Preview Tour with NEEDTOBREATHE and The Holcombs on Acoustic Story Time
Arriving at The Well Coffeehouse in Brentwood, Tennessee, where I often enjoy meeting friends or savoring an iced latte, I immediately sensed that something extraordinary was unfolding. A line wound its way out of the door and around the corner as I joined the audience for a live recording of SiriusXM The Message’s Acoustic Story Time, hosted by Jason Gray.
The lineup for the evening featured Drew & Ellie Holcomb and Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE, promising a Nashville songwriter’s round filled with heartfelt performances. However, what transpired was beyond my expectations, evoking a sense of intimacy akin to sitting on a back porch on a balmy summer evening with cherished friends and family, reveling in the beauty of life, faith, and community. Authenticity permeated the room, embracing us like a comforting embrace, hinting at the unforgettable night that lay ahead.
Jason Gray inaugurated the evening with an original song inspired by the wisdom of the late Rich Mullins, channeling a grace-filled spirit reminiscent of Mullins’ belief that the church always has “room for more.” Ellie Holcomb continued the evening’s momentum with “Hope Is Gonna Find Me,” and Drew shared his resonant anthem, “Find Your People,” resonating deeply with the audience, who eagerly sang along. Bear Rinehart added to the ambiance with “Momma Loves,” the opening track from NEEDTOBREATHE’s latest album.
As the songs wove tales, storytelling took center stage. Ellie fondly reminisced about performing at Red Rocks alongside Michael W. Smith and Third Day, while Drew shared anecdotes about his song “Tennessee” becoming an official state song and the significance of music in guiding us home. A poignant moment arrived when Drew and Ellie covered each other’s songs, underscoring the depth of their connection and mutual impact on each other’s faith journeys.
Bear culminated the storytelling segment by performing the title track from NEEDTOBREATHE’s latest album, The Long Surrender, reflecting on surrender as a gradual process of personal growth. Following thunderous applause, Ellie poignantly noted that the song felt timeless, resonating with everyone present.
Despite the opportunity to conclude the evening there, Jason Gray surprised the audience with one final offering, “Land of the Living,” before inviting Drew and Bear to perform additional songs. With Drew & Ellie Holcomb and NEEDTOBREATHE gearing up for a joint tour, the artists shared mutual appreciation for each other’s artistry and camaraderie. Drew praised Bear’s authenticity in voice and demeanor, while Bear commended Drew’s consistency in both songwriting and life.
The performances culminated with Ellie’s rendition of “The Whole Thing,” Drew’s selection of the beloved “Feels Like Home,” and Bear’s audience-requested closing song, “Washed by the Water.” The crowd joyously joined in, harmonizing with NEEDTOBREATHE’s anthemic tune as the evening drew to a close. Despite being in a crowded coffeehouse in Brentwood, the shared experience of stories, music, laughter, and faith made it feel like home for those precious hours.
For those unable to attend, the episode will be aired throughout the weekend on SiriusXM’s The Message and is available on-demand on the Sirius XM app.