Newsboys among bands to play Winterfest 2010

Since 2001, big-name bands have rocked the stage at Liberty University’s Winterfest, a two-day New Year’s festival featuring acclaimed Christian musical artists, dynamic speakers and entertainers. This year thousands will have the chance to see one of Liberty’s own perform.

Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning Christian pop rock band Newsboys will be back at Winterfest this year, but now with lead singer Michael Tait. Tait was a student at Liberty in the 1980s, where he met Toby McKeehan and Kevin Max, who formed the chart-topping Christian rock/rap band dc Talk. Tait officially formed his own band in 2000. He last performed at Liberty during halftime at the 2008 homecoming football game and at a concert later that evening.

The Newsboys have received several Dove Awards and Grammy nominations, producing five gold albums and more than 20 No. 1 radio hits. Their most recent album, Born Again, sold more than 45,000 copies in its first week. The Newsboys last performed at Liberty’s College for A Weekend in February 2008, for the band’s “Go Tour” event.

Eight other bands will be joining the Newsboys at Winterfest 2010 (Dec. 30 and 31) — Third Day, Family Force 5, Lecrae, Remedy Drive, Kutless, KJ-52, Hawk Nelson and Fireflight. Main speakers are Clayton King, Tom Richter and Matt Pitt. The Skit Guys, whose popular videos have become Internet hits, are also scheduled to perform.

“Winterfest is a great experience because the focus is on Christ. Winterfest continually hosts some of the most popular artists, speakers, and performers, but the mission of the event has remained the same — to share the Gospel of Christ,” said Tony D’Ambrosio, Operations Coordinator for Resident Enrollment.

This year Liberty is working with DirectTV to broadcast Winterfest sessions live for free on channel 365 through GODTV.

• All-inclusive Winterfest tickets are on sale for $78 until Nov. 19. Individual session tickets start at $38. All tickets purchased after Nov. 19 will be regular price. To register, call (800)-965-9324 or visit www.libertywinterfest.com.