Nashville songwriters to share stories behind hits at MVNU Benefit Concert

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Some of the most memorable songs in Christian and country music have stories that extend beyond the recording studio. Three accomplished songwriters and performers will share those stories during A Night with Nashville: Benefitting Cougar Baseball with the Hits on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. in Thorne Performance Hall, located in the R.R. Hodges Chapel-Auditorium and Fine Arts Center. Part of MVNU Homecoming weekend, the event will feature MVNU alumnus Brian White ’79, 4HIM founding member Andy Chrisman and eight-time Dove Award winner Tony Wood. Proceeds will benefit the On Deck Campaign for Cougar Baseball.

White’s return to campus brings together two important parts of his life: his MVNU roots and his career as a songwriter. A member of the Cougar baseball family, White has earned 16 No. 1 hits.

“We are excited to have Brian back on campus, both as an alum and a part of the Cougar baseball family. This will be an amazing evening!” said Mike Cheek ’82, MVNU Executive Director of Alumni Relations.

White’s credits include Rodney Atkins’ country No. 1 hit “Watching You,” which Billboard recognized as the most-played country song of the decade, and Jason Aldean’s No. 1 song “Blame It on You.” White also co-wrote “The Promise,” recorded by The Martins, and “Holding Out Hope to You,” recorded by Michael English. Both songs received Dove Awards for Song of the Year.

Chrisman brings more than four decades of experience in Christian music to the stage. As a founding member of 4HIM, he was part of a group whose music produced 30 No. 1 songs on Christian radio. The group performed thousands of concerts around the world and became known for songs including “Where There Is Faith,” which reached No. 1 on Christian AC charts, as well as “The Basics of Life” and “For Future Generations.”

4HIM’s accomplishments also include a Grammy nomination for its album The Message, which received a 1997 nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. Chrisman is a member of the Christian and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Beyond performing, Chrisman has spent decades leading worship and mentoring worship leaders. Since 2000, he has been involved in worship ministry, including more than two decades as a key figure at Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He now travels to coach churches on worship leadership and performs concerts. He also hosts the nationally syndicated radio show Worship with Andy Chrisman and the podcast 1 Degree of Andy.

Wood’s songwriting has reached audiences through recordings by artists across Christian and country music. An eight-time Dove Award winner and Songwriter of the Year nominee, he has written more than 30 No. 1 songs. His credits include “God Is on the Move,” recorded by 7eventh Time Down; “This Is the Stuff,” recorded by Francesca Battistelli; and “Jesus, Only Jesus,” recorded by Phillips, Craig and Dean.

Wood’s songs have also been recorded by Michael W. Smith, Francesca Battistelli, Matt Redman, Phil Wickham, Zach Williams, Dolly Parton, for KING & COUNTRY, Reba McEntire, Mandisa, Keith and Kristyn Getty, CAIN, Ben Fuller, Micah Tyler, TobyMac, Big Daddy Weave, Anne Wilson, Peter Burton, We Are Messengers and Point of Grace. He is a staff writer for Curb/Word Music.

Together, White, Chrisman and Wood bring decades of songwriting and performance experience to an evening celebrating the music and the stories behind it.

“If you are a fan of Christian music, you’re not gonna wanna miss this concert,” White said. “There’s nothing quite like hearing from the heart of the writers and the voice of the artist in an acoustic intimate setting. With over 50 No. 1 songs and multiple Dove awards you’re guaranteed to hear something you’ll recognize from the radio! It’s gonna be an inspiring night of sharing songs that connect with the heart and soul of the believers!”

Tickets are $30 per person and are available at secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=fgKQqn.

For more information about MVNU Homecoming, Nov. 13-14, visit mvnu.edu/homecoming.