Review & Photos: Winter Jam warms sold-out Columbus' crowd with the gospel and diverse lineup

By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

It was a night of praise, celebration and worship in the name of Jesus. Many denominations of Christianity, and then some, came together under one roof to hear speakers and music stars of all genres perform.

It was Winter Jam 2025, an annual event started by the group NewSong in 1995. At its inception in Georgia they hoped for a turn out of at least 1,500, but when 8,000 showed up, they wanted the event to return; ultimately, the mini-festival became official in 2001, growing to where it is today: The United States’ largest annual Christian Music Tour.

After nearly thirty years, the tour still fills arenas to the brim, including The Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, reaching a near capacity of more than 18,500. Before General Admission doors opened at 5pm, attendees were lined up on the sidewalk all the way down Lane Avenue.

This year’s event, open to the public for a love donation of $15 at the door, featured contemporary Christian artists Micah Tyler, NewSong, SEU Worship, The Band Table, as well as rock band We Are Vessel, singer-songwriter country artist Anne Wilson, pop artist Colton Dixon, hip-hop artist KB and rock artist Skillet, who headlined the event and appeared for the sixth time since 2008.

Jam Nation Max pass holders were treated to early entrance at 4 p.m. and an exclusive Q&A session with Skillet vocalist/bassist John Cooper and members of SEU Worship.

The event flowed like a well-oiled machine, the stage and sets were rearranged in the background while the crowd heard spoken word moments by California pastor Zane Black and pitches by representatives of SEU Christian College and World Vision, all along with interludes and intros by DJ Gabe.

The extensive 38-city tour kicked off Jan. 11 and will end March 23.

See Dates Here

SKILLET (click to enlarge)