GRAND RAPIDS -- Singer-songwriter tobyMac says he's enjoying his reduced responsibility on the Winter Jam tour of Christian music artists."People assume when you're closing (the show), you're in control," the Grammy-winning artist said in a phone interview before a show in Columbia, S.C. "But on this tour, I've got nothing to do with it except being asked to be on it."
The veteran artist (Toby McKeehan) heads a multi-artist bill hosted by the vocal band NewSong, originators of the "Jam" concept 14 years ago.
A key feature of the approach is no advance ticket sales. Organizers ask for a $10 donation at the door, but even that isn't necessary for the general-admission seats. A pass-the-bucket offering during the event also helps pay the bills.
"The Winter Jam people have been very accommodating, and it's more laid back for a headline artist because you're not sweating (attendance) numbers," TobyMac, 44, said.
The tour, playing in some of the nation's larger arenas, is averaging more than 9,000 per night, and even drew 20,000 at a recent show in Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
NewSong member Billy Goodwin has watched the Jam concerts grow through the years.
"It started just as an idea to get more people out to hear the message," Goodwin, 57, said from his home near Atlanta, Ga. "You don't need to buy a ticket to get in."
TobyMac is the best known of this year's Winter Jam artists, but modern pop-rockers Hawk Nelson and The Afters also are along.
Popular newcomer Francesca Battistelli was a timely addition for Winter Jam. She just received five nominations for Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including for the industry's top female vocalist and new artist. (Award ceremonies are April 23 in Nashville).
Different dates on the tour have a slightly different mix of artists.
Goodwin and NewSong usually bring along an evangelist (this year, author/speaker Tony Nolan) who offers a brief address.
But the music load is heavy, and there are "lights up" performances (as patrons are entering the arena), from tween trio Pure NRG and singer-songwriter Stephanie Smith.
With the wealth of artists, there are light and sound setups with a full crew typical of expenses of large-scale tours.
Winter Jam has partnered with Premier Productions, a major Christian concert promoter, to "share the risk with us," Goodwin said.
"From the outside, when you look at the demographics, it doesn't make sense to do it this way," he said of their donations-only policy.
Each night offers more than three hours of music. TobyMac and his Diverse City band perform a 45- to 50-minute set, including songs such as "Made To Love" and "Lose My Soul."
"We love on the other bands and crew backstage, and at the end of the day it works for everybody."
Christian Music News Source
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