Winter Jam Brings Big-Name Artists to Ohio

This year’s Winter Jam East tour features a lineup of big-name artists such as Skillet, Family Force 5, For King and Country and Francesca Battistelli.

Columbus’ Schottenstein Center will host the event this Saturday, Jan. 17. The tour will return to Ohio Feb. 20 at Cincinnati’s U.S. Bank Arena and Feb. 22 at Cleveland’s Wolstein Center.

Skillet
Skillet is a hard rock band that formed in the 90s and continues to rock out for the Lord to this day. John and Korey Cooper, Jen Ledger and Seth Morrison form the quartet that released its latest album, “Rise,” in 2013. Skillet’s performances incorporate many different elements, including rising and falling platforms, flame jets and bright lights. The band’s lyrics are based on sound Christian doctrine, so praising the Lord while rocking out with your friends makes for a great concert experience.

Family Force 5
Family Force 5 is a group that is very difficult to categorize with words. One has to listen and see them live to fully grasp what this band is all about, though the band members’ stage names certainly give a good glimpse. The band’s sound incorporates elements from hard rock to hip-hop to dubstep, creating a sound many are starting to call “crunk.” Fatty, Crouton, Nadaddy, Chap Stique and Hollywood make up this interesting group that puts on a live show, driving fans crazy and leaving the viewer with an experience they will not forget.

For King and Country
For King and Country is a band formed by Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The band has been recently gaining publicity and popularity in the Christian music scene. The health issues, painful moments and tribulations Joel and Luke experience seep into their lyrics, which helps fellow Christians through tough times. Labeled as a mixture of pop, alternative and soft rock, For King and Country’s diverse sound creates music that encourages Christians in difficult times and pushes them towards worshipping God.

Francesca Battistelli
Francesca Battistelli, a singer-songwriter from New York City, has been documenting her life through Christ-centered eyes for ten years. The Grammy Award winner’s musical style takes inspiration from genres such as jazz, rock, gospel and R&B and adds lyrics about the struggles of everyday life, security in Christ and honesty about imperfections. Her vocal prowess is well documented, drawing comparisons to Sara Bareilles and Katy Perry.

Admission is $10 per person at the door, and ten bands in all will be performing each night. Visit 2015.jamtour.com for more information about event times, admission and artists.

Conner Ghiz is a sophomore professional writing and information design major and arts and entertainment writer for Cedars. He loves listening to music and going to Roosters Wings.