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BREAKING NEWS Music. Tours. Life. More. from CCAuthority.com News
 Gold City one of the artists featured at this year's gathering |
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GATLINBURG GATHERING SET TO TAKE PLACE LABOR DAY WEEKEND TOP STORY GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE - The exciting sounds of Southern Gospel Music will ring loudly Labor Day Weekend, August 29-31 in the Great Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Dozens of Southern Gospel Music's most popular artists will be featured at the Annual Gatlinburg Gathering at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This exciting three-day event features nightly concerts with many of Southern Gospel Music's most popular names, including Gold City, The Hoppers, Ivan Parker, The Perrys, Brian Free & Assurance, The Greenes, The Talley Trio, The Pfeifers, The Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, The Triumphant Quartet, Kirk Talley and many others. In fact, nearly two dozen popular Southern Gospel Music recording artists will be featured throughout the event. In addition to the evening concerts, special bonus Showcase events will be held on Saturday and Sunday. The Annual Gatlinburg Gathering promises to be one to remember. This event will be one the entire family will enjoy. Join many of Southern Gospel Music's most popular recording artists at the Gatlinburg Convention Center on August 29-31, as the Annual Gatlinburg Gathering returns to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Hillsong United one of the most popular young modern worship bands in the world |
HILLSONG UNITED COMES TO HOUSTON IN AUGUST SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Musicians, students, youth leaders and worship leaders will gather in Houston August 22-23, 2008 for the Hillsong United Conference which brings the world-class modern worship band for its only youth conference in the United States this year. The Hillsong United Conference will be held at Grace Community Church at 14505 Gulf Freeway in Houston and will feature two days of speaker presentations, teaching and concerts. The conference will focus on the subjects of worship and justice and equipping young people to bring both to their communities. Registration for the conference can be found at http://www.hillsongunitedconference.com/houston.html. An early registration rate is available now through May 31st at a cost of $69. Australia’s Hillsong United, which was the Gospel Music Association’s International Impact award-recipient in 2007 and a Dove Award nominee for Group of the Year in 2008, is one of the most popular young modern worship bands in the world. The various conferences they have hosted around the world have drawn thousands of young people and their church leaders looking to immerse themselves in worship and gain a better understanding of how to bring a lifestyle of worship to everyday life. Last year’s U.S. event, held in Orlando, was sold out and attended by registrants from 43 states. The Hillsong United Conference in Houston will feature guest speakers including Hillsong Church’s senior pastor Brian Houston and internationally renowned speaker (and former Hillsong youth leader) Phil Dooley teaching registrants how young people can transform churches and communities. Some of the breakout sessions will teach songwriting; building a great worship team; youth ministry programming; evangelism; and using TV & media. The Hillsong United band will provide music at the worship events. The Hillsong United Conference is sponsored by Integrity Live Events, part of Integrity Music of Mobile, Alabama. The Hillsong team will also visit Canada for a conference in Toronto on Aug. 29-30. In April, Hillsong United released The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One, a new double album that captures live worship from around the world. The CD release is the first part of a three-part action plan for the band’s worship and social justice initiative, The I Heart Revolution, that also includes a September release of a DVD titled We’re All In This Together. Both the CD, which captures the “sound” of global worship, and the DVD, which captures the “visual,” are aimed at creating awareness for phase three - - the development of an online community and social justice hub set to launch by fall. The With Hearts As One CD features 30 songs recorded live in various locations including Scotland, Malaysia, France, Paraguay, Sweden and Brazil to name a few. The album was produced by Hillsong United frontman Joel Houston along with guitarist Jad Gillies and Andrew Crawford. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Mark Stuart founding member of Audio Adrenaline |
