Matthew West headlines Contemporary Christian Concert

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce that Matthew West will headline the 2025 Contemporary Christian Concert, presented by Clean Water of Virginia with special guests Warren Peay and Seth Addison. The concert will take place at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025. ​
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​Matthew West
Dubbed “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), Matthew West has notched 37 No.1 songs combined as an artist and songwriter and has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. West is also a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI’s 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP’s 2023 Golden Note Award recipient, ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year recipient, and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards and has been named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.” 
 
In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards seven times and has more than 275 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Anne Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns and others. The release of Don’t Stop Praying marks his 13th studio album. West's first single from the album and title track "Don't Stop Praying" (released January 2024) marked his biggest streaming single debut in his 20-year career and notched a No. 1 spot for two weeks at radio.  
 
Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One”, “Hello, My Name Is, “The God Who Stays,” “My Story Your Glory 30-Day Devotional,” “Come Home For Christmas” with his ninth book “Don’t Stop Praying” slated to release in February 2026. In 2020 The Matthew West Podcast debuted and continues weekly with special guests. West is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life.

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Warren Peay 
Warren Peay, a soulful Christian artist from Bamberg, South Carolina, gained national attention as a top contestant on American Idol Season 21, where his heartfelt lyrics and powerful voice captivated audiences and advanced him to the Top 8 in May 2023. Known for his humble, down-to-earth persona and deep-rooted faith, Warren consistently brought authenticity to each performance, often choosing Christian songs that reflected his mission to glorify God.
 
Since his American Idol journey, Warren’s music career has continued to blossom. He was featured on Zach Williams’ song “Sunday’s Comin’” and even had the honor of opening for Zach at the 2024 Shenandoah County Fair. Additionally, he was a featured artist at UnityFest, bringing his message of hope and faith to even larger audiences. His Instagram profile captures his journey, sharing performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections that highlight his passion for music. As he prepares to release new music and hit the road, Warren looks forward to sharing his voice, faith, and message with a growing community of listeners.

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​Seth Addison
Seth Addison is a singer, songwriter, and author from Baltimore, MD. He enjoys creating music and writing related to real people, facing real challenges, about a real God.

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Tickets are on sale now.  Join us at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University on Sunday, May 4, 2025, for an afternoon of worship and inspiration. Doors open at Noon. The concert begins at 2:00 pm.