Bob Bonaci decided to rent a ShoWare Center suite for this year’s company Christmas party so his employees can attend the Michael W. Smith concert.
Smith, one of the best-selling artists in Christian contemporary music, headlines the “It’s a Wonderful Christmas Tour” concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 in Kent. The Christian artist will perform Christmas-related and other songs, along with a 60-piece orchestra and a 30-member choir.
“We’re excited about it,” said Bonaci, president and owner of Bonaci Fine Jewelers at the corner of Smith Street and Central Avenue in Kent. “We’re a Christian store. We’re taking six employees and their spouses.”
Jeff Prevette, a Bonaci employee, saw Smith in concert about four years ago at a Seattle church.
“Not only is the quality of music good, but you get to experience his performance and spirituality,” Prevette said. “This ought to be really spectacular.”
Fans of Smith from as far away as Alaska, Colorado, British Columbia, Montana, Idaho and Oregon have purchased tickets to the concert, said Beth Sylves, ShoWare director of marketing. Fans also are coming from across the state, including Anacortes, Spokane and Vancouver.
“We’ve sold over 5,000 tickets,” Sylves said. “There are a lot of church groups and youth groups that have bought tickets. There is a lot of holiday cheer to be celebrated.”
Smith, who was on the road and not available for an interview, has won three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009. His tours consistently rank among the best-attended in the country.
The Christmas tour started in Brentwood, Tenn., and ends its 17-show run in Kent.
“Since this is the last date of his tour it’s a perfect time to kick off Christmas week,” Sylves said.
Smith has sold nearly 17 million albums during his 28-year career as a recording artist. He won Grammy Awards in 2002 for “Worship Again,” as the best pop/contemporary Gospel album; in 1995 for “I’ll Lead You Home,” as the best pop/contemporary Gospel album; and in
1984 as the best male Gospel performer.
He has been married for 29 years and has five children.
Smith posted Dec. 11 on his Twitter account michaelwsmith that he was thankful to all who came to his recent show in Houston, including his dear friends former President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush.
Smith describes himself on his Twitter profile in this way: “I write, sing and perform music for a pretty awesome purpose.”
For more information, go to www.michaelwsmith.com.
If you go
What: It’s a Wonderful Christmas Tour concert, Michael W. Smith
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: ShoWare Center, Kent
Cost: $75, $60, $50, $40 and $25
Tickets: www.showarecenter.com, call 253-856-6999
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