For the Reporter

Chris Tomlin and TobyMac – two of the top Christian artists in the country – take center stage to perform at the Washington State Fair on Sunday, Sept. 20.

With songs like Tomlin’s “Whom Shall I Fear” and “I Lift My Hands,” and TobyMac’s “City on Our Knees” and “The “Slam,” there’s a reason why both artists continue to receive awards and No. 1 hits.

The Tomlin-TobyMac show is part of the fair’s Columbia Bank Concert Series.

Tickets are $63 (Golden Circle), $48 and $38 with reserved seating, and include fair gate admission. They go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18.

Purchase tickets at online or by phone at 888-559-FAIR (3247) daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets also can be purchased in person at the fair’s box office at 9th Avenue Southwest and Meridian Street on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and a $2 per ticket service fee will be charged for on-site purchases.

The artists

When Tomlin went into the studio to record his 10th studio album, he faced a big challenge. There’s good reason, since his last album, Burning Lights kicked off 2013 as a No. 1 album. It also led to sold-out tour dates, Billboard Music Awards, being named a BMI Songwriter of the Year, and receiving the K-LOVE Fan Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and the Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year.

He shouldn’t have been concerned. Love Ran Red features songs that touch and encourage his listeners “Waterfall” and “Almighty”.

“I don’t think I can write a bigger song in my life than ‘Almighty,'” Tomlin said. “When I hear that opening melody, and that opening piano, it’s like a glimpse of heaven to me.”

Tomlin music connects when you look at the success of his songs. He has 12 No. 1 radio singles, a Grammy Award with eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, five gold and two platinum digital singles, and a platinum and four gold albums to his credit.

TobyMac is no stranger to success in the Christian music world. He first gained fame as one of three founding members of popular group, dcTalk. He has sold 11 million albums, with more than three million as a solo artist, as well as receiving five Grammy® Awards.

Since he launched his successful solo career, he has released five studio albums: Momentum (2001), Welcome to Diverse City (2004), Portable Sounds (2007), Tonight (2010), Eye On It (most recent), as well as two remixed albums of the first two albums titled Re: Mix Momentum and Renovating Diverse City, respectively. He also released a full-length Christmas album Christmas in Diverse City (2011).

TobyMac has had six No. 1 hit CHR singles, including “Gone,” “Made to Love,” and “Lose My Soul.” His live concert CD+DVD combo album, Alive and Transported was released in 2008 and received the Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009. Between dcTalk and his own solo career, he has sold more than 10 million albums.

Visit www.thefair.com/concerts for updates, or sign up at www.thefair.com to receive email announcements prior to the concert on-sale dates.

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THE CONCERT LINEUP

Date, performance, time, ticket prices (including fair gate admission)

Sept. 11 – Justin Boots Playoff Rodeo, Friday matinee, 1 p.m., $5*/$18

Sept. 11 – Rodeo followed by Colt Ford (country), 6:30 p.m., $35 (Golden Saddle), $25, $30 Standing in Dirt concert

Sept. 12 – Justin Boots Playoff Rodeo, Saturday matinee, 1 p.m., $30, $20, $16

Sept. 12 – Rodeo followed by Dan + Shay (country), 6:30 p.m., $35 (Golden Saddle), $25, $30 Standing in Dirt Concert

Sept. 13 – Justin Boots Playoff Rodeo, Puyallup Finals, 1 p.m., $35, $25, $20

Sept. 14 – “Weird Al” Yankovic – the Mandatory World Tour (comedy), 7:30 p.m., $60 (Golden Circle), $40, $30. Pre-show dinner: $55

Sept. 15 – Heart – “Music = Love Tour 2015” (classic Rock), 7:30 p.m., $90 (Golden Circle), $60, $30. Pre-show party – $32.50

Sept. 16 – Fifth Harmony (Pop), 7:30 p.m., $55 (Golden Circle) $40, $28

Sept. 19 – Keith Urban “Raise Em Up Tour” (country), 7:30 p.m., $100 (Golden Circle), $80, $340. Pre-show dinner: TBA

Sept. 20 – Chris Tomlin and TobyMac (Christian), 7:30 p.m., $63 (Golden Circle), $48, $38

Sept. 24 – Jake Owen (country), 7:30 p.m., $70 (Golden Circle), $56, $45

Sept. 26 – Jason Derulo (pop), 7:30 p.m., $65 (Golden Circle), $50, $40

* Friday 1 p.m. rodeo does not include Fair gate admission. Gates are open free from 10 a.m.-noon.