This weekend we took to State College to attend the United States largest annual Christian music tour, Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. This year’s lineup included: Westover, Mallary Hope, Dan Bremnes, Addison Agen, Nick Hall, Jordan Feliz, Newsong, KB, John Crist, Building 429, Kari Jobe, and hard rock veterans Skillet. This show is unlike any other with no tickets required and just a small fee at the door, and this is the first year we also saw a ticket increase for the tour. It was always ten bands for $10. Now, you get ten bands for $15 dollars. Regardless, fans still flooded in to see one of the biggest nights in Christian music for the community.
Unless you are a part of Jam Nation, you likely missed the first 3 to 4 acts, as they all go by very fast with only 3-4 song sets for each act until the headliners step up. Things always really kick off with Newsong who have been on the tour every year since its inauguration back in 1995. This group is one that the entire family can sing along to, and has been around the longest. They had some beautiful effects during their set including a laser beam cross and a beautiful water painting of Jesus Christ.
After speaker Nick Hall, rapper KB took the stage with more energy than all the acts before him combined! The crowds were on their feet and singing along with the “Church Clap”. Things slowed back down with Kari Jobe, as she did a passionate worship set with fans. Next up was Building 429, who are no strangers to the Winter Jam tour, fans old and new know and appreciate their music. They were also a solid act for what was to come with our headline act, Skillet.
When you look at this lineup, you do not think Skillet would be on the tour- and to our surprise a number of the fans in the house, had never seen or listened to Skillet before! Their set was phenomenal, as usual. It started with a hooded man coming out on stage (not John Cooper), as fans were distracted with him center stage the fire started bursting up from the stage and you could see the real John cooper coming down from the celling for a grand entrance. Even with Skillet as the headline act, they were not afraid to get out in the crowd. The entire band was out in the crowd singing with fans and shaking everyone’s hands. They played what seemed to be a short 9-song set, leaving fans wanting more.
Overall, Winter Jam is a great experience worth every penny- even with them raising the prices on us. Just a suggestion, put in the extra few dollars and get the Jam Nation passes if you want to see the full ten acts, otherwise you will likely only see about half. Also- there was a comedian on the lineup, John Crist. Not sure where he was, or how we could have seen him. Maybe there is a little too much going on in one night? Three song sets seem a little steep. Regardless, great tour for the entire family!
