Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jordin Sparks, CeCe Winans, Ricky Skaggs, MercyMe, Newsboys, Randy Travis & more to celebrate Michael W. Smith

35-plus artists will celebrate 35 #1 hits & 35th anniversary of ‘Friends’

With more than 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 30, 2019, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Celebrating Smith’s remarkable 35-year career will be Amy Grant, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from 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, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick, the Original MWS Band, Wynonna, and Phillips, Craig and Dean.

The show is dubbed “35 Years of Friends: Celebrating The Music of Michael W. Smith.” Music lovers will experience over 35 artists, from all genres, performing a setlist 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 nonsecular 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,” Outback Concerts’ Morgan Carney said. “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 30 years," said 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," said Tony Conway of 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 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena.

About Michael W. Smith

Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the past 30-plus years. During his storied career, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. He's also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including “Old Enough To Know” and “Friends Are Friends Forever.”

For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.