THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 26, 1996 TAG: 9608260068
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: CONCERT REVIEW
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 58 lines
Michael W. Smith both rocked and inspired his fans Sunday at the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. Watching him in concert, you know why he is the country's No. 1 contemporary Christian artist.
His show was unusual for Little Creek, which often features country or rock. This was certainly rock, but the similarity ends there.
Budweiser seemed to have disappeared off the face of the Earth. Their signs and products, usually prevalent at these concerts, were nowhere in sight. And forget about suggestive T-shirts. When Smith is around they read ``Jesus is the light,'' ``Jesus Freak,'' ``Don't be wrong, eternity is long,'' etc.
A member of the security staff said this was the easiest he has ever had it. That doesn't mean things didn't get noisy. You don't take things easy during a Smith concert. He draws you in; has you singing along; has you rocking - and has you listening for the message.
He does very little preaching, but his brief testimonies hit home.
When he told about a friend who finally ``gave his heart to Christ,'' the audience applauded and shouted approval.
``My friend didn't get religion,'' Smith said. ``He got Christ.''
Smith has a hard time trying to be an entertainer rather than an idol. ``I will be glad to be a hero,'' he said. ``And point you to the Lord.''
If there is one song in his books that can really do that it is ``I'll Lead You Home.'' Said Smith: ``If I could do only one song it would be that one.''
Most of his songs are up-tempo, and things can get pretty wild. ``Out of This World'' almost borders on hysteria. At one point the urge struck and he just ran in circles around the stage.
At another point after some good, healthy, raucous music, he asked the audience if they were ready to take it up a notch. Those who had thought he had reached the top were in for a pleasant, wild surprise.
Things did quiet down at one point when the band took a break and it was just Michael and his keyboards. Usually, the keyboards help create much of the excitement on stage, as did his excellent band and pair of backup singers.
Smith's music keeps you jumping but it is also relevant to what is happening in the world today. The message and the music were very well-received. Jars of Clay - like Smith - have wound up the pop charts as well as contemporary Christian. This is the first time since May that they have worked with Smith and it is easy to see why they are in such demand. They're young, the girls love them - they have strong voices and good harmony.
One fan's T-shirt pretty well summed up the attitude of the day: ``Focus On The Cross.'' ILLUSTRATION: GARY C. KNAPP
Christian singer Michael W. Smith kept his fans on their feet Sunday
with a powerful, up-tempo show at Little Creek Naval Amphibious
Base. He did little preaching, but his brief testimonies hit home.
MUSIC REVIEW
Michael W. Smith,
Jars of Clay,
Sunday at Little Creek Amphibious Base by CNB