The stage is set for one of Washington’s biggest outdoor Christian contemporary concerts ever. And thanks to two local businesses, the community will have the chance to hear tracks from some of the industry’s best nationally known artists.

98.3 The Bridge FM and Zaxby’s will host the Compassion International Time of My Life Tour, bringing four acts to the stage at Festival Park on Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m.

Among the acts are: the Afters, a four-piece band out of Texas; Chris August, the Dove Awards New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, who presents an incredible message of God’s healing; four-man band Unspoken, which features the current title track, “Keep Fighting the Good Fight,” for the new blockbuster War Room; and pop/rock band Among the Thirsty, formed in Clearwater, Florida in 2008.

During the weekend of the concert, Washington’s premier event Smoke on the Water will be underway. On Oct. 16, Washington will also host the last Music in the Streets of the season, as well as its annual Pig Parade to kick off SOTW, making it a big weekend for Washington.

In July, the radio station hosted nationally known Christian contemporary artist Colton Dixon at Transitions Theater in Washington, and in 2013, it hosted Phillips, Craig and Dean, another top act in the industry, according to Johnny Jones, owner and operator of the station.

“It’s just a continuation of the vision we have had to not only provide great positive music through the station, but to also bring some of the nation’s top Christian contemporary artists to our area, providing the opportunity to experience some of these great talents from around the country. In times past, you had to go to Raleigh, Charlotte or out-of-state to go to these types of event, but we are trying to bring more of these kind of events right to our area. We’re believing we’re making some great connection in the industry.”

Jones said the acts will join he and Capt. Bob with Ms. Bee’s Charters in Washington for a river cruise tour on the day of the concert. When Dixon performed in July, he and his agent were given a tour of Washington and the surrounding area by Jones, something Jones does in an attempt to promote the Washington area on a national scale.

“I have such a passion for Washington,” Jones said. “I want (the artists) to feel that when they come here. Washington is a treasure. It’s probably hard for them to remember every location on their tours, but I want them to remember Washington when they come.”

The station formed in November 2012 and has since broadcasted uplifting music and messages, giving the community its very own Christian radio station, Jones said. The station has striven to not only present the community with opportunities to hear music from nationally known acts in the industry, but also to be a part of the community by providing positive content.

“November 1 will be our three-year anniversary, and God has blessed (The Bridge) with a large listenership, and we’re thankful for the community with how they’ve embraced it and supported us. We want to be a part of the community, and for us to provide inspiring, encouraging music, that’s what it’s all about for us.”

The station has another concert opportunity in its sights for the near future. A Nov. 5 concert at Reimage Church in Winterville will feature Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets and Dan Bremnes at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the Time of My Life Tour concert are: $15 per person for general admission, and ticket holders are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets; gold circle seating costs $30 per person and provides ticket holders with a chair for front-row seating; VIP tickets are $45, which includes Gold Circle seating and a meet and greet with the artists. Tickets are available at mybridgefm.com or Zaxby’s in Washington.