During Winter Jam, artists Chris August and Sidewalk Prophets will reveal American Bible Society’s Uncover the Word movement, a movement encouraging fans to take a closer look at the relevance of the Bible and apply its text to their lives. From the stage, Chris August and Sidewalk Prophets will share a variety of custom Bible resources and videos.

“Winter Jam cannot come quickly enough,” shares Chris August. “I’m thrilled to be getting out on the road meeting new people, touring with some great bands and friends of mine and exploring new cities. It’s going to be a great night of music, fun and worship. I know there will be a ton of folks out at these shows, but I’m going to make it my goal to meet every one of you!”

Ben McDonald of Sidewalk Prophets remarks, “We're so excited for Winter Jam 2011! We were so privileged to travel with the tour last year and made so many amazing new friends in each city. Amazing bands, great people, and all for one purpose - shining a light in the darkness and raising high the name of Christ! We'll be there and hope to see you there too.”

“To say that I am excited about Winter Jam would be an understatement,” exclaims Chris Sligh. “Whether you talk about my attending Winter Jam as a fan in Greenville, S.C., or the fact that I'm getting to tour with people who are becoming good friends like Chris August and Newsboys, I'm elated to be a part of something so special!”

In addition to this hot music line-up, the pre-show features games, prizes and the chance to meet Chris August, Chris Sligh and Sidewalk Prophets. All of the pre-show fun gets underway at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends. Tickets are $10 and only available at the door.

During the American Bible Society Pre-Jam Party, attendees will have the opportunity to text the keyword “UNCOVER,” plus their email address, to the 31452 to receive Bible verses via text message, encouraging them to discover what God says through scripture.” Here’s a look at the American Bible Society Pre-Jam Party musical acts for the upcoming Winter Jam Tour:

Chris August
While he may be considered a "new" artist, Fervent Records' newly signed singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry. The self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson and worked with Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight and Jessica Simpson before shifting his focus to his solo career. Chris, a native of Dallas, Texas, put his refined skill set to work when he co-produced his debut record with acclaimed producer Ed Cash. His smash No. 1 single “Starry Night” has been met with rave reviews and illuminated the 2010 Best Of lists. Named one of the Best Christian Songs of the year by both Amazon and iTunes, “Starry Night” also shined bright on the Billboard year end charts landing in at #15 on the “Hot Christian Songs” list and #13 on “Hot Christian Songs” AC. “Starry Night” is from August’s debut album No Far Away that was recently named Amazon’s No. 2 Best Christian Album and touted by iTunes as one of the Top 15 Best Christian and Gospel Albums of 2010. Chris cites influences such as Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and Gavin DeGraw who all contributed to the polished pop/rock sound. For more information, www.chrisaugustmusic.com.

Chris Sligh
Undeniably one of the most recognizable faces from American Idol, Chris Sligh won over fans with his mesmerizing vocals and “boy-next-door” persona. After finishing in the top 10 on the show’s sixth season, the multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer went on to release his successful debut album Running Back To You that delivered the Top 5 hit “Empty Me.” After two years of near-constant touring, Sligh set about recording his follow-up album and found himself on an unexpected road, beset with false starts, a label change and ultimately a new direction for the project. The result is his sophomore album The Anatomy Of Broken released on Word Records. The Anatomy of Broken features a set of powerful songs capturing the grand pop stylings of his debut loaded with a challenging message and includes his current Top 20 hit single “Only You Can Save” on both the Christian AC Monitored and the National Christian Audience Charts. This year Sligh was recognized at the 2010 BMI Country Awards as a co-writer for Rascal Flatts’ multi-format hit “Here Comes Goodbye.” For more information, www.chrissligh.com.

