THE PASSION, written by Peter Barsocchini (“High School Musical”), tells the 2000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of contemporary popular music, sung by the cast, and arranged specifically for this event by executive producer and hit music producer Adam Anders (“Glee,” “Rock of Ages”). Set in modern day, the event will follow the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth, as he presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected. 

The event will unfold live at some of New Orleans’ most iconic locations, while featuring a procession of a thousand people carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross from outside the Mercedes Benz Superdome to the live stage at Woldenberg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.

LEARN MORE AND GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE PASSION…

It’s been a full month since Michael’s exclusive Cracker Barrel release, Hymns II: Shine On Us, released. Over the past weeks, it has seen an enormous amount of support.

Pulling out all the stops on this installment, Michael wanted to celebrate a conglomeration of hymns incorporating gospel roots, captivating arrangements and even full symphonic moments.

(If you, your family, friends or even people that aren’t quite as familiar with Michael’s music, haven’t checked it out…we encourage you to check out these all-new renditions of some of the hymns/songs!)

Don’t have a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store near you? It’s ok…you can buy here, at iTunes or Amazon.

The album has continued to make its impact throughout various media outlets. Here are a few:

• Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze.com
• Christian Post
• CCM Feature Story
• Examiner.com
• JesusFreakHideout.com

Michael W. Smith’s Cruise team hosted a cruise chat on Wednesday, February 17th for all persons thinking about booking or already booked on the cruise.  His team answered questions for almost 90 minutes as a way of making sure that any questions that you have are answered before the cruise!

If you missed the FACEBOOK Q&A you can now read the Q&A in it’s entirety by click HERE or on the image below.

Release week for the “Hymns II: Shine On Us” (exclusively through Cracker Barrel Old Country Store ©)  has been in full-swing for Michael.

On release day, Smith was able to spend some time at a Cracker Barrel in-store meet and greet. Having only known about for a short time, friends and fans traveled from all over for the occasion (Canada, Missouri, Alabama, and other locations). Special thanks to everyone who sacrificed their time to be there! See here:

Williamson Source

OneOne7TV

Throughout the week, Michael has has been covered by various media outlets and even invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry alongside Ricky Skaggs and Little Big Town. It’s been a very exciting time as Smith has celebrated the release. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new record and what songs have spoken to you the most on Facebook or any Social Media! See below for some great interviews:

The Rick & Bubba Show

NewReleaseToday.com

Thanks so much for your support!

Catching up with Michael W. Smith…  January 2016.  Watch the video below and find out what he’s been up to and planning for later in 2016.

Related Links:
– New Album:  http://www.crackerbarrel.com
– 2016 Summer Cruise:  http://www.michaelwsmithcruise.com

With Michael’s new album arriving at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations this Friday, January 29th, we wanted to give all of Michael’s email list members the chance to listen to the first 90 seconds of each of the 16 songs on the album.

Hymns II: Shine On Us is a collection of songs classic and contemporary hymns that Michael hopes will bring your spirit to a place of worship every time you listen.  All of these songs are brand new recordings performed as only Michael can.

Songs on the album are:

1. Down To The River To Pray
2. I Need Thee
3. Jesus, Only Jesus
4. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
5. I’ll Fly Away
6. His Eye Is On The Sparrow
7. I Don’t Know Why (Jesus Loves Me)
8. Shine On Us
9. Nearer My God to Thee
10. Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)
11. I’d Rather Have Jesus
12. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
13. Be Still My Soul
14. Great Is The Lord
15. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
16. America The Beautiful

We are excited to give you this special preview – Listen below or click here to listen on YouTube.

Thank you to THE EXAMINER for joining Michael and Amy in Minneapolis this year.

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Here’s their review of the concert:  
(You can read the entire review and view a photo gallery by clicking here)

Christian music superstars Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant returned to Target Center on Saturday night, Dec. 12, officially bringing in the sounds of the season to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Smith, who turned 58, in October hasn’t missed a beat since launching his annual Christmas holiday tour several years ago while always making sure every year that Minneapolis was a definite show date.

It’s no secret to those that really know “Smitty” as close friends and family call him that he absolutely loves Christmas, and that couldn’t have been truer with his spectacular performance tonight in Minneapolis. Smith was witty and comedic throughout the night even when he shared a very tender moment when thanking everyone for coming out tonight, and mentioned that he’s not gonna cry as his eyes seemed to fill up with tears, because he knows that his dad is cheering him on and he looks forward to seeing him again on the other side. (Smith’s father, Paul Smith, passed away last month) Smith also mentioned that he brought snow with him, because we don’t have any and said usually it’s freezing around this time of year here.

Grant, who is a few years younger than Smith, shares very similar views about Christmas who also has had several tours in the past with her husband Vince Gillcelebrating the holiday season. With the addition of Grant on the bill for this stop, concert goers were in for a very special treat.

Smith and company had the perfect mix of songs of the season, including some more modern, to the old hymn style that were sang by candlelight hundreds of years ago. What really made this show superb was the incredible backup full orchestra that was simply… (click here to read the rest of the article and see a photo gallery from the concert).