Kim Hill will be celebrating a homecoming of sorts later this month when the award winning Contemporary Christian Music artist returns to Meridian to headline a benefit concert for the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi.

    Hill, who lived in Meridian until she was 11 years old, is a 25-year veteran of the CCM world. She’s a Grammy nominated, three-time Dove award-winning artist with 17 CDs to her credit. The past 14 years, she’s primarily been leading worship at women’s conferences around the country but recently returned to touring as an artist with her latest Christmas CD in 2011. Hill is the first Christian artist to ever achieve two consecutive number one singles from a debut album.

    The concert will be Friday, Nov. 30 at the Temple Theater. Show times will be announced at a later date. Hill is excited to be coming back to her childhood home to perform her music, much of it off her inspirational, Christmas album she just completed.

    “I have so many great memories of Meridian from when I was little,” said Hill during a promotional stop Wednesday at First Christian Church in Meridian. “I have friends on my Facebook page from back when we were in elementary school so it will be nice to see them again.”

    Event organizer Rick Courtney admitted the announcement of the concert, which will also feature the Meridian Community College Choir as the opening act, came about quickly. He is hoping to drum up support from sponsors to help defray the costs so that much, if not all of the proceeds, can go directly toward the club.

    “We want to find supporters and sponsors and get them on the bandwagon with us for this fantastic opportunity to have an artist of Kim’s level of talent come here,” Courtney said. “We would like to get the fixed costs of the event taken care of so we can donate the rest to the club.”

    The club’s school liaison, Linda Lavalais, said the club is honored to be the recipient of the proceeds.

    “This will help our programs so much and we are thankful to Kim Hill and the MCC choir for their participation,” Lavalais said. “This means the world to us.”

    The Rev. Tom Sykes of First Christian Church said Hill’s is quite the success story and one that is reflected through her music.

    “Her music is all about her roots and her faith,” Sykes said. “Plus, she wants to come back to her childhood home to share with everyone here the journey she has taken.”    

    Hill now lives in Franklin, Tenn., with her two teenage sons. She said she first began learning how to play guitar while living in Meridian. She said she always wanted to play music in the Temple Theater. Hill said the same message she has instilled in her music will be on full display for all to hear at the event.

    “Christmas is supposed to be a time of family, friends and joy,” Hill said. “But many times people feel so alone. Well, they don’t have to feel alone because God is always with them.”

    Hill said people are more open with their emotions during this important holiday season. She hopes they will feel the love, faith and inspiration that has carried her throughout her career.

    “I’m very excited about this opportunity,” Hill said. “I’m excited about being a part of the unity of Meridian and to see what God is going to do.”

    If you would like to find out more on how to help sponsor this event, contact Rick Courtney at (601) 616-7663.