Avalon's first performance ever - The Farewell Young Messiah Tour (1995)

Avalon takes the stage for the very first time, appearing on the 1995 Farewell Young Messiah Tour. This footage is of opening introductions and of Avalon singing "Angels We Have Heard On High" at U.S. Bank Arena (at the time, Riverfront Arena) in Cincinnati, OH, December 16, 1995.
The Young Messiah was a very successful multi-artist Christmas production that toured seasonally for many years. 1995 was billed as the last time The Young Messiah would tour, and as in years past, arenas were sold out nationwide. The 18-city farewell tour began November 24, 1995 in San Jose, CA and ended December 16, 1995 in Cincinnati, OH.
IN THE BEGINNING...
Although Sparrow Records executive Grant Cunningham had received a verbal commitment from Michael Passons in March of 1995 to be the first singer on board to start a new band at the label, it wasn't until November of that year that Avalon would first take the stage on The Farewell Young Messiah Tour.
Between March and November of 1995, Grant and Michael interviewed quite a few Nashville singers in hopes of finding the perfect 4. Their search ultimately led them to Rikk Kittleman, a former member of the vocal group Truth, and by late summer Rikk had introduced them to another Truth singer, Janna Potter (Long). At the last minute, in early November, pop/jazz vocalist Tabitha Fair agreed to join and complete the group. This would be the first Avalon that an audience would see.
The virtually unknown foursome performed to over 100,000 people in the course of this Christmas tour, all before ever recording an album or signing label contracts.
Once recording finally began in early spring of 1996, Rikk and Tabitha decided not to sign on as part of Avalon. But interestingly enough, Tabitha's voice can still be heard on Avalon's first record, "Avalon". Her decision to depart came after she had recorded a considerable amount of background vocals, and a budgetary decision was made to not replace some of her BGVs.
In late April of 1996, Jody McBrayer signed on to take Rikk Kittleman's place. Later that summer, Nikki Hassman (Anders), fresh out of Belmont University in Nashville, would agree to replace Tabitha and complete the group we know as the original Avalon. Their first album 'Avalon' was released December 26, 1996.
Four years later, Avalon would include 'Angels We Have Heard On High' as part of the "Angel's Medley" on their Christmas album "Joy".
.

[@Musicblue22]

This lineup had great harmonies and vocals chemistry but Nikki and Jody fit in perfectly

[@sarahsleet3306]

I am a HUUUUUUGE Truth and Avalon fan and never knew this background info. Thx for sharing!

[@nezkeys79]

This tour had many artists i loved 🔥 i was obsessed with steven curtis chapman back in the 90s

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

Wow - they packed the house with Christian's Top Gospel Music talent ! So many wonderful talented people...

[@nickculton1539]

Wow, I saw this tour and fell in love with group.

[@maryytao]

Wow a concert with all the best Christian singers and groups. If only it took place now. I would have loved to be there.

[@muzikl]

Rikk does have writing credits on two of the songs from Avalon's first album including I believe their first #1 one hit. I was fortunate enough to see this tour in St. Louis and seeing this video of my youngest brother warms my heart greatly!

[@nickculton4938]

I saw it in Peoria IL. and my obsession began . Avalon has been a big part of my life both as fan and even professionally.

[@JarrettSelf]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS

[@jeffalger5237]

Such great music

[@johnflanagan7806]

Went to this tour in Georgia somewhere, and it was great!!! I had been in lee singers with Janna potter in college, and loved her voice then also!!! I was fortunate enough to see her for a brief moment as they entered the back of the building, and got her a o get Wayne Watson come outside!! The girl I was dating at the time was in love with him at the time!! She almost passed out lol

[@crystalhope6817]

This is the best thing ever! Best channel ever!

[@paulj.mancil7987]

Holy moly! That's Tabitha Fair and Rikk Kittleman!

[@sherylrmartinez]

Paul J. Mancil i really want to know their names.. Now that I know, I added them in Avalon's History in Wikipedia as the founding members of Avalon...

[@andreidinu7316]

Oh how I miss these guys in the original formation :( especially Jody, I remember first time listening to testify to love wondering if he's a girl :))

[@nickculton4938]

This predated Nikki and Jody.

[@chordsofgratitude2073]

Avalon sings at 6:00, the rest is intros/talking

[@dancalkins97]

Carman’s in the House!

[@sdwagers]

share the whole concert!!!!

[@videlladelveen5048]

pop artist take notes

[@tallfreakchris]

I guess Nikki and Jody were not part of the original Avalon?

[@originalavalon]

Christopher Michael hi Christopher, it would depend on what you call the original Avalon. Tabitha and Rikk were never featured as an artist on any Avalon recording. Their only contribution was touring that very first Christmas tour. you can click on 'show more' above to read more about the group's early evolution. thanks for watching!

[@paulj.mancil7987]

original avalon I read the bio info you provided. Fascinating! I never knew about Tabitha's vocals on the first Avalon CD. One tidbit you missed however is that the "2nd" Avalon 4 (Nikki, Janna, Jody, Michael) did this version of Angels We Have Heard On High on the 1997 "God With Us" Christmas CD. www.amazon.com/God-With-Us/dp/B000000V67

[@ernestminson568]

Christopher Michael iī

[@garythompson400]

ROD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you. You're a Christian radio guy. Is Rikk your Brother?