Michael W. Smith tour coming to DeKalb
Michael W. Smith will bring his “New Hallelujah World Tour” to the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center on Nov. 7.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Joining the Michael W. Smith tour will be Matt Maher, Phil Stacey and Meredith Andrews.
Ticket prices are $21.50 for all reserved seats. On the day of the show, tickets will be $27.50. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the NIU Convocation Center Box office at 1525 W. Lincoln Highway.
Smith was an average boy who had dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, however, in a not-so-average fashion, He wrote his first song at age 5 and at 10, he made the decision to give his life to Christ, according to a news release. Smith attended college at Marshall University in West Virginia, but after one semester dropped out and moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. In 1983, he made his first record, “Michael W. Smith Project,” writing all the music while his wife, Debbie, wrote the lyrics. The now-famous song “Friends” debuted on this album. He has had many accomplishments throughout his music career such as 18 albums, 10 books, being a record-label executive, and winning several Dove and Grammy and other awards.
“To be remembered as a God-fearing man who loved his life and kids well,” is how Smith sums up his life, according to the release.
Singer, songwriter, and worship leader, Matt Maher has become one of the most popular and critically acclaimed Catholic artists in the country. Since the 2002 release of his first CD, “The End and the Beginning,” the rise of Maher and his music has been remarkable, according to the release. In October 2003, he received the Unity Award for “Best New Artist of the Year” from the United Catholic Music and Video Association. In 2004, he received the Unity Award for Praise & Worship Song of the Year for the song, “I Love You, Lord.” Maher’s music has received glowing reviews from major Catholic and Christian music publications. He has become a popular performer at youth ministry conferences and rallies, with fans dancing and singing along.
Husband, father, military man, music minister and recording artist immediately evoke images of strength, character and integrity – and they paint a perfect picture of Phil Stacey, the release said. When Stacey was launched into the spotlight as a top-5 finalist on season six of American Idol, he said it opened his eyes – and made him realize how desperate he really was and how he needed to sharpen faith and deepen his relationship with God. This led him to begin working on a new album, “Into the Light,” writing five of the songs himself. Stacey says that the overall theme of the record can be attributed to Psalm 46, which says ‘”The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.”
“I think that’s an important message for us,” Stacey said in the release. “We need to understand that we do have a destination.
Getting her start in Wilson, N.C., Meredith Andrews began singing in her church’s choir. From this experience, her love for music developed into a desire to lead worship. From there, according to the release, God led Andrews to Liberty University where she was discovered. She then joined the worship team at the Chicago’s Harvest Bible Chapel. Soon after, God’s journey led Andrews to Nashville, where she has written or co-written every song on her new album, “The Invitation.”
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