It’s a wonderful lineup
Led by Smith, traveling music show is loaded
Michael W. Smith, one of America’s biggest Christian music stars for 25 years, is clearly the leading attraction in “It’s A Wonderful Christmas.”
Yet this traveling Christmas music show, which arrives Monday at the INB Performing Arts Center, has other attractions as well, including:
• A full symphony orchestra, the better to perform the many selections from Smith’s three Christmas albums, including 2007’s “It’s A Wonderful Christmas.” The orchestra will be made up of musicians from around the Northwest, including students.
•Melinda Doolittle, the third-place finisher on “American Idol” in 2007. She’ll be sharing the Christmas tour spotlight with Smith for the second straight year.
Smith has been quoted as saying “her voice is amazing,” and apparently it’s a mutual admiration society.
“I am head over heels with excitement,” said Doolittle in a tour press release. “I can’t even describe how amazing it is to sing with a full orchestra each night and to share the stage with Smitty.”
“Smitty” has made a tradition of doing these Christmas-themed tours. He has a soft spot for Christmas music and he says that the season is his favorite time of year.
You can expect the mix of songs to be similar to “It’s A Wonderful Christmas.” Contemporary and original Christmas songs will be interspersed with sacred hymns and traditional carols such as “What Child Is This.”
Smith and Amy Grant (for whom an unknown Smith once played keyboards) are credited with practically inventing the modern Christian music industry. Smith’s first record was “The Michael W. Smith Project” in 1984 and he has released 20 more albums since then.
His Grammy Award list is long – three wins and 13 nominations – and his Dove Award list is even longer: 42 wins. He has covered a wide range of Christian music styles over his career, ranging from pop to gospel to worship music.
Doolittle will soon release her debut album, “Coming Back to You,” which has been produced by Mike Mangini (Jonas Brothers, Run DMC). The album, which combines R&B with pop and soul, is due Feb. 3.
Meanwhile, on this tour, you can hear her wrap her voice around a selection of Christmas songs.