Brownwood residents will have another chance to see Chris Tomlin perform live after Howard Payne University announced a new date for the postponed concert: Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Brownwood Event Center’s outdoor stage, 601 Baker St.
The Grammy Award-winning Christian artist’s free community concert and night of worship will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, and Howard Payne says no tickets will be required. Admission will be first come, first served.
What Brownwood concertgoers need to know
Gates are scheduled to open at 4:30 p.m., giving attendees two hours before the concert begins. Guests may bring lawn chairs, and food will be allowed inside the venue. Coolers will not be permitted.
The concert was originally scheduled for April but was postponed because of severe weather. Since then, Howard Payne said it has worked with Tomlin’s team, the City of Brownwood and community partners to establish the September date.
Additional event details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The university directed the public to hputx.edu/ChrisTomlin for the latest information.
Why the event is returning to Brownwood
Howard Payne University President Dr. Cory Hines said the university appreciated the community’s response and enthusiasm for the concert. He said rescheduling an event of this size required coordination involving Tomlin’s touring team, venue availability and the schedules of community partners.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible response from our community and the enthusiasm surrounding this night of worship,” said Dr. Cory Hines, president of Howard Payne University. “Rescheduling an event of this scale required close coordination with Chris Tomlin’s touring team, venue availability and the schedules of many valued community partners. We are thankful for everyone who worked together to make this event possible. God is doing great things at Howard Payne and throughout our region.”
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes also credited the partnership between the university and city, saying the event will welcome visitors and contribute to the city’s community life.
“On behalf of the City of Brownwood, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Cory Hines and Howard Payne University for their vision and leadership in bringing this incredible Chris Tomlin concert to our community,” said Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes. “Events like this enrich the life of our city, welcome visitors to Brownwood and remind us of what can be accomplished when we work together. “The City of Brownwood is thrilled to partner with Howard Payne University in making this event possible, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of guests for what promises to be an unforgettable evening,” Haynes said.
Hines said the Bruner Auto Family’s generosity is helping make the free event possible. He added that the university hopes the concert will have an impact across Brownwood and the surrounding region.
“We are humbled by the opportunity to partner with Mayor Stephen Haynes and the City of Brownwood in hosting Chris Tomlin on Sept. 20,” President Hines said. “We are especially grateful for the generosity of the Bruner Auto Family in making it possible to provide this event free to the whole community. We are praying that God will use this event to make a lasting Kingdom impact throughout our city and region.”
Chris Tomlin’s music career
Howard Payne describes Tomlin as one of the most successful touring artists in contemporary Christian music. TIME magazine has called him the “most often sung artist in the world.”
According to the university’s announcement, Tomlin has earned 21 No. 1 singles, sold more than 12 million albums, accumulated more than 8 billion global streams and received 30 Dove Awards. He has also won a Grammy Award, three Billboard Music Awards and songwriting honors from BMI and ASCAP.
Tomlin and his wife, Lauren, founded For Others in early 2019. The organization works to raise awareness and empower organizations addressing the child welfare crisis in the United States.
Founded in 1889, Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood with more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools and three locations.