Coming to the Crystal Lake Raue, Christian artist Michael W. Smith living 'dream come true'

After more than three decades of hits, Michael W. Smith is ready to embark on what he calls “the greatest adventure of his life” at a peek time in Christian music popularity.

Having recently filmed a video in Israel for a song inspired by his involvement in Fox’s music television special, “The Passion” – which aired this past March – Smith said he’s living a dream.

The 58-year-old contemporary Christian music icon will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Tickets start at $65 at www.rauecenter.org or 815-356-9212.

“I’m blessed beyond measure,” he said. “This is a God thing. I never could have orchestrated all of this, and to be able to do it for 33 years and have a big ol’ catalogue [of music] to choose from. That’s just a dream come true for me. I’m grateful every day I get up.”

With more than 15 million albums sold, 32 number one hits, three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards, Smith is known for classic songs, such as “Friends” – named the number one song of all time by CCM Magazine – and “Healing Rain.” He released “Hymns II: Shine On Us,” a tribute to the hymns that shaped him growing up, this year.

He's toured the world extensively sharing the gospel in remote locales such as Bahrain, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Abu Dhabi. His video for "He Will Never End," which can be seen at www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial, was filmed entirely in Israel over a stretch of four to five days.

He said it’s been awhile since he’s released a contemporary Christian album, but has plans for something more.

“I’m just trying to figure out how to do something different, how to take the worship side and the pop side and the cinematic side of what I do and throw it all into one silo and let it blow up,” he said. “If I have to play it safe, I think I’d rather not do anything. … It’s going to be more than a record of 10 or 11 songs. I think it’s going to be bigger than that, and I’m still trying to sort it out.

“I wish I could be more specific, but I certainly love what I’m writing and I certainly love where my head is in terms of head space and really trying to push myself to go deeper than I’ve ever gone before. There’s some good stuff happening, but that’s about all I can say at this point.”

Smith’s appearance in Crystal Lake comes at a time when Christian music artists are producing mainstream, chart-topping hits. Contemporary hit-making bands such as the Christian rock bands Jars of Clay and DC Talk have opened for Smith on tour.

Smith, himself, is a fan of Christian rock bands The City Harmonic and Leeland.

“We’ve obviously seen a growth in Christian music over the years,” he said. “I started doing this in the ’80s, and it’s quite different now than it was then, but I think there’s been certain songs people have connected to.

“I think people are looking for answers. I think people are looking for the real deal, honestly.”