The biggest annual tour for Christian music, The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular started off on January 11 in Jacksonville, Florida for the 2019 season. The tour is set to hit a total of 46 cities across the country from January to March. Even with Winter Jam being so well-known, the tour has still found a way to innovate and keep things fresh for the audience. For the first time ever, the show will be presented on a 360 degree stage. This setup allows for a unique viewing experience. The experience of Winter Jam is not like your average tour, the event is put on in such a way that you feel welcomed as soon as you walk in the door, you don’t even need a ticket to get in!

The lead vocalist for Newsong, Russ Lee made sure to emphasize that the goal is to reach as many people with the gospel as possible. In the spirit of accessibility to all, entry price for the concert is a $15 donation. In order to keep the tour running, the cost for entry has gone up, but the heart of the concert is still there. He made sure to let the audience know that if money was an issue or an excuse to not go, you would still be accepted with open arms into Winter Jam. They want to see that people get to experience it no matter what, and money should never be an obstacle.

To add to the excitement, the lineup is jammed with well-known Christian artists. Not to mention one of the most influential Christian bands of all time, Newsboys. Newsboys fans are in for a treat as the band reunites some former members on their Newsboys United Tour. This group is comprised of current members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis, along with former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel. During the show, they performed not only their new songs, but some of the biggest hits from their three-decade long career. Their performance evokes nostalgia for those who grew up listening to their hit songs. It was truly a refreshing blast from the past.

The lineup features so many other talented performers such as GRAMMY®-nominated former “American Idol” finalist Danny Gokey; GRAMMY-winning recording artist Mandisa; Northern Ireland’s Rend Collective known for their hit song “Counting Every Blessing”; Skillet drummer and female vocalist LEDGER; GRAMMY-nominated tour creators and hosts NewSong; and Dove Award-nominated Gotee recording artist Hollyn. The Pre-Jam Party will feature hip-hop recording artist Ty Brasel; Manic Drive; singer/songwriter Dan Bremnes; and special guest former Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline frontman Adam Agee.

If all of that excitement isn’t enough, the tour also includes a Gospel presentation from Dare2Share speakers Greg Stier or Zane Black. If you ever went to Dare2Share you know what a treat it is to hear these two enthusiastic men speak about the word of God. For me, Winter Jam was a truly all about the nostalgia. From performances by Newsboys and a personal favorite of mine, Danny Gokey, to the Dare2Share speakers I got to know in my years in junior high youth group, it was truly such an inviting environment to be a part of. I think that Winter Jam is doing a great job at trying to reach all ages in an easy way and appeal to believers and nonbelievers with a prevalent part of all of our lives, music. Winter Jam has given the opportunity to be united in a night full of music while spreading the gospel.