Winter Jam, the much-anticipated Christian music festival, has been a staple in the music scene for years, bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre, along with motivational speakers and up-and-coming artists.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the festival, causing cancellations and postponements, altering the format and audience capacity, and affecting the artists and crew involved.
Despite these obstacles, Winter Jam adapted by taking its show online, hosting virtual events and live stream concerts, enabling fans to continue to experience the high-energy music, worship, and inspiration they love. But in 2023, artists are back in the arena, performing in front of sold-out crowds.
In this article, the NewReleaseToday team takes a few moments to share their in-arena experiences attending Winter Jam.
Jake Frederick, Host, NRT Now Podcast
My wife and I have attended Winter Jam shows off and on for almost a decade when the tour rolls through my region. My daughter has joined us in recent years. One of my favorite Winter Jam memories was in 2020 before the world shut down. We were standing side-stage while pop artist Riley Clemmons was performing.
My daughter started drifting to the stage, wholly captivated, taking in every minute of Riley’s performance. Riley had just won an NRT We Love Award earlier that week. The way she interacted with my daughter as we talked about the award was so special and an impressive picture of her ministry speaking to young girls.
It’s impressive that Winter Jam has not only been in operation for as long as it has but has remained one of the premiere events in the Christian music industry.
An invitation to Winter Jam is an honor with 40-plus dates to introduce yourself and connect with fans. While the pre-Jam party has only been officially a thing in recent years, the opportunity for up-and-coming artists is undeniable. Artists like for KING & Country, Sarah Reeves, Tauren Wells (in Royal Taylor), and Steven Malcolm—too many to mention—have been featured on the Winter Jam stage.
The tour also develops long-lasting relationships: contemporary artist Colton Dixon attended I AM THEY’s last concert because of the relationship built during Winter Jam 2022. One of the best things about Winter Jam is the intentional variety of music—hip-hop, rock, pop, and worship—all under one roof.
This brings me to Winter Jam 2023. They stacked the lineup this year with powerhouses. They also jammed packed the pre-Jam show with incredible newer artists.
The Sacramento-based Thrive Worship led an incredible time of worship throughout the night. Pop artist Sean BE, a We Love Award nominee, turns heads whenever he touches the stage at a show.
During the pre-show Q&A in Cincinnati, contemporary artists Jeremy Camp and Newsong’s Russ Lee raved about Sean’s set. The pop duo RENEE provided the powerhouse vocals behind the recently released viral video artist Vanessa Horabuena, gathering 150 thousand views in less than a week.
Y’all, that’s just the pre-Jam party. Contemporary artist Austin French lit up the stage of Winter Jam 2020 before they cut the tour short, but Austin does Austin things and has taken his set up a couple of notches. His set is so energetic while sharing a deep word about healing. You’ll be waving around like a car lot inflatable by the time Austin is done.
Newsong is the constant thread across all of Winter Jam history. They are the creators of Winter Jam, and no night would be complete without their song, “Arise.” One staple of Newsong’s set is the inclusion of other artists. I won’t give too much away, but there are two female artists they include and one former “Christmas Shoes” boy.
I’ve been going to Disciple shows for almost two decades, and the veteran Christian rock band is not slowing down. The rock group seems to get better with each passing year. They have released two singles since starting Winter Jam 2023, both of which are a part of their set. They also pull a bit of their worship project, Honor & Glory, into their setlist.
Hip-hop artist Andy Mineo has a special guest on tour—virtually, at least. While it’s just Andy and a DJ on stage, his set feels full. The production on this set is smooth as butter. The arena is bumping the whole time, and Winter Jam attendees are a critical part of his set.
It’s been a while since Jeremy Camp has been on Winter Jam, but he looked like he felt right at home. He shares that he is in his 20th year of ministry; you can see the lives his music has touched as you look around the stadium. He was still energetic and bounced around like it was his first year. I asked Disciple’s lead vocalist Kevin Young if Jeremy’s set ever gets old over the years, and he smiled and said, “Not a chance.”
The up-and-coming artist Anne Wilson shares the story of her entry to music after the tragic loss of her brother, Jacob, in her teens. Before leading a time of worship, she honors Jacob while she sings “No Place Like Home.” One of the more important things about Anne being a part of Winter Jam is her invitation for young girls to join the Hey Girl Nation, a pledge to live the true words God speaks over women.
