The largest annual Christian music tour in the United States, "The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular," has announced its artist lineup and tour dates for early 2019. In a history-making first for the tour, the upcoming Winter Jam will be presented on a 360° "in the round" center stage, showcasing a diverse lineup helmed by supergroup Newsboys United.

Kicking off Jan. 11 at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., the tour is scheduled to hit a total of 44 cities, including stops at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, Kansas City's Sprint Center, Pittsburgh's PPG Paints Arena, Cincinnati's U.S. Bank Arena, Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, and Norfolk, Virginia's Scope Arena. The tour concludes on March 31 at Cleveland's Wolstein Center.

Comprised of current members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, and Jody Davis, along with former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel, headlining band Newsboys United are set to take to the Winter Jam stage with a string of the biggest Newsboys hits from the band's three-decade career. 

Concertgoers can also look forward to performances by Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Rend Collective, LEDGER, and Hollyn, as well as Winter Jam creators and hosts NewSong. The Pre-Jam Party features hip-hop artist Ty Brasel, rockers Manic Drive, singer-songwriter Dan Bremnes, and special guest Adam Agee, former frontman of Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline.

"I've been extremely excited to tell people about this year's lineup," says NewSong founding member and Winter Jam creator Eddie Carswell. "Not only are we thrilled to tour with several artists who've never been part of Winter Jam before, but we can't wait to be back on the road with some of our closest friends. It's going to be fun!"   

He continues, "We're looking forward to having a 360°stage for the first time. It's something we've dreamed about and now it's a reality for us and the fans. This setup will offer better views, more seating and surround sound."

"More than anything, I'm just ready to see how God is going to use all the artists, songs and speakers to draw people to Himself," Carswell concludes. "He's the reason we do this every year!" 

Newsboys' Michael Tait adds, "With Peter and Phil back onstage with us, we can't wait to bring the Newsboys United show to Winter Jam next year. It's a blast to join forces with such an incredible lineup of artists, and the ministry at the heart of Winter Jam is always evident."  

Stay tuned to BREATHEcast for the latest about Winter Jam, or find complete tour dates and ticket information at JamTour.com, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.