Amy Grant bringing Christmas music and cheer to Kennewick

Amy Grant loves Christmas music. It’s beautiful, it’s special.

And for her, it’s long been something of a refuge.

Several times over the years — when she was reeling from sudden fame, when she was dealing with a difficult personal situation — she’s taken a step back and recorded a Christmas album.

“Every time I was trying to create some personal space, I enjoyed Christmas music. I could express faith, love and family, but it wasn’t about me,” Grant told the Herald.

The superstar has a long discography peppered with Christmas tunes, and she’ll bring many of them to Kennewick.

Grant is co-headlining a Christmas concert with Michael W. Smith. It stops at the Toyota Center on Nov. 16. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Jordan Smith, a winner of NBC’s The Voice, also will take the stage.

Tickets still are available and start at $37.

The trio hit the road last year with a Christmas show. They had so much fun, they decided to do it again, Grant said.

This year, holiday cheer feels especially welcome, she said.

“From coast to coast, there has been so much devastation and loss — everything from forest fires to shootings, floods, hurricanes, unrest,” Grant said. “I am filled with anticipation for the privilege and opportunity (to help) people just be together, and be in a space that is compelled by music and love.”

During the show, Grant and the two Smiths will be backed by a full orchestra. Balsam Hill is a sponsor.

Grant is a multi-platinum selling Grammy winner known for hits such as Baby, Baby, That’s What Love is For and the modern Christmas classic Breath of Heaven.

Her latest Christmas album, Tennessee Christmas, came out last year. With it, “I wanted to include all,” she said.

Some people love the holidays, while others struggle. The album “was an effort to be inclusive of all those experiences,” Grant said.

Like Grant, Michael W. Smith has a long list of albums and accolades. He’s known for songs such as Place in This World and Friends (are Friends Forever).

His latest Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, features Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Grant, among others.

Jordan Smith is a rising star who won the ninth season of The Voice. His first Christmas album, ‘Tis The Season, came out in 2016.

Grant said she and her tour partners are grateful for the chance to once again bring Christmas cheer to the Tri-Cities.

“It’s such a pleasure and a gift to get to share something we love so much with an audience that’s supporting live music,” she said. “I feel confident, just because of all the hard work and effort we put into it, that if anyone buys a ticket, they will walk out feeling better than when they walk in.”

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the Toyota Center box office. Those purchased through the box office avoid service charges.

This story was originally published November 11, 2017 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Amy Grant bringing Christmas music and cheer to Kennewick."