By the time took the stage for Winter Jam the contemporary Christian music tour it founded the fans numbering more than 5,000 were on their feet.
Swallow the Ocean had them waving their hands. And with that rousing performance, 2014 kicked off its main acts at the USA Mitchell Center Thursday night. The crowd was smaller, which meant that everyone who showed up got into the no-advance-tickets show, which is among the most popular winter music tours of any kind, religious or secular.
Earlier, , known for his showing on "American Idol" Season 11, warmed up fans with a physical performance around stage and, literally, atop the piano. Still to come were Newsboys, Lecrae, Tenth Avenue North and Thousand Foot Krutch, and evangelist Nick Hall.
You guys having a good time tonight? shouted Plumb, beginning a song she said reminds her of her 7-year-old son. Her fifth album, Blink, a collection of lullaby-themed songs released in 2007, has been one of her best-selling albums.
Two years ago, her marriage was falling apart. "I married my husband all over again this May," she said. "I want you to know tonight, there is always, always hope."
Before doors opened, Everfound and Love The Outcome stepped outside the south entrance to greet fans and perform a couple of songs. Vocalist Jodi King of Love and the Outcome, a Canadian duo, signed CDs for waiting fans, including Doug Practor of Silverhill, who was first in line.
That was unexpected. It was definitely worth being up here (in the front of the line), said Doug Practor of Silverhill. Practor had arrived at the Mitchell Center at 8:30 a.m., expecting a crowd. But the Thursday crowd was delayed, arriving after school and work hours.
It looks like a late crowd, said Arena Manager Victor Cohen. No doubt it s the day of the week.
Cohen described the annual Winter Jam tour as a strongly attended event for the Mitchell Center. As far as one-day impact show, it ranks among the top three shows, he said.
He said he has watched the crowd of 10,000 sing along with the artists, creating a worshipful atmosphere. I m talking about Acapella, just listing to the voices of 10,000 people singing the same song. That s my reward, he said. They come spirit-filled and they leave spirit-filled.