Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 2020 event rescheduled?
Following guidance from national, state and local authorities, we are very sad to announce the Unity Christian Music Festival/20th Anniversary Celebration will not be taking place this summer, but will be rescheduled for August 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2021. We have determined that it would not be possible to hold a successful event due to many factors, including the huge financial risk, the availability of key vendors and volunteers, and the need to encourage continued social distancing, among others.
Whether this was going to be your first festival experience or you have attended Unity many times throughout the past 20 years, we know how special this time together is for Christian music fans. With the world still greatly affected by COVID-19, we cannot risk the health and well-being of our fans, artists, staff, vendors, partners, and the surrounding communities. We also do not want to risk our ability to host Unity Festival long into the future by moving forward with so many unknowns in 2020.
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What are the dates for Unity 2021?
Unity 2021 is scheduled for August 11-14, 2021 at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Michigan
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What is the status of my tickets purchased through EVENTBRITE?
By default, all tickets will automatically move to the event’s new dates – August 11-14, 2021.
You should receive an email from Unity Christian Events to the email address used to purchase your tickets. You should receive this email by Tuesday, May 12.
That email will list all your options, including donating your ticket purchase and refunds, and will include a link for you to complete that process.
If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder. The deadline for submitting requests for refunds is 11:59PM EST on Thursday May 22, 2020.
More details about the refund process is available here: https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/ticketoptions/
You can email ticketing@unitychristianevents.com with any questions about the ticketing process.
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If I donate my ticket purchase, is the full amount of my ticket donation tax-deductible?
Unused tickets that are donated will be considered a donation to “Alive On The Lakeshore” , a 501(c)3 non-profit. As such, the amount of the donation would generally be considered tax deductible. You should check with your tax advisor for specifics about your situation.
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If I donate my ticket, how will I be notified when the donation is processed?
You will receive an acknowledgment of your ticket donation for your tax records no later than July, 2020 but there will be no additional year-end donation notice.
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I have not yet purchased tickets. When will I be able to purchase Unity 2021 tickets?
Watch our website and social media for information about when Unity 2021 tickets will again be available to the general public.
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Unity Christian Music Festival is a significant supporting event for various ministries around the region. How can we help those ministries?
We urge everyone in the Unity family to support the “Partner Ministries” that Unity supports and consider making a regular donation as you are able. Our heart and reason for existing, is to support these ministries. For a complete list of 2020 Partner Ministries, click here:
https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/about/
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How can I support the ministry of Unity Christian Music Festival and Alive on the Lakeshore?
Thanks for asking! In order for Unity to stay in business, we WILL NEED financial donations. Our ministry exists to support our Partner Ministries who are working every day to provide critical services and the love of Christ, to our communities. When you help Unity, you not only help keep our much loved festival in business, you also help these wonderful ministries continue to build the support they need. Please donate TODAY at: https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/donate/
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You are asking for donations. Doesn’t the festival have insurance or a “rainy day fund” for this kind of thing?
The festival is a non-profit that gives money to ministries. Unity does have some limited reserve funds and is debt free. However, the majority of our yearly profits go directly to our ministry partners. In our first 19 years, we have donated close to $1 Million to area ministries. As recently as this Spring, we have given financial gifts of nearly $80,000 to keep our ministry partners viable during this health/economic crisis. While we have some reserve funds to cover contingencies, this crisis goes well beyond any normal planning scenarios, and insurance does not cover this pandemic. A festival season with zero income is a huge loss. If you love the festival and would like to see us be able to continue to promote future festivals and concerts, we will need financial donations and support from our Unity family. You can donate here: https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/donate/
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Can I support the ministry of Unity Christian Events by buying festival merch?
Yes, we are replenishing our inventory, and will be announcing some great merch offers over the next few months. Watch social media and our website for more information.
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I have applied to Volunteer at Unity 2020. Will I need to reapply to serve at Unity 2021?
Yes. Thank you for your willingness to be a part of this year’s festival. You WILL need to reapply for the Unity Christian Music Festival 20th Year Celebration in August of 2021, though much of the information is saved and that will make the application process quick and easy. An email will be sent out to all past volunteers when the 2021 sign-up site is ready for applications.
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My business has committed to or is interested in a Unity sponsorship. Where can I get information on sponsorships?
For information on transferring your 2020 sponsorship to 2021 or to start a new sponsorship, please contact Kevin Newton, Festival Director at kevin@unitychristianevents.com
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What if my credit card has expired or has been updated?
