I’m passing along the pertinent information about the popular — and relatively inexpensive — concert so no one will say they didn’t know it was coming up.

Winter Jam is set for 6 p.m. March 2 at Cesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W Arena.

The annual tour is hosted by NewSong and presented by World Vision. Joining NewSong on the 44-city tour is: TobyMac, Red, Matthew West (pictured), Jamie Grace (pictured), Sidewalk Prophets and Royal Tailor. National speaker Nick Hall will present a message.

A Youth Music Vault Pre-Jam Party will include performances by (American Idol alum) Jason Castro, OBB and Capital Kings.

Admission is $10 at the door.

March 2 is a Saturday so I expect that this already popular concert will draw even more people because it is a weekend event.

For more information about the concert, go to www.jamtour.com.

I’ll include more information, including interviews with some of the recording artists,  in future editions of The Oklahoman’s Life section. 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

Franklin’s fans might be a little disappoint, OK a lot disappointed by that. There are probably many fans who would like to hear Franklin and his crew belt out some of his hits like “I Smile” or “Give M,e” to name a few.

However, I spoke with him on Monday morning and he said he is on a mission of a different sort.

Franklin will be speaking on behalf of the American Heart Association to promote a healthy heart message during the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, Jan. 13 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 5700 N Kelley in Oklahoma City.

He said he is honored to use the platform he has through his reputation as an award-winning recording artist. He’s very passionate about getting the word out to the community, particularly the black community, about the importance of healthy lifestyles and prevention of stroke.

Now, that’s something to smile about.

Watch for more from my interview with Franklin in an upcoming edition of The Oklahoman’s Life section.   

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

 Third Day will perform in concert at 7 p.m. March 23 at Crossroads Church, 8901 S Shields.

The contemporary Christian group’s “Make Your Move” tour also features Matt Maher and Trevor Morgan.

Tickets to see the Grammy Award-winning band are: $75 for VIP reserved seats; $35 for gold circle seating; $25 and $15 for other seating. Lower price ticekts are general admission, first come-first serve. Groups of 10 or more receive $5 off each $35 and $25 ticket. For tickets, go to www.4DTIXX.com or call (855) 443-8499.

Tickets also are available at Ruth’s Christian Bookstore, Mardel stores, Lifeway Christian Store and Crossroads Church.  

Gaither Homecoming Tour

The Gaither Homecoming Concert will be at 7 p.m. May 3 at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland.

Seven-time Grammy Award-winner Bill Gaither will  host the evening of  music featuring Mark Lowry, David Phelps, Michael English and Wes Hampton. Others are: Gordon Mote, Charlotte Ritchie, Gene McDonald and Kevin Williams. 

Ticket prices range from $35 to $50.

For more information or tickets, go to  www.gaither.com. Tickets also are available at (800) 713-3773.

There are other Christian music concerts on the horizon, with several in Tulsa:

6 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at the Mabee Center, Oral Roberts University campus, 7777 S Lewis, Tulsa: Red-volution Tour featuring Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, Manafest, Kiros and Nine Lashes. 

7  p.m. April 19, at the Mabee Center: KXOJ Presents Kutlass, Hawk Nelson, Chad Eastham, Courtney Clark Cleveland and Harris III.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Sisters Erica and Tina Campbell, who make up Mary Mary were set to perform Sunday night at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City. The Christmas concert was sponsored by BLAC Inc.

A spokeswoman for the group said concert tour has been cancelled due to doctors’ concerns about Erica Campbell’s pregnancy. Erica Campbell and her husband are expecting their third child in February.

“The singer has been advised by doctors that she cannot continue working at her current pace without risk ofpotential premature delivery,”  Gabriella Cudjoe Wilkes said in a news release. “After careful consideration, the ladies have determined it is best to cancel the entire tour at this time, including their New Year’s Eve show. Up to now, the ladies have been on an exhaustive cross-country schedule of promotional activities, and, given the medical opinion, recognized what the priorities must be.”

Hopefully the metro will get another chance to host the pair, who made their debut on the gospel music scene with their 2000 crossover hit “Shackles (Praise You).    

“Our commitment to our passion of music and our fans is without question, but allowing wisdom, common sense and our commitment to family to take the lead at this point is necessary,” Tina Campbell said in the group’s prepared statement.

“We fully intend to return to our passion and our commitment to music in late spring and look forward to rescheduling the ‘Have a Mary Mary Christmas Tour’ in 2012.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor