CHRIS JANSON NOMINATED FOR CMT AWARD!

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CHRIS JANSON’S “DRUNK GIRL” RECEIVES NOMINATION FOR HIGHLY COVETED CMT “VIDEO OF THE YEAR” AWARD

(Nashville, TN) – Platinum-selling, multi-instrumentalist, and singer/songwriter Chris Janson adds to his nominations resume in 2019, as the poignant video for his hit single “Drunk Girl” is up for CMT’s “Video of the Year” award. This is the second time that the music video for “Drunk Girl” has been nominated for an award this year, after winning the 2019 ACM award for “Video of The Year.” You can find the critically lauded “Drunk Girl” music video at the link HERE.

“Thank you CMT for recognizing such a special song and video. The song continues to make an impact on my career, and I’m so grateful to be nominated for such a prestigious award.”

The 2019 CMT Music Awards will air live on Wednesday, June 5th at 8:00pm ET / 7:00pm CT. Each winner is selected by the fans, with voting open now at vote.cmt.com.

Chris performed at the 2019 iHeartCountry Festival on Saturday in Austin, TX, blowing the crowd away with a high energy set that showcased both his musical versatility and charismatic stage presence. Catch a glimpse of the electric performance at the link HERE. Ever the road warrior, Chris will be touring across the country all year, with his next performance coming on May 10th at the Paceline Ride Opening Ceremony in Augusta, GA. Click HERE to find out when Chris is coming to your town.

 

About Chris Janson

Chris Janson is a platinum-selling, high-octane entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, award-winning singer/songwriter, and the youngest living member of the Grand Ole Opry. Janson’s new song, “Good Vibes,” is the debut single from his forthcoming third studio album. His sophomore album, Everybody, produced his second No. 1 hit single, “Fix A Drink,” the chart-topping follow-up to his No. 1 debut smash “Buy Me A Boat.” His CMA-nominated song, “Drunk Girl,” won a 2019 ACM Award for “Video Of The Year,” has been named Music Row’s “Song of the Year,” and has been called “the most important song to come out of Nashville in years.” Janson is the only artist in 2018 who opened the CMA Awards and closed out the ACM Awards, with whatRolling Stone called a “must-see performance.” Janson continues to sell-out shows on his headlining “Waitin’ on 5 Tour,” and has been announced as direct support for Chris Young’s “Raised on Country Tour.”

CHRIS YOUNG OPENS “RAISED ON COUNTRY WORLD TOUR 2019” WITH SOLD-OUT SHOW IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

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CHRIS YOUNG OPENS “RAISED ON COUNTRY WORLD TOUR 2019” WITH SOLD-OUT SHOW IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

Tour continues in the UK this week before opening the North American leg May 16 in Atlanta, Georgia

Photo credit: Jeff Johnson

Chris Young headlines Manchester Academy in Manchester, England

Nashville, TN — May 6, 2019 — “Raised On Country World Tour 2019,” Chris Young’s highly anticipated follow-up to his massive 2018 “Losing Sleep Tour,” kicked off last night with a sold-out show in Manchester, England as the capacity crowd at times overpowered the PA to bring the show to a sing along. “The Manchester crowd definitely came to party, the audience was unbelievable last night,” said Young. The multi-platinum entertainer’s first-ever headlining play in Manchester marks the RCA Records Nashville artist’s fourth UK tour in six years.

The world tour continues with headlining shows at Glasgow’s O2 Academy (5/6), Birmingham’s O2 Academy (5/8) and London’s Eventim Apollo (5/9), joined by special guest Lindsay Ell, before kicking off the North American leg  of his “Raised On Country World Tour 2019” in Atlanta, GA (May 16), Charlotte, NC (May 17) and Washington, D.C. (May 18).

“Raised On Country,” the tour’s namesake and lead single, ascends to #18 Mediabase / #19 Billboard and climbing this week ahead of the U.S. tour launch next week. For a complete list of tour dates, including additional Chris Young concert stops for 2019, VIP package details and to purchase tickets, please visit chrisyoungcountry.com.

Morgan Evans Brings World Tour to Australia, October 2019

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AWARD-WINNING ARTIST MORGAN EVANS 
RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA AS PART OF 
WORLD TOUR, OCTOBER 2019

– NEW SINGLE ‘YOUNG AGAIN‘ OUT NOW –

Nashville-via-Newcastle chart-topping singer-songwriter MORGAN EVANS has revealed the Australian dates on his upcoming World Tour – Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on Friday 18 October, Perth’s Astor Theatre on Sunday 20 October, Adelaide’s The Gov on Monday 21 October, Melbourne’s Forum on Tuesday 22 October, Brisbane’s Eatons Hill Hotel on Saturday 26 October, and Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre on Sunday 27 October. These career-milestone shows mark his biggest ever to date in Australia, making his return home that much more special.

