The Tri-Cities Region Will Graham Celebration, coming to the Freedom Hall Civic Center, April 27-29, will feature a weekend full of free concerts by some of the top artists in Christian music.
A regular at Will Graham Celebrations, Aaron Shust will headline the Friday evening program. Aaron received the 2007 Dove Award’s New Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Song of the Year (for “My Savior, My God”) commendations. He will be joined by The Adoration Band and The Moore Brothers Band.
On Saturday evening, the focus will be on teens as Crowder takes the stage. Former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning David Crowder Band, he has released two studio albums since beginning his solo career in 2012 — “Neon Steeple” in 2014 and “American Prodigal” in 2016. Both works hit the coveted top spot on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. His current single, “All My Hope,” peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot Christian Music chart, and is still tracking in the Top 10. April Taylor Barnes will also perform on Saturday.
Sunday’s closing service will be headlined by Ellie Holcomb. Born and raised in Nashville, Ellie began her musical career with Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, a Memphis-based Americana band headlined by her husband. She released her first solo album, “As Sure as the Sun,” in 2014, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and garnering her the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. Her second full-length record, “Red Sea Road,” was released in 2017 and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. Aaron Shust will also perform on Sunday, along with Jenniffer Trent.
A special program for children and families will take place the morning of Saturday, April 28. The fun begins outside the Freedom Hall Civic Center at 9 a.m. with inflatables, a petting zoo, games, snacks and face-painting. At 10:30 a.m., KidzFest will begin inside the Civic Center. The program includes a live play called “The Greatest Journey,” featuring local actors and a KidzChoir made up of local children, and a brief message from Will Graham.