If the original card used for purchase has expired or been updated, the refund will still be processed through the account used to purchase. No additional action is needed by the original purchaser. If your credit card used for purchase has been canceled or is now expired, the bank or credit card company will normally reroute the credit amount issued to the current account or card for use. Please do not send any credit card or account information via email to us. These credits should post within 30 days depending on your banking institution. Contact your bank or credit card company directly if you have any questions.
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What if I purchased my tickets through a third-party?
Only primary ticket purchasers are eligible for a refund. If you did not purchase your ticket directly through the official Festival Eventbrite website, please contact the person/party you purchased your ticket through.
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What are the on-sale dates for additional 2021 Unity Christian Music Festival tickets?
Please sign up for our email list and follow our Facebook page for additional information.
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Will the lineups be the same in 2021?
Rest assured we have invited ALL the announced artists for the festival to join us next year. However, the final lineups may be subject to change. Watch for additional information.
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Will Unity Christian Events be providing any additional events this year?
If we receive enough support to continue operating, we plan to continue bringing the best in Christian concerts and events to our area. We have tentative plans for some wonderful shows later in 2020. To help these events become reality and to help us continue producing the annual Unity Festival, please donate at: https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/donate/
Muskegon, MI:
Unity Christian Music Festival officials announced today the rescheduling of their 2020 event.
“Based on the current COVID/quarantine situation and the restrictions on events, we are very sad to
announce the Unity Christian Music Festival/20th Anniversary Celebration will not be taking place this
summer, but will be rescheduled for August 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2021”, said Festival Director Kevin
Newton.
“While we know this news is a huge disappointment to many families in West Michigan, we also believe
that this one time change will only make it more special when we are together again next year”, Newton
said. “With the COVID-19 situation still very much driving many decisions, we do not want to ask our
fans, artists, staff, volunteers or vendors to take any of the risks that may come from a huge event.”
Newton added that the 20th year of Unity was planned to be a special celebration of Unity becoming one
of the country’s largest Christian music events; but also of the milestone achievement of donating a total
of $1 Million to area Christian ministries. “Unity exists to support area ministries and for 20 years that has
been our focus”, Newton said. “While we will have to delay this celebration, we know it will be even more
special when we can gather together next summer and see all that God has done.”
Community support will be critical in helping Unity survive a year with no event, according to Newton.
“In order for Unity to stay in business, we WILL NEED financial donations. Our ministry exists to support
our Partner Ministries who are working every day to provide critical services and the love of Christ, to
West Michigan. When you help Unity, you not only help keep our much loved festival operating, you also
help these wonderful ministries continue to build the support they need”, Newton explained. “The
festival is a non-profit that gives money to ministries. The majority of our yearly profits go directly to our
ministry partners. In our first 19 years, we have donated close to $1 Million to area ministries.
As recently as this Spring, we have given financial gifts of nearly $80,000 to keep our ministry partners
viable during the health/economic crisis. While we have some reserve funds to cover contingencies, this
crisis goes well beyond any normal planning scenarios and is threatening the existence of many
businesses and organizations. A festival season with zero income is a huge loss. We know that people
love the festival and would like to see us be able to continue to promote future Festivals and concerts.
For that to happen, we will need financial donations and support from our Unity family and the
community”.
Newton mentioned that Unity is Muskegon’s largest annual event and brings in millions of dollars to the
local economy each year. Between 50,000-60,000 visitors attend the 4 days of Unity each summer, filling
area hotels and campgrounds to capacity.
Newton added that a donation account has been set up and can be accessed from the festival webpage:
https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/donate/
For those who have already purchased tickets, the following options are offered:
*OPTION 1-HOLD TICKET FOR 2021
By default, all tickets will automatically move to the event’s new dates – August 11-14, 2021. If a buyer
wants to simply hold their ticket for 2021, no action is necessary. These customers will have a 2021
ticket and protection from any possible future price increases.
*OPTION 2-DONATE TICKET COST
*OPTION 3-TICKET REFUND
By Tuesday, May 12, buyers will receive an email from Unity Christian Events to the email address used
to purchase their tickets. That email will list the options of donating your ticket purchase or requesting a
refund and will include a link to complete that process. If someone does not receive the email, they are
encouraged to check their Spam folder. The deadline for submitting requests for refunds is 11:59PM EST
on Thursday May 22, 2020.
Tickets that are donated will be considered a donation to “Alive On The Lakeshore”, a 501(c)3 non-profit. As such, the amount of the donation would generally be considered tax deductible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IMAGES:
https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/faq/