"Hope and Healing" concert for Newtown

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Thousands turned out at a theater in Bridgeport for "A Night of Hope and Healing" to remember the victims of Sandy Hook who lost their lives one month ago.

Christian bands canceled tour dates to hold a free event at the Webster Bank Arena.

"It's more of a spiritual thing, where I think you're going to feel power from the songs and you're going to feel power from the audience," said Lori Dana of Milford.

Folks lined up in the cold waiting with their families for a night of hope and healing remembering the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

"we just wanted to take time and share it with them and also enjoy some people that we really love," said Natalia Johnson of Long Island.

"I know the bands, I am a Christian, I love their music. We've been so hurt by what happened at Sandy Hook that we had to come here and hopefully find some healing tonight," said Elizabeth Agosto of Trumbull.

Once the doors opened folks filled the seats.

"I think particularly Christian music talks about hope and this event is all about hope," said Bob Cree of Westfield, MA.

When the tickets went up for grabs organizers say about 8 thousand went in two hours to see 8 different acts including 5 Grammy Award winner Toby Mac.

"It's just an honor to be here and just the fact that they would invite me. I would live to serve this community in this capacity," said Mac.

Mac says their job is to try and lighten the load.

"I know we don't have the answers, but I do hope that some people smile tonight and maybe it's one small step, but that would be my prayer," said Mac.