AUDIO ADRENALINE VOCALIST TO TOUR WITH HAWK NELSON THIS SUMMER NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Audio Adrenaline's Mark Stuart to speak and emcee on select dates - Shortly after announcing that Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss, formerly of Audio Adrenaline, would be banning together as "AA Talks" to offer themselves for events to speak from their hearts as well as lead worship, Stuart has announced that he will speak and emcee on select end of summer tour dates with Hawk Nelson this year. “I am going out on the Faith Night 2008 with Hawk Nelson and Run Kid Run.” In a message from Stuart... "Hey guys! Mark here. I am going out on the Faith Night 2008 with Hawk Nelson and Run Kid Run! I will be the M.C. and will also be speaking for a few. Come on out and see us!" Complete tour information for this tour and all of your favorite tour dates are updated daily at www.ccauthority.com. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 The Isaacs won 4 SGN Awards this year |
THE ISAACS WIN BIG AT 2008 SGN MUSIC AWARDS MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE - The 2008 SGN Music Awards were handed out last night at a special concert celebration in Smyrna, Tennessee to a standing room only crowd. The Isaacs were the big winners of the night - winning four awards. The group took home their first Mixed Group of the Year award as well as Album of the Year and Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year for the critically acclaimed release Big Sky. In addition, Sonya Isaacs was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year. Tied as the most nominated artist of the night, the Dove Brothers Quartet won three awards. The group won the biggest award of the night, 2008 Pacesetter, as well as Song of the Year and Traditional Southern Song of the Year for the #1 single “I Can Pray.” Though not on hand to accept, the group recorded special video acceptance speeches that were presented during the evening. “The Dove Brothers have always been committed to creating and releasing high quality music that this genre can be proud of,” mentioned McCray Dove of the Dove Brothers. “These awards a huge honors for us.” “God has absolutely blessed this event.” Several artists and individuals were awarded two Ovations last night, including Gold City who won their second Male Group of the Year award (they previously won the award in 2005) and Best Live Performer. Karen Peck & New River took home Progressive Song of the Year (for “Last Night”) and Progressive Album of the Year (for Journey of Joy). Producer Mark Bright was awarded two awards for producing The Isaacs’ Big Sky, and Nathan Markee won two awards for writing the Dove Brothers Quartet’s “I Can Pray”. The event was hosted by Sondra Burnett, Ian Owens (of The Imperials), and Jeff Pearles (of the King’s Heralds) The evening featured resounding performances from Gold City, The Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River, HisSong, Gordon Mote, The Freemans, Mike & Kelly Bowling, Three Bridges, The Imperials, Tribute Quartet, Amazed, King’s Heralds, and Sondra Burnett. “God has absolutely blessed this event,” mentioned Deon Unthank, administrator of SoGospelNews.com. “To have a standing room only crowd for the third year in a row is such a blessing. We appreciate everyone who helped make this a memorable event!” The SGN Music Awards are an annual award handed out each year by the staff at SoGospelNews.com. Each January, the staff decides upon the nominees in over twenty categories. In February of that year, the readers of the site are then allowed to vote for their favorites. This is the seventh year the awards have been in existence. The official sponsors for the 2008 SGN Music Awards Celebration were Chase representative Bev McCann and Stones River Title Company, LLC. 2008 SGN Music Award Winners: SONG OF THE YEAR: “I Can Pray” - Dove Brothers Quartet (written by Nathan Markee) ALBUM OF THE YEAR: (a tie) Back to the Roots - The Imperials (produced by Michael Sykes) Big Sky - The Isaacs (produced by Mark Bright) PACESETTER: Dove Brothers Quartet BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tribute Quartet MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Ronnie Booth (Booth Brothers) FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Sonya Isaacs (The Isaacs) MALE GROUP OF THE YEAR: Gold City FEMALE GROUP OF THE YEAR: Amazed MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Isaacs SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Artist): Gerald Crabb SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Professional): Dianne Wilkinson PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Artist): Ricky Free (Brian Free & Assurance) PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Professional): Wayne Haun ENGINEER OF THE YEAR: Kevin Ward MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Gordon Mote BEST LIVE PERFORMER: Gold City TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR: “I Can Pray” - Dove Brothers Quartet (written by Nathan