Read a blog written by Emily Rickert, a winner of last fall's "Invitation" VIP Experience with Meredith as she toured with Michael W. Smith on the New Hallelujah Tour.
"I was very, very excited when I found out that I won tickets to A New Hallelujah concert, to say the least. I’d wanted to go to the concert to hear Meredith Andrews, who is one of my favorite artists of all time, as well as the three other great artists. So, needless to say, when the opportunity came up for me to go for free and meet Meredith, I was overjoyed. : )
My cousin Jordan (who is also one of my best friends) and I arrived at the Salisbury Civic Center around two hours before the concert was supposed to start. We met Adam, who organized the meet and greet with Meredith and told us what was going on. He was great—very friendly and helpful. : ) We got to see Michael W. Smith, Matt Maher, and Meredith go through their sound check, which was really neat. It was cool enough just to be there early and see some of the behind-the-scenes stuff going on in preparation for the concert.
The concert began with Matt Maher, Phil Stacey, and Meredith leading the audience in a worship song. They sounded so great together! After that, Phil did a few of his songs, then Meredith did her songs, and then Matt did his. They were all really amazing. One of my favorite parts was when Meredith joined Matt at the end of his act for a few last songs… their harmonies were perfect, and it brought a new depth to the songs.
At the intermission, Jordan and I met Adam next to the stage, and he brought us backstage to meet Meredith! From what I’d read from her blog on her site as well as from some of her video-blog things, I went sensing that she would be very down-to-earth and friendly. She met my expectations exactly! It was so much fun to spend time with her. She talked to Jordan & I about family, school, and other little fun things like that. In the interview I did with her, she shared about writing, inspiration, her favorite Starbucks drinks, and more. : ) Meredith proved to be exactly the kind of person she appears to be from her songs. She has a very deep relationship with God, and her passion for sharing His love and truth is so, so real in her life. She is such an inspiration to me… every time I listen to her songs, I’m reminded that the God we serve is our Lover, Redeemer, Father, and Friend. It is such a privilege to have that knowledge along with the countless blessings that come from knowing Him, and to be able to fellowship with others who have experienced it too!
After the intermission, Michael W. Smith put on an incredible performance. He was really great—he had so much energy and life! It was so much fun to be there. At the very end, all the artists came on stage and sang a few last closing songs. The whole concert was such a reviving experience. I am so grateful to God for giving me this opportunity, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. : )"
