With
over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award,
Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history
books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nod last Friday with a
nomination for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his latest
worship effort, ‘Surrounded.’
In a once-in-a-lifetime tribute event, promoted by Outback Concerts and
produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, friends and
fellow musicians will pay tribute to Smith on April 30, 2019, at the
Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Celebrating his remarkable
35-year career will include Amy Grant, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the
the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Donnie
McClurkin, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Jars
of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin
Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West,
MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phillips, Craig
and Dean, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott
Hamilton, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band,
Wynonna and more to be announced soon.
Dubbed ‘35 Years of Friends: Celebrating The Music of Michael W. Smith,’
music lovers will experience over 35 artists, from all genres,
performing a set list to include many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. In
addition, 2018 marks the 35th Anniversary of Smith’s Top 10 single
“Friends,” which helped introduce his music to both secular and
non-secular audiences. Smith once again shared the song with the world
when he performed it at the Washington, D.C. memorial service for his
dear friend, President George H.W. Bush, last Wednesday.
“Michael is a Christian music icon and we can think of no better way to
celebrate him than with this star-studded lineup we have put together,”
says Outback Concerts’ Morgan Carney. “It’s going to be an event not to
be missed, and will be a fantastic celebration of one of the greats.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Michael for over thirty years,”
said John Huie, Head of Music at CAA in Nashville. “I’ve seen his music
impact people from all walks of life – from Presidents to pedestrians.
This celebration of his contributions to music and the impact of the
song ‘FRIENDS’ will be very special. It’s been fun watching it come
together as so many artists from all genres are anxious to celebrate
Michael and his music. An event like this is a first for a Christian
artist – and it’s going to be great!”
“Putting a tribute event together can be a tremendous amount of work,
unless you are doing a tribute to Christian superstar Michael W. Smith,”
said Tony Conway (Conway Entertainment Group/Ontourage). “I have been a
fan and follower of his music and mission in life since he started
performing. Every single artist that his manager Chaz and I talked with
said yes right away. It is an honor to work alongside Michael, Chaz and
the promoter, Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts. One thing we can all
promise, and that is this will be a very special, one night only
concert, with lots of surprises and magical collaborations.”
Tickets go on sale at 10 am (CT) Friday, December 14 at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena.
About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing
around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 30+ years. During his
storied career, he’s written over 30 #1 songs, been honored with three
GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was
inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15
million albums. His most recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship album Surrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard‘s
Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history.
He’s also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to
battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people
in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000
children through Compassion International. He has also written several
bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.