The inspirational Christian music tour returns to Van Andel Arena on Sunday with Anne Wilson, Disciple, Hulvey, NewSong and more on the bill, with an Ypsilanti also stop ahead. The Local Spins preview.
Matthew West and Winter Jam: Not shying away from cold-weather cities. (Courtesy Photo)
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Singer-songwriter Matthew West said it’s been 10 years since he’s played the gigantic Winter Jam tour, a Christian music mini-festival with more than 10 music artists and other stage presentations.
“When they invited me again, I wondered if I was the right artist for this kind of crowd,” said West, 48, of the youthful fans attracted by the $15-at-the-door admission price.
“But I had to rest in the fact that they wanted me. And I got out here and have been blown away night after night.”
The multi-layered program visits Van Andel Arena on Sunday (March 8), with doors opening at 4 p.m. Details online at vanandelarena.com and jamtour.com.
West has unfurled his inspirational pop-contemporary style for nearly 25 years, after beginning his career as a staff songwriter for a publishing company.
Katy Nichole: Filling moments that are ‘life-giving.’ (Photo/Hannah Burton)
“I always wanted to be an artist with my own songs, but when you first go to Nashville, you walk through the first door that opens,” said the Chicago-area native.
West placed songs with several top acts, and made a quick start more than 20 years ago writing Rascal Flatts’ song, “The Day Before You.”
But now he has a dozen albums of his own, the most recent is “Don’t Stop Praying,” with its latest single, “Good.” (Scroll down for music video.)
His music comes under his life mission to spread the news that even in tough times, hope remains. “Whatever challenges people are facing and even situations in life that might seem hopeless … to join in the conversations and extract hope and let people know God is still in control.”
His accompanying devotional book is an encouragement and help toward daily prayers.
West has been in regular artist rotation at the summer Unity Music Festival in Muskegon. He said it’s one of his favorite destinations “to travel to and sing with people.”
This year’s Winter Jam lineup features the usual assortment of new and established artists. Veteran Chris Tomlin is not on the Grand Rapids bill, and has been replaced at this show by singer Anne Wilson, a repeater from last year.
West co-wrote several of Wilson’s songs from her 2022 debut album, including her smash hit, “My Jesus.” She also is managed by West’s management company, Story House Collective. “We get to help walk through other artists’ careers with them,” he noted.
This is singer Katy Nichole’s second year on the arena-sized Winter Jam tour. This time she’s been more intentional about carefully using her limited stage time in relating to audiences.
Disciple: Playing Van Andel Arena on Sunday. (Courtesy Photo)
“You really have to fill those moments that are life-giving and give people something to walk away feeling hope and encouragement,” she said of her brief set list, concluding with her signature “In Jesus Name (God of Possible).” The anthem’s music video has racked up 83 million YouTube views. (Scroll down to watch the video.)
Pop-rockers Disciple, rapper Hulvey and host band NewSong are among other artists on the bill.
A pass-the-hat offering is usually received to help meet tour expenses, supplementing the low $15 admission price.
West noted that the Winter Jam Tour has lived up to its name: One show had to be cancelled and another rescheduled because of snow and cold weather. “We come rain or shine, and we don’t shy away from cold-weather cities,” he added.
Winter Jam, with Chris Tomlin on the bill instead of Anne Wilson, also makes a stop Sunday (March 29) at the George Gervin Game Above Center at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.
VIDEO: Matthew West, “Good”
VIDEO: Katy Nichole, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)”
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