Chapman 'Living In This Moment'

By CHERYL BENTLEY The Suncoast News

Published: Apr 12, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Award-winning singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman will bring to town next week not only his Christian music but also his passionate pitch for adopting needy children.

His 50-city tour, "Live in This Moment," coincides with the release of his 16th studio album on Sparrow Records.

Chapman is asking audiences at each stop to contribute spare change to help a local Christian family who is adopting a child.

Chapman and wife Mary Beth, who adopted three girls from China, have created Shaohannah's Hope, designed to reduce the financial barriers to adoption.

His west Pasco concert is at 7:30 p.m. April 19 at Calvary Chapel Worship Center, 6825 Trouble Creek Road. The performance will be a family affair, featuring his sons, Will Franklin on drums and Caleb on guitar.

Chapman's music "is the deepest expression of my relationship with God," he said. "I want people to feel invited in, rather than preached at."

His songs appeal to non-Christian audiences, too. "Miracle of the Moment," from his latest album, "This Moment," celebrates the joy inherent in life. In the ballad "Cinderella," a father remembers dancing with his daughter, from helping her practice for her first school dance to rehearsing for her wedding dance.

"Cinderella" was the top Christian cut downloaded on iTunes for several weeks.

Chapman is a five-time Grammy winner; has sold more than 10 million records; has won 51 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards; and has appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "CBS News Sunday Morning."

"When people come to my concerts," he said, "I want them to feel they have found a friend. I want my music to connect."

Tickets are $30 or $25 in advance, $32 day of show, $21 for groups. Call (866) 440-7880 or go to www.thejoyfm.com.

MORE ON CHAPMAN

SOURCE: www.stevencurtis chapman.com

LATEST CD: The first new album in three years, "This Moment" centers on celebrating every moment of life.

ADOPTION MISSION: Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman founded Shaohannah's Hope as a result of adopting three girls from China and seeing the desperate need of orphans around the world. The organization helps prospective adoptive parents overcome financial barriers by awarding grants.

CHECK IT OUT: The Steven Curtis Chapman Online Channel offers all his songs in their entirety, new videos, interviews and other features. Go to www.stevencurtischapman .com/radiolaunch.htm.