.: Pro athletes stage

2:30 P.M.: Children's stage performance

2:45 P.M.: Action sports demo

Saturday

4:30 P.M.: Main stage music begins with scheduled performers:

MANDISA: The former American Idol darling, who will appear in the Lindsay Lohan movie Georgia Rule coming out this summer, will sing.

MARCOS WITT: The Latin Grammy Award-winner has sold more than 7-million records in Latin America and the United States.

TOBYMAC: A hitmaker for Christian radio, the Washington, D.C., artist combines hip-hop, rock and pop in his evangelical message.

LUIS PALAU: The best-selling author and evangelist will address the crowd he assembled.

P.O.D.: This Southern California rock band is one of the few to cross over to mainstrean success with its platinum-selling releases. Alive and Boom got heavy play by MTV, NASCAR and WWE.

Sunday

4:30 P.M.: Main stage music begins:

YURI: This Latin pop singer was once dubbed the "Mexican Madonna." She has an acting career and successful albums and is now a committed Christian.

BARLOWGIRL: The Christian rock group comprises three sisters: Rebecca, Lauren and Alyssa Barlow. Never Alone was the longest-running No. 1 song in Christian radio in 2004, and in 2006, the group's I Need You to Love Me broke that record, staying at the No. 1 spot for 13 consecutive weeks.

WYNONNA: Half of the critically acclaimed Judds, Wynonna went on to solo success. She recently released a memoir, Coming Home to Myself.

LUIS PALAU: He will address the crowd.

CHRIS TOMLIN: Considered one of the top Christian songwriters today, Tomlin often describes his work as "worship leader" rather than performer.

Sharon Kennedy Wynne, Times staff writer

[Last modified February 28, 2007, 09:49:54]