After COVID cancelled last year’s Winter Jam concert in Augusta, Eddie Carswell is ready to return to the James Brown Arena.
“We’ve been coming to Augusta for a long time. I feel like I know James Brown personally,” said Carswell, a member of the Christian group NewSong, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021.
A revamped and limited Winter Jam is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 18.
NewSong started the concept of a large, low-cost Christian concert in 1995. They wondered what would happen if they decided to charge a small amount to allow people to hear their music. The first concert had a $3 admission and was held in Greenville, S.C.
“There were 6,000 people at the Greenville Memorial Auditorium,” he said.
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Carswell remembers standing outside and watching the line to get in snake around the building.
In its 40 years, the band has had 20 #1 Christian songs and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, according to the Gospel Music Association’s website. Known for songs such as “Arise, My Love,” “The Same God. and “The Christmas Shoes,” the group released its latest recording on Feb. 21.
Over the years, the band has shared the stage with many other Christian artists. Prior to COVID, the event was general admission and part of the fun included a pre-jam party outside the arena before the concert.
This year, the tour is only going to four cities, but other artists will be a part.
Crowder, Colton Dixon, JJ Weeks, Riley Clemmons, We Are the Kingdom, KB, Louie Giglio, Apollo Ltd. And NewSong are taking part in the event.
Carswell said they weren’t sure if people would join them to perform, but they have a mix of performers who’ve done Winter Jam before and some new ones.
He said he’s excited to have the opportunity to do it again.
“We’ve become one big family,” he said of the artists who’ve done Winter Jam.
To keep audience members safe, there will be limited seating, and it is a ticketed event. People will be seated in pods to ensure social distancing. Tickets are available by joining Jam Nation online at the Winter Jam website.
Jam Nation basic memberships are $29.99 each and allow admission to the show, a commemorative pass and lanyard and discounted Winter Jam merchandise. Platinum Jam Nation memberships are $49.99 and include early admission, admission to the Artist Q&A, a t-shirt and the opportunity to attend other Winter Jam concerts. Group discounts are available.
For more information, visit 21.jamtour.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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