Christian music festival moves to smaller Turlock venue

A three-day Christian music festival, slated to start today at California State University, Stanislaus, is moving down the street.

Epic 2010 will instead take place at Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave., said Donna Pruett, one of the event's directors.

Pruett attributed the move to "unforeseen circumstances," but would not elaborate. News of the change was posted on the event's Web site Thursday. Jeremy Applegate, who put the event together, could not be reached.

The Web site also says that camping is no longer available. University spokeswoman Eve Hightower confirmed the organization had canceled its reservation to use the campus.

But Pruett said the event otherwise is going on as planned. The festival is scheduled to begin today at 3 p.m. and run through Sunday at 9 p.m.

"We are in the process of confirming our artists and time schedule," she said. "Pretty much, we've got 70 percent confirmed."

Originally, organizers hoped to draw 12,000 people each day to see 16 acts, including MercyMe, Francesca Battistelli and Audio Adrenaline, all winners of Dove Awards.

Ticket prices, as posted on the Web site, were lower Thursday: single day tickets are $20, Sunday tickets $15 and three-day tickets $50. Previously, those prices were $40 to $50, $15 and $105.

On the Net:

http://epicfest.net.

Bee staff writer Patty Guerra can be reached at pguerra@modbee.com or 578-2343.