98.5 KTIS Launches Intimate “Joyful Nights” Concert Series
August 22, 2025 – St. Paul, MN 98.5 KTIS (Minneapolis/St. Paul) wrapped up a remarkable summer by introducing a brand-new concert series, Joyful Nights, featuring three monthly nights of music with some of today’s leading Christian artists.
The lineup included Matt Maher, Rend Collective, We Are Messengers, Blanca, Bodie, Madison Watkins, Evan Craft, Jamie MacDonald, and Stars Go Dim.
What made Joyful Nights stand out was the experience itself: each concert was held “backstage” at Knight Performance Hall on the campus of the University of Northwestern–St. Paul. Instead of sitting in an auditorium, attendees were invited onto the stage for an intimate setting with just 300 guests each evening. After the music, every attendee was able to personally meet the artists, creating a one-of-a-kind connection between listeners and performers.
“It has been a remarkable summer at 98.5 KTIS, and what a blessing it has been to launch the Joyful Nights concert series,” said Matt Deane, KTIS Station Manager. “For many years, it has been a dream of ours to present a unique concert event for our listeners in an intimate environment. We are incredibly grateful to our label partners and all of the artists who came together to make year one of Joyful Nights a huge success!”
The station plans to continue Joyful Nights as an annual summer concert series, offering both listeners and artists a refreshing way to connect beyond the traditional large-venue experience.
Photo: We Are Messengers at the 3rd Joyful Nights event
