Contemporary Christian music fans have a Christmas treat instore Thursday night when the NewSong Christmas Tour comes toEasthaven Baptist Church.

The tour features Christian groups NewSong and Rush of Fools, aswell as American Idol finalist Chris Sligh and special guestAyiesha Woods.

Minister of Music and Worship Robert Mayfield said the event willtake place Thursday starting at 7 p.m., with tickets available inadvance for $20 and for $25 at the door.

NewSong has played at the Ole Brook Festival for several years,Mayfield said, and as such has developed a special relationshipwith Brookhaven.

“I don’t know if the tie here is anymore than just since they’vebeen here enough that there are a lot of friendships formed betweenthe band and people here in Brookhaven,” he said. “They’ve beenhere for Ole Brook a couple of years and the Christmas tour camehere last year, too.”

NewSong has had 20 No. 1 singles and eight GMA Dove Awardnominations. They are known for songs such as “Arise My Love,” “Youare my King,” and “People Get Ready.”

Rush of Fools has had such recent hits as “Undo,” “Can’t Get Away,”and “All We Ever Needed.”

Sligh is fairly new to the Christian music scene, but made a namefor himself as a finalist on American Idol’s sixth season and hitthe charts early with his first big song, “Empty Me.”

Woods is a Texas-based up-and-coming artist whose early work hasalready garnered a Grammy nomination, a Dove Award nod for NewArtist of the Year, and cameos in a number of high-profiletours.

Mayfield said Easthaven officials are happy to be able to host theChristmas tour and bring uplifting programming to the Brookhavenarea.

“For us it is really a privilege to be able to do these types ofthings and be able to offer quality Christian entertainment for thecity of Brookhaven and its surrounding area,” he said. “For us itgoes way beyond entertainment, we really feel it’s a ministry tonot only just encourage folks and put them in the Christmas spiritbut show them what Christ is all about.”

More information on the NewSong Christmas Tour is available atEasthaven’s Web site at www.easthaven.net or by calling(601)833-2597.