Heaven on His Mind: TobyMac at the Beacon Theatre

TobyMac at the Beacon Theatre on August 9 (photograph by Diego Brawn/Velasco Visuals)

While in college in 1987, TobyMac (born Toby Kevin Michael McKeehan) began a music career as a member of the Christian rap-rock trio DC Talk, staying with the popular group until it went on hiatus in 2000. He then launched a successful solo career; he released his 10th and most recent album, Heaven on My Mind, on March 7, 2025. Between DC Talk and his own solo career, TobyMac has sold more than 10 million albums and won seven Grammy Awards.

TobyMac is now 60 years old, and still has a lot to sing about, drawing strength from his Christian faith as troubles plagued his life. TobyMac's son Moses, born in 2002, suffers from muscular dystrophy. In 2015, his father died from dementia after a degenerative phase. In 2019, his firstborn son, Truett, died at age 21 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and amphetamines. Earlier this summer, Michael Tait, his band mate in DC Talk and co-author on several books, confessed to sex and drug abuse charges.

TobyMac at the Beacon Theatre on August 9 (photograph by Diego Brawn/Velasco Visuals)

TobyMac headlined two nights of concerts at the Beacon Theatre for K-Love, a Christian radio network with an FM affiliate station in the New York City area. Jeremy Camp and Katy Nicole were the support acts on night one. We Are Messengers and Seph Schlueter performed well-received opening sets on night two.

At the Beacon Theatre, TobyMac’s band, Diverse City, powered the songs with dynamic force. They took turns in the spotlight as called for by the electrifying musical arrangements. At no point was the band relegated to simply backing support.

TobyMac at the Beacon Theatre on August 9 (photograph by Diego Brawn/Velasco Visuals)

The overall production was well-crafted, colorful and animated. The musicians often joined TobyMac at the forefront of the stage with ensemble dancing. While singing “Til the Day I Die,” TobyMac waved a giant white flag emblazoned with a cross and the words Til the Day I Die. Nearing the show closer, the spotlight even shifted to DJ Maj, leading a call-and-response with the audience from his turntable.

TobyMac periodically engaged the audience with anecdotes. He introduced “Love Broke Through” by saying that this was the most important song he had ever written, in that it was about the day that God’s love came and found him. He followed this song with “Cornerstone,” which he said came to him while his family was in a Tennessee field for his son’s funeral.

TobyMac at the Beacon Theatre on August 9 (photograph by Diego Brawn/Velasco Visuals)

The set featured old and new songs. Towards the end of the performance, TobyMac sang a medley that featured abbreviated versions of some of his older solo songs, including “Made to Love.” Another medley featured DC Talk favorites, including “Jesus Freak.”

TobyMac’s musical style can be compared to Justin Timberlake, yet with a strong, uplifting message highlighting themes of hope, faith, and overcoming adversity. Throughout the high-energy concert, TobyMac mastered the connection between entertaining showmanship and faith-based messages. The rocking performance effectively communicated joy and encouragement. This was ministry in music, and few do this feat as well as TobyMac.

TobyMac at the Beacon Theatre on August 9 (photograph by Diego Brawn/Velasco Visuals)

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The Manhattan Beat reports on New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise.

For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right of the The Manhattan Beat home page and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music."

For a more complete listing of upcoming performances in the New York City area, visit The Manhattan Beat's August calendar.