Chris Tomlin encourages fans to sing along at his concerts.
So when one of the most popular contemporary Christian singers performs Sunday at the ShoWare Center in Kent, fans will be part of the show. A sellout crowd of more than 6,000 is expected for the first concert at the new arena.
“It’s not find a seat, grab some popcorn and listen to us,” Tomlin said in a phone interview Feb. 24 before a concert in El Paso, Texas. “It’s a night for all of us together. We’re more involved with the people. There’s a lot of singing together.”
Tomlin, 36, has become one of the top song writers for churches around the world that use contemporary Christian music for services instead of (or in addition to) traditional hymns.
Tomlin’s 2005 album, “Arriving,” has sold more than 500,000 copies. Two songs from that album, “Holy is the Lord” and “How Great is Our God,” are among the most popular contemporary songs in numerous churches around the world, according to www.billboard.com.
“It’s a very humbling thing and what I’m most proud of that the songs are used like that,” said Tomlin, who plays the piano and guitar. “There’s no marketing plan that can do that. It’s amazing to me and what I’m most thankful for.”
The Hello Love tour by Tomlin also features special guest Israel & New Breed. Singer Israel Houghton fuses elements from Gospel music, rock and jazz. Houghton will play for about 40 minutes before Tomlin takes the stage for about a two-hour concert.
Tomlin plays Saturday in Salem, Ore., before heading to Kent for his only other show in the Pacific Northwest. The 35-city tour opened in January in Hershey, Pa., and ends in April in Winston-Salem, N.C.
“It’s been great,” Tomlin said of his latest road effort. “I’ve done several tours the last several years and this is the strongest yet. The response and attendance has been bigger than ever. It’s on fire.”
Backed by a five-piece band, Tomlin plans a mix of songs from his older albums as well as his new album, “Hello Love.” He released his first album, “The Noise We Make,” in 2001.
“We’ll have songs from the new album and songs people have grown to love over the last few albums,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin grew up in Texas listening to country music. He learned to play guitar from his father.
“I grew up with music in the house,” said the artist, who wrote his first worship song at age 14. “My dad was really into music. We always had it in the home.”
Despite the musical background, Tomlin went to college with other career goals.
“I thought I’d be a physical therapist or a doctor,” said Tomlin, who is the lead nominee this year for gospel music’s Dove Awards with seven nominations, including artist of the year, male vocalist of the year and song of the year for “Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone.”
The singer started to lead worship services in the mid-1990s at youth conferences and camps throughout Texas.
“I didn’t have a clue this would be the path I’m on,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin helped start Austin Stone Community Church in Texas, before moving to Atlanta six months ago to start a church with Louie Giglio, a pastor and evangelist.
Meanwhile, Tomlin continues to write songs that make churchgoers and concertgoers sing.
“I try to write songs that give a voice to people,” Tomlin said. “God put me on a unique path with music and I try to walk that path.
“But it’s not just enjoy listening to me sing, it’s a lot of singing together.”
IF YOU GO
What: Chris Tomlin concert
When: Sunday, March 8
Where: ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St.
Cost: $33 and $27
Tickets: www.showarecenter.com or 253-856-6999
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