Up + Up Tour 2024 came to Fellowship Church in Sewell, New Jersey, in October. I had been anticipating seeing this tour as I’ve long been a fan of all three Christian music artists: Colton Dixon, Austin French, and Jeremy Rosado (I recommend checking it out if you get the chance).
The first artist to play was Jeremy Rosado. He performed a very moving new song called “Tears of Joy,” which he announced was his favorite song he’d written. Highlights included his recent hits, "Nothing" and the standout track, "Come and See," which Jeremy wrote for his sister.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing Austin French multiple times in concert, including at the famous Winter Jam tour and with Christian contemporary artist Danny Gokey. I’ve interviewed him numerous times for my Behind The Song devotionals. Austin performed nine songs, starting with “Wide Open,” “Good Feeling,” and “God is Good (All the Time).”
His moving set continued with “The Lord’s Work,” “Broken Home,” “Jesus Can,” and “The Church.” The beauty of "Jesus Can" lies in how our individual stories of how Jesus has worked in our lives connect perfectly with this song. It celebrates the day God saved us from our sins and encourages us to reflect on and celebrate our own salvation experiences. It's all about surrendering ourselves to Him and His goodness, allowing His blood to cover us and flow through our veins.
I’m grateful for the reminder that God's love for me is unconditional and that He accepts me just as I am. I’m also reminded that through His grace, I’m a new creation and have been free from my past mistakes and negative thoughts.
When we trust in the Lord rather than rely on ourselves, we are empowered by His supernatural power. God loves us deeply, and when we lean on Him, He gives us the strength we need. Sometimes, we create a barrier between ourselves and God, but He longs for us to return to Him. His love for us is unchanging, and nothing can separate us from it.
We were dead in our sins, and by grace, we were saved and made alive in Christ. That's the reason to sing, “Who turns a broken dream/Into a life redeemed/Who can turn your worst defeat/Into your victory/Who saw me where I was/And led me where I stand/My life is living proof/That only Jesus can.”
Austin has great energy and is an emerging artist. He closed with his anthemic songs, “Freedom Hymn” and “Born Again.” I am excited to see how the Lord will continue to use his music ministry and fully expect to see him headline his own tour soon.
Colton Dixon is an artist meant to be seen live with his stage presence, high-energy songs, and witty commentary. He didn’t disappoint, as always, and put on a great show with fantastic energy and hook-filled songs. He opened with his new song, “Up + Up,” and kept the rock flowing with “More of You” and “Devil is a Liar.”
He then shared the inspiration for his hit song “My Light.” He followed that up with the rock song “Giants.” Colton jokingly permitted us to sit as he sat at his keyboard and led us in a medley of “Through All of It” and “You Are” for a great time of corporate worship. Colton then asked us to participate in his gospel choir, as the tour didn’t have a choir in the tour budget, and led us in a rousing rendition of “Made to Fly.” It is an inspiring song of encouragement for anyone who is in Christ. He closed out his set with his big hit song, “Build a Boat.”
“Build A Boat” is about submitting your worries, anxieties, and stressors to God and letting Him guide you. He wants to walk beside you, and He wants you to be bold and unafraid. The song encourages me to have crazy faith. Believe and sing along, “Every word you say’s gonna come true. You will lead me to the promised land/Everything You said’s gonna happen/Even though I haven’t seen it yet.”
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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