HOW TO GO
What: Michael W. Smith
Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 South Fountain Ave. Springfield
When: Sunday, April 26, 3 p.m.
Admission: $35-50
More info: 937-322-3434 or go to www.facebook.com/events/1605924796310049
For an artist with multiple platinum and gold albums, three Grammy Awards and 40 Dove Awards, there’s still nothing like the concert stage and a live audience.
More than 30 years into his professional career, it’s a reminder for Contemporary Christian music performer Michael W. Smith about what he loves.
“I still pinch myself every day, asking if this is real,” said Smith.
Springfield will be a stop on Smith’s worldwide Sovereign Tour at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.
The show is presented by The Salvation Army Springfield Ohio Corps as its ninth annual concert. Proceeds from this show go to Corps’ various programs.
“I’m a big fan of the Salvation Army,” said Smith. “I love to partner with a great organization. When I got the invitation to do this date it was a big ‘yes.’ ”
The location is also appealing. Smith said Ohio audiences are always enthusiastic and inviting whenever he plays here.
“You live in Middle America where people are always a little more warm and friendly. We always get a great reception and the audience will know a lot of the songs.”
A worldwide tour can be a grind, traveling to places like Spain and South America in addition to the United States since the tour began last fall after working on three different albums last year.
Smith could easily coast through each concert on his 240-song catalog, but said he never would.
“If I had to go through the motions I’d just quit. Every date ends up being an experience, not just a concert,” he said.
Smith said this is the best band he’s ever had and the best live event he’s been on, deciding before show time which to perform. The songs range from Christian to pop to instrumentals.
Fans in countries such as Estonia and Latvia have been especially receptive and the experience has been exciting both for the audience and Smith.
He said he’s always focused on moving his career forward, mixing acting opportunities along with music. And it’s not always just genre. He said he’d like to compose a movie score and would like to write a symphony with a pop/classical music blend.
“Everything I’ve done is a part of who I am, but I like taking a risk if I can push the right envelope,” Smith said.
Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Nathan Trasker will also perform as a special guest.
Tickets cost $35-50 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center box office, Beacon of Hope Bookstore or online at www.pactkts.com.
For more information, call 937-322-3434 or go to www.facebook.com/events/160592479631004.
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