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  • By Kevin Harvison

    McAfee
October 7, 2009

Christian singer brings ‘Motions’ tour to McAlester

Concert planned for the outdoor stage at Southeast Expo Center

By James Beaty

Scott Walker says he can feel the momentum building.

Contemporary Christian music artist Matthew West is set to open his national “The Motions Tour” on Oct. 15 at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester.

The concert is to benefit the scholarship fund started in honor of the late Ryan McAfee, but it’s turned into much more.

Plans call for the 7 p.m. benefit concert to be held under the stars on the outdoor stage near the Expo Center, but in case of rainy weather it can be moved inside the building.

“Everything’s coming together,” said Walker, the executive director of Shared Blessings, who is helping organize the McAlester concert.

West has had three number one songs on the contemporary Christian music charts, including his riveting songs, “The Motions,” “More” and “You Are Everything.”

He will be bringing his full band to McAlester for the tour’s opening performance.

West is not the only artist on the program. Contemporary Christian music artist Josh Wilson is also on the bill. Lance McAfee, of McAlester, will go on-stage to tell his brother Ryan McAfee’s story, as well as give his own testimony.

Ryan McAfee is the 19 year old McAlester youth and 2008 Canadian High School graduate who died in a tragic accident earlier this year.

Excitement about the McAlester concert is building in the Matthew West camp.

“We’ve been touched by Ryan’s story and his family and it seems like a perfect way to kick off the tour,” said Joel West, who is Matthew West’s brother and manager.

The Wests and the McAfee family became connected after Lance McAfee found the lyrics to Matthew West’s song “The Motions” saved on his brother’s computer Facebook page the day following the accident.

The decision to open the tour in Oklahoma came after Matthew West and Joel West heard Ryan McAfee’s story.

“They decided that the kickoff for the tour needs to be in McAlester,” Walker said. “The kickoff needs to be in Ryan’s hometown.”

Although advance ticket sales have been brisk, Walker expects them to pick up even more as the concert nears. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate on the night of the concert, he said.

Advance tickets are available from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday at Shared Blessings, at 1558 S. Main St.; at the McAlester Chamber of Commerce, at 345 E. Adams Ave., and at many area churches, Walker said.

The concert will be festival seating.

“It’s an outdoor concert and people are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and blankets,” Walker said.

K-LOVE, the popular contemporary Christian music radio station, which has links to stations across the nation, will be sending a representative to the McAlester concert, Walker said. The station can be heard in the McAlester area at 88.5 FM.

The scholarship benefit is not the only activity connected with the event.

Area churches are joining together for a project they call Unified Motion, which includes special community service events for the weekend following the concert.

Anyone needing more information about the Unified Motion activities, or who would like to volunteer or get their church involved, can contact Walker at 421-0444.

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