Markee) TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Everyday People – Greater Vision (produced by Gerald Wolfe) PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR: “Last Night” - Karen Peck & New River (written by Marcia Henry) PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Journey of Joy - Karen Peck & New River (produced by Bubba Smith) COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS SONG OF THE YEAR: “He Chose Me” - The Freemans (written by Rick Hendrix & Angie Hoskins Aldridge) COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Big Sky - The Isaacs (produced by Mark Bright) SPECIAL EVENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR: A Little Christmas - Legacy Five (produced by Scott Fowler, Steve Mauldin, and Tim Parton) FAN FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: The Perrys -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 This handout photo supplied by Craig Dobson from Faith in Teaching on Thursday April 17, 2008, shows a proposed specialty license plate. The Florida legislature is considering a specialty license plate design that would include a cross, a stained glass window and the words "I Believe". If approved it would be the first state to have a license plate featuring a religious symbol that it is not part of a college logo. (AP Photo/James Moore, Faith in Teaching) |
FLORIDA CONSIDERS CHRISTIAN LICENSE PLATE MIAMI, FLORIDA - By JESSICA GRESKO Associated Press Writer (AP) - Florida drivers can order more than 100 specialty license plates celebrating everything from manatees to the Miami Heat, but one now under consideration would be the first in the nation to explicitly promote a specific religion. The Florida Legislature is considering a specialty plate with a design that includes a Christian cross, a stained-glass window and the words "I Believe." Rep. Edward Bullard, the plate's sponsor, said people who "believe in their college or university" or "believe in their football team" already have license plates they can buy. The new design is a chance for others to put a tag on their cars with "something they believe in," he said. If the plate is approved, Florida would become the first state to have a license plate featuring a religious symbol that's not part of a college logo. Approval would almost certainly face a court challenge. The problem with the state manufacturing the plate is that it "sends a message that Florida is essentially a Christian state" and, second, gives the "appearance that the state is endorsing a particular religious preference," said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. “...people who "believe in their college or university" or "believe in their football team" already have license plates they can buy.” The "I Believe" license plate still has a way to go before it reaches the roads. The proposal is part of a package of license plates being debated in the Senate and ready for a floor vote. In the House, the bill that would authorize the plate has passed one committee 8-2. The Legislature's annual session ends May 2. Some lawmakers say the state should be careful. Rep. Kelly Skidmore said she is a Roman Catholic and goes to Mass on Sundays, but she believes the "I Believe" plate is inappropriate for the government to produce. "It's not a road I want to go down. I don't want to see the Star of David next. I don't want to see a Torah next. None of that stuff is appropriate to me," said Skidmore, a Democrat who voted against the plate in committee. "I just believe that." Florida's specialty license plates require the payment of additional fees, some of which go to causes the plates endorse. One plate approved in 2004, displaying the motto "Family First," funds Sheridan House, which provides family programs but also sees its purpose as "sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Bible" and "information about the Christian faith." The bill creating the "I Believe" plate would also create an "In God We Trust" plate to benefit the children of soldiers and law enforcement officers whose parents have died. It also could face opposition as a violation of the separation of church and state. An Indiana plate with the same "In God We Trust" phrase has been challenged by the ACLU, but the courts so far have deemed it legal, arguing that it is comparable with other specialty plates. This isn't the first time a Florida license plate design has created religious controversy. In 1999, lawmakers approved a bright yellow "Choose Life" license plate with a picture of a boy and girl. It raises money for agencies that encourage women to not have abortions. That generated a court battle, with abortion rights groups saying the plate had religious overtones. But it was ruled legal, and about a dozen states now have similar plates. A "Trust God" license plate was proposed in Florida in 2003. It would have given money to Christian radio stations and charities, but was never