Christian music's 2008 Winter Jam [ tickets ] Tour Spectacular is boasting its "biggest schedule ever," organizers claim, with MercyMe [ tickets ] in the headlining slot along with special guests including sibling trio BarlowGirl [ tickets ], rockers Skillet [ tickets ] and "American Idol" finalist Madisa.

The 35-city tour, hosted by veteran contemporary Christian group NewSong, is scheduled to launch Jan. 10 in Johnson City, TN, and travel through the Midwest and eastern US into mid-March. The itinerary is listed below.

The event, billed as Christian music's largest annual musical tour, will also feature evangelist/speaker Tony Nolan and BMX/skate team Real Encounter. Also, the Word Label Group Pre-Jam Party, which begins 40 minutes before the official start of the show, will feature pop trio Group 1 Crew and tween act pureNRG.

"We're thrilled that all five of 2008's 'lights-down' artists have had significant mainstream radio and media exposure, helping Winter Jam reach its goals of impacting the world through local church ministries," Roy Morgan of tour co-producer Premier Group said in a statement.

Winter Jam 2007 drew more than 275,000 concertgoers, landing it in Pollstar magazine's Top 10 winter tours, according to a press release. NewSong's Eddie Carswell reflected on how the simple multi-artist event has grown into a major national evangelistic outreach over the years.

"Last year, more than 37,000 people made decisions for Christ during the tour and we're anticipating a phenomenal response in 2008 as well," Carswell stated.

He added that admission is $10 at the door and that Winter Jam won't turn anyone away who can't afford to pay.

The Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning NewSong, which founded Winter Jam, is hosting the event for the 13th consecutive year.

MercyMe singer Bart Millard said his band is looking forward to playing new music during the tour, as its forthcoming album, "All That is Within Me," is due Nov. 20. The Dove-winning band is one of a few Christian groups to have had all of its recordings certified gold or platinum, according to a press release.