Newsboys (with opening act Jordan Janzen)

Newsboys, one of the most influential bands in Christian music history, will perform in Hoover Auditorium on Saturday, June 22. Canadian singer/songwriter Jordan Janzen will get the crowd warmed up as the opening performer at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the queue line starts no earlier than 5:30 p.m. outside Hoover Auditorium. 

With a decades-spanning career and a vastly impressive catalog blending different styles, genres and even band members at times, Newsboys is a name within the Christian music space that can’t be ignored. Since the beginning of their careers, Newsboys have propelled countless hits up the charts, explored the universe of books and film and traveled millions of miles to bring their live show to as many corners of the world as possible, all while in constant pursuit of reinvention and inspiration in the midst of following their calling.

Hits like “We Believe,” “Magnetic,” “Born Again” and Platinum-certified mega hit “God’s Not Dead,” which birthed a film franchise of the same name, have defined the group’s career. Newsboys have sold more than 10 million albums spanning 24 studio recordings, and the group has no intention of slowing down. In addition, they’ve amassed one Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Double Platinum and eight RIAA Gold certifications, 33 No. 1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nods and multiple Gospel Music Association Dove awards.

One thing is clear about Newsboys, amidst great success in their industry and varying iterations of the group over time, the mission of the group has remained the same for the last 30 years, and it’s not changing anytime soon. In a world rattled by racial division, political tension, war, hunger and mental health anguish – Tait, Duncan, Jeff, Jody, and Adam are here to be loud about their faith and about the God they serve.

For Janzen, learning to play music came as naturally as learning to walk and talk. His parents, part of the Christian rock band Sojourner, naturally instilled in him a love of music.

After participating in a local singing competition at age 17, Janzen and several bandmates went on a six-week tour across Canada with Amanda Cook. That first tour ignited a fire, and the next decade was spent building the skills and fanbase that equipped Janzen and friends to launch The Color in 2012.

Going solo unlocked a new level of vulnerability within Janzen. For the first time as an artist, he began allowing pieces of his own experience and struggles into the songs he was writing. Earned perspective and an unshakable faith are what drive Janzen’s worship-fueled pop songs.