Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman to play Aiken in March

Submitted photo.

When asked to describe his music, Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman playfully sang, "I'm a little bit country, and I'm a little bit rock 'n' roll," a Donnie and Marie Osmond classic, sincerely adding afterward that each of his songs have a thread of faith weaving it all together.

"At the core, it's heart and soul music; it's music that comes from my heart and my soul and my faith," Chapman said during a phone interview Thursday afternoon. "My songs are deeply rooted in my relationship with God."

Chapman, a five-time Grammy winner with 16 nominations under his belt, is bringing his "Song and Stories Tour" to Aiken in early March. This will be his second time in Aiken; his first trip was in October 2010 during the "A Night with the Chapmans" tour in which his wife, Mary Beth, and sons came along.

The Kentucky native released his first album 25 years ago and is touring for his 17th album, "re:creation." This album is a collection of songs describing the journey he and his family have made after the tragic loss of his youngest daughter, Maria, who died in an accident in 2008. The album includes six new songs, as well as some of his own classics that he revisited and re-recorded.

Chapman grew up surrounded by music and said song writers taught him more about God than teachers or preachers could. In his youth, he started college with the intent of getting a job outside the arts, but the music was calling him.

"I've always had this feeling that God gave me this gift of music for the purpose to somehow make him a little bit more known and understood by people," Chapman said.

The seasoned Christian artist has had sold-out shows across the country. Chapman is excited to come back to Aiken, saying his return means this is a city with an audience just as excited to see him perform.

"I'm thankful for that," Chapman said. "I consider it a real honor that people in these cities have said, 'We love when you come, and we want to hear your music and listen to your stories and be a part of that.'"

On this tour, Chapman will be accompanied by Andrew Peterson and Josh Wilson, two emerging music artists. Peterson and Wilson will not perform as opening acts, but rather they'll join Chapman on the stage with a menagerie of instruments from the ukulele to the cajon.

Chapman hopes that those who check out the unique show will not only have a great time but also take at least one thing with them from the experience.

"That is that somehow singing my songs and telling my stories will leave people feeling encouraged with a clearer understanding of God," Chapman said. "That's ultimately what I would hope to accomplish."

The concert will be held March 8 starting at 7 p.m. at Millbrook Baptist Church, 1920 Whiskey Road. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $35 for reserved seats, $25 general admission, $21 for groups and $25 additional to any ticket for the sound-check session.

Visit www.wafj.com or call (886) 440-7880 to purchase tickets and for more information.

Tickets are also available at Family Christian Store and Lifeway Christian Store, both located in Augusta, as well as Millbrook Baptist Church and 88.3 WAFJ in North Augusta.

Amy Banton is the city beat reporter and has been with the Aiken Standard since May 2010. She is a native of Rustburg, Va., and a graduate of Randolph Macon Woman's College.