BRIDGEPORT, CT - Some of the most popular contemporary Christian rock acts in the world joined forces Tuesday night to remember the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy and offer spiritual comfort to thousands of concert-goers.
The free show, called A Night of Hope & Healing, was organized in less than month by Generation Exodus, a nonprofit promoter based in Pennsylvania. Grammy winners Casting Crowns, Tobymac, Chris Tomlin and Steven Curtis Chapman, along with American Idol’s Mandisa, Laura Story and Building 429, donated their time and talent, with most interrupting tour plans and traveling thousands of miles.
“We are here to help. It’s the least we can do,” said Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns.
Harbor Yard Sports & Entertainment, which manages Webster Bank Arena, donated the arena and waived all fees.
“Everyone pitched in and created a magical night,” said HYSE President Howard Saffan.
The artists were joined by hosts Max Lucado, a best-selling author who was named “The Best Preacher in America,” by Reader’s Digest magazine, and Louie Giglio, a pastor and founder of the Passion Movement. Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch welcomed the crowd with praise for the artists.
One day after the show, Chris Tomlin’s new record, “Burning Lights,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.
The concert was live streamed by Firelight Media Group of Monroe and over 75,000 viewers watched. The live stream was viewed in 100 countries, 6,000 cities worldwide and six continents – all but Antarctica.
Webster Bank Arena is southern Connecticut’s premier sports and entertainment venue. The Arena is conveniently located off Interstate 95 exit 27 and Route 8 exit 1 at 600 Main Street, Bridgeport. Upcoming events include Harlem Globetrotters, Monster Jam, the NCAA Division I women’s basketball regional championship and LIFE IN COLOR.
