When the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena becomes a place of worship, excitement and music today, Michael W. Smith won't be the only person on stage during the performance.
Indeed, the Grammy Award-winning and multi-Platinum recording artist will be performing his praise and worship songs, but he will also be joined by nearly 100 residents representing various congregations from around the area. A community choir led by Brett Heintzman will be singing some of Smith's most famous songs on stage alongside him during a portion of the concert.
"This is a chance for a number of us from varying backgrounds - denominationally and otherwise - to come together based on the things that draw us together," Heintzman said. "It lets us all experience new and different things in new and different ways."
Heintzman is the Pastor of Worship at Harvest Chapel Free Methodist Church in Fredonia and has directed a number of different choral groups during his 14 years of ministry at the church. Two years ago, he directed a similar community choir for an event called "Let There Be Light" in Westfield.
To organize this choir, Heintzman asked a number of congregations all over the area to participate. There are about 14 churches that will be represented from all over Chautauqua County (plus one from Gowanda and one from Russell, Pa.).
Provided with audio files similar to what Smith will be performing at the concert, the choir has rehearsed both as a group and on their own individual church levels.
During today's concert, the choir will be singing alongside Smith in 12 songs. Because many of the songs are familiar worship tunes, they should be familiar to church goers and many at the concert. Audience participation is encouraged, and will be led by Smith and the choir.
"It becomes an opportunity for every that is attending the concert to enter into a time of praise and worship for God," Heintzman said. "The entire place becomes an atmosphere of participation."
It will be an event that helps to bring those at the concert closer to God and to celebrate their faith.
"They can expect an incredible experience both musically and as a time to plug into the heart of God," Heintzman said about those at the concert. "Michael is a great worship leader himself. He has a passion and desire to see others come closer to God through the gift of music."
Michael W. Smith has sold more than 13 million albums since his first record was produced in 1983. He has been the recipient of three Grammy Awards and has produced 14 gold albums and five platinum albums. This stop in Jamestown is part of "A New Hallelujah World Tour."
Today's concert takes place at 8 p.m. at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Tickets are still available at the box office and start at $25. Call 484-2624 for more information.