Lift your voice and celebrate your faith during Praise by the Lake, Sept. 12-13. This free, two-day Christian music festival brings nationally acclaimed artists to Lakeside, Ohio, for powerful performances and a weekend centered around worship, connection and community.
Featuring Katy Nichole, David Leonard, Chris Byrd and Jabari Johnson, Praise by the Lake welcomes all ages to experience inspiring music, God’s faithfulness and the beauty along the shores of Lake Erie. RESERVE A FREE TICKET!
RESERVE A TICKET
Thanks to the generosity of several donors and sponsors, Praise by the Lake is free to attend! RESERVE A FREE TICKET!
A ticket is required for admission to concerts in Hoover Auditorium. Season Chautauqua Passholders must also reserve a ticket. Tickets do not reserve a specific seat. Reserving your ticket in advance helps us plan for adequate seating.
Present your ticket at the entrance to Hoover Auditorium for scanning. Seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Gate and Parking Passes are not required to enter Lakeside.
Experience Lakeside for Free
While visiting Lakeside, enjoy a variety of free activities on Saturday and Sunday, including swimming at the pool, a movie in Orchestra Hall, pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, mini golf, the splash park, beach, playgrounds, basketball, sand volleyball, gaga ball, lawn games, walking trails and worship services.
Plan a Group Visit
Praise by the Lake is the perfect destination for a day trip or overnight visit. From adult Bible study classes to youth groups, your group won’t want to miss this enriching and inspiring weekend. To plan a trip for 10 or more individuals, contact Kiersten Richards at [email protected].
Questions
For questions, call or email the Gate Operations Manager, Julie Goins, at (419) 798-4461, ext. 262 or [email protected].
DONATE TO YOUTH MINISTRY
We invite you to support Youth Ministry programs at Lakeside through a freewill offering. Your gift helps provide meaningful faith experiences that nurture and inspire the next generation.
SATURDAY CONCERT
Featuring Chris Byrd & True Victory and Katy Nichole
7:30 p.m. | Hoover Auditorium (115 W. Third St.)
Queue line begins at 5:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
7:30 p.m. | Hoover Auditorium (115 W. Third St.)
Queue line begins at 5:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
First Artist Performing
Chris Byrd & True Victory
"It’s always the right time to praise the Lord!" That’s the life-governing philosophy of recording artist, producer, songwriter, singer, preacher and author Chris Byrd. With a music ministry background dating back to his piano and organ church debut at age 5, Byrd knows the power of praise and has learned how to praise the Lord in all situations.
"It’s always the right time to praise the Lord!" That’s the life-governing philosophy of recording artist, producer, songwriter, singer, preacher and author Chris Byrd. With a music ministry background dating back to his piano and organ church debut at age 5, Byrd knows the power of praise and has learned how to praise the Lord in all situations.
Byrd accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at the age of 12. He received his call to the ministry of preaching the gospel in 1990 under the leadership of Pastor Rance Allen and served as a Lay Minister and Minister of Music at the New Bethel COGIC. He has traveled internationally preaching the gospel and ministering in music.
As a musician, Byrd has played for many legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, DJ Rogers, The Clark Sisters and Lisa Page Brooks. His producing credits include his debut release, Attitude of Praise, and several True Victory releases: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah; Feel Him Movin’; Shower Down and Chris Byrd & True Victory "Live."
He has produced artists such as Tressa Boles, Paul Porter, DJ Rogers and Cornell Burton, Jr., and multiple Stellar Award-winning songs, including "Closest Friend" and “Celebrate,” as well as the Grammy-nominated “Something About the Name Jesus” from the album The Live Experience I.
Byrd is the Founder and CEO of the Creative Arts & Music Production Program "aka" (C.A.M.P.), a music wellness program and curriculum designed to prepare high school students for a career in music.
With all that God has given to him, he chooses to use his gifts to glorify God. Byrd is currently the Minister of Music at Worship Center Church, where Dr. Pat McKinstry is Pastor. He is one of God’s chosen modern-day minstrels/worship leaders, anointed to impart, build up, strengthen and revive music ministries in churches. He recently accepted the call as pastor and is currently the pastor of The Fountain Church Toledo.
