SAINT PAUL, MINN. (09/23/2009)(readMedia)-- KTIS, the Midwest's largest Christian radio station, announces its Saturday, October 3 Celebration Concert to cap its 60th anniversary celebration in honor of station founder, the Rev. Billy Graham. To be held at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center, the concert will feature national Christian recording artists, including Michael W. Smith, and special remarks by two of Graham's daughters.

"This celebration will honor the legacy of Dr. Graham because, through his vision, the station has touched millions of people's lives for Christ since 1949," according to Paul H. Virts, senior vice president for media at KTIS. "It is the culmination of our 'Living Out the Legacy' theme, which includes 60 Days of Service volunteer opportunities, a listener luncheon and the ground-breaking for a new Northwestern College building named for Graham," he said.

Michael W. Smith's achievements over his 25-year recording career include an American Music Award, three GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and five Platinum albums, 33 No.1 radio hits, and has been named one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People.

A 1000-voice choir from nearly 100 local churches and several Christian ministries will sing with Smith under the choral direction of Dan Leverence, creative arts pastor/worship leader at Constance Evangelical Free Church in Andover, Minn. He also will lead the choir in an original song — "For the Time That's Still to Come — that he composed in honor of KTIS's 60th anniversary, as well as Chris Tomlin's "God of This City."

Two of Graham's daughters, Ruth and Gigi, will share their perspectives on the legacy of growing up as a Graham. In addition, KTIS on-air personalities will emcee the program that celebrates the culmination of "60 Days of Service," which focused on key areas of need as identified by both Minneapolis and St. Paul mayoral offices: hunger, schools, homelessness/displacement, and environment/beautification.

Ruth Graham founded the Ruth Graham & Friends Ministry in 2006, which ministers God's grace and restoration to those who feel marginalized within the church, as well as equip those who want to reach out to the wounded. She is an experienced conference speaker and Bible teacher, as well as a frequent guest speaker and interview subject in the news media.

Gigi Graham is an award-winning author who draws on many resources and experiences for her speaking and writing ministry: the daughter of the well-known evangelist, raising seven children, traveling and living in Europe and the Middle East.

Other special musical guests include Matthew West and Phil Stacey. West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, "More," which was the most played Christian AC song of 2003. Stacey was a Top 5 finalist on season six of American Idol and recently debuted a new album called "Into the Light."

The cost for concert tickets ranges from $17 to $45, available at www.livingoutthelegacy.com.

About KTIS: KTIS 98.5 and KTIS AM 900 are owned by Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minn., Northwestern's media network includes 16 radio stations in eight markets in the Upper Midwest. It also operates a satellite radio network, distributing programming to its six stations in the region.

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(Note: Photos and bios of recording artists and special guests can be found at www.livingoutthelegacy.com)

Posted Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 08:03 pm by University of Northwestern - St. Paul