On February 28, 2015, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular made its way to Houston, TX, produced by Premier Productions. The VIP pre-show began at 5 p.m. when the doors opened, with the concert officially beginning at 6 p.m. Toyota Center served as the venue for Christian Music’s largest tour, in the 4th largest city in the United States. The building’s total seating capacity is set to 18,055, and the Fire Marshall called for ceasing of entry at around 6:15, deeming the show sold out. Many who were not allowed to enter the show stood in Houston’s unpredictable weather (in this case, cold and rain) to witness an outdoor show hosted by Air 1 radio. Adam Klutinoty from About a Mile and Blanca kicked off their acoustic sets under a tent near Toyota Center’s box office, following the pre-show. One unique feature of the Houston date was the free live webcast of Winter Jam, which was likely viewed by many of those turned away at the door.
Inside the venue were masses of attendees, frantically looking to connect with friends and loved ones who were already seated, buying merchandise or just taking in the scenery. $10 general admission at the door meant concertgoers vying for their last opportunity to be seated. Many who were allowed entry into the Toyota Center prior to the final headcount remained standing in the concourse, never finding a place inside the arena. Several boxed seating areas were opened to general admission attendees in order to alleviate some of the chaos in the hallways and concourse.
Fresh off of two Grammy award wins was for KING & COUNTRY who kicked off the show. “fK&C” provided an electrifying performance with their poetic lyrics and typical flurry of percussion. Phone lights lit up the massive audience for “Proof of Your Love”, providing a hair-raising experience amid an all too short set. The Aussie brothers were followed by Christian music veterans Newsong, the hosts and founders of Winter Jam. Newsong featured Skillet’s Jen Ledger at one point to the delight of the sold out crowd. Newsong lead member Eddie Carswell also served as the primary emcee for the duration of the show. He along with speaker Tony Nolan would act as the glue which bonded the musical portions and production transitions together.
Family Force 5 brought along their giant beach balls, trampolines and a light up jacket to the stage at Toyota Center. Naturally grabbing the attention of the younger crowd, the “Cray Button” band brought a shift in energy unlike any act around. Building 429 warmed up to the local crowd by cueing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” briefly. They sang a well-organized set with a new level of finesse, belting out their hit song “Where I Belong”. The crowd responded with modulating cheers as the “Must make noise to proceed” message appeared on the screen between songs.
Seasoned singer Jeremy Camp backed away from what had been a cheerful musical set momentarily, and shared a burden on his heart for the lives lost at the hands of terrorist attacks by ISIS. As he sang “Overcome” he invited the audience to join hands. Strangers quickly became acquainted as they stood and sang in a Capella together: “We will overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome.”
Francesca Battistelli, despite visibly and audibly fending off an upper respiratory infection, sang effortlessly to an appreciative audience. Though she did pull a few hits from her extensive original catalogue, the highlights of her performance came from her covers, such as the mainstream song “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors. Fans enjoyed humming along with “Franny”, and filling in the vocal parts. The otherwise consistently lively show paused for one moment in worship, as she sang Jesus Culture’s “Holy Spirit”. She would end her set quietly following the song.
The non-musical acts seemed to capture the attention of the audience just as well as the bands. Tony Nolan appeared several times throughout the night to preach, in his own eclectic and raw way. He told his family’s adoption story, and the impact that Winter Jam sponsor Holt International has had on their lives. Eddie Carswell interviewed Sadie Robertson of the Duck Dynasty fame, as she shared her experience of living as a Christian in modern pop culture. Native Houstonian and Royal Tailor frontman Tauren Wells received a rousing ovation as he appeared by surprise to introduce one of the artists. Additionally, this Winter Jam was highlighted by seamless production and quick set changes, woven together by large double-sided L.E.D screens. So although there was a significant amount of video and spoken word, the concert never lost its rhythm- so to speak.
Newcomers Veridia, who also performed during the pre-show, returned to the small stage for an unplugged piece as the offering commenced. Newsong’s Russ Lee shared a message of giving, and the roots of how Winter Jam came to be. Lee wrapped up the offering with hyped up teasers for the crowd, prepping them for the headliners, Skillet.
The Toyota Center nearly shook as headliners Skillet took the stage with the blasts of pyrotechnics, complete with flaming pillars. Adrenaline levels increased rapidly as Houston concertgoers rocked out to staples like “Whispers in the Dark”. Skillet’s string section wowed with theatrics as stunning as their musicianship. As drummer Jen Ledger’s stand elevated and spun, lead singer John Cooper led with his signature roaring vocal prowess. Cooper even took a trip around the arena floor on a rolling platform. Crowds have come to expect that sort of activity from the band, unlike their acoustic performance of “Those Nights”. The band dawned their “nerdy glasses” in order to, as John described, appease those audience members that prefer a more subdued sound. Perhaps the highlight of Skillet’s set was when they were joined by for KING & COUNTRY and Jeremy Camp for “Monster”. But it wasn’t all headbanging and guitar shreds. John Cooper gave a compelling message on standing for your faith, even in a modern society that doesn’t believe. Skillet ended the night by pulling out all stops for “Rebirthing”.
Following the benediction by Russ Lee and Eddie Carswell, the satisfied but anxious crowd flooded into the halls. Many found it difficult to make it through the exits on the main floor. Some attendees even formed human trains by hooking arms with strangers as a means of wading through the dense mob. The merchandise tables were a particularly populated area, where attendees continued to form lines post-show. However, the longest line in the building developed on the concourse, where Jeremy Camp was expected to sign autographs.
Houston team leader for Premier Productions, Mark Lord, tweeted that the night “went down with a bang.” which could not have been more accurate. One element was clear judging by the amount of people who showed up, and by their actions: Houston loves Winter Jam. The city awaits the tour’s return in 2016.
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All songs and lyrics mentioned are owned by their respective writers.
Recap by Amanda Faith Davis, 2015
the listening report 