More than 35 artists will celebrate the Christian artist’s music
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 30th 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 No. 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,” states 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,” comments 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 14th at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena.
