Morris PAC Welcomes Grant, Smith, 3/1

Two of Christian musics most recognized and beloved artists, Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, reunite for the first time in more than two decades for a landmark concert tour coming to the Morris Performing Arts Center for a performance on March 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Combined, the two have won nine Grammy Awards and sold more than 47 million albums.  They first toured together in 1982 when Grants Age to Age album was exploding up the Christian music charts, thanks to hits like El Shaddai and Sing Your Praise To The Lord. Smith performed as Grants keyboard player and opening act, supporting his debut release, Project, which generated instant classics like Great Is The Lord and Friends.

They continued touring on and off the rest of that decade, and have collaborated musically over the years.

Ive always said I wouldn't be where I am without Amy Grant, Smith says. When Amy hired me to play keyboards for her, I never could have anticipated where it would take me. This many years later, to get to tour together again is just awesome. When I think about set lists and what we might do together, the question isnt, Where do we start? The question is, Where do we stop? This will be a fun night with a lot of great memories.

That first decade we toured together was really pretty amazing, Grant adds. Theres a nostalgia element that comes with having worked with someone solidly for so long and Im ecstatic about hitting the road with Michael again. We will share the stage and participate in each others sets. But no kidding, I will have just as much fun sitting on the side of the stage and watching him. It will be like old times.

Both artists will perform music from their vast catalog of fan favorites along with selections from their current chart-topping albums: Grants Somewhere Down The Road (March 2010), and Smiths brand new project, Wonder (Sept. 2010).

Tickets for the 2 Friends Tour are priced at $35, $45, $55, and $65, and may be purchased at the Morris Box Office, online at www.morriscenter.org or by phone at 574-235-9190 and toll free 800-537-6415. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 17.

Amy Grants career spans over 30 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including Baby, Baby, and Every Heartbeat and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

Grant released her first live recording in 25 years with Time Again...Amy Grant Live in September 2006, and then announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered. In March of 2010, Grant released Somewhere Down The Road, a collection of songs about the journey of life and faith. The album debuted at #2 on the iTunes Christian music chart and the first single, Better Than A Hallelujah, was a Top 10 Christian radio hit and #1 on the iTunes Christian singles chart. For more information, go to www.amygrant.com.

Throughout his 28-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His prior 21 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations), 44 GMA Dove Awards (in addition to 1 nomination in the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards) and 33 No. 1 radio hits.

In addition, he holds 16 Gold, 7 Platinum and 2 Double-Platinum albums for career sales approaching 17 million. Wonder, Smiths 22nd career album, released Sept. 28, 2010. Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009, Smith has also scored several film projects, written 11 books and has been featured by media outlets including Hannity, NBCs Today Show, ABCs Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Larry King Live, FOX & Friends and more.

Constantly giving back to the community, one of Smiths current projects is Rocketown a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. which serves as safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He and wife of 29 years, Debbie, are the proud parents of five children. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com or www.providentpress.com.

 

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