BC News|September 23, 2014 11:45 EDT
Michael W. Smith Partners with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store for 'Spirit of Christmas Tour' [TOUR DATES]
Michael W. Smith is partnering with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store to sponsor the "Spirit of Christmas Tour."
The tour will begin on November 30, and he will be supported by Rachael Lampa. His new record Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas will be out on September 30.
Smith previously worked with Cracker Barrel to put out his Hymns album. It was nominated for Inspirational Album of the Year at the Dove Awards.
"I'm really happy to have Cracker Barrel as a tour sponsor," said Smith in a press release, "Our local Cracker Barrel has become a very special place over the past several years. It's where I take my Dad once a week for breakfast. We've shared some great memories there that I'll always cherish. It feels great to have Cracker Barrel as part of my tour."
Cracker Barrel who has previously supported other Christian artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, is "happy" to work with the legendary artist.
"We enjoyed working with Michael and his team when we exclusively released his Hymns album earlier this year, and were so happy for them when it was recently nominated for a Dove Award," said Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager Julie Craig in a release, "Christmas is a time when families come together, and often they gather to share a meal at Cracker Barrel. When we were approached about sponsoring his "Spirit of Christmas Tour,' we knew it would be a great fit."
Guests on the Christmas album include: Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono, and Michael McDonald.
"This is the most unique and unusual record I've ever done in my 31-year career," explained Smith.
Smith will also be doing a few dates with Amy Grant while performing in front of a full symphony.
"The Spirit of Christmas Tour"
All dates subject to change
November 30 - Anaheim, CA
December 1 - Modesto, CA
December 3 - Clarksville, TN
December 4 - Nashville, TN
December 5 - Birmingham, AL
December 6 - Richmond, VA
December 11 - Wichita, KS
December 12 - Dallas, TX*
December 13 - Minneapolis, MN*
December 15 - Atlanta, GA*
December 18 - Spokane, WA
December 19 - Portland, OR
December 20 - Seattle, WA
December 21 - Abbotsford, BC, Canada
*Co-headline with Amy Grant