Blitzing the East Coast on his SOLD OUT tour last year, Evans will bring his infectious Country sound, signature loop pedal, and “phenomenal solo set designed to dispatch any misconception that a singer needs background musicians to get an audience on their feet and dancing” (Rolling Stone).

With the success of his debut album ‘THINGS THAT WE DRINK TO’ out now, Evans continues to prove why he is one of Billboard’s 2018 Country Artists To Watch. Global smash ‘Kiss Somebody’ saw the rising star hit No. 1 on the US Country Chart, reach PLATINUM status in Australia, and tally 66 million streams on Spotify alone. Follow-up party anthem ‘Day Drunk’ took over the Aussie charts, hitting No. 1 on The Music Network’s Hot 100 All-Genres Chart, staying atop The Music Network’s Country Airplay Chart for 25 weeks.

“A savvy performer with strong songwriting chops” – Rolling Stone

“There’s an undeniable positivity to his work” – Billboard

“Refreshingly realistic look at the foibles and promises of romance…his velvety voice rasping in all the right places” – Rolling Stone

Evans’ newly-released single – ‘Young Again’ – is a feel-good track blasting a message of living in the moment and having fun; a sentiment that is sure to define his upcoming shows.

Selling out venues globally, the seasoned performer has toured with the likes of Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Dan + Shay, performed on America’s The Bachelorette (ABC), and torn up stages at some of the world’s biggest music festivals, including C2C UK and Australia’s largest country-roots event, CMC Rocks QLD.

Proving to be an international force in music, Evans has won two APRA awards for Country Work of the Year, last week picking up the gong for his smash hit ‘Day Drunk’. He’s also scored five CMC Awards, and America’s Country Music Association Award for a Global Artist of the Year.

TICKETS ON SALE
12PM MONDAY 13 MAY (LOCAL TIME)

MORGAN EVANS | AUSTRALIAN & NZ TOUR 2019
Presented by Chugg Entertainment, Frontier Touring & Potts Entertainment

SYDNEY
Friday 18 October – Enmore Theatre (All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au

PERTH
Sunday 20 October – Astor Theatre (Lic. All Ages)
Ticketek.com.au

ADELAIDE
Monday 21 October – The Gov (18+)
Oztix.com.au

MELBOURNE
Tuesday 22 October – Forum Melbourne (18+)
Ticketmaster.com.au

BRISBANE
Saturday 26 October – Eatons Hill Hotel (All Ages)
Oztix.com.au

TOOWOOMBA
Sunday 27 October – Empire Theatre (All Ages)
Empiretheatre.com.au

AUCKLAND
Tuesday 29 October – Tuning Fork (All Ages)
Ticketmaster.co.nz

Nashville’s Hollywood takeover @ ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

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Nashville was well represented in Los Angeles at the 14th Annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, featuring inspiring performances and informative conversations with some of country music’s most in-demand music creators. Find a recap and photos of Lee Ann Womack, 40-time chart-topper Ashley Gorley, multi-genre standouts Priscilla Renea and Steven Battey + more here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aMG6niRoFeOGMYOGATXLUSA3ZLASQFeo
• Lee Ann Womack, the Grammy/CMA/ACM winner and writer of Billboard Country #1 “Hope You Dance,” was on hand representing the genre at the Billboard-sponsored “We Create Music” panel, for a discussion with Oscar-winning “Shallow” co-writer Anthony Rossomando, Drake producer Nineteen85 and Captain Marvel composer Pinar Toprak, led by Billboard’s West Coast editor Melinda Newman.
• Lee Ann also performed selections from her new record The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone at the EXPO’s nighttime “Center Stage” event alongside Wyclef Jean, Songwriters Hall of Famer Jack Tempchin and legendary songwriter Stephen Bishop.
• Ashley Gorley, the six-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year and a writer of 40 #1 hits on the Billboard Country charts, led a Master Session with ASCAP Membership Director Beth Brinker. The hit songwriter shared the secrets that have made him a go-to collaborator for Nashville’s biggest stars (Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean). “I’ve always loved to mentor and coach songwriters, to offer advice that may help them cut the time it takes to succeed,” said Gorley.
• Gorley also joined fellow songwriters Steven Battey (Luke Combs Justin Bieber, Madonna), Dave Kuncio (Dierks Bentley, Selena Gomez, Ty Dolla $ign), Tommee Profitt (NF, Migos) and Chris Farren (Rascal Flatts, Greg Alman, Michael McDonald), on a “Nashville Goes Global” panel. The group discussed Music City’s growing embrace of music from outside genres – pop, hip-hop, dance music – and the effect on contemporary country’s sound.
• Steven Battey stuck around for a “Limitless Songwriting” multi-genre panel, joined by fellow country/pop crossover songwriters Priscilla Renea (Miranda Lambert, Ke$ha, Rihanna) and Leland (Kelsea Ballerini, Troye Sivan, Lauv), with ASCAP VP of Membership John Titta, to discuss what it takes to pen hits in a range of sounds and styles.
• Tonight, ASCAP EXPO will close on a high note with songs and stories from Steven Battey and CMA/ACM award-winning songwriter Jon Nite (Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban) at the 14th Annual Writers’ Jam. They’ll be joined by fellow world-class songwriters Joelle James (Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up”) and Matthew Koma (Zedd’s “Clarity) for the traditional wrap to another magnificent year at EXPO.

