(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Nov. 13, 2005 —Acclaimed singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson returns to Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, December 11th at 7:30 p.m. for his annual Christmas concert. This year’s event features special guests Mindy Smith, Pierce Pettis, Matt Slocum, Phil Madeira, Jill Phillips, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Andrew Osenga, Ben Shive, Steve Hindalong, and others.

Six years ago, Peterson composed his musical rendition of the Christmas story to remind people of the holiday’s true significance. Since then, he and a small band have performed the songs each holiday season to sold-out crowds nationwide, always punctuating the string of shows with an ensemble performance in his hometown of Nashville. Past events have featured such artists as Alison Krauss, Phil Keaggy, and members of Nickel Creek, who have joined Peterson for an in-the-round segment of original material before gathering on stage to perform his collection of songs, Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ.

A departure from typical Christmas concerts that center on holiday classics. Behold the Lamb of God peers deep into the Old Testament, walking chronologically through the historic events that culminated in the birth of Christ, and expressing them through music. In addition to Peterson’s uniquely-told tales of Moses, Pharaoh, Mary, and Joseph, the artist intertwines a few familiar melodies too, including a memorable hammered dulcimer version of “The Holly and The Ivy.”

“The first song, “Gather 'Round, Ye Children, Come,” is supposed to paint a picture of a grandpa beckoning the children to sit at his feet by the fire and hear the old, old Story of the saving of the world again,” says Peterson. “I hope that people will come and sit and listen to a bunch of troubadour storytellers and rejoice with them about the inheritance we've been given--the inheritance we're a part of.”

Responding to demand from fans of his Christmas concert, in 2004, Peterson recorded the songs on an album titled Behold the Lamb of God.

“It's a pretty different approach to an album,” Peterson explains. “I don't know of any Christian albums like it in that it's a concept album with a story-telling style. My foremost concern was with accurately conveying the story of Christ’s birth, and doing it as artfully as possible.”

Peterson has long been known for his intricate songwriting and transparent candor on stage, often drawing comparisons to predecessor Rich Mullins. While signed to Watershed/Essential Records from 1999 to early 2004, Peterson recorded three national releases including his award-winning Carried Along, which featured the top ten radio single, “Nothing to Say.” His latest project, The Far Country released this August.

Tickets for the December 11th concert, presented by Midtown Fellowship, are available at Ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more call (615) 871-5043. Proceeds will benefit Compassion International