produced. Earlier this year, a legislative committee was shown an image of a "Trinity" plate that showed a Christlike figure with his arms outstretched. It and two other plates were voted down. The group asking for the "I Believe" plate, the Orlando-based nonprofit Faith in Teaching Inc., supports faith-based schools activities. The plate would cost drivers an extra $25 annual fee. Approving the plate could open the state to legal challenges, according to Josie Brown, who teaches constitutional law at the University of South Carolina. And it's not certain who would win. "It would be an interesting close call," Brown said. Simon, of the ACLU, said approval of the plate could prompt many other groups to seek their own designs, and they could claim discrimination if their plans were rejected. That could even allow the Ku Klux Klan to get a plate, Simon said. Bullard, the plate's sponsor, isn't sure all groups should be able to express their preference. If atheists came up with an "I Don't Believe" plate, for example, he would probably oppose it. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 The church's stage area seen on Saturday after the collapse. (CBC)  A teenager was taken away by a stretcher outside Central Heights Church after its floor caved in late Friday night during a packed rock concert. (CBC) |
40 INJURED AT STARFIELD CONCERT ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA - 1,200 people pack sold-out Christian rock show in Abbotsford - More than 40 people were taken to hospital — three with serious injuries — after the floor caved in at a packed concert in an Abbotsford, B.C, church late Friday night. "We were dancing in the front of the stage," Kyle Weber, a teenager who was at the Christian rock concert, told CBC News. "The floor just collapsed. All the speakers just fell down [and] crashed a lot of people.... A lot of people fell through the floor." At least 23 people were sent to MSA Hospital in Abbotsford, while 16 people were diverted to nearby hospitals in Mission, Chilliwack and Langley, local health officials told CBC News late Friday night. Two more were taken to Vancouver General Hospital. Police in the Fraser Valley community said they didn't know how many people were actually hurt in the incident at Central Heights Church, but they confirmed that at least three people were hospitalized with serious injuries. “The floor collapsed and sank and we fell into the basement below.” A teenager was taken away by a stretcher outside Central Heights Church after its floor caved in late Friday night during a packed rock concert. (CBC) Karen Thiessen and her eight-year-old-son were at the concert when "the heavy lights above the auditorium started to fall towards the crowd" at about 9 p.m., she told CBC News. A mosh pit in front of the stage was filled with teenagers, she said, and they were jumping and dancing. After the lighting fell, the floor beneath the mosh pit collapsed, she said, and the people on it fell through to the basement about three metres below. About 1,200 people were watching the concert at the church, at 1661 McCallum Road, she said. The sold-out event featured contemporary Christian rock band Starfield. A couple of warm-up bands were playing their music when the accident happened, Thiessen said. Several concert-goers — most of whom were teenagers — were cared for by paramedics at the scene, Thiessen said. She and her son, Isaac, were not hurt. Ian Hern, a youth pastor at the concert, said there were hundreds of youth jumping and dancing at the time. "All of a sudden, one of the light poles started to tilt and then the whole floor just caved," Hern said. Some of the young members in his group suffered injuries such as a broken arm or a dislocated shoulder, Hern said. "Obviously, the church floor wasn't built to handle that number of people," Hern said. Another attendee experienced the disaster first hand when the floor of the church showcasing the Starfield show (with Bethany Dillon and the Shanes) collapsed into the basement. "There was a mosh pit in the front and kids were jumping and dancing. The lights on the stage started swaying and then they fell toward the audience. The floor collapsed and sank and we fell into the basement below. I landed sort of weird and I hurt my knee and hip. Once I realized I was alive and pretty much OK, I knew I had to help, so I asked what I could do. Me and another guy were lifting pews off people. There were people with blood running down their faces and they were moaning and holding their head. Because the water manes broke, water was gushing everywhere and it looked just like a scene from a movie. It was completely surreal." Starfield made this announcement today in response to what happened... "As you may have heard by now, there was a serious accident at our concert last night, and many young people were injured. At this moment, we are consumed with concern and compassion for those who were injured, especially for those who were described to be in serious condition. Our hearts are with them. We ask that you join us in prayer for them. As a less important side note, none of the members of our tour were injured in the accident. The band would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of encouragement and support that we are receiving." RCMP from the nearby communities of Langley and Mission were called in to assist the Abbotsford police. Extra doctors and nurses were also brought in to help paramedics treat the injured, police said. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Mark Hall winner of 4 Dove Awards |
