News 12 at 11, January 15, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga.---The James Brown Arena hosted nearly 7,000 people for Winter Jam 2009, a concert featuring some big names in Christian music.

The line wrapped all the way back to the Bell Auditorium, but one group says that's nothing, since they drove an hour to get there.

"[To] listen to the good music, Christian music, fellowship. It's just a fun time," said Pam Love of Mitchell, Georgia.

The Christian music ranges from pop to rock to punk, bringing in the young and old alike.

"This is my first time, so I'm really, really, really excited and I've never really been to a live concert before," said Sara Reeves of Martinez.

Whether a new concert-goer or old, the names drew in the crowds, including tobyMac, Hawk Nelson and Brandon Heath.

"We love the Christian music. We dance to it. We listen to it all the time," said Arlene Reeves.

Winter Jam is Christian music's largest music tour and organizers believe the economy will actually increase attendance, because it's just $10 at the door with no advance ticket sales.

For many it's a small price for much more than music.

"God's going to move," said concert-goer Cory Ashley. "I want to hear the music, too, but I know God's going to move tonight."

The Winter Jam tour continues across the country until March 15. Last year the tour had many sold out stops and first-quarter ticket sales even topped big names artists like Miley Cyrus and the Police.