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The winners of 8 GMA Dove Awards, 2 American Music Awards, and 10 Billboard Magazine Decade Awards (2000-2009), MercyMe will make their second appearance at RiseFest. The first came in 2008 as the group performed to a crowd of 5,000 on Northwestern College’s soccer complex. artist is one of Christian music’s most decorated bands, MercyMe.

MercyMe is known for their hit songs “I Can Only Imagine,” “Word of God Speak,” “God With Us,” “Spoken For,” and

more. The group recently released a new album, The Hurt & The Healer, which debuted No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums Chart and No. 10 on iTunes overall album chart in May.

“When I think of worship bands, MercyMe is on the top of my list," said Founder/President of RISE Ministries, Rob Roozeboom. “It’s always a blessing to work alongside them and hear their passion to share the gospel from stage. If you’ve never heard MercyMe live, you’ll want to make sure you’re at RiseFest 2013.”

In addition, Mandisa and Sidewalk Prophets will join MercyMe and Matthew West along with other artists on June 15th.

Mandisa is a three time Grammy nominee and American Idol 2006 finalist. Her song, “Stronger” off her 2011 album “What If We Were Real” peaked at number one on the Billboard Christian Songs chart in June of 2011, while the second single off that album, “Waiting For Tomorrow” peaked at number 3. She has worked with other Christian music stars such as Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, and fellow RiseFest lineup artist, Matthew West. After touring with the likes of Jeremy Camp and Audio Adrenaline, Sidewalk Prophets rode the popularity of their first World Records release, “These Simple Truths,” to a Dove Award for Best New Artists and a nomination for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Their singles, “You Love Me Anyway,” and “The Words I Would Say,” went number 1 and 3, respectively, on the Billboard Christian Singles Chart.

Also, reality TV star Jep Robertson of Duck Dynasty will be a special guest at RiseFest 2013, joining the lineup at Sheldon Crossing. According to Rozeboom, "the big thing about Jep coming to the festival is that this is the first time RiseFest has had a personality from a reality TV show make an appearance. What is so exciting about it is the fact that Duck Dynasty is one of the biggest reality shows out there right now. You watch this family each week. You're invited into their lives and you know they're not afraid to share their faith. It's a great addition to this year's festival."

The youngest son of Phil and Kay Robertston, Jules Jeptha “Jep” Robertson, grew up in the duck blind. Utilizing these years of experience for his role as the cameraman and editor for the family business, Jep is able to think like a hunter behind the camera and therefore, capture excellent footage for the Duckman DVD series and the television show, Benelli Presents Duck Commander.

Jep continues with the goal his father began years ago, to bring the “Duckmen style” of hunting out of the swamps, into the editing room, and into the homes of duck hunting enthusiasts around the world. Jep’s passion for capturing the hunt on camera was stoked when he made his filming debut in “Duckmen X,” and it remains his favorite Duckmen DVD to date. Jep resides in Louisiana with his wife Jessica and four children, Lily, Merritt, Priscilla, and River.

Most recently announced, Royal Tailor, an up-and-coming band, will be joining the RiseFest lineup.Take a generous helping of soul... splatter it with bouncing rhythms, blistering guitars, engaging vocals, stellar musicianship and catchy pop melodies that make you want to move--all textures with the truth of God’s grace--and you have Royal Tailor. With a sound that evokes Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, even a hint of Michael Jackson, Royal Tailor captures audiences with an infectious musicality, but this young band is about so much more than innovative music.

“We like to get down,” lead singer Tauren Wells says with a smile. “That’s how we roll. If you ever spend any time with the four of us, you will be dancing. If it’s the electric slide, the dougie, free-styling of whatever, at some point we’re going to turn up the music, and we’re going to have a good time. That’s just who we are.”

Although RiseFest 2013 will only be the festival’s second time in Sheldon, RiseFest has been an annual event, minus one year, since 2005. Beginning in Orange City, IA, RiseFest has seen such artists as Natalie Grant, Mark Schultz, Jeremy Camp, Lincoln Brewster, Tenth Avenue North, and many more grace its stage throughout its seven installments. This event consists of two days of activities for any family. The Kid’s Zone is complete with inflatables, face painting, and other activities throughout the day. There are plenty of food vendors to satisfy any appetite. Activities begin Friday, June 14th with camping, sand volleyball, a dance party, a movie showing and late night worship. Activities continue into Saturday with the RiseFest Ride and Run along with the full-day of music, kids zone, vendors and speakers.

Information and registration opened March 1st for campsites. For more information on RiseFest and other RISE Ministries programs, visit www.riseministries.com or call 712-324-9763.