I m watching and listening to Newsboys, and there are eight hours to go before doors open at the USA Mitchell Center for , the contemporary Christian concert spectacular set for Thursday evening.
The video of God s Not Dead comes courtesy of a free Winter Jam app I just downloaded on my Android. The app is a new offering from the tour this year, and it s also available for iOS devices. So far, I ve chosen Mobile as the city I want to follow on the tour and signed up for a chance to win a Spectacular Backstage Experience for me and a friend. Who knows? I might meet "American Idol" performer.
I also put myself on a waiting list for live music streaming. Before long, I was streaming Winter Jam radio in the form of Go, by Everfound.
The app offers a tool for staying focused on Winter Jam while you re standing in line for the no-advance tickets event. The admission at the door is an egalitarian way to organize a popular, top-notch music tour, but it also means you have to get there early and be prepared to wait.
It takes only a second or two to load the list of the at 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6). I clicked on NewsBoys and got a look at the band s schedule. (After Mobile, it heads to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for a Friday show.) I read a synopsis of the artists desire to intentionally praise this God at every turn.
The app also offers the option of following the band on Twitter (@newsboys) and going to its website (newsboys.com), where you can read and post comments through Facebook. There s a separate button for sharing via social media. I sent out an email saying, I am at Newsboys at Winter Jam which I am, sort of.
Another cool feature is the option of a camera, which is available through the main menu. This keeps you from having to close the Winter Jam app to hunt for the camera app on your phone a much easier way to snap a quick picture of yourself and your friends on the way to or at the concert.
Of lesser importance to me was visiting the Jam Nation store, but if you re looking for a club membership that offers lots of benefits for a fee, then that choice might be helpful. Be patient. It takes a bit longer to load.
Overall, the new app is fun to play with and a smart addition to the tour. (Tell us what you think about it in the comments below.)