Cincinnati Gardens To Host Winter Jam 2008 Tour Spectacular

The Christian music extravaganza known as the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, returns to Cincinnati Gardens with the 2008 edition on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 6 p.m., doors will open at 4 p.m.

The 2008 lineup is one of the most prestigious ever assembled for Winter Jam and includes a variety of music styles, ranging from worship to rock to pop. The show will feature multi Platinum selling MercyMe, sibling rock trio BarlowGirl, seasoned rockers Skillet and American Idol’s Mandisa. Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning, NewSong will host the high-energy event for the 13th consecutive year, which will feature special guest speaker Tony Nolan and the Xtreme sports Real Encounter BMX/Skate Team.

MercyMe has won multiple Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, including the 2002 Song of the Year, "I Can Only Imagine" and 2004 Song of the Year, "Word of God Speak". MercyMe also won the Dove Award for Artist of the Year in 2004.

The sister combination of Rebecca, Lauren, and Alyssa make up the Christian rock trio BarlowGirl. Their hit song "Never Alone" was the longest running, number-one song on the Radio and Records Christian Hit Radio and Christian Rock charts in 2004 and was also the song of the year on both charts.

The Christian rock band Skillet brings a wide range of musical taste to the stage. Skillet has been described as a grundge, nu metal and alternative rock band, all while keeping the Christian element. Their 2003 album “Collide” was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album.

Mandisa rose to fame during the 2006 season of the hit television show American Idol, where she finished ninth. Mandisa released her first single in May, 2007, entitled, “Only The World”. That song is available on her debut album “True Beauty”, which debuted at number-one on the Top Christian Albums charts.

Once again, NewSong will host the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. NewSong has recorded 17 number-one hit songs and won six GMA Dove Awards. NewSong founded Winter Jam in 1995.

Tickets will be available at the door of the Cincinnati Gardens for a $10 donation. For more information regarding the Winter Jam 2008 Tour Spectacular, please visit their website at www.jamtour.com.