Whether it is a toe-tapping, jazz-inspired tune or a slow-paced, moving ballad, people react to music on a primal level. The right song at the right place and time brings people to their feet, to tears … or to the cross. The Christian Classic Tour 2012, which comes to Northwood Temple Church in Fayetteville on March 31, seeks to bring glory to God through classic Christian music that is worshipful and meaningful.

Dennis Fioravanti, event promoter, grew up listening to this kind of music and was frustrated by the fact that he couldn’t find these generational favorites in record stores and they weren’t being played on the radio anymore.

“I have a heart and a passion for this music and the message it brings,” Fioravanti said. “There is a lot of Christian music out there, but a lot of it seems to be missing depth and a theological message. Christian music isn’t immune to the bubble gum, pop-sounding, ‘let’s just sell records” mentality as opposed to ‘lets change hearts and lets change lives and win people for Christ.’ There has to be a difference.”

These legacy artists toured in 2011 and are back for another run in 2012. Stadiums were full all last season’s shows and Fioravanti expects the same this year, too. In fact, the tour has been so well received that he is putting together three more groups similar to this one that will join the Christian Classic Tour in 2013.

“We are planning to roll out with four foursomes,” said Fioravanti. “I wish I had names for you, but we are still working it out. We are talking to many artists, but pretty much if they were from the ‘80s and ‘90s and at the top of the charts, they are on our list. We are going from six cities in 2012 to about 100 in 2013.”

Steve Green, Twila Paris, Michael Card and Wayne Watson are headlining this year’s concert, which promises to be a concert/worship service that the entire family can enjoy.

Steve Green is no stranger to Christian entertainment; he’s been in the business for 27 years. Green has received four Grammy nominations, 13 number one songs and seven Dove Awards. 

Twila Paris recorded her first album in 1981 when she was just 20. Since then, she’s become a permanent part of the Christian music scene. With 22 albums, 33 number one hits, numerous Dove Awards and more than 1.3 million albums sold, Paris has made a mark in the industry.

Another mainstay in Christian music is Michael Card. His career has lasted more than 30 years and includes more than 31 albums. Card has also written or co-written more than 24 books and has authored 19 number one hits. “El Shaddai” and “Love Crucified Arose” are among many hits Card has authored.

Wayne Watson entered the Christian music scene in 1980 with his album Working in the Final Hour. Since then he has produced 23 number one singles including “Friend Of A Wounded Heart,” “When God’s People Pray,” “Almighty,” “Be In Her Eyes,” “Watercolor Ponies,” “More Of You,” “Another Time,” “Another Place” and “Home Free.” Watson is currently focused on new music and national touring.

The tour is excited to come to Fayetteville and entertain the community. “Fayetteville is part of the buckle of the Bible Belt.” Fioravanti said. “You can’t get any closer to good solid values, and there is an awesome military community there, too. We have a 50 percent off discount for active-duty military and their dependents.”

There is a VIP meet and greet at 5:15 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.christianclassictour.com.

Photo: The Christian Classic Tour brings favorite musicians from the ‘80 and ‘90s to the stage.