By Leah Smith
Entertainment Editor
Amy Grant entertained a GPAC audience on Sept. 21, marking her first visit to the venue.
Many who attended the show were older but had no issue being vocal with their support of the Christian music legend.
“If you’re here, you came to listen to some old songs,” Grant said to the audience after walking on the stage with her band.
During a two-hour performance with an intermission, Grant performed many of her most well-known hits. The set list included the energetic “Love Will Find a Way,” the emphatic declaration “I Have Decided” and one of her more recent hits among the Christian pop fandom, “Better than a Hallelujah.”
This performance had a high level of intimacy with the audience. With a few exceptions, Grant took a break in between songs to have a conversation with the audience. These chats were often about her journey throughout her career and the experiences that she had. One story she shared was about meeting Joni Mitchell shortly before covering the iconic “Big Yellow Taxi.”
Other stories were very personal, including one about a therapy session with her daughter. She shared that before singing a tune she wrote about the experience. Her 2021 release, “What You Heard,” was a highlight of the show despite being one of the more slow-paced tracks she performed. The moment was intimate as she sang about this experience and she encouraged the audience to be open to therapeutic experiences.
The musicians beautifully complemented her and her background singers. But Grant’s voice with little accompaniment filled the room as she performed “El Sheddai,” her famous ode to God that stood out among the songs she performed.
This was another successful performance at GPAC organized by James Bass, Director of the Performing Arts Center.
“We were blessed to have her here on this date as a part of her tour,” Bass said. “She did a great job, people loved her. I’ve heard nothing but good things.”
Grant is married to country music legend Vince Gill, who on the night of the show was performing with legendary rock band, The Eagles at “Sphere” entertainment venue in Las Vegas. Grant told the audience about Gill between songs.
“I bet I’m having more fun here with you right now than he is,” Grant said.
Next on GPAC’s professional entertainment season is “America’s Got Talent” finalist and winner of NBC’s “The Phenomenon,” Mike Super. Tickets and more information on that performance can be found at https://www.uncp.edu/resources/gpac/professional-artist-series-tickets-and-information/mike-super-magic