By Andy Argyrakis

SCC AND MWS RACK UP 14 SOLD-OUT SHOWS

It was a double bill for the history books and one that apparently was also incredibly high on the sales side as well. “The United Tour” featuring Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith may have just visited 20 cities this fall, but over 50,000 fans took in the outing with 14 shows completely sold out! Beyond merely going through one another’s greatest hits, the two collaborated on a series of songs and were also outspoken about Chapman’s adoption charity Shaohannah’s Hope (showhope.org) and Smitty’s ministry partner Compassion International (compassion.com).

CENTRICITY TAG TEAM ON TOUR

Though one concert jaunt may have ended, another one is in the beginning stages as Centricity Records’ critically-acclaimed roster teams up this winter. In support of the collaborative holiday CD Bethlehem Skyline, multi-faceted artists Downhere, Jason Gray, Lanae Hale, Jaime Jamgochian and Daniel Kirkley come together in an eclectic yuletide celebration. Expect several familiar Christmas classics, plus like-minded originals carved out for this special undertaking.

GRAY GOES ACOUSTIC

Speaking of Centricity, singer/songwriter Jason Gray is giving fans an early Christmas present in the form of the CD Acoustic Storytime. The concert collection is comprised of 15 unplugged tunes spanning shows in Minnesota and California, plus some recorded in random studio sessions. Outside of the tracks themselves, Gray also explains their stories with his signature sense of humor coming across on occasion. 

THE SOLO SIDE OF A CHRISTAFARI SINGER

She may be best known as the soulful singer in reggae troupe Christafari, but Avion Blackman is steadily earning a solo fan base as well. Her second CD, Sweet Life, hits stores Thanksgiving weekend (that’s Black Friday for those retail enthusiasts) and is heavily influenced by her Caribbean heritage, plus elements of roots rock, reggae, folk, world and R&B (not to mention worshipful lyrics!).

Check out this week's ! Album Alert. For more headlines, visit the news feed at CMCentral.com.