PureFest Opens this Saturday in Lockport

Lockport, Ill.: Organizers are excited for this Saturday, Sept. 28, at Cross Point Church, Lockport, Ill., as the second annual PureFest welcomes teams from around the nation to perform. Doors will open at 12 PM, with the festival kicking off at 1 PM, and continuing throughout the afternoon with fun performances for the whole family.

“We have teams from Chicagoland, Milwaukee, two from Tennessee, and one from Colorado Springs, making year two even more exciting and more far-reaching than year one,” remarked PureFestFounder Dave Ebert. “Last year we were well represented in the Midwest, plus a Denver team, but this year we’re seeing more responses from further away. It’s truly exciting!”

While this is a festival for faith-based performers, Ebert said that all are welcome to enjoy the performances regardless of religious background.

“PureFest is for everyone, young and old, married or single, and even families with younger kids. We want everyone to know they’re welcome to enjoy clean, family-friendly comedy and drama at PureFest. Some of the performances will have a faith element, but all will be appropriate for all ages and walks of life.”

Headlining this year’s PureFest is Austin and LeB Presents from Knoxville, Tenn. Austin and LeB are currently touring throughout the south and southeast, and are preparing for their first international tour to Australia in November. Austin and LeB’s southern charm and humor will bring a new flavor to Chicagoland.

Ebert said about adding Austin and LeB to the line-up, “Variety is the spice of life, and PureFest has plenty of spice! Austin and LeB are two great guys with hearts of gold. They come from a different world, and I think Midwesterners are going to love this duo.”

PureFest also features three collegiate teams. Two teams, The Unprofessionals, who have the honor of opening the event, and Decapolis, will represent Concordia University Chicago, under the direction of David Knoell. A third college team is the Kingdom Players, under the direction of Michael Delbonis, a nationally touring skit and sketch team from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. Additionally, for the second straight year, a Denver-area troupe will make the trek to perform. Colorado Springs-based Oxymorons Comedy will perform in the second slot of the festival.

Alan Atwood will perform his one-man show, making him the first soloist in PureFest’s brief history. Atwood is the Artistic Director at Milwaukee’s Morning Star Productions and has travelled throughout the US to perform as part of troupes and as a one-man show. Following Atwood’s performance will be “Chicago’s Clean Comedy Team,” Well Versed Comedy. Well Versed Comedy is a professional improv troupe based in the Chicago suburbs and has been entertaining audiences with clean, family-friendly comedy since 2013.

Just before the intermission, PureFest welcomes local singer Rebekah Crane. Crane has been seen throughout the area showcasing her vocal talents the last few years. Crane is a junior at Marian Catholic School in Chicago Heights where she sings in choir and presents the National Anthem at various events.

The Emcee of PureFest is rising star comedian Michelle Krajecki. Many might recognize Krajecki from her Comedy Minute on The River 95.9 FM or as co-host of the “Comedy-at-Random” television show. Krajecki is a regular at clubs throughout the Midwest including Zanies, The Laugh Factory, and Riddles Comedy Club.

PureFest is hosted by Cross Point Church, 17530 W. Fox Hollow Drive, Lockport, Ill., 60411. Doors will open at 12:00 PM, with the performances beginning at 1:00 PM. Tickets at $10 per person, or $35 for families of four or more, and can be purchased at PureFest.org, or with cash at the door. All tickets come with in-and-out privileges for audience members that want to come to see specific performances.

More information can be found at www.PureFest.org, or by emailing dave@PureFest.org.

About PureFest: PureFest: Chicago’s faith-based improv and sketch festival is the brainchild of Dave Ebert. The festival takes Saturday, September 28, beginning at 1 p.m. PureFest is being hosted by Cross Point Church in Lockport, Ill., and is open to the public. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, but no one will be turned away from the event. PureFest is designed to build community among Christian improvisers and sketch performers, give those performers a platform to share their gifts and passions, and also give the public a chance to see an afternoon of family friendly entertainment. Find PureFest on social media @PureFestChicago, or online at PureFest.org.

About Dave Ebert: Dave Ebert moved to Chicago from Beckley, WV, to pursue a ministry in comedy and improv. Dave spent 8 years as a pro wrestler, where he credits most of his acting and improv training. Dave has also trained at Second City, Westside Improv, and Gorilla Tango Theater. Dave is currently taking classes to pursue ordination in ministry. In 2013, Dave co-founded Well Versed Comedy. Well Versed Comedy is a group of Christians that work hard to bring clean, family friendly entertainment in a world desperate for an alternative. Well Versed is available for booking by emailing booking@wellversedcomedy.com or visiting WellVersedComedy.com.

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