Creation Returns To The Gorge -- Busloads Come To Hear Contemporary Christian Bands - Plus There's The Prayer Tent And The Petting Zoo

------------------------------- Festival preview

Creation '99, with dc Talk, Michael W. Smith, the Newsboys, Jars of Clay, Point of Grace, the Supertones, Jaci Velasquez, Delirious?, Burlap to Cashmere, Big Tent Revival, Avalon, Smalltown Poets, Skillet, Jennifer Knapp, the W's, Larry Norman, Rebecca St. James, Shaded Red, Nikki Lionti, Five Iron Frenzy, the Insyderz, the Katinas, the Waiting and Caedmon's Call, 9 a.m. today through Saturday, Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Grant County; $33/one day-$69/three days, 800-327-6921 or 206-628-0888; Gorge Information Line: 206-464-2000, Ext. 7469; www.creationfest.com -------------------------------

It's the Lollapalooza, the WOMAD, the Bumbershoot of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).

Creation '99, which started this morning and continues through Saturday at the Gorge, brings together many of the top names in the genre, along with inspirational speakers, children's activities, candlelight and communion services, seminars, exhibits, arts and crafts, a prayer tent, even a petting zoo.

Many fans camp out at the Gorge for all three days of the festival, which is virtually nonstop - the Acoustic Cafe coffeehouse will be in operation after the music stops on the main stage around midnight.

The festival is presented by Come Alive Ministries Inc., a Medford, N.J.-based organization that has sponsored the original Creation Festival for 20 years in Mount Union, Pa. This is the second year it has also presented a festival at the Gorge.

Many attendees arrive in church buses that come from throughout the Western states. Crowds approaching the Gorge capacity of 20,000 are expected each day of Creation '99.

Among the top CCM stars slated to appear are:

dc Talk - Adapting hip-hop and hard-rock styles to Christian themes has made this trio the most popular group in CCM. Two of its albums have gone platinum and one went gold. The group has won three Grammys. Performs this evening.

Michael W. Smith - The most commercially successful male artist in CCM, thanks to his Top 40 hit, "A Place in This World," Smith is a consistent hit-maker who has sold more than 6 million albums. Tomorrow evening.

The Newsboys - This Australian quintet is known for its rocking music and lively stage shows. Its "Step Up to the Microphone" album has been at or near the top of the CCM charts for more than a year. Closes out the festival Saturday night.

Jars of Clay - The Backstreet Boys and `N Sync of CCM, this four-man rock band is known for its sweet harmonies and lyrical depth. It's one of few CCM bands that has had its videos aired on MTV. Tomorrow evening.

Point of Grace - A female vocal quartet with a mellow, country-like style marked by close harmonies and individual vocal virtuosity. It's "Steady On" album has gone gold. Saturday evening, before the Newsboys.

Delirious? - This British group, from the seaside town of Littlehampton, has a hard-rock sound marked by chunky power chords, insistent grooves and pop hooks. It has scored its first stateside success with the album "Mezzamorphis." Saturday evening.

Avalon - An adult contemporary vocal quartet made up of two women and two men, with a style marked by sweet and energetic harmonies. The group's "In a Different Light" album is in the CCM Top 10. This evening.

Caedmon's Call - A seven-member, mostly acoustic, folk-inspired group known for its appearances on college campuses. Its "40 Acres" album is inching up the charts. Saturday afternoon.