Jerry Holcomb is no stranger to the loud, pulsating energy of concerts. As production manager and front-of-house (FOH) audio engineer for the Winter Jam tour, a premier series of Christian music concerts that originated as “Newsong and Friends” by Eddy Carswell, Jerry has seen the event grow exponentially over the years. Winter Jam, despite its huge success, remains grounded in its roots. The core principle of making high-quality Christian music accessible to everyone remains intact. Employing a flat entry fee at the door is a unique approach to live music events and has been a hallmark of the tour since its inception in 1995. The modest $15 ticket price ensures that the event stays inclusive and continues to see packed arenas and enthusiastic crowds.
The Winter Jam tour is a testament to the power of music and the dedication of the team behind the scenes.
—
Jerry Holcomb, Production Manager and Front of House (FOH) for the Winter Jam Tour, likes to take a few minutes mopping the chalk points off the stage: "It was 5 minutes of a little accomplishment knowing the day was moving along. Trusses were floating and we were moving towards loading the stage. Kinda became a running joke, but it was my thing," shares Holcomb.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Jerry has seen the evolution of the Winter Jam tour and has been instrumental in its growth and success. While encompassing a range of responsibilities, Jerry's role is ultimately about ensuring that the audience has an unforgettable experience. “One of my favorite parts about this role is seeing the audience’s reaction. Seeing them enjoy the music, get emotionally moved, and have a great time is incredibly rewarding,” he shares.
A typical day on tour for Jerry is a whirlwind of activity. Starting at 9 a.m., the crew has to be efficient in setting up the stage, line checking, and managing the logistics of a multi-artist lineup. Additionally, there is typically no soundcheck, which puts significant responsibility on the system tech. The culmination of it all is a 4.5-hour show, load-out, and a venue exit around 1 a.m. Despite the tight schedule, Jerry and his team strive to provide a seamless experience for both the performers and the audience.
Often made up of 10 artists, the Winter Jam tour is a unique blend of musicians from various genres, making it a melting pot of musical styles. “It’s a spectacle of diversity and unity all under one roof,” Jerry shares. This diversity - while being one of the tour’s strengths - also presents a logistical challenge. While some artists bring their own equipment and technicians, others rely entirely on the tour’s provided gear. The tour’s inventory includes industry-standard audio equipment, with Shure PSM1000 in-ear monitors and Shure Axient wireless microphone systems being a staple. He keeps everything simple as possible using standard SM58 capsules and bands can swap those out if desired. Jerry’s task is to ensure that the show remains cohesive and that all the acts can perform to the best of their abilities within the constraints of the tour’s budget and logistical constraints.
Audio is the first consideration “because you have to fill the space; you can’t cut corners there.”
One of the unique demands Jerry faces is designing the show with a fixed budget. Since Winter Jam works exclusively with at-the-door ticket sales, there is no way of knowing in advance how much the tour will make. This constraint, however, sparks creativity and innovation for Jerry and his team: “We start with a skeleton of what we have via the truck pack, and design the rest of the rig out of inventory that is available [from our vendors],” says Jerry. He speaks highly of the companies he has partnered with for years and the power of relationships. Using Blackhawk Audio, Bandit Lites, Big Picture Productions, and Show 1 Logistics for years to make Winter Jam happen.
Limited to four or five trucks total (a small amount by touring standards), the next piece of the puzzle is how much truss can come along. “Again, you only have so much truck space, so from a design standpoint, I figure I can have X amount of trusses.” This essentially determines the look of the show by what lighting can be pre-rigged and loaded in the trucks. With some 400 fixtures in use, lighting is a key component in creating the right ambiance and enhancing the audience’s experience. And to stay within a strict budget, Jerry has to get a little creative: “Our lighting partner [Bandit Lites, in Nashville, TN] may have bought a huge rig for a big country artist for the year, and they have a hundred of a specific fixture … I could get what I need at a better price because they were bought for that artist and now [that they’re done with them, the fixtures are] just sitting in inventory.”
“Whether you’re a church TD or aspiring to work on big tours,” Holcomb's advice is straightforward: be the best at what you do with the resources you have. “Your skills and aptitude are your biggest assets.”
The tour travels to approximately 40 cities each year in a span of 90 days. Given the scale of the tour, Jerry’s role is not just about managing the present but also about planning for the future. “We’ve been with some vendors since 2013. It’s about building and maintaining long-term relationships based on trust and reliability,” he reflects. The Winter Jam tour is a testament to the power of music and the dedication of the team behind the scenes. Jerry Holcomb, with his years of experience and passion for his work, is indeed the heartbeat of the incredible concert series.
In terms of advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps, Jerry emphasizes the importance of mastering your craft, “whether you’re a church TD or aspiring to work on big tours.” His advice is straightforward: be the best at what you do with the resources you have. “Your skills and aptitude are your biggest assets.” Instead of constantly seeking the latest gear, focus on mastering your current setup and delivering the best possible experience with it.”
As Winter Jam continues to bring together a community of believers through music, Jerry remains dedicated to ensuring that each show not only entertains but also inspires and uplifts. With his extensive experience and passion for live production, Jerry is a key figure behind the scenes - helping to make Winter Jam a tour unlike any other.
__________
