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By: Erika Wells

Published: March 2, 2017

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TobyMac, known for his positive, high-energy songs with Christ-centered lyrics, and six other artists will perform in a concert “all about the hits all night long” in Duluth this upcoming Thursday.

This year, Matt Maher, Mandisa, Mac Powell from Third Day, Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson and Hollyn have joined TobyMac’s “Hits Deep Tour.” The event will feature the artists’ most popular songs throughout the evening at the Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, beginning at 6:30 p.m. March 9.

The Grammy Award-winning headliner whose style ranges from hip hop/R&B to reggae to pop to rock will be accompanied by his band Diverse City. They will serve up crowd-pleasers such as “Made to Love,” “Me Without You,” and more.

“I hope you leave sweating from dancing all night and you leave more refreshed in your spirit and in your heart than when you walked in,” TobyMac said. “We’re definitely entertaining but we want people to leave with food for thought — soul food.”

TobyMac started as part of the award-winning Christian group DC Talk, which formed in the late 1980s. The group announced its hiatus about a decade later, when TobyMac began his solo career, which took off.

This past fall, TobyMac released the “Hits Deep Live” CD/DVD combo from his 2016 tour featuring songs from his album “This Is Not A Test” including “Move (Keep Walkin’)” and “Feel It.”

His most recent song “Love Broke Thru” speaks on how God can mend a divided America.

“It’s a powerful depiction of our society,” TobyMac said. “I love that it brings us together.”

He pointed out how much he appreciates Atlanta’s diversity and how much the city has embraced his ministry.

This time around, the concert also includes a diverse and talented lineup of inspirational artists, said Christian singer Mandisa. She’s known her work in the late 2000s after competing on the fifth season of FOX’s singing competition “American Idol.”

“Unity’s an issue that’s really important to all of us,” she said.

“I’ve been thinking about the power of this tour. A big part of the power I see is in the unity it brings. I probably couldn’t find more different artists, but this is an important part of what we are called to do.”

The singer-songwriter shared how she’s recently overcome challenges including food addiction and the death of a close friend. After taking a break from the spotlight, she hopes to encourage others going through difficult situations.

About three years ago, Mandisa’s friend Kisha Mitchell was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her son Brennon. Mitchell only got to spend the first year with her child before she died, Mandisa said.

“It shook my faith in a way that I hadn’t experienced before,” Mandisa said. “Now I’m telling my story more and people can relate. You never know what people may be going through behind their smile.”

Mandisa, TobyMac and gospel artist Kirk Franklin have teamed up for the new song “Bleed the Same,” which will be on her upcoming album “Out of the Dark” available May 19.

“Bleed the Same,” which has hit airwaves, expresses the power of unity. Concertgoers can pre-order the album at the show and receive a copy of the song and another track “I’m Still Here.”

Ticket prices range from $15 to $69.75. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit gassouthdistrict.com or call 770-626-2464.