UNITE at the Cross concerts are July 16-17 at Bald Knob

On July 4, Jeffrey Isbell, the executive director of Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass, was invited to promote the Cross at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

"It was a tremendous honor to step center stage at the Ryman to promote Southern Illinois' most iconic landmark, the Bald Knob of Cross of Peace," Isbell said.

Isbell was invited by the Sidewalk Prophets who were performing in front of a sold-out audience at the Ryman. In the Fall of 2021, Sidewalk Prophets hosted their Great Big Family Reunion at the Cross.

"The Cross and the Ryman have a lot in common. The Ryman was originally constructed as a place where all people could gather and worship, (and) much like the Cross, it faced a period of neglect and deterioration, but the community rallied together to restore it for future generations," Isbell said.

Isbell encouraged the Tennessee audience to visit the Cross and attend the first ever "UNITE at the Cross" Christian Music Festival on July 16 and 17. This event is just three hours from Nashville, Tennessee, and will feature contemporary artists We are Messengers, Apollo LTD, Katy Nichole and others on Saturday night.

On Sunday, the Cross welcomes southern gospel artists Jason Crabb, Kelly Crabb and the Bowling Sisters, Adam Crabb of Gaither Vocal Band, and many others.

Tickets to UNITE at the Cross can be purchased online at Uniteatthecross.com for $25 per day or at the Welcome Center at Bald Knob across of Peace.