Grammy award-winning Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith is bringing his Christmas tour to the Performing Arts Center. (Submitted photo) 

New Philadelphia, Ohio - Christian music icon Michael W. Smith is bringing his Christmas tour to New Philadelphia.

The Grammy-award winning performer is set to take the stage at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University Tuscarawas on December 21st at 7:30 pm for a special holiday concert.

Michael has sold more than 15 million albums over his illustrious career, scoring 32 No. 1 hits, earning three Grammys and more than 45 Dove Awards. He has also given back to the global community, raising funds to battle AIDS in Africa alongside longtime friend Bono; starting Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee; and helping more than 70,000 children through Compassion International.

Joining him on stage will be special guest Melinda Doolittle. Melinda became a highly sought-after background vocalist, singing for multiple musical icons including Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Aaron Neville and Jonny Lang. She became a household name in 2007 during Season 6 of American Idol when she finished third in the competition.

Tickets start at $53 and are on sale now at the Performing Arts Center box office, by calling 330-308-6400 or online at www.kent.edu/tusc/pac. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 The Performing Arts Center’s 2018-2019 Season is sponsored by Michael Taylor Insurance and Financial Incorporated, an Allstate Agency. Free parking is available for all shows. Kent State Tuscarawas is located at 330 University Dr. N.E. in New Philadelphia.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY AT TUSCARAWAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER