Winter Jam is a major Christian concert that features several different bands for an affordable price. The general audience can get in for only $10. If the price isn't enough to convince you, the different bands performing should.
Some of the top bands performing included Newsong, Red, Sidewalk Prophets, and For King & Country. To give you a better idea of what the concert is all about, here's a list of the different bands and artists who played at Winter Jam 2016.
We Are Messengers
The first band to perform at Winter Jam was We Are Messengers, as part of the "pre-Jam" session for the Winter Jam VIP's known as "Jam Nation". We Are Messengers has a unique sound to their music, which may be due to their lead singer, Darren Mulligan, who is originally from Ireland. Their music would most likely appeal to fans of Crowder, for King & Country, and Jeremy Camp.
Song I'd Recommend:
"Everything Comes Alive" from the album "We Are Messengers"
Stars Go Dim
The second band to perform exclusively for the "pre-Jam" was Stars Go Dim. This group was high energy and did a great job of keeping the crowd pumped up after We Are Messengers. Stars Go Dim has a gift for catchy rhythms and lyrics, making their songs easy to learn and sing along with. If you're a fan of Matthew West, or Building 429, I would suggest checking out Stars Go Dim.
Song I'd Recommend:
"You Are Loved" from the album "Stars Go Dim" (They also have t-shirts and bracelets with this saying on it.)
Tedashii
I will be the first to admit that I don't listen to a lot of rap. But I will say that part of the problem was finding clean rap that I really liked. However, after hearing Christian rappers like Tedashii, KB, and Lecrae I definitely think I'll be listening to more of it. If you enjoy listening to Christian rap, or just rap in general, I'd suggest Tedashii.
Song I'd Recommend:
"Nothing I Can't Do (Feat. Lecrae and Trip Lee)" from the album "Below Paradise."
KB
Though I may not have listened to a lot of Christian rap, I have heard some of KB's music before. I particularly like his remixes. If you are a fan of the Hillsong White Album, I would recommend KB's music for you. Following that genre, KB has an amazing remix version of Hillsong's "Oceans".
Song I'd Recommend:
"Crowns & Thorns (Oceans)" from the album "Tomorrow We Live"
Newsong
This group happens to be on the older end of this list, but that doesn't mean they've lost their touch. Newsong is still making music, and they're still just as great as ever. This band does a little bit of everything, but their music has branched into Sunday worship more than most of these other bands. If you're a fan of Casting Crowns, I would give Newsong a listen to.
Song I'd Recommend:
"Arise My Love" from various different albums... It's an oldie, but a goodie!
Lauren Daigle
Lauren is an amazing vocalist and has a great presence for a solo artist on such a large stage. She really filled the room with her powerful voice and emotional lyrics and performance. Lauren Daigle has a beautiful unique quality to her singing, that seems almost like a perfect union of country, indie, pop, and worship. I would absolutely recommend her music to fans of Francesca Battistelli, Kari Jobe, and maybe even Taylor Swift fans.
Song I'd Recommend:
"How Can It Be" from the album, "How Can It Be."
Sidewalk Prophets
One of the more famous groups on the list, Sidewalk Prophets has had quite a bit of success with a few of their songs, but their sound overall is still very good. A large part of why they aren't bigger is that they have risen to the top quite recently, and so they music hasn't been explored as much. Despite all that, I really like their music, and I would eagerly suggest Sidewalk Prophets to fans of Newsboys, Big Daddy Weave, and Tenth Avenue North.
Song I'd Recommend:
"Live Like That" from the album "Live Like That"
Red
This group is known for their extreme performances, and they definitely know how to entertain! During their set, Red had fire shoot out of the floor, sparks, and an insane amount of lights. Again, this is not a genre I listen to often, but I'm willing to give anything a chance. I would recommend this group to fans of Skillet, especially for fans of their newer material.
Song I'd Recommend:
"Pieces" from the album "End of Silence"
Matthew West
Matthew was an amazing performer, and as one of the last acts of the night, he really stepped it up. He engaged well with the audience, his band putting on Red Wings shirts for their Michigan shows, and he brought a young boy onstage to help him with one of his songs. I would suggest Matthew West's music to fans of Brandon Heath, and Sidewalk Prophets.
Song I'd Recommend:
"Strong Enough" from the album "The Story of Your Life."
Crowder
This group was also quite good, albeit not in a genre I am typically a fan of. However, their bluegrass style and overall enthusiasm won me over, and I was clapping and foot-stompin' in no time. This group was very energetic and extremely fun, and I would suggest Crowder for fans of Casting Crowns or Hillsong though this band has a more country vibe than either. If you're a fan of Duck Dynasty, some of these guys also have amazing beards!
Song I'd Recommend:
"Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) ft. Tedashii" from the album "Neon Steeple"
for King & Country
The last band on this list and the final act of the night is for King & Country. They were definitely one of the most anticipated artists of the entire concert, and they lived up to the hype. Theirs was among the most visually appealing performances, and although there was a lot going on, it all worked pretty well. I would probably suggest for King & Country to almost anyone, but especially to fans of Building 429 and Tenth Avenue North.
Song I'd Recommend:
"Without You (feat. Courtney)" from the album "Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong."
Well, I hope this list helps you, and I just want to remind you that this is only MY opinion. I'm sure there are plenty of fans out there for the artists that I didn't enjoy as much. But I still think that Winter Jam as a whole is an amazing experience and something everyone should see at some time.
