🌟 Our Story: The JoyFest Journey

A Celebration of Faith, Community, and Music

What began as a small, spirit-filled gathering inside a middle school auditorium has blossomed into one of Bolingbrook’s most cherished traditions. JoyFest is more than a music festival—it’s a vibrant expression of unity, praise, and purpose.

From Gospel Fest to JoyFest

The seeds of JoyFest were first planted with Gospel Fest, a community-centered event held at Jane Addams Middle School. Hosted by local churches, it brought together believers from Bolingbrook, Chicago, Joliet, and beyond in an intimate space of worship and connection.

In 1998, inspired by this growing momentum and a desire to bring worship outside the walls, community leaders Leroy Brown, Christen Parker, and Pastor Brown began dreaming bigger. By 2000, with the dedicated support of committee members including Delorise Ivy, those dreams evolved into plans for JoyFest—an outdoor, multi-generational faith and music celebration.

Their vision coincided with the Village of Bolingbrook’s construction of the Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center, providing a world-class stage that became the heartbeat of the festival.

A Mission Rooted in Joy and Purpose

Since its beginning, JoyFest has carried a simple but profound mission:
To unite hearts through music, build bridges through community, and bring people closer to a loving God.

Open and free to all, JoyFest is a space where families gather, youth are uplifted, and everyone is welcome to dance, sing, and rejoice—regardless of background or belief.

Today and Beyond

Held annually each September on the scenic grounds of Bolingbrook’s Village Hall, JoyFest now features a world-class artist lineup, family fun zones, local and surrounding area vendors, and spirit-filled worship experiences that continue to bless thousands.

Yet, at its core, JoyFest remains what it has always been: a reflection of faith, unity, and the enduring joy that music brings to the soul.

 

The Leaders Who Carried the Torch

• Deputy Mayor Leroy J. Brown, one of JoyFest’s founding architects, served as its early chairman. His enduring love for the community and commitment to excellence helped shape JoyFest’s foundational years. Brown not only galvanized local leaders but also rallied volunteers, ensuring every aspect of the event reflected unity and purpose. His visionary leadership infused the festival with a spirit of inclusivity that still resonates today. From securing initial sponsorships to personally welcoming guests, he set a precedent for civic engagement that future organizers continue to uphold. His legacy lives on in every joyful moment shared at the festival.
• Sheldon L. Watts Founder of ACE (Alliance for Civic Engagement) later led JoyFest for ten years into a vibrant season of growth, expanding its reach and focusing on youth engagement and community partnerships. His leadership helped evolve the event into a premier regional experience. Under his guidance, JoyFest introduced innovative programming that celebrated young talent and fostered civic pride. He also championed cross-cultural collaboration, transforming JoyFest into a dynamic platform for unity and expression.
• In 2023, following the global pandemic, under the exceptional leadership of Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, a team of Pastors were asked to pick up the JOYFEST torch with renewed passion. Pastor Zilzah F. Trotter, Senior Pastor of One Kingdom Worship Ministries, founder and CEO of Ryze2Flye non-profit was named Presiding Chairman of JoyFest and began leading the new charge. With deep spiritual insight and a heart for people, Pastor Trotter and the newly constructed "post-pandemic" Joyfest team ushered in a new chapter—revitalizing the festival with expanded programming, broader musical representation, and a renewed vision of what it means to celebrate and make a "Joyful noise - all ye lands".