Mention the names Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant in any Christian circle and chances are you will get a raving response. The two arguably put Christian music on the map and in many ways pioneered modern Christian worship and music we hear today. Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in Gospel music into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist.
Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six Grammys ®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. Smith, to his credit has 44 GMA Dove Awards, three Grammys and more than 15 million in sales, Michael W. Smith has created an unparalleled musical legacy. Some would say he pioneered the Christian music genre itself, having become the most recognized and respected ambassador for faith infused music world wide. So what happens when you bring the two together for what is being called an iconic night of music at Auditorium Theater in Rochester, NY? Find out March 4.The 2 Friends Tour is making its way to Western New York on that very special night, sponsored by Kingdom Bound Ministries. Tickets range from $42.50 to $77.50.
The two first toured together in 1982 on Grant’s Age to Age Tour. Her 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 toured as Grant’s keyboard player and opening act, supporting his debut release, Project, which generated instant classics like “Great Is The Lord” and “Friends.” They toured together on and off through the rest of that decade, culminating in the record-setting “Lead Me On” tour. They have continued to collaborate together musically over the years.
“I’ve 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 isn’t, ‘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. “There’s a nostalgia element that comes with having worked with someone solidly for so long and I’m 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: Grant’s Somewhere Down The Road (March 2010), and Smith’s brand new project, Wonder (Sept. 2010).
Both artists will perform music from their vast catalog of fan favorites, along with selections from their current chart-topping albums: Grant’s Somewhere Down The Road (March 2010), and Smith’s brand new project, Wonder (Sept. 2010).
Smith, who recently released his new album, Wonder, has influenced millions with three of the most impactful worship recordings in the past decade (Worship, Worship Again and A New Hallelujah). While still leaning heavily on themes of awe and inspiration, Wonder gives worship hands and feet, and shows how faith becomes reality when God’s people recognize their humanity and reach out to their community.
Interestingly, Smith has been focusing on going beyond his music and reaching out to those in need. Through his partnership with Compassion International and Rocketown, a Nashville based club for teens that he founded, Smith is putting legs to his ideals. “We can sing worship songs ‘til we’re blue, but if we’re not looking after people who are struggling, looking after orphans, if we’re not helping those in need, I don’t think we can say we’re fully living out our faith,” notes Smith. “I’m encouraged every day by our youth,” adds Smith, “I see a wave of this next generation of young people who have a good handle on this idea. For example, instead of going and partying for spring break, they’re down in Guatemala for the week helping and serving people. That’s lifestyle worship.”
While still acknowledging God’s absolute authority, Smith, in his album Wonder, delves deeply into the hardship and hope, confusion and confidence, desperation and dedication that come with life on earth. He connects with a broken, out-of-control spirit in “Run to You”; acknowledges the real-world hardships of the Country’s current economic situation in “I’ll Wait for You”; and—in a raw and transparent lyrical and vocal outpouring—addresses abuse and teen bullying in “Leave.”
“There can be hope in the midst of sadness, hope in the midst of losing your job, hope in the midst of losing your home in a flood,” he says. “I know it’s easier to say than to walk out but I have to believe that out of tragedy there’s something wonderful that God wants to do in the midst of all that.”
Grant on the other hand returns with her first album of all new music in 7 years, Somewhere Down the Road. She could easily rest on her considerable laurels, but the dawning of a new decade finds her as passionate as ever. “It’s all about the idea,” she says. “I love the song ‘Better Than A Hallelujah.’ I love the opportunity to get to do a song with my daughter. I love the concept of Somewhere Down the Road. I am personally moved by the concept of our journey through life and because of all the years that have come before, I find myself in a unique and somewhat rare position to be able to sing about that journey, and that’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.”
While still acknowledging God’s absolute authority, Smith, in his album Wonder, delves deeply into the hardship and hope, confusion and confidence, desperation and dedication that come with life on earth. He connects with a broken, out-of-control spirit in “Run to You”; acknowledges the real-world hardships of the Country’s current economic situation in “I’ll Wait for You”; and—in a raw and transparent lyrical and vocal outpouring—addresses abuse and teen bullying in “Leave.”
“There can be hope in the midst of sadness, hope in the midst of losing your job, hope in the midst of losing your home in a flood,” he says. “I know it’s easier to say than to walk out but I have to believe that out of tragedy there’s something wonderful that God wants to do in the midst of all that.”
Grant on the other hand returns with her first album of all new music in 7 years, Somewhere Down the Road. She could easily rest on her considerable laurels, but the dawning of a new decade finds her as passionate as ever. “It’s all about the idea,” she says. “I love the song ‘Better Than A Hallelujah.’ I love the opportunity to get to do a song with my daughter. I love the concept of Somewhere Down the Road. I am personally moved by the concept of our journey through life and because of all the years that have come before, I find myself in a unique and somewhat rare position to be able to sing about that journey, and that’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.”
The Auditorium Theatre in Rochester will be hosting the event and is home to a full season of touring Broadway shows, the M&T Bank Broadway Season. The Auditorium Theatre also hosts a number of live concerts, comedy and dramatic events throughout the year and is used by local performing groups for recitals and other presentations. According to The Broadway League, the estimated economic impact of RBTL events on the Rochester community over the past three years is more than $90 million. Founded in 1957 as an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, RBTL has grown into Rochester's premier venue management and service organization for the performing arts and entertainment, in addition to presenting the best in touring Broadway shows. The RBTL seats 2,464. Reserve your spot and order tickets at ticketmaster.com or in person at the theatre, 885 East Main St, Rochester, NY 14605.
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