DUSTIN LYNCH LAUNCHES LAID-BACK VISUAL STUNNER FOR CURRENT SINGLE “RIDIN’ ROADS”

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WATCH NOW: DUSTIN LYNCH LAUNCHES LAID-BACK VISUAL STUNNER FOR CURRENT SINGLE “RIDIN’ ROADS”

CONTINUES CANADIAN LEG OF THOMAS RHETT’S LIFE CHANGES TOUR THIS WEEKEND

Photo Credit: Daniel Vorlet

Nashville, Tenn. (May 3, 2019) – PLATINUM-certified hitmaker DUSTIN LYNCH has released the technicolor, easy-going music video for current chart-runner “Ridin’ Roads,” available on all digital streaming platforms now.

The clip premiered exclusively on CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com and Viacom Times Square Billboards in New York City yesterday, and early praise is already pouring in, with ET Canadacalling it “sultry” and CMT raving that “aimlessly wandering down a lesser known back road has never looked more appealing thanks to Dustin Lynch’s brand new video.”
Watch the official “Ridin’ Roads” music video here.
“Ridin’ Roads” is the lead single from his newly released EP of the same name, which includes two other fresh tracks, “Little Town Livin’” and “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes.” Listen to RIDIN’ ROADS EP here.
Up next, Lynch continues down the road on Thomas Rhett’s Canadian LIFE CHANGES TOUR with shows in Saskatoon, (5/2), Regina (5/3), and Winnipeg (5/4) this weekend. He’ll re-join Rhett this summer as direct support on his North American VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR starting May 17 in Spokane, WA.                               
For tickets and more information, visit DustinLynchMusic.com, and reach out to him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH:
Since his debut with PLATINUM-certified single, “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has “steadily built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music” (Billboard) with six #1 hits, three Top 5 albums, and tours with the genre’s biggest names (Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley). Lynch’s highly anticipated RIDIN’ ROADS EP is out now and features current chart-rising single “Ridin’ Roads.” After making his UK performance debut, the Tennessee native joined Thomas Rhett’s Canadian LIFE CHANGES TOUR and will continue on the North American VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR this spring. Scoring nearly 1.3 BILLION total career streams, the Grand Ole Opry member continues to affirm his place as one of Country’s elite stars. Lynch has scored industry recognition with Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and CMT Music Awards nominations, and has made high–profile appearances on ACM Awards, CMA Awards, CMA Music Fest, Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Lip Sync Battle,Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, TODAY and more.

Tenille Townes Releases Amazon Original Cover of Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy”

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Tenille Townes Releases Amazon Original Cover of Keith Urban’s
“Stupid Boy”

May 3, 2019: Today, breakout country artist Tenille Townes released an Amazon Original cover of Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy,” available to stream and purchase only on Amazon Music.
Listen to “Stupid Boy” only on Amazon Music:
“I love this song so much. Keith Urban, his music and his live show have been so inspiring to me. I’ve always been such a big fan of his, and this song stuck with me from the first time I heard his version. There’s an intensity in the lyric and the emotion of the song that makes it a favourite of mine to sing and stand for. So grateful to have had the opportunity to record my take on this song!”
 
