Award-winning Christian band newsboys will kick off the New Year with their 35-city "Join The Tribe" tour next month, joined by DecembeRadio, VOTA, and Bread of Stone.

Kicking off on Feb. 20, the tour will support the faith-based ministry Global Tribe (www.globaltribe.com) in its quest to fight physical and spiritual poverty. The tour will also introduce fans to new music from newsboys' upcoming fifteenth studio release, which hits stores May 5, including the album’s title track and debut single, "In The Hands Of God," which will vie for adds at both AC and CHR radio beginning Jan. 23.

Running through mid-April, the "Join The Tribe" tour also marks the return of long-time guitarist Jody Davis, who will return after a five-year hiatus to replace outgoing guitarist Paul Coleman.

"I am thrilled to be returning to the band and back with my bandmates, who are some of my best friends," said Davis, who was a member of the band from 1993 to 2003. "This is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement."

Coleman, who played guitar with newsboys the last three years, will be continuing his solo career and performing shows nationwide in 2009.

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