MercyMe Returning to Grand Rapids
As the pandemic gradually loosens its grip on scheduling of large-gathering events, major concert tours are slowly returning to venues around West Michigan, including Christian music artists.The inspirational pop-band MercyMe is joining the chorus with its 30-city fall tour that stops in Grand Rapids on November 5 (details below).
The award-winning band comes with a new album – "inhale (exhale)" – and its hit song "Say I Won't."
"We can't wait to see you live and in-person this fall," beamed the band to fans on its Facebook page.
MercyMe, featuring lead singer-songwriter Bart Millard, performed at Van Andel two years ago on the crest of a feature film based on his own life. The movie "I Can Only Imagine," which shares the title of the band's signature song, was a hit movie that year reaching number three at the box office its debut week.
NEW TOUR, NEW MUSIC
The band's new 16-song collection includes several collaborative efforts, generally offering a theme of hope and encouragement in facing life's challenges.
Guest vocalist Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts joins Millard for "A Little Love," while disco legend Gloria Gaynor contributes vocals on "Brand New."
The anthem "Almost Home" has already been a Christian radio hit a year ago. But when COVID struck in March, 2020 the album was delayed. The songwriting process lengthened before the final project was ready earlier this year.
Their 12th studio album, "inhale (exhale)" is the latest achievement in a recording career that stretches over more than two decades.
They've made numerous trips to West Michigan, including at Van Andel,a pops concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony and a stadium performance at the former Fifth Third Ball Park (now LMCU) in Comstock Park.
(See the band's recent appearance on the "Fox and Friends" TV show)
ADVANCE SCHEDULING
Van Andel is hosting several major concert tours later this year, such as the country acts Alabama and Dan + Shay. But those are concerts postponed from last year. The MercyMe stop is the first newly-scheduled date on the arena docket.
The last pre-COVID concert at the local arena was in March, 2020 by inspirational artist Lauren Daigle.
Details:
MercyMe with special guest Micah Tyler
Fri. Nov. 5, 2021 (doors open at 7pm)
at Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. Grand Rapids
Tickets: (to go on sale May 14) $24.75 to $78.50 www.ticketmaster.com