Second Artist Performing
Katy Nichole
RIAA Platinum-selling and Dove Award-winning artist Katy Nichole sings straight from the heart, holding nothing back. Her thoughts and emotions flow freely and unfiltered on her acclaimed sophomore album, Honest Conversations, as she fearlessly grapples with her insecurities, stares down anxiety, and shares her dreams out loud. This honesty has consistently struck a chord with music fans worldwide, cementing her as a phenomenon with hundreds of millions of streams, major awards, No. 1 radio hits and wide critical praise.
Nichole launched into the international music scene with her debut album in 2023, Jesus Changed My Life, which featured No. 1 radio hits: RIAA Platinum “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” Recording Academy-highlighted “Hold On” and “God Is In This Story.” She also received an American Music Award nomination, was named the Gospel Music Association’s New Artist of the Year (2023) and received a K-LOVE Fan Award.
She was further named a Billboard Chartbreaker and performed twice on the Grand Ole Opry. The debut success and ensuing Deluxe album featuring hit single, “My God Can (feat. Naomi Raine),” all led to K-LOVE Radio Network tours, performing for hundreds-of-thousands of music fans on Winter Jam ’24 followed by a Winter Jam headliner position in ’26, two Universal Studio’s Rock The Universe appearances and traveling coast-to-coast with artists like Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Matthew West, Tauren Wells, CAIN and more.
Nichole’s remarkable journey continues following the release of her acclaimed sophomore album, Honest Conversations, which sparked this artist’s prayerful song of surrender and fourth No. 1 at radio, “Have Your Way,” and her Top 5 hit, “When I Fall.”
Undergoing intensive back surgery twice in her teens while simultaneously battling with the mental health implications, Nichole leans on music and faith through it all. Ultimately, her message is a reminder that everything is going to be alright: “This is my life experience. Until I die, I’ll constantly be healing. However, I’m going to find so much beauty in this life through that.”
ARRIVAL & CONCERT INFO
Directions to Lakeside: Lakeside Chautauqua is located in Ohio on the Marblehead Peninsula, halfway between Toledo and Cleveland on Lake Erie’s south shore. It’s easily accessible from the east or west via Interstate 90, State Route 2 and State Route 163.
Parking: Parking is limited on the Lakeside grounds. Guests are invited to park in the South Gate parking lot off State Route 163 and the grass area around the Lakeside Schoolhouse (along Seventh Street).
Hoover Auditorium Location: Hoover Auditorium (115 W. Third St.) is located on the corner of Third St. and Walnut Ave. in Lakeside, Ohio, and is a short walking distance or shuttle ride from available parking locations. The historic auditorium seats more than 2,000 guests.
Seating: Seats are general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All members of your party must be present before seating.
Food & Beverages: Food and beverages are prohibited inside Hoover Auditorium. Bottled water is permitted.
Bags, Backpacks & Large Purses: Bags, backpacks and large purses are prohibited inside Hoover Auditorium. Smaller bags must be checked at the front door only. ADA access will have bags checked.
Lakeside is a Tobacco-Free Community: Thank you for not smoking or vaping.
Lakeside is a Dry Community: No consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Lakeside grounds except within a homeowners’ property. Alcoholic beverages are not sold or served on the grounds.
Event Changes: Weather on the lake is unpredictable. For a list of event changes and cancellations during your stay, visit our EVENT CHANGES page, which is also accessible from Lakeside’s homepage.
Concert Information & Policies: View important concert information and policies.
STAY OVERNIGHT
Book a weekend getaway. Enjoy rooms at Hotel Lakeside or the Fountain Inn, starting at $119 per night. The hotels are located within walking distance of Hoover Auditorium. RESERVE ONLINE or call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230. Suites are excluded. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.
Looking for other lodging options? Explore cottage rentals, bed & breakfasts, cabins and group housing at lakesideohio.com/stay.