Sidewalk Prophets
The two friends had no idea what was in store for them when their paths crossed at Anderson University eight years ago, but one listen to their hugely anticipated major label debut, These Simple Truths, confirms the band’s undeniable talent. The fact that they have been on the road for 150+ dates per year for the past half-decade and show no signs of slowing down attests to their tenacious work ethic. But while there are tons of bands with talent and tenacity who never progress beyond the garage, Sidewalk Prophets insist it is the ever-present hand of the Lord that has lifted them to the next level of their career. These Simple Truths explodes from the speakers with sparkling pop, raucous rock, and beautiful ballads that will convince even the most jaded listener that these guys know how to craft intelligent, inspired music that fits comfortably inside the box, but may not be content to stay there. For more information, www.sidewalkprophets.com.

“Winter Jam 2011 Tour Spectacular” Dates
1/7/2011 Chattanooga TN McKenzie Arena
1/8/2011 Charleston WV Charleston Civic Center
1/9/2011 Charlotte NC Time Warner Arena
1/14/2011 Jacksonville FL Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum
1/15/2011 St. Petersburg FL St. Pete Times Forum
1/16/2011 Atlanta GA Phillips Arena
1/21/2011 Des Moines IA Wells Fargo Arena
1/22/2011 DeKalb IL NIU Convocation Center
1/23/2011 Ft. Wayne IN Allen County Memorial Coliseum
1/28/2011 University Park PA Bryce Jordan Center
1/29/2011 Columbus OH Schottenstein Center
1/30/2011 Cleveland OH Wolstein Center at CSU
2/3/2011 Tupelo MS Bancorp South Center
2/4/2011 Louisville KY Freedom Hall
2/5/2011 Greensboro NC Greensboro Coliseum
2/10/2011 Augusta GA James Brown Arena
2/11/2011 Greenville SC Bi-Lo Center
2/12/2011 Birmingham AL BJCC Arena
2/13/2011 Mobile AL AL The Mitchell Center
2/17/2011 Baton Rouge LA Baton Rouge River Center
2/18/2011 Dallas TX American Airlines Arena
2/19/2011 Tulsa OK BOK Center
2/20/2011 Kansas City MO The Sprint Center
2/25/2011 Bossier City LA CenturyTel Center Arena
2/26/2011 Oklahoma City OK The Ford Center
2/27/2011 Wichita KS Intrust Bank Arena
3/3/2011 Columbus GA Columbus Civic Center
3/4/2011 Knoxville TN Thompson-Boling Arena
3/5/2011 Little Rock AR Verizon Arena
3/6/2011 Memphis TN FedEx Forum
3/10/2011 N. Charleston SC N. Charleston Coliseum
3/11/2011 Columbia SC The Colonial Center
3/12/2011 Lexington KY Rupp Arena
3/13/2011 Nashville TN Bridgestone Arena
3/17/2011 Reading PA The Sovereign Center
3/18/2011 Roanoke VA Roanoke Civic Center
3/19/2011 Fayetteville NC Crown Coliseum
3/20/2011 Norfolk VA Norfolk Scope
3/23/2011 Saginaw MI The Dow Center
3/24/2011 Evansville IN Roberts Stadium
3/25/2011 Cincinnati OH Cincinnati Gardens
3/26/2011 Champaign IL Assembly Hall
3/27/2011 Grand Rapids MI Van Andel Arena
3/31/2011 Ypsilanti MI EMU Convocation Center
4/1/2011 St. Charles MO Family Arena
4/2/2011 Springfield MO JQH Arena
4/3/2011 Peoria IL Peoria Civic Center

For more information about Winter Jam 2011 Tour Spectacular and upcoming tour dates, visit www.jamtour.com.

About American Bible Society
Headquartered in Manhattan, the 194-year-old American Bible Society exists to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation's oldest nonprofit organizations, today's American Bible Society provides interactive, high- and low-tech resources enabling first-time readers and seasoned theologians alike to engage with the best-selling book of all time. For more information about American Bible Society’s Uncover the WordTM visit www.UncoverTheWord.com/artists.

For more info on Chris Sligh, visit the JFH Artists Database.
For more info on Chris August, visit the JFH Artists Database.
For more info on Sidewalk Prophets, visit the JFH Artists Database.