Summer truly is the time where all concerts explode in passion with worshippers and fans around the nation gather. July 9th will be the day where two of the most praised Gospel artists will gather, Michael W. Smith and the recently Dove-Awarded group MercyMe will launch “One Nation Tour.” Compassion International, one of the co-sponsors will bring in a 3rd band adding to the hype of the fans – David Crowder Band.

Smith and MercyMe previously shared a tour together in “Celebration Tour” last year, and this provides another chance for the two companion artists to share their music. Celebration Tour 2003 was a huge success that also marked Michael W. Smith’s 20th Anniversary in the music industry and attracted an audience of more than 200,000.

One nation tour will visit more than 30 cities and major venues, parks, and fairs from East to West Coast in the U.S. and Canada, concluding in Charlotte, N.C.

Smith comments, “It’s going to be great to be on the road again with the guys in MercyMe and David Crowder. My hope is that every night of this tour everyone, myself included, will be challenged in a new way. It’s going to be great evening of music and worship.”

The “One Nation Tour” is highly anticipated and concertgoers are already preparing and marking their calendars enthusiastically.

“Working with an artist with the history, talent, and integrity of Michael W. Smith is a privilege,” Clear Channel promoter Ted Mankin compliments. “I’ve worked with him for twenty years, and look forward to twenty more. His entire organization has always been a straightforward, fair group.”

Bart Millard of MercyMe gratefully remakrs “Having the chance to hit the road with Michael once again is an amazing opportunity,” states Millard. “We can’t wait to get out there and perform new songs from Undone and be able to bring a great night of music to people all over the country.”

In addition to these acclaimed artists, perfectly completing the set of staging in "One Nation Tour" is Sixsteprecord’s David Crowder Band – also its premium chance to step up in its music career.

David Crowder says "We are excited and thrilled to be a part of such an amazing tour. It's an honor to share the stage with two influential artists such as Michael W. Smith and MercyMe."

The tour not only unites the artists musicianship but also the recording company’s alliance.

"It's exciting for us to be a part of putting this tour on the road," notes Chaz Corzine, of Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine, Smith's management company. "The combination of Michael W. Smith with MercyMe is so powerful. Adding David Crowder Band to the nights will really make this a great experience. We're really looking forward to each night. It will be great."

"It was a great experience for us to work with Michael W. Smith and his team last year, and we're excited the opportunity has presented itself again," comments MercyMe's manager, Scott Brickell of BrickHouse Entertainment. "There is a definite shared vision between these artists that provides not only for a great evening of music, but of incredible ministry as well."

"One Nation Tour" Dates: 7/9/2004 Birmingham, AL // Oak Mountain Amp.

7/10/2004 Atlanta, GA // Hi-Fi Buys Amp.

7/11/2004 Maryland Heights, MO // UMB Bank Pavilion

7/13/2004 Detriot, MI // DTE Energy Music Theater

7/14/2004 Noblesville, IN // Verizon Wireless Music Center

7/16/2004 Raleigh, NC // Alltel Pavillion at Walnut Creek

7/17/2004 Bristow, VA // Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge

7/18/2004 Virginia Beach, VA // Verizon Wireless VA Beach Amp.

7/22/2004 Del Ray, FL // Del Ray Beach Tennis Stadium

7/23/2004 Tampa, FL // Tampa Bay Amp.

7/24/2004 Valdosta, GA // Wild Adventures Theme Park

7/26/2004 Houston, TX // Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7/27/2004 Lubbock, TX // Pavilion @ West Texas Canyon Amp.

7/29/2004 Phoenix, AZ // Glendale Arena

7/31/2004 Santa Clara, CA // Six Flags

8/1/2004 Kelseyville, CA // Konocti Field Amp.

8/3/2004 San Diego, CA // Coors Amp.

8/5/2004 Seattle, WA // Key Arena

8/6/2004 Portland, OR // Rose Garden

8/7/2004 Spokane, WA // Riverfront Park

8/8/2004 Boise, ID // Idaho Center Amp.

8/10/2004 Denver, CO // Coors Amp.

8/12/2004 Des Moines, IA // Iowa State Fair

8/13/2004 East Troy, WI // Alpine Valley Theatre

8/14/2004 Cincinnati, OH // Kings Island

8/15/2004 Toronto, ON // Wonderland

8/17/2004 Philadelphia, PA // The Mann

8/19/2004 Gilford, NH // Meadowbrook Farm

8/20/2004 New York, NY // Radio City Music Hall

8/21/2004 Pittsburg, PA // The Post Gazette Pavilion

8/22/2004 Charlotte, NC // Carowinds