October 5, 2024

Grammy nominated singer makes surprise appearance at student ministry kick-off

Nashville native, former Knoxville resident and Grammy nominated singer, Dave Barnes, surprised students at The Walk with a performance Wednesday night Aug. 26 at the Tennessee Theatre.

Barnes helped to kick-off the semester with The Walk alongside Sterl the Pearl, the official DJ for Tennessee home games in Neyland Stadium. The Walk serves as a student ministry at the University of Tennessee, with a home base through Sevier Heights Baptist Church.

Barnes performed a short set of his top hits including “Little Lies” and “God Gave Me You.” The singer-songwriter received a Grammy nomination for “God Gave Me You” after Blake Shelton chose to record the song and sold over a million units.

As the curtain rose to reveal Barnes on stage, sophomore Jordan Lee said, “I sure didn’t see that one coming.”

The Walk will hold a weekly service at Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Head Pastor of the ministry, Tim Miller, stated that the purpose of The Walk is to reflect the purpose and the personality of Jesus. They aim to change the way that college students see church.

For more information on The Walk ministry and how to get involved, check out their website or follow them on Instagram @insidethewalk.

Barnes will also perform in Knoxville on Oct. 22 to continue the Two Birds/ One Stone Tour. For more information, check out his website.

Edited by Jessica Carr