If you haven’t heard “Holy Water” or We the Kingdom’s music, there’s no way to describe it. It’s a style all their own. I can say that it’s a party from the curtain drop to the last note. The contemporary band’s stage design is vibrant and adds an incredible visual to their part of the night. Just like with Andy, Winter Jam attendees are essential to their set.
Winter Jam is not only just about the music, however. Throughout the night, you will hear a word of hope and encouragement. Author Zane Black brings a message from God’s word, and all the artists share their hearts for ministry. After a night of Winter Jam, you will leave refreshed from God’s Word, exhausted from dancing, and your voice will be shot from singing at the top of your lungs.
Kevin Davis, Lead Contributor, Behind the Song Columnist
I've been a regular attendee of Winter Jam since it started in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 2009. Even in March 2020, right before the lockdown, I attended. But it was only after that that I realized Winter Jam's value and didn't take it for granted. I’m excited to attend again in February 2023, almost three years later. Winter Jam is an unforgettable experience, with an entire night dedicated to music and ministry focused on sharing the Gospel.
Something I'll never forget about Winter Jam 2020 was my daughter's favorite singer, Riley Clemmons, joining headliner Crowder to sing "I'm Leaning on You." That song exemplifies what to expect at Winter Jam. It’s a celebration of God's love, despite our brokenness.
The song challenges me to think about what I'm allowing to rule my heart instead of giving myself entirely to God. If you’re looking for a firm foundation in your life, make these lyrics your prayer: "When no one else can help me, Jesus can, every other name is sinking sand, and even when my heart doesn't understand, Jesus, I will trust You even then." Amen to that.
Bradden Ford, Database Coordinator/Contributor
Winter Jam has remained one of my favorite moments to look back on every year. Since 2014, I've attended the event in Nashville. And I’m always blown away by it. This year was no different. Pre-Jam artists RENNEE, Sean BE, and Thrive Worship were incredible. Although they may be lesser known, their talent and skill easily place them on the same level as all the other major artists. I was expecting to see all the opening artists and was amazed by their stunning music.
Tour founders and staple act, Newsong proved once again with their captivating set that they are not a band to skip. Austin French, Jeremy Camp, and Anne Wilson's performances affected me. I loved hearing their passion-filled voices and powerful testimonies as they led the crowd in the encouragement and worship of Jesus.
Rapper Andy Mineo pulled off a high-energy and unique set that had the crowd getting into the excitement of the night. One of my favorite bands that night was the rock band Disciple. I've been a fan of theirs for many years, and seeing them live reminded me how much their music has helped drive me throughout the years. Ending the night was a new headliner for Winter Jam: We the Kingdom. Honestly, I could not say enough good about their performance. It was fun, touching, worshipful, and full of new life. It reminded me throughout the night of the power of the Gospel.
Almost every artist took time from their set to share their story and remind everyone of God's love for us. Along with a message spoken by speaker Zane Black, I loved seeing so many people gather to receive the encouragement and freedom of Jesus. It would only be a Nashville Winter Jam stop with special guests. Contemporary artists Matthew West, Jason Roy of Building 429, nobigdyl, Michael Tait of Newsboys, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Citizen Way all made appearances throughout the night.
Brendan Burke, Social Media Associate
I had a fantastic time at Winter Jam 2023, one of my favorite shows in quite a few years. The pre-jam artists RENEE, Sean BE, and Thrive Worship set the tone for an incredible night with their outstanding performances. Austin French's energetic set immediately captured my attention, featuring some of his biggest hits.
Newsong's set was also impressive, including an exceptional performance of a song called "Love Is Stronger" that's not on their album. If this is a sneak peek at their new album, I am excited to see what's next for them.
Disciple, the hard rockers, had my favorite set of the night. They combined rock and worship in a powerful way, and their cover of "Battle Belongs" left many people in tears.
Andy Mineo's set was also a standout, with a captivating intro. Jeremy Camp's inspiring performance was a highlight of the night, as well as Anne Wilson's powerful performance, featuring some of her biggest hits to date.
We The Kingdom’s performance offered a tremendous end to the show. Winter Jam is back on the road and stronger than ever. I hope people enjoy the show as much as I did.
NewReleaseToday is always looking for passionate writers and creatives to join our team. If you’re interested, please email kevin@newreleasetoday.com. 📷 Photo Credit: Jake Frederick, NewReleaseToday
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