The largest annual Christian music tour, Winter Jam, is coming to the Crown Coliseum on Saturday.
The 6 p.m. concert will be headlined by TobyMac, the 2008 Gospel Music Association’s Artist Of The Year, and will feature performances by NewSong, Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, The Afters and Stephanie Smith. Heath is the 2008 GMA New Artist Of The Year.
Billy Goodwin is the lead vocalist and guitarist for NewSong, which has received Grammy and Dove Award nominations. He said he is humble about his role in Winter Jam. NewSong founded the tour in 1995, and the members have served as hosts since then. But he’s not surprised by its success.
“It’s a great concert event, a lot of incredibly talented Christian performers,” Goodwin said. “And it’s in service of a greater purpose.”
The 10-week tour, which concludes in Tennessee on March 15, is a mix of music and message, Goodwin said. It showcases several of the most popular and talented Christian music performing artists. The show also will include special guest speaker Tony Nolan.
From his home outside of Atlanta, Goodwin spoke to Weekender about Winter Jam, life on the road and where the future of Christian music may be heading.
Weekender: NewSong has been the Winter Jam host for, going on, 14 years. That’s longevity.
Goodwin: Thanks. It’s been a blessing to perform and host Winter Jam for so long. But more important, it’s been a tremendous opportunity to reach so many young people and watch Christ touch their lives.
Weekender: What can people expect at Winter Jam this year?
Goodwin: It’s a fast-paced mix of musical styles, different artists and guest speakers sharing testimony and gospel. It’s never boring. There’s a lot of production involved — lights and high energy from beginning to end. Most shows last about two hours, but it goes by so fast.
Weekender: NewSong has had 20 No. 1 singles. Any hints at what’s on the set list?
Goodwin: That’s actually hard to say. Some of those decisions are made the night of the show. But we’re going to play a lot of hits, a lot of fan favorites.
Weekender: Such as?
Goodwin: Most likely, “Arise My Love” and “Defining Moment.” We’ll also play a medley of some of our older stuff.
Weekender: How do you achieve the right mix of message and music?
Goodwin: All the artists on tour have a good heart for ministry. They know that music is the tool we use to open the door to get into someone’s heart to share how a relationship with Jesus can change your life. The concert builds to a short time of sharing at the end, where we let people express themselves and maybe, hopefully, make a decision for God that will change them.
Weekender: You’ll be sharing the stage with a number of talented acts. How does this year’s lineup compare with past Winter Jams?
Goodwin: I think it’s one of the best we’ve ever had, with some of the biggest names in Christian music, along with some new folks we’ve not toured with. I’m looking forward to performing with them.
Weekender: You’re no stranger to touring, how does Winter Jam wear and tear on you?
Goodwin: Oh, we’re road dogs. We’re used to the pace and sleeping on rolling beds. Everyone knows it’s a blessing to tour all year long; we’re just glad to stay busy. God’s been good to us.
Weekender: What’s next for NewSong?
Goodwin: We’re working on a new project. After Winter Jam, we want to get into the studio and get it out next year. We’re really anxious to get the new material out there. And we’ll be back on the road, with an Easter tour and summer dates.
Weekender: You’ve been in a unique position to watch the development of Christian music over the years. Where do you see it heading in the future?
Goodwin: Well, it’s really improved, quality-wise and in quantity, over the years. Some of the best talent out there is now getting involved, and the church has really opened its doors to all styles of music. Christian music is communicating with and involving kids more than ever. I think the best days are ahead.
Winter Jam 2009
Who: TobyMac, NewSong, Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, The Afters and Stephanie Smith
When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m.
Where: Crown Coliseum
Tickets: $10 at the door
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.
Christian Music News Source
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment