STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet has issued the following update:

"Hello everyone. I hope your week is off to a good start. I wanted to take a brief moment to update you on some of the things I'm working on.

First up, solo shows. As some of you may know, I've been performing solo acoustic at churches around America. A big thank you to Harvest Church in Norman, OK and to Grace Fellowship Church in Buckeye, AZ for hosting a concert at their church.

Upcoming solo shows:

March

24 - East Gate Alliance - Marshfield, WI( ticket info )

April

14 - Our Place Christian Church - Hillsboro, OR ( ticket info )

If you would like to bring my solo acoustic show to your church, please pass this YouTube video along to your church officials. Contact information is at the end of the video:

Special online only show:

Thursday April 26th on Stage It. I will be performing from my home studio taking requests and playing songs from my upcoming solo album. I’m really excited about my new relationship with Stage It and my ability to perform shows for you when I’m unable to make it to your hometown in person. As I type this there are only 68 tickets remaining and they are only $10. I hope you’ll join me. Here’s the direct link to the show.

Album and Book update:

I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on my latest solo album. I cannot begin to express how excited I am about this album, and book. The album will feature some notable special guests as well. The book is being co-written by my good friend from HM Magazine, Doug Van Pelt and is an autobiography detailing my life and career. Stay in touch with me on Twitter as I regularly update the progress there.

Tour to The Holy Land:

In January 2013 I will be taking an amazing trip to Israel and you’re invited. I’m really excited about my first trip to Israel and sharing the experience with my closest friends and fans. You can get more information or reserve your spot on the trip at this location.

Stryper's US tour schedule is as follows:

May

10 - Bolingbrook, IL - Tailgater's
12 - Columbia, MD - M3 Festival
17 - Dallas, TX - House Of Blues
18 - Houston, TX - House Of Blues
19 - Las Vegas, NV - Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino
24 - New York, NY - BB Kings
25 - Foxborough, MA - Showcase Live
26 - West Greenwich, RI - Rock Junction

June

1 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee
2 - Casper, WY - Oasis Venue
3 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon

Thanks everyone for your continued support and prayers and I hope to see you soon at a show, and don’t forget to join me at StageIt.com on April 26th."

(photo courtesy of Glen LaFerman)