Newsboys, Fireflight, Third Day, others rock out at Winter Jam 2010
Posted by The Skyliner on February 24th, 2010Rachel Ham
Staff Writer
Thousands came out to Greenville’s Bi-Lo Center for a great time of worship and fellowship at Winter Jam 2010 on Saturday, Feb. 13. More importantly, hundreds responded to the message brought by speaker Tony Nolan.
This year’s Winter Jam featured some of the old and new. Fan favorites such as NewSong and the Newsboys performed songs from their new albums as well as familiar worship songs such as “Arise, My Love,” “Something Beautiful” and “Jesus Freak.”
Revive, a new band from Australia that toured with Third Day, opened the show Saturday night.
Rob Pierre was another young face at this year’s concert. Hailing from Orlando, Fl., this 17 year old has already produced two albums. He performed songs from his latest album, Identity, at Saturday’s concert.
Fireflight got the crowd on its feet, performing songs from their recently-released album, For Those Who Wait, including the title track and “Desperate.”
One North Greenville University student got the unique opportunity to participate in Nolan’s message Saturday night. Jordan Ferrell, sophomore church music, was approached by Nolan and asked he if wanted to exchange $50 for 1 cent as part of Nolan’s sermon illustration. Nolan spoke about giving up our sins for the great things God has in store for us.
“I couldn’t refuse that offer . . . I also felt obliged to do it because I would be a part of the message that would touch lots of hearts and change lives, and I was very blessed to see the hundreds of decisions and commitments that were made at the end of his message. I feel God used me to be a part of that,” Ferrell said.
After the message and intermission, Tenth Avenue North performed their hit song “By Your Side” and other favorites.
Third Day closed out the concert with impressive performances of “Revelation” and “Cry Out to Jesus.” Dawn Michele, lead singer from Fireflight, joined Third Day’s Mac Powell onstage to sing “Born Again” for one of the night’s best moments.
Bradan Tench, junior sport management, brought 11 teens and college students from Truth Tabernacle Baptist Church in Starr, S.C., to Winter Jam.
“My overall impression of Winter Jam this year was awesome. This was my fourth year going to Winter Jam, but first year going as [a] youth pastor . . . [The youth] absolutely loved it,” Tench said.
Tench, along with about 200 fellow pastors and youth pastors, was able to go backstage to meet Nolan and several of the artists.
“When we got backstage, each band got up and said a few words, pretty much just thanking us for all that we do . . . As I was walking [back] in, Tony Nolan was at the door shaking each youth pastor’s hand,” Tench said.
The pastors also received free church resources, a copy of the Newsboys preview CD and a copy of Nolan’s message.
Each year the Winter Jam Tour offers a great value to Christian music lovers by bringing several great artists together for only $10. Winter Jam concerts are always great fun, and this year was no different.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 5