Over the last year, Townes has become one of the most talked about new country artists, earning praise for her single – and former Amazon Weekly One selection – “Somebody’s Daughter” and critically-acclaimed EP, Living Room Worktapes.  Called “Nashville’s Newest Voice” by NPR Music, she was recently announced in the inaugural class of Opry NextStage and was selected as one of Amazon Music’s “2019 Artists to Watch.” In 2018 Townes made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and she is currently on the road with Dierks Bentley on his Burning Man tour and she will hit the road with Miranda Lambert on her Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars tour in the fall. Her highly-anticipated full-length album is in the works.
Starting Friday, Amazon Music listeners can find the track on “Country Heat,” the ultimate global playlist for today’s country music fan. Customers can also simply ask, “Alexa play the Amazon Original by Tenille Townes” in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android and on Alexa-enabled devices. Fans can also watch Townes talk about her inspiration for the cover here. In addition to the new track, Amazon Music listeners can access hundreds of Amazon Originals featuring both emerging and established artists across numerous genres, available to stream and purchase only on Amazon Music.

Dan + Shay Have “Speechless” Night with Performance, Billboard Music Award for Top Country Duo/Group

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DAN + SHAY HAVE “SPEECHLESS” NIGHT WITH PERFORMANCE, BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARD FOR TOP COUNTRY DUO/GROUP

Special Acoustic Encore Performance Closes Celebratory Night

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (May 2, 2019) – Skyrocketing superstars Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) have had countless moments over the past year that have rendered them “Speechless” – and last night was no exception. The duo performed their four-week No. 1 hit single of the same name at the Billboard Music Awards alongside Tori Kelly after being named the BBMA Top Country Duo/Group earlier that afternoon. “Speechless” immediately shot up to No. 8 on the all-genre iTunes chart and No. 2 on country, and Billboard declared the performance “a showdown of some very impressive vocal fireworks on the smoldering ballad.”

Following the show, Dan + Shay shared a once-in-a-lifetime moment with Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner at their intimate Vegas wedding. The duo stripped “Speechless” down to an acoustic guitar as the bride walked down the aisle. It was full-circle for Smyers and Mooney, as the romantic song’s official video featured footage from their own weddings.

“Speechless” is currently impacting Top 40 radio and sits at No. 11 on the Hot AC Chart. The Double Platinum-certified single has sold more than 2.2 million track equivalents and has racked up over 300 million streams. It was the fifth most-streamed country song released in 2018 behind their own viral hit “Tequila” at No. 1. Together the two mega-smashes made Dan + Shay the only duo ever to hold the top two spots on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart simultaneously for eight consecutive weeks.

Last month Dan + Shay took home three trophies at the ACM Awards for Single, Song and Duo of the Year, with Smyers earning an additional two as a songwriter / producer, and in February they were honored with a GRAMMY for Best Duo/Group Performance (“Tequila”). With more than 3.6 million track equivalents sold (RIAA 3x Platinum, “Tequila” has topped charts across the world and earned nearly 700 million streams globally. Dan + Shay’s current single “All To Myself” is following suit as it nears the Top 20 at country radio and has already surpassed 76 million streams.

The hit-making duo recently wrapped their headlining tour this after a sold-out conclusion in Canada. In June they’ll bring the critically acclaimed show to Florida Georgia Line’s “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour” before joining superstar Shawn Mendes on his self-titled tour in Australia (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney – tickets available HERE).

Brett Eldredge’s “Love Someone” Enters Top 10 at Country Radio

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BRETT ELDREDGE’S “LOVE SOMEONE” ENTERS TOP 10 AT COUNTRY RADIO
Headlining Nashville’s July 4th Celebration
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (May 2, 2019) – Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville superstar Brett Eldredge entered the Top 10 at country radio this week with his current hit “Love Someone.” The noted hit-maker has notched six chart-topping songs, all of which have been certified Gold or Platinum. Described as a “summery, feel-good ode to the butterflies spawned by a healthy relationship” (Rolling Stone), the “upbeat, feel-good tune” (Taste of Country) boasts more than 55 million on-demand streams and nearly 450,000 track equivalents.
Eldredge’s previous single “The Long Way” quickly became a fan favorite and recently earned its Platinum certification. Stemming from his self-titled album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Album sales (all-genre) and Top Country Albums Chart, the track is approaching 150 million on-demand streams. The Top 5 hit lent its name to his 2018 headlining “The Long Way Tour.” Eldredge will take “The Long Way,” “Love Someone” and more to the streets of Lower Broadway this summer to headline Nashville’s July 4th Celebration. CMT will air a 90-minute live special of Let Freedom Sing! that will include performances from Eldredge and one of the largest fireworks shows in the country.
The singer / songwriter and entertainer kicked off 2019 overseas at the C2C festival in the UK, where Entertainment Focus praised Eldredge for being “a class act” and “oozing charisma,” claiming he was “easily one of the most anticipated artists” of the festival. Eldredge then made his way down south for a headlining tour in Australia, which wrapped today in Melbourne, VIC. He will return to the states for a stop on the “2019 Bud Light Dive Bar Tour” on May 16 in St. Louis, making him the first country artist to headline a Dive Bar Tour show.
In addition to select tour dates, Eldredge is currently writing and recording for his next project.

Kenny Chesney Surprised; Wins BILLBOARD Top Country Tour

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KENNY CHESNEY WINS BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARD
2018’s 19-Stadium Trip Around the Sun Tour Takes Top Country Tour

Kenny Chesney performs at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on the 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – (May 5, 2019) –Having crossed the million-person mark in Boston alone on his 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour, Kenny Chesney took home the award for Top Country Tour at the Billboard Music Awards last night. After playing 19 stadiums across 41 concert dates, the man Variety calls “Country’s only true long-term stadium act” was thrilled to hear the news.
“You don’t tour for awards,” says the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar. “Every night when we hit that stage and hear those fans, that’s the real award. But as I like to say, ‘There’s no group of people with more heart than No Shoes Nation.’ They’re all spirit, all passion, and man, they really brought it last summer! So, to me, winning this award is all about them – and what they bring to every single show we play.”
Currently in the midst of his taking-it-to-the-people arena Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour, focusing on markets where the fans don’t have easy access to his full-throttle stadium shows, Chesney is finding ways to change sight lines in every venue to add more tickets. “We can’t really tell how to open seats up until we get there, but as a kid growing up going to shows at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, I get wanting to be there – and I want to make sure everyone who wants to come out and sing these songs with us can.”
As the only Country act in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top 25 Live Artists over the last 25 years, Chesney’s live shows are legendary. Merging surging, up-tempo songs that celebrate the joy of being alive with a wall of rock & roll-leaning guitars, a strong sense of being rooted in smaller towns and an indefatigable energy that sees him soaked in sweat by the second song, The Wall Street Journal deemed him “The King of the Road” for good reason.
“Touring, to me, is coming together with a bunch of people who all love this music to forget about whatever is bothering you, to shake off the problems and people who make your life what you don’t want,” says the man with 30 Billboard No. 1s, “and embracing everything great about living.
“There’s nothing like the way a kick drum sounds when it hits you in the chest, or a guitar solo that just picks you up and throws you into a whole new energy. To me, that’s the best part of being on the road – and hearing that the Billboard Music Awards recognized us with this award last night, well, thank you so much from me, the guys in the band, the crew, the drivers and everyone else who makes it happen in this crazy world. We thank you, but especially we thank No Shoes Nation for bringing it every summer… They’re our secret weapon, so this award is for them.”
Chesney’s Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour continues through May 25 at the Bayou Country Superfest. The show live from Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium will mark the 8-time Entertainer of the Year’s only stadium play in 2019.

Over 50 Artists Join Forces To Honor Michael W. Smith At Bridgestone Arena

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Over 50 Artists Join Forces To Honor Michael W. Smith At Bridgestone Arena

Michael W. Smith Tribute - group photo

Last night Nashville, TN’s Bridgestone Arena became home to a once-in-a-lifetime, star-studded tribute event honoring Michael W. Smith and celebrating his 35 year career and his 35 #1 hits.

Nashville, Tenn. – 35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smithwas packed with over 3 hours of performances from singers including: Amy Grant, Wynonna, Randy Travis with Steven Curtis Chapman, Jordin Sparks with Jordan Smith, Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, Charlie Daniels, the Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill with Wayne Kirkpatrick, Matthew West, Avalon, The Oak Ridge Boys, CeCe Winans, Francesca Battistelli, Sandi Patty with Natalie Grant, Ricky Skaggs with the Isaacs, Jason Crabb, Lee Greenwood, Mark Lowry, Jim Brickman, T. Graham Brown and more.

Before the show started, Smith spoke of how he had been kept in the dark about most of the event so he was looking forward to the surprises throughout the night, seeing his songs performed and the rendition that the artists were going to take on them. He stated that “the beauty of the night is how it has brought so many of us together.”

Kathie Lee Gifford kicked off the night bringing Smith and his wife Deborah out to greet the crowd before they took their seats on stage. Smith didn’t stay seated long as he joined several artists throughout the night on his iconic songs and even some of theirs.

Highlights throughout the night included:

  • Randy Travis walking out on stage with his wife Mary Travis as his version of Smith’s “Above All” played. An emotional Smith stood as Travis made his way to him before embracing
  • After performing “How Great Thou Art” Charlie Daniels brought out his fiddle for “Devil Went Down to Georgia” while Smith accompanied him on piano
  • Taped messages from Smith’s dear friends: former President George W. Bush, U2’s Bono and Franklin Graham
  • American Idol winner Jordin Sparks joining The Voice winner Jordan Smith performing “All is Well”
  • Rascal Flatts putting their spin on “Pray for Me”
  • A visibly moved Wynonna, joining Michael Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon and CeCe Winans on “Help Is on the Way” then Smith jumping to the piano to join her for a rendition of his “Majesty”
  • Smith’s longtime friend and tour-mate Amy Grant inviting him to accompany her on the piano during their “Love Will Find a Way”

The show closed with all the artists coming back on stage to join-in for Smith’s classic “Friends.”

After playing the piano, Smith embraced the end of the triumphant night moving to the front of the stage to take a bow as his family joined him.

Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, music lovers experienced over 50 artists from all genres, performing a set list that included many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. With over 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 nomination in 2018 for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his worship effort, Surrounded. AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experience is Smith’s latest release (Feb. 22, 2019).

“35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith” full setlist:
Phil Keaggy, Mac Powell, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Point of Grace – “Agnus Dei”
Jason Crabb – “Love Crusade”
Ricky Skaggs with The Isaacs – “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Zach Williams – “I’ll Stand”
David Hamilton – Instrumental
David Hamilton, Jordin Sparks, Jordan Smith – “All is Well”
Matthew West – “Go West”
Charlie Daniels – “How Great Thou Art”
Charlie Daniels with Michael W. Smith – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”
Jars of Clay – “I’ll Lead You Home”
Rascal Flatts – “Pray for Me”
Avalon with Jay DeMarcus – “I Will Be Here”
Mark Lowry – “Face in This World”
Gatlin Brothers with Phillips, Craig & Dean – “Shine On Us”
Sandi Patty and Natalie Grant – “How Majestic”
Jim Brickman – “Love of My Life”
Michael W. Smith with original band – “Could He Be Messiah,” “Be Strong,” “You Need a Savior”
Randy Travis and Steven Curtis Chapman – “Above All”
Lee Greenwood with Wes King and sons – “There She Stands”
Brian Littrell – “Place in This World”
Michael W. Smith – “Secret Ambition”
Oak Ridge Boys – “Draw Me Close”
Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Katinas, Matthew Ward, Calvin Nowell – “Crown Him with Many Crowns, ” “Easter Song”
CeCe Winans with Point of Grace – “King of Glory”
Matt Maher – “This is Your Time”
Laura Story with Francesca Battistelli – “How to Say Goodbye”
Russ Taff – “Healing Rain”
Wayne Kirkpatrick with Vince Gill – “Never Been Unloved”
Mark Hall – “I’m Waiting on You”
Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon, Wynonna, CeCe Winans – “Help Is on the Way”
Wynonna – “Majesty”
Amy Grant with Michael W. Smith – “Love Will Find a Way,” “Thy Word”
All sing including T. Graham Brown – “Friends”

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written over 35 #1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. His most recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship album Surrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. 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.

About Outback Concerts:
Outback Concerts is an independent, full-service concert and comedy promoter based in Nashville, TN. In addition to producing hundreds of concerts and events each year, ranging from clubs to arenas across the country and Canada, Outback Concerts also produces the Nashville Comedy Festival. Outback Concerts President Mike Smardak was a 2011 inductee of the IEBA Hall of Fame. In November of 2016, Mike Smardak was honored with a distinguished NATD Award alongside Nashville’s most recognized members of the entertainment industry. In March of 2018, Smardak was honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award. Promoter Andrew Farwell was voted IEBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.

About Conway Entertainment Group:
Conway Entertainment Group is a full-service talent agency comprising live events, booking and talent management. CEG is built firmly on the foundation of Tony Conway’s forty years of experience in the industry, climbing the ranks from agent to CEO of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., one of the world’s largest agencies. In 2009, Conway sold his interest in BLA and opened Conway Entertainment Group with the desire to use his expertise from years of representing and negotiating some of the biggest tours, sponsorships, licensing deals, and literary, film and TV projects to come out of Music City.