It was kinda like when you have an idea of what a radio DJ looks like, but then you see a picture of them. Sometimes its a jaw dropping disappointment.

Winter Jam ’08 had a similar effect on me.

I was under the impression that I was heading to a huge Christian music event. Some bands I liked, some I didn’t particularly care for, but live music is always awesome. The lineup included Mercy Me, Skillet, Barlow Girl, Newsong, Group 1 Crew, the chick that was from Flint that ended up on American Idol (sorry can’t remember her name), and a few others. Best of all, it only cost me 10 bucks and a 3 hour wait in the cold for some great seats.

As soon as we sat down, we began to notice some things that were a little weird. First they announced this pre-teen band that lip-synced for their 4 songs they got to perform. They did a good job, but come on. Talk about a diverse group of music.

Then Group 1 Crew, also known as the Christian Black Eyed Peas, came out and performed. They did a great job, except I’m not really into the whole singing to a music track thing especially when I can pick up more than a few relations to a secular band out there. I do think they have some catchy stuff. They just need to be a little more original.

During these two performances, there were a couple of ladies in front of us that were either really connected with God, or they were compensating for a guilt issue. As a worship leader I love to see people worship God. At the same time however, you gotta realize that just because you are around Christians, your hands don’t need to be outstretched to God every time a song starts, especially something you should be head banging to.

So then the real show started and I didn’t have much of a problem with any of the other bands. Any problems I had were based on the style of music and thats just a bias that isn’t worth sharing.

The music followed this awesome build of emotions and when Skillet took the stage the place erupted. It was an intense welcome for one of my favorite bands. That place was so loud. When the flames shot 20 feet in the air, everyone just got louder. Much to my disappointment, they only played 4 songs, but they had put on the best show I ever saw.

Intermission came and it really killed the mood, at least for me.

We get back to our seats and I’m bracing for what is about to come. Since Skillet only did 4 songs I knew that we were in for some more speakers.

All I really remember from the rest of the night is getting a ton of information about Jesus and this orphan organization shoved down my throat. Newsong was a huge advocate in it pressing kids to sign up to support kids in China that had to be given up for adoption or to an orphanage. A great cause, but how many kids committed without their parents there? Dirty trick in my book to be honest.

Allow me to rant about Newsong for a second. I think these guys are a great band and they have some cool stuff to offer. As a musician, I watch other musicians. The lead guitarist was phenomenal, but the way he presented himself didn’t seem to glorify the God they claimed to be playing for. I don’t know if it was conscious actions or if thats just how he gets into the music, but it looked a lot like Steve Vai. If you have no clue who he is, he shows off when he plays too.

After all of the fun, Mercy Me took the stage. Mercy Me always does a good job live. My only problem is they don’t engage the audience. I love to see a band get into it with the crowd. They did have this really cool clear projector screen that was a neat addition.

Overall, good production. There was too many genres of music mashed together from pre-teen pop to hard rock. The preaching got a little out of hand and I really could have done without it. Skillet was by far the best band there with the greatest show I’ve ever seen. We went back to see them later that month. I’d go back next year, depending on what bands were there.

If you went to Winter Jam, let me know what you thought. Send me an email at super_soup1@midnightsoupblog.com