TOBYMAC, MARK HALL, CASTING CROWNS WIN BIG AT DOVE AWARDS NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - TobyMac won artist of the year and Casting Crowns singer Mark Hall collected four trophies at Wednesday's 39th annual Dove Awards, which celebrate the best in gospel music. "Are you kidding? This is crazy, man. I thought I was Mr. Pre-Televised awards," joked TobyMac, whose real name is Toby McKeehan. "God has been faithful time and again to surround me with people that sharpen me and that make me better." TobyMac also won artist of the year in 1996 as a member of dc Talk. His latest album, "Portable Sounds," debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. Besides artist of the year, he took home Dove Awards for rock/contemporary album for "Portable Sounds" and short-form video for his hit "Boomin." Hall, who was the night's leading nominee with six, won song of the year and pop/contemporary recorded song of the year for "East to West," which he co-wrote with Bernie Herms. His participation on the multi-artist worship project "Glory Revealed" brought Hall individual honors for special event album of the year for the CD, as well as inspirational recorded song of the year for "By His Wounds." His band also had four nominations and won three: group of the year, best pop/contemporary album of the year for "The Altar and the Door" and pop/contemporary recorded song of the year for "East to West." "I'm so thankful just to get to be part of the songs," Hall said. “I'm so thankful just to get to be part of the songs.” Chris Tomlin won male vocalist of the year and Natalie Grant was awarded female vocalist. Those were their third consecutive wins in their respective categories. "This is quite amazing. Thank God for letting me sing and give a voice to people around the world to worship him," Tomlin said. "This is unbelievable that God would continue to use us all like this, and I'm very, very grateful." Grant, who gave a soulful performance of "Bring It All Together" with country star Wynonna Judd, said she was thankful for the freedom to express herself freely. "I think we forget often what a privilege it is to be in a country where we can record music that boldly proclaims our passion for Jesus Christ. What a gift," Grant said. Brandon Heath won new artist of the year. Heath's "I'm Not Who I Was," a song about forgiveness that he says was inspired by an old photograph of someone he hadn't seen in a while, was nominated for song of the year. Cindy Morgan won the songwriter of the year award — her eighth Dove trophy — and Ricky Skaggs and the Whites collected bluegrass recorded song for "Salt of the Earth." "I think of all things this probably means the most to me because all those years ago I didn't set out to be a singer, just a songwriter," said Morgan, who wrote "How You Live (Turn Up the Music)" for Point of Grace. Morgan was named new artist of the year 15 years ago. The contemporary gospel album award went to Israel & New Breed for "A Deeper Level." "My first ministry is not what you see onstage. It's the church I pastor. It's got four members — my wife and my three kids," said the group's singer-songwriter Israel Houghton. The evening's performers included "American Idol" alum Phil Stacey, Chris Sligh and Mandisa with Amy Grant in a musical tribute to Michael W. Smith. Switchfoot played "This is Home," a song from the soundtrack of the upcoming film "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." Appropriately, the Dove Awards closed with a nod to the historic stage they took place on – with a “Opry at the Doves” – starting with Ricky Skaggs and The Whites with “Solid Rock” and Southern gospel favorites Jeff and Sheri Easter, The Hoppers and Karen Peck and New River singing “I Wouldn’t Take Nothin” and then the rousing finale: Charlie Daniels leading a “choir” of artists including Third Day’s Mac Powell, The Isaacs, Angella Christie to close the evening’s festivities with the classic “I’ll Fly Away.” Some of the notable presenters included Kirk Franklin, Regina Belle, Skillet, Donnie McClurkin, Larry Gaitlin, Bishop Paul Morton, Donnie McClurkin, Aaron Shust, Mark Lowry, Sandi Patty, Rob Beckley (Pillar), Mark Schultz, Leonardo, comics Anita Renfroe and Michael Jr., Super Bowl championship NFL player Ben Utecht and best-selling author Denise Jackson. The Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards were broadcast live on XM Satellite radio and on the Gospel Music Channel. In past years the awards were syndicated and shown later on tape. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 TobyMac artist of the year |
