I recently caught the tour on March 1st as it played to a packed house at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, CO. The impending snowstorm did not stop die hard fans from lining up early. Nearly every fan there had seen the Newsboys perform before and was on edge to see what they had brought for them this time. These fans would not be disappointed. VIP’s were treated to a special Meet and Greet before the show with the Newsboys that involved a private acoustic session with a question and answer time that was informative and fun.

 

But before the Newsboys took to the stage, some fantastic opening acts would warm up the crowd.

 

The first was worship leader, Daniel Bashta. If the name does not sound familiar, take a moment to peak at the liner notes for God’s Not Dead and you will find that this talented artist wrote the current #1 hit for Newsboys, "God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion)." Like myself, Daniel Bashta hails from New Orleans and that jambalaya of musical influence and style was prevalent in his performance. Most of the songs he played that evening were from his September 2011 release, The Sounds of Daniel Bashta. Don’t let his acoustic guitar fool you though, Daniel can shake the very foundation of a crowd with songs like “Dreamer” and “Freedom Calling.” His final song of the night, “Awakening (Dry Bones),” was a powerful end to a great set.
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Next to take the stage was the group Anthem Lights. I’m uncomfortable labeling them a Christian Pop Boy Band, as they go way beyond that in my opinion. Anthem Lights is a Christian Pop Band on Holy Spirit Hip-Hop Steroids. The energy they brought on stage had the crowd up and screaming from the first chorus. Singing songs from their self titled debut album, Anthem Lights, such as “Out of my Mind” and “I Wanna Know You Like That” was just a blast of worship on the wings of four talented performers. The third song of their set, “Can’t Get Over You,” was one that had everyone in the house on their feet and singing with Chad, Alan, Caleb and Kyle. Messages of encouragement and faith were given to each member of the crowd as well as a message of hope while the band regrouped and prepared for the next portion of their performance. To end their set, they chose “I Can’t Shut Up,” and who would want them too? Their voices are flawless, their energy high impact and their performance was a great appetizer for what was yet to come that evening.
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Not to be outdone, the next band to perform was the San Antonio based band, Abandon. No stranger to the stage, lead man Josh Engler took control and got the masses ready to roll with the high energy song, “Live it Out.” Not only has this song been featured on Food Network Challenge, it has also been featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter as well as their ESPY awards--great accolades from a Christian Band who is proud to be gaining attention in the mainstream arena. Just when you thought you could catch your breath, (altitude plays a part in Colorado), they rolled out two more from the Control album, “Underfire” and “New Years Day.” At one point during the performance, guitarist Stevan Vela amazed the entire crowd by giving his guitar to a girl to hold while playing his solo live. The final two songs of their set were “Hero” and of course “Feel It In Your Heart.” The individual personalities of each member really shined during these performances as they huddled together for some of the main bridges. Talented and already a seasoned group of performers, Abandon is a band that will keep rocking the masses for some time to come.

 

Next up was The City Harmonic, a band that has recently made its mark on the Christian Music Industry in solid fashion. Their performance showed why they are one of 2011's Breakout Artists of the Year. Plowing right into their set with the hit “I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home),” they quickly established that this was going to be a night to remember. Playing his piano as passionately as he sings, lead singer Elias Dummer made short work of taking the night to the next level with his fearless vocals backed by the band's confident stage presence. The next two songs for the evening were “Yours” and “Mountaintop.” As the melodies rang through the auditorium, I couldn't help but get excited for their “New Artist of the Year” Dove Award nomination this year. For the last and final song of their set they chose their breakout hit that gave them the recognition they deserved. What would be a TCH performance without their breakout hit, “Manifesto?” After gaining momentum through the song, lead singer Elias Dummer climbed up on his piano and sang along with the crowd for the duration of the chorus. The crowd gave the band a standing ovation to send them backstage and on to their next performance.
 

Before Newsboys took the stage, evangelist Bob Lenz lent his humorous true life stories and personal testimony to the receptive crowd. Bob Lenz has a unique method of ministry that old and young alike can relate to. He teaches about the compassion we as Christians must reflect both inside and outside of our own lives. His message of the hope we, as Christians, can deliver and must take ownership of, has motivated thousands over the years. Tonight was no exception. His motto: “When the world says…no way, We say YAHWEH."  A proud Compassion International supporter, Bob rallied hundreds to sponsor children in need that night. It was a humorous and touching part of the evening that moved and motivated many in the crowd for a positive outcome.

 

Finally, the moment arrived. As the lights fell, the energy of the entire crowd went to a level I can barely explain. The air was charged with the sounds of cheers and hands lifted high as through the shadows, you could see the Newsboys take their positions on stage. At approximately 8:45PM, Colorado Springs got their first taste of one of the hottest headliners of 2012 with songs from their new album such as “The King is Coming” and “Your Love Never Fails.” The light show was beyond phenomenal and the coordinated Designer Suits and ties made for a spectacular grand appearance. The hydraulic platform that launches Michael Tait into the atmosphere while he sings is again part of this performance and is always a crowd pleaser. They performed a number of their previous hits and classics such as “He Reigns” and “Born Again” but nothing prepared the crowd for what was coming later in the performance. Jeff Frankenstein (Keys) requested to play and dedicate an older classic to the flight crew of their 15-minute, somewhat scary, flight from Denver to Colorado Springs. The crowd cheered as the chords of “Jesus Freak” blasted through the amplifiers. Michael Tait took a moment during the performance to uplift the crowd with his own personal testimony and struggles he endured in his life. He emphasized hope and faith in this moving and touching glimpse into his personal history. After a few more powerful songs, the band departed but everyone knows the Newsboys don’t leave without an encore. After some very loud urging from the crowd, the encore was on. Coming out alone, Jeff Frankenstein delivered a moving speech that I wish everyone should hear about why God's not dead, and that led into the group's latest #1 smash hit, “God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion).” 
 

 

Overall, I cannot say enough about how overwhelming and high impact this concert was. If you have seen them live before you will definitely not want to miss this tour. The range of artists they have brought on the road with them is impressive as well and each one brings a style all their own to the night. If you have never been to a Newsboys concert before and this is your first…buckle up. It’s going to be a fun and inspirational ride. When you leave this concert, there will be no doubt that God’s Not Dead and he is definitely Roaring Like a Lion through these performers.