By Leon Lagerstam, leon@qconline.com

Photo: Submitted This scene from the Rock the River Tour stop in Baton Rouge, La., will be repeated Saturday, Aug. 8, at Davenport's Centennial Park.

Photo: Submitted The Rev. Franklin Graham, son of famous evangelist Billy Graham, spoke to a crowd in Baton Rouge, La., attending the opening stop of a Rock the River tour. He will bring the tour to the Quad-Cities in Saturday, Aug. 8.

A huge Gospel wave is swelling.

It started a week ago in Baton Rouge and hits St. Louis Sunday, and optimistic forecasters predict it will more powerfully rock the Mississippi River shores in the Quad-Cities when it arrives Saturday, Aug. 8.

Almost 11,000 people showed up for the first stop of a Rock the River tour, sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, according to Baton Rouge event director Junior Castillo.

More than 1,000 volunters from 200 churches of various faiths and denominations made sure things went smoothly; and almost 600 people, including 270 on concert day, ''responded to our invitation to learn more about the Gospel,'' he said.

''We also had a great representation of city and state officials,'' he said. ''Our mayor, city council representatives and our governor made appearances.

''It was over the top,'' Mr. Castillo said. ''And we've had a tremendous number of e-mails from people thanking us for having Rock the River here and from so many youth saying it was a day they'll never forget.

''By the time this gets to the Quad-Cities, hang on for the time of your life,'' Mr. Castillo said. ''Don't let this pass you by. Come and be part of this history-making adventure.''

The river will rock from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Davenport's Centennial Park, near Modern Woodmen Park and the Quad City Sports Center.

It will cost $10 per person, free for children age 10 and younger, and $30 maximum for a family of three or more.

The event will feature performances by noted Christian recording artists Flyleaf, Grits, the Afters, Firelight, and recently added RadioDecember.

The Rev. Franklin Graham, son of famous evangelist Billy Graham, will share inspirational messages between acts; and if Baton Rouge serves as any indication, he will forge a connection with those attending, Mr. Castillo said.

''His strong stand for righteousness was well-received,'' he said. ''Everyone left there excited and uplifted. Franklin did a great job of bringing the Gospel message to the people, and they responded to it.''

People came to Baton Rouge from hundreds of miles away, and the Quad-Cities should expect the same, he said.

Earlier estimates released by the Quad-Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau predicted about 20,000 people are expected, which could contribute $300,000 worth of economic impact.

Rock the River organizers hesitated to make any predictions, but Mr. Castillo agreed it will create quite an economic boost from people staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants, shopping at malls, and visiting tourist sites.

''But the real bottom line to us is just to have a great celebration to reach the lost, giving them the opportunity to hear the Gospel and enlarge the Kingdom of God,'' he said.''It was exciting to see all the pieces fit together to give people such a positive message of hope.''

Mr. Castillo also has ''no doubt in my mind, that as this tour goes up the river toward the Quad-Cities that it will be bigger and better. Franklin says we're fishing for the souls of our young people; and when you go fishing for them, you have to use the right bait -- and using the most popular Christian bands there are is the right bait.''