Following the platinum success of Worship, the near-platinum selling Worship DVD, the recording of his
second live praise & worship album Worship Again (Oct. 22) and the Come Together and Worship Tour, Michael W. Smith wraps 2002 with his Christmastime tour. Title sponsored by iWORSHIP, the 14-city tour launches Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 14. Smith will share
stage with very special guests Point of Grace and debut artist Kara while continuing a ministry partnership with Compassion International.
This is Michael’s second Christmastime tour; the first tour took place in 2000 with fellow artists Anointed and The Katinas. “Christmas is my
favorite time of the year. I’ve recorded two holiday albums and look forward to singing many of those songs with Point of Grace and Kara,” notes Smith.
“And though this is a Christmas tour, a good part of the evening will consist of worship, which is why I’m excited about partnering with our friends at
iWORSHIP. Their presence will lend a unique visual element to each evening,” he adds.
iWORSHIP, a new interactive line of worship resources jointly created by Integrity Music, Maranatha!, Hosanna! Music, Vertical Music and INO, is the
title sponsor for this year’s Christmastime tour. “iWORSHIP is pleased to be the lead sponsor for Michael W. Smith’s Christmastime tour. We feel
that this new brand will add something special to the events, enhancing the overall live, visual experience,” comments Daniel McGuffey, chief marketing
officer/senior vice president, Integrity Music.
iWORSHIP resources include double disc albums, songbooks, tracks and DVDs, which, for the first time ever, marry today’s most popular worship songs
with experiential visuals, lyrics and click track options. The iWORSHIP resources were created for use in times of personal worship as well as corporate
worship by groups of all sizes.
As ministry partner on this tour, Compassion International continues its long-time relationship with Smith.“Compassion has a deep respect for Michael,”
says Spence Smith, artist relations manager, Compassion International. “We appreciate his heart for children and are glad to come alongside him for
Christmastime. Over the years, he’s been responsible for the sponsorship of thousands of children all over the world.” Michael adds, “The
relationship I share with Compassion is such a natural fit with my life. I believe in pouring into people, and this organization offers a great way to put
legs to that calling.”
One of Vertical Music’s debut artists, Kara, is no stranger to the touring life or to Christian music. As a young child, she traveled across the country,
singing with her family (The Williamsons) and later recording an album with her brother and sister as a group called Three Strand. She has also toured as a
background vocalist with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans, among others. Most recently, she signed with Vertical Music and released her
debut, self-titled album through Word Distribution and Sony/Epic. She is currently on tour with The Katinas and Natalie Grant.
Point Of Grace, recognized as one of today’s premiere music groups, currently has a total of 26 #1 radio singles, 24 of those being consecutive #1’s on the
Christian AC radio chart, a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre of music. This quartet’s history also includes two RIAA certified platinum
albums, six gold records, national television appearances, three devotional and autobiographical books, consistent Billboard charting, GRAMMY
nominations, numerous Dove awards and a host of nationally headlined tours. Most recently, Point Of Grace has just kicked off Girls Of Grace, a Friday
night and all-day Saturday conference hosted by the foursome, and released the accompanying Girls Of Grace praise and worship CD and books.
Multi-platinum, multi-GRAMMY and reigning Gospel Music Association Artist of the Year Michael W. Smith is one of the most influential figures in
Christian music. Over his 19-year career, Smith has garnered two GRAMMY Awards (along with numerous nominations), an American Music Award –
given in a general market category, has been named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People and has garnered 34 Dove Awards, including Artist
of the Year in 1999 and 2002. Smith’s career sales exceed nine million. His 2001 release Worship recently attainted RIAA platinum certification (sales
of over one million units) in less than one year and was the fastest selling album on the Christian retail chart in 2001, RIAA certified gold in only 14
weeks. His Worship DVD shipped RIAA gold and is closing in on RIAA platinum certification. His second live praise & worship album releases Oct.
22 through Provident Music Distribution/BMG.
Christmastime Dates, Cities and Venues:
November
Friday 11/29/02 Ft. Wayne, IN Memorial Colliseum
Saturday 11/30/2002 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
December
Sunday 12/1/2002 Cleveland, OH CSU Arena
Monday 12/2/2002 Nashville, TN Gaylord Entertainment Center
Tuesday 12/3/2002 Little Rock, AR Alltel Arena
Thursday 12/5/2002 Champaign, IL Assembly Hall
Friday 12/6/2002 St. Paul, MN XCEL Energy Center
Saturday 12/7/2002 Chicago, IL Arie Crown Theatre
Sunday 12/8/2002 Grand Rapids, MI DeltaPlex
Monday 12/9/2002 Salem, VA Salem Civic Center
Tuesday 12/10/2002 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center
Thursday 12/12/2002 Lakeland, FL Carpenter’s Home Church
Friday 12/13/2002 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Saturday 12/14/2002 Columbia, SC Carolina Center
*All Dates Subject To Change – please visit www.michaelwsmith.com for the most updated itinerary
Related Stories & Links:
Michael W. Smith 2002 Christmastime Tour Michael W. Smith Wins 2002 Dove Awards
Nashville News: Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith to Participate in Innaugural Prayer Service
Michael W. Smith THIS IS YOUR TIME Garners GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATION
FREEDOM REVIEWS
MICHAEL W. SMITH 2001 CHRISTMASTIME TOUR HITS THE ROAD
Michael W. Smith Releases Freedom
Smith, Knapp, Rice Bring Down the House
Christian Activities Michael W. Smith Forum
