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Michael W. Smith Brings Every Christmas Home For the Holidays at The Fisher Center in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, Michael W. Smith (MWS) along with special guest Riley Clemmons presented three nights of Smith's EVERY CHRISTMAS - a concert that celebrates the joy and true meaning of the season. This holiday show was hosted at the festive Fisher Center in Nashville Tennessee December 19-21, 2024. MWS was joined by his band, a full symphony orchestra and a 100 voice choir to help make sure his presentation was as stuffed as the proverbial Christmas stocking.
Michael W. Smith takes the stage for night two of a three-show stand in Nashville.
MWS is an award-winning artist who has had success in Christian and mainstream music having sold millions of albums. Michael believes in giving back thus during his storied career he has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa, started Rocketown - a safe haven for young people in Nashville and has assisted more than 70,000 children through Compassion International.
Riley Clemmons was a wonderful addition in the supporting artist slot.
Riley Clemmons is a Nashville native, an accomplished performer, producer and recording artist. Clemmons' compositions reflect various musical influences while her lyrics explore relatable life experiences. She sky-rocketed onto the scene with her 2017 Capitol CMG debut single "Broken Prayers" and has been building on that momentum since.
A view from row "D" at The Fisher Center on the campus of Belmont University.
The Nashville Recording Orchestra was already in place as we took our seats at the Fisher Center on Friday the 20th. A large grand piano took center stage and to our right was a rock band ready to add even more sound to this holiday presentation. MWS received a warm greeting from the hometown crowd as he took a seat at the piano.
The full cast on stage as the EVERY CHRISTMAS tour wrapped up in Music City.
The first set had personal touches as Michael shared his passion for music and his love of Christmas records especially from the 1950s and 1960s. He said that The Andy Williams Christmas Album was one of his favorites. He proceeded to play a number of covers from it all enhanced by the stage full of musicians. A winning "White Christmas" flowing into a subtle "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" with Riley Clemmons were crowd pleasers. Miss Clemmons wearing a festive red gown along with a trio of talented backing vocalists added even more flair to the concert.
Celtic sounds added a festive flair to many of the numbers in Nashville.
"Sometime Every Christmas" was dedicated to all of those in the audience who were missing someone special. Despite the sad sentiment of the song Mr. Smith said that this is his favorite time of the year while thanking his parents who taught him so much and exposed him to music. He also chatted about his interest in instrumentals citing the compositions of the great John Williams as an inspiration. With that he dedicated a piece called "Freedom" to the millions who have served. Michael talked about his early days in Nashville and working with Amy Grant which flowed into an emotional rendition of their chart-topping co-write "Emmanuel" sung with Riley marking another bright moment for the singer. The next few numbers included Irish influences to close out an impressive first half.
Volunteers from Compassion International were on hand and many adoptions took place during the break.
Part of the intermission included a short film of Michael and Amy Grant talking about the non-profit Compassion International. Per their website, Compassion is dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Through sponsorships and donations, they empower local churches to care, educate, love and protect children while improving conditions in poor communities. Both Smith and Grant have been long time supporters of Compassion. In an effort to encourage folks to sign up that night MWS gave all new sponsors his book The Way of the Father paired with a CD copy of EVERY CHRISTMAS.
There's still time to cruise to Alaska with Michael W. Smith this summer.
The second half was more of a pageant as a sizable choir from Brentwood Baptist Church stationed behind the orchestra joined in on the festivities. There were a lot of high points such as "All Is Well" and "Waymaker" with many voices powerfully declaring "light in the darkness, my God". The combination of many instruments and singers enhanced the majesty of more spiritual carols such as "Silent Night", "O Come All Ye Faithful", a glorious "Gloria" and the encore "Amazing Grace" as a closing reminder of the reason for the season.
EVERY CHRISTMAS is set to return to The Fisher Center in 2025.
If you were unable to attend EVERY CHRISTMAS, you will still have an opportunity to see these stars as both MWS and Riley are scheduled to be on the road next year. Michael was even promoting his upcoming cruise to Alaska this summer so perhaps some fans in attendance got an early present under their tree. Plus, tickets for EVERY CHRISTMAS are on sale now for December 19 through 21, 2025 at the well-appointed Fisher Center located on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Opened in September of 2021, this multi-functional facility presents an eclectic range of performances including dance productions, musicals, operas, plays, rock shows and holiday themed spectaculars such as EVERY CHRISTMAS. Please check their website for a full list of upcoming events.
The Fisher Center is an elegant and exquisite addition to the Nashville concert scene.
Related Links:
For more information on MICHAEL W. SMITH and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Michael W. Smith |
Riley Clemmons |
Compassion International |
The Fisher Center
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