NEEDTOBREATHE with special guest Conner Smith
Presented by Pepper Entertainment
Sunday, February 21, 2027 | DECC Symphony Hall | 7:00pm
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
ABOUT NEEDTOBREATHE
NEEDTOBREATHE is known for their distinctive blend of Americana, alt-rock, and spiritual depth—earning five No. 1 albums, over three billion career streams, sold-out tours, and a devoted global following. The South Carolina–bred group—Bear Rinehart, Josh Lovelace, Tyler Burkum, and Randall Harris—enters a new creative chapter with The Long Surrender, their tenth studio album and first release for MCA.
Produced by nine-time GRAMMY-winner Dave Cobb, The Long Surrender captures the band at their most vulnerable and instinctive, recorded largely live and driven by Rinehart’s deeply personal songwriting. Led by the early standout “Momma Loves Me” featuring The Red Clay Strays, the album reflects themes of faith, redemption, and renewed clarity—showcasing a band confident enough to strip everything back and let the songs speak for themselves.
“This album really clarified that, as an artist, I’ve got to put my convictions in front of anything else,” says Rinehart. “I poured myself into it without trying to shape it for anyone or anything, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing from here on out. It’s definitely a better indicator of where we’re headed than where we’ve ever been, and in a lot of ways it feels it’s our very first record.”
ABOUT CONNER SMITH
ACM-nominated Country artist Conner Smith continues to establish himself as a standout voice in Country music, known for his ability to blend sharp storytelling with mass appeal. A Nashville native continuing Country’s rich singer/songwriter legacy, the GOLD-selling entertainer boasts strong, down-to-earth vocals.
While he initially gained success by capturing youthful energy, he is now embracing a new phase of artistic growth and expression. Signing his first publishing deal as a teenager, Smith made his debut with his 2022 project DIDN’T GO TOO FAR, featuring the Top 40 hit “Learn From It,” viral sensation “I Hate Alabama,” and the GOLD-certified fan favorite “Take It Slow.” His early success earned him a dedicated following and “artist to watch” recognition from Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Opry NextStage, MusicRow, and CMT, who called him “an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.”
After touring with Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Chase Rice, Luke Bryan and Parker McCollum, Smith kicked off a milestone 2024 with his full-length debut SMOKY MOUNTAINS. Pairing sharp hooks and timeless Country sonics with a heartfelt nod to his Appalachian roots, the project delivered the GOLD-certified, multi-week international chart-topper “Creek Will Rise” and the “masterclass in storytelling” (All Country News) “Meanwhile In Carolina.”
His success continued with his first ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year and his cinematic debut with “Steal My Thunder (feat. Tucker Wetmore),” featured in the summer blockbuster Twisters. Smith continued his evolution with THE STORYTELLER, a standout project marking what he considers his most natural artistic state. A five-song contemplation and reflective-roots masterpiece, filled with thoughtful passion and coming-of-age clarity, the release coincided with Smith’s 2024 headlining THE STORYTELLER TOUR.