2008 GMA DOVE AWARD WINNERS NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - TobyMac Named Artist of the Year; Casting Crowns and Lead Vocalist/Songwriter Mark Hall Honored With Multiple Dove Awards during Live Gospel Music Channel Broadcast - The GMA Dove Awards were handed out last night in Nashville with TobyMac, Mark Hall and Casting Crowns flying highest, but certainly not alone. Televised live on the Gospel Music Channel and held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards show featured some impressive numbers: a different artist bestowed with a Dove Award in every major category, statuettes awarded to more than 35 different artists and a dozen performances including more than 30 artists. “The parade of artists taking the Dove Awards’ stage this year as award recipients and performers once again displays the depth and breadth of Christian and gospel music. It was a joy to see so many different artists recognized for their creative contributions and on the same night to be uplifted by one brilliant and moving performance after another,” said John W. Styll, president and CEO of Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the GMA Dove Awards. “It was a joy to see so many different artists recognized for their creative contributions.” In being named Artist of the Year, TobyMac reclaimed a title he earned 12 years ago in 1996 as a member of dcTalk. He was recognized for a year in which his latest CD, Portable Sounds debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; his hit singles “I’m For You” and “Made To Love” earned him R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year; and his video for his rock hit “Boomin” was named the Gospel Music Channel’s Video of the Year. Portable Sounds was named Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and “Boomin” got the Dove Award for Short Form Video of the Year. Three Dove Awards for Casting Crowns and four Dove Awards for the group’s lead vocalist and songwriter Mark Hall are the culmination of a record-breaking year for the Atlanta-based pop worship band. In addition to their fourth consecutive Group of the Year Award, the band’s Doves also included Best Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for The Altar and the Door, which made an unprecedented debut at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart when it released in 2007. “East to West,” which earned Hall (and Bernie Herms) Song of the Year honors was also recognized as Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for the group and personally for Hall as the co-writer. Hall’s participation on the multi-artist worship project Glory Revealed brought him individual Dove Awards for Special Event Album of the Year for the CD and Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for the single “By His Wounds” (with Steven Curtis Chapman, Brian Littrell and Mac Powell). In the other top overall categories, Chris Tomlin and Natalie Grant repeat for the third straight year as Male Vocalist and Female Vocalist of the Year, respectively. Brandon Heath was awarded New Artist of the Year, while Cindy Morgan, who was named New Artist of the Year 15 years ago, returned to the stage as 2008’s Songwriter of the Year. Good fortune came by twos for Tomlin, Morgan, David Crowder*Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Israel & New Breed, Michael W. Smith, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brian Littrell, Mac Powell and Bernie Herms, as these artists received two Doves each. The live Dove Awards telecast, which was also broadcast on XM Satellite radio, featured 12 extraordinary performances, including Casting Crowns, The Clark Sisters, David Crowder*Band, Marvin Sapp, and Point Of Grace. Performing for the first time on the Dove Awards, Switchfoot offered “This Is Home,” a song that will be on the soundtrack for the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media film “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.” Many others were multi-artist appearances, including the show opener with the New Artist of the Year nominees showing why they are among the best of the new generation of Christian artists. Female vocalist Natalie Grant shared her spotlight with country icon Wynonna in a powerhouse duet of “Bring It All Together.” American Idol® previous finalists Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh made their Dove Awards debut alongside Mandisa and Amy Grant in a musical salute to Michael W. Smith and his 25 years of artistry, singing some of their favorite “Smitty” songs such