Promiseland Fest

OTTUMWA, IA – The 2014 Promiseland Fest is proud to announce multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist, Scott Stapp, the former lead singer of the 90’s hard rock band, Creed, as its headlining performer.

While Creed was often mistaken for a Christian rock band, Stapp’s latest work delivers an unmistakably Christian message. In 2006, in the midst of a decades-long struggle with drugs, alcohol, and depression, Stapp fell forty feet from a hotel balcony and cracked his skull. In his 2012 memoir that details the incident, Stapp says, “I felt like I was in the middle of an epic battle between God and Lucifer, good and evil, life and death. At that moment I couldn’t deny that the devil had complete control over me, but I also knew I had a heart that loved God.”

More recently, Stapp has built a very successful solo music career. His first album, The Great Divide was certified double platinum and “Slow Suicide”, the number one track from his second album, Proof of Life, topped the Billboard Christian Rock chart in January, 2014.

“It’s a real honor to have such a high-caliber artist agree to join us at Promise Land Fest this year,” says event founder and manager, Nathan Grooms.

Promiseland Fest is a non-denominational outreach ministry in Ottumwa. Grooms started the two-day festival in 2011 in an effort to bring God to the community through Christian music.

“My heart is for the people in this community that love music and would never consider coming into a church… people with addictions, stuck in spiritual poverty, lost, and lonely or just needing a new life,” says Grooms. “I want to bring them to Christ. I believe the Lord inspired Promiseland Festival to offer them hope.”


This year, the festival will be held July 11-12 at the Greater Ottumwa Park. The event boasts performances on two stages by more than 25 bands performing a variety of musical styles from Rap, Rock, Pop and Worship to Acoustical, Techno and Bluegrass.

In addition to Scott Stapp, the 2014 Promiseland Fest welcomes Red Jumpsuit Apparatus with multiple Top #100 Billboard charting songs along with Gold Records they are sure to bring excitement to the Friday night lineup. Other performers this year include Nine Lashes, Tru-Serva, Last Watch, Death & Desire, Katie Price, Dawna Johnson and The Protest, to name a few.

A new addition to the schedule is the Promiseland Fest battle of the bands. The battle will run from 7-9pm on Friday, July 11. A non-refundable $25 entry fee is required. The winner will perform on the main stage prior to Nine Lashes and Scott Stapp. Other prizes include a guaranteed slot in the 2015 main stage lineup and a cash prize. Entry information is available on the festival website at www.promiselandfest.com.

While Promiseland Fest is largely a musical event, uplifting and entertaining speakers such as "Strong Man", Bubba Dowling will take the stage. Activities for younger attendees include inflatables, pony rides, tram rides, face-painting, clowns, and Firehouse Kidz children’s ministry. A variety of food vendors and local businesses will be present and prizes will be given throughout the weekend.

For those who want to stay close to the action, camping will be available thru the Ottumwa Parks Department. Fishing, hiking and the park’s other amenities will be open and available during the event as well.

This event is totally free and open to the public. For further information regarding the Promiseland Fest, contact founder and event manager, Nathan Grooms at (641) 980-5493 or by email at contact@promiselandfest.com or visit the festival website at www.promiselandfest.com.