The 8th Annual Rock & Worship Roadshow will be rolling into downtown Indianapolis this February. With headlining artists Newsboys, Jeremy Camp and Mandisa, Christian music fans will have a chance to hear some of the most popular artists in Christian contemporary music today. The Roadshow will also feature Phil Wickham, Family Force 5 and Audio Adrenaline as opening acts.
Founded in 2009, The Rock and Worship Roadshow has performed for nearly 1.3 million attendees at over 170 shows nationally. “The 2016 Rock and Worship Roadshow promises to be an amazing night of music and ministry,” said Brian Seay, producer of the tour. “We have purposefully created this night for the entire family and are excited to be on the road [in] February and March.”
The main headliner for The 2016 Roadshow is the Christian pop-rock band Newsboys. The Australian group was formed in 1985, and have since won four Grammys and sold over 9 million records. With hits such as “He Reigns,” “Born Again,” and “God’s Not Dead,” Newsboys are a group familiar to many Christian music fans.
“While we have been blessed to play thousands of shows all over the globe, this is actually our first time being a part of the ‘Roadshow’ Tour,” Newsboys lead vocalist Michael Tait said.
Since joining the band in 2009, Tait has been a part of the making of the film “God’s Not Dead” as well as the production on five studio albums. Currently, the band is in the studio producing their 19th album, which will be a collection of traditional hymns performed in the signature energetic and lively style of the seasoned quartet.
“I’m super excited to be a part of The Roadshow Tour,” second headliner Jeremy Camp said. Despite it being his third appearance in the Roadshow, Camp still finds himself enthusiastic about the tour. “I love that [the Roadshow has] made it super-affordable for anyone to come and be a part of an amazing night with all these artists that love Jesus,” Camp said.
Camp is familiar with life on the road. As the leader of Speak Louder Ministries, Camp and his band perform free, crusade-style events in partnership with local churches and missionaries all across the country and world. Recently, the group performed an event in the Central-Asian country of Kyrgyzstan.
“[I saw] oppression and fear [in Kyrgyzstan] like I’ve never seen in my life,” Camp said. Despite threats of imprisonment for attendees, over 8,000 people came and heard messages preached by local missionaries. Powerful experiences such as those in Kyrgyzstan have made Camp passionate about evangelism. “I love the heart behind this tour to spread the Gospel throughout [America],” Camp said.
Like Newsboys, former American Idol contestant, Mandisa, will be making her first appearance on the Rock and Worship stage this year.
Since 2007, Mandisa has released four albums, all of which have been nominated for the Grammy award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Mandisa’s most recent album Overcomer won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, and a Dove award for the Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.
Mandisa has since had the opportunity to perform her three hit singles “Overcomer,” “Good Morning,” and “Stronger” on Good Morning America, and she has also led the national anthem for the Sunday night NFL Game that kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Compassion International has partnered with The Roadshow this year. Compassion International is self-described as “an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.” With over 1.7 million sponsored children in their network, Compassion International is one of the largest Christian children’s support organizations in the world.
The 2016 Rock and Worship Roadshow will be performing at the Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $10 at the door, and VIP tickets can be purchased in advance for $50.