Posted: Thursday, October 13, 2016 6:25 pm
Like many in the Christian youth, I grew up listening almost exclusively to Christian music. With a desire to widen my musical ear, I began listening to more and more secular music, especially in the realms of hip-hop, alternative rock and EDM. For a numbers of years, Christian & Gospel music were not a part of my life. I had a “fallout” with the genre, you could say. Thankfully, this departure was not completely permanent. Several years ago, a Hillsong UNITED album named Zion was released, and it rocked my world. Since then, worship music has been an essential part of my music taste.
The reason for this article is for you –the reader– to find your niche in Christian music, that is, if you’ve had a fallout like mine. On the other hand, perhaps you’ve already found your niche. In that case, I hope this post sheds some light on names you might not have listened to before.
No matter what, don’t take these shows for granted. There are life-changing experiences just waiting to happen.
The Fray @ Moore Theater (Seattle) – Oct. 15
When it comes to Christian bands reaching a pop audience, The Fray takes the cake as one of the most successfully widespread. Their stop in Seattle should feature a blend of old and new music in anticipation of the group’s upcoming “best of” album “Through the Years,” coming this November.
Aaron Gillespie @ The Vera Project (Seattle) – Oct. 29
Though he is most known more for his work as the front man of The Almost and the touring drummer of Paramore, Aaron Gillespie is coming to The Vera to show off songs from his much less rowdy studio album, “Out of the Badlands.”
Phil Keaggy @ Eastside Church (Issaquah) – Nov. 4
A legendary artist, with 46 studio albums to date. If you love classical Christian music with a heavy focus on instrumentation (especially guitar), make sure to hit Eastside Church to catch this acclaimed musician in action.
Shawn McDonald @ Columbia City Theater (Seattle) – Nov. 17
A highly talented singer/songwriter hailing from Eugene, OR. One of McDonald’s first albums was recorded in Seattle over ten years ago, so this show brings his career full circle, in a way. Definitely not one to miss!
Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith @ Showare Center (Kent) – Nov. 19
If you’re a fan of the classics, this show is for you. Two of the biggest voices in Christian music history are coming together to sing their favorite Christmas songs, what could possibly be the downside to this?
Winter Jam @ Tacoma Dome (Tacoma) – Nov. 19
You’re sure to spot an artist you already love and also discover a new sound you dig at this annual CCM tour. Winter Jam 2016 will feature notable artists of all genres, including metal outfit Red, Christian pop singers Britt Nicole, Matthew West and Mandisa, Reach Records’ MCs Tedashii and KB, and experimental folktronica project, Crowder.
Brandon Heath @ Peninsula Bible Fellowship (Bremerton) – Dec. 4
If you’ve ever listened to positive radio, you’ve probably heard Brandon Heath. Bremerton is going to be filled with nothing but smiles and pop-worship when Heath comes to town. “Give him your eyes for just one second!”
Chris Tomlin @ McCaw Hall (Seattle) – Dec. 13
Churches worldwide sing his music every Sunday. Experience Chris Tomlin like never before, surrounded by yearning hearts and loving souls. His newest album “Never Lose Sight,” is being released only weeks before the show date. You will definitely be in for a treat of new music.