as “Thy Word,” “Place in This World,” “Secret Ambition” and “Agnus Dei.” One of the evening’s exclusive highlights was the world premiere of the first song written and recorded for Compassionart, a newly formed charity founded by Delirious? frontman/songwriter Martin Smith that is dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Israel Houghton, Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche and Christy Nockels, all who have written songs for Compassionart, performed “So Great” from the upcoming charity-focused CD that will release in the fall. Appropriately, the Dove Awards closed with a nod to the historic stage they took place on – with a “Opry at the Doves” – starting with Ricky Skaggs and The Whites with “Solid Rock” and Southern gospel favorites Jeff and Sheri Easter, The Hoppers and Karen Peck and New River singing “I Wouldn’t Take Nothin” and then the rousing finale: Charlie Daniels leading a “choir” of artists including Third Day’s Mac Powell, The Isaacs, Angella Christie to close the evening’s festivities with the classic “I’ll Fly Away.” Some of the notable presenters included Kirk Franklin, Regina Belle, Skillet, Donnie McClurkin, Larry Gaitlin, Bishop Paul Morton, Donnie McClurkin, Aaron Shust, Mark Lowry, Sandi Patty, Rob Beckley (Pillar), Mark Schultz, Leonardo, comics Anita Renfroe and Michael Jr., Super Bowl championship NFL player Ben Utecht and best-selling author Denise Jackson. Gospel Music Channel is the exclusive television home for the GMA Dove Awards for 2008 and the next four years. GMC is the fastest growing television network in America and can be seen in 40 million homes across the country on DIRECTV channel 338, cable systems including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter, and Knology as well as on Verizon FiOS. After the live show, GMC presented two encore broadcasts tonight and plans multiple rebroadcasts. Participating for the first time was GodTube, one of the fastest-growing broadcast websites, which had an exclusive live-streaming of the Pre-Telecast Awards, where 37 statues were handed out with comic Nazareth hosting and Tenth Avenue North, New Harvest and Phil Wickham performed. GodTube also provided backstage press room access simultaneous with the Gospel Music Channel live broadcast, offering online viewers access to their favorite artists as they met the press after receiving their Dove Awards. The American Bible Society (www.bibles.com) was the presenting sponsor of the 2008 telecast and the designated charity of the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards were produced for the Gospel Music Channel by Steve Gilreath. The show was directed by Ron de Moreas, an accomplished director of concerts, awards shows, live events and series television, including the Salt Lake Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, Survivor: Central Park Finale, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards and many others. About GMA: Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip-hop, Southern gospel, country, and more. The GMA community consists of 4,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Music Week, GMA Music in the Rockies, and the GMA Academy. For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org. About Gospel Music Channel Gospel Music Channel (www.GospelMusicChannel.com) is the first and only 24/7 television network dedicated to the rich history and contemporary sounds of gospel/Christian music and its many different genres and artists. From rock to rap, country to soul, Southern to hip-hop, Gospel Music Channel crosses cultures and generations. From the soulful sounds of CeCe Winans and Aretha Franklin to the country roots of Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw, and the contemporary stylings of Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and Natalie Grant and everyone in between, the Gospel Music Channel’s got it all. The network’s program schedule features artist biographies, music specials, live concerts, and hosted music videos for the entire family. 39th Annual GMA Dove Award Winners ARTIST OF THE YEAR TobyMac FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Natalie Grant MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Chris Tomlin GROUP OF THE YEAR Casting Crowns NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Brandon Heath SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Cindy Morgan SONG OF THE YEAR song title; writer; publisher (award to the writer and publisher) “East To West”; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; My Refuge Music, Club Zoo Music (BMI), SWECS Music (BMI), Sparrow Song (BMI), Word Music LLC (ASCAP), Banahana Tunes (ASCAP) PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Ian Eskelin RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG (song; album; artist; writer; label) “Name Droppin’”; Bone-Appetit Servin’ Up Tha Hits; T-Bone; Rene F. