As one of the most beloved artists ever in gospel music, Michael W. Smith can easily be described as “well-traveled,” and a recent string of international appearances only underscores that.
Smith recently performed more than 20 shows around the world, beginning in late April with 11 appearances across Canada and continuing in mid-May with four shows in South Africa (followed by a quick stop in Zambia) and six shows in Brazil.
Smith started off the world tour with a string of sold out performances across Canada. In just two weeks, Smith traveled across the country from Montreal, Quebec, to Victoria, British Columbia and performed before a total audience of nearly 20,000 fans.
Smith’s next concert run took him halfway across the world to South Africa. Over four days, Smith gave four concerts drawing more than 23,000 fans. Smith’s latest project A New Hallelujah and its partner DVD, Michael W. Smith: A New Hallelujah – Live, were recently certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) with combined sales of more than 30,000. Five of his previous records have also been certified Gold or Platinum by RISA, evidence of his popularity. Smith concluded his stay on the African continent in Zambia, entertaining a crowd of 7,000 people before heading back across the Atlantic to Brazil.
Smith spent 10 days in the country stopping in the cities of Belo Horizonte, Aracaju, Cabo Frio and São Paulo. Smith performed six times in Brazil and ended his international tour with the concerts in São Paulo on June 2 and 3. More than 10,000 fans attended the two São Paolo concerts alone.
“Everyone who attended one of these concerts had a wonderful experience in God’s presence.” Mauricio Soares, Executive Director of Gospel Music at Sony Music Entertainment Brazil, said. “That’s why Michael continues to be one of the most important international Christian artists
in Brazil.”
Smith wrapped up his world tour with a stop in San Jose, Costa Rica. The actual last show of the tour was slated for Guatemala City, Guatemala which was postponed due to the volcano and hurricane. In response to the natural disasters to hit that country, Michael is returning to Guatemala on July 25th to perform a benefit concert to raise money in support of the victims of the storm and volcano.
“Smitty” will perform next week as part of the sold-out “Nashville Rising” concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena set for Tuesday, June 22. He joins artists including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Amy Grant, Miley Cyrus, ZZ Top and more for a fundraiser benefiting The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and its ongoing flood recovery efforts. For more information on the “Nashville Rising” concert or to donate to CFMT, visit www.nashvillerising.org
Source: CMSpin