Contemporary Christian band 33 Miles, which has been nominated for a Dove Music Award and a Visionary Music Award at the Christian Hall of Fame, will present a free acoustic Christmas concert at Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau.

"33 Miles is an excellent band. We've had them here before, and I'm excited to have them here again," said Cape First staff member Micah McDowell. "I think it'll be a good turnout. Last time they were here they filled the auditorium, and this year I'm expecting the same."

According to McDowell, 33 Miles has great stage presence and a lot of talent.

"They also had an album that landed at number four on Billboard's top christian album's chart, so that's pretty good stuff," McDowell said.

33 Miles' album "One Life" was No. 4 on Billboard's chart and sparked the tour that made a stop at Cape First several years ago, according to McDowell.

According to Jenn Crass, ministry coordinator and pastor at Cape First, the purpose of the concert is to offer the community a free, fun night to come and be a part of a wonderful night of Christmas music.

"This band has a great heart," Crass said. "We brought them back because we have worked with them in the past, and they are top-notch, stellar guys, both musically and individually, and they have a powerful heart for ministry."

Crass said that this is the first time the band will perform a Christmas concert at the church.

"This isn't just a Cape First event -- it's for the entire community," Crass said.

According to Crass, 33 Miles travels with Food for the Hungry, which is an international ministry that raises funds and awareness for children in third world nations who are starving.

"They do a portion in every concert that highlights and provides information about Food for the Hungry," Crass said.

According to Crass, 33 Miles is mission-minded, which is why Cape First appreciates them.

Cape First will utilize several areas of promotion for the concert, including billboards and social media outlets.

"We'll also be promoting on KHIS, and we've been promoting the event throughout our church campus and our extensions and word of mouth," Crass said.

Crass said that she loves the style of music 33 Miles performs, and she loves all different genres of music.

"I particularly like the way that they arrange their songs," Crass said. "Their songs have a message to them. Even though they'll be doing a lot of Christmas songs, they have a powerful and passionate heart. ... They're going to be a great kickoff to our holiday season."

According to KHIS general manager Bobbi Ann Mason, KHIS, a local Christian radio station, will be involved with the promotion of the concert, such as offering free publicity and on-air mentions.

"They are really likable guys," Mason said. "They're really down to earth."

According to Mason, KHIS was one of the first radio stations to add their music.

"They really like KHIS," Mason said. "We have a great relationship with them and their management because a few years ago back in 2009, we brought them in with Pocket Full of Rocks and John Waller, and it was a sellout and it was great."

The concert will be at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at Cape First Church.

In addition to the concert, Crass said that 33 Miles will perform a selection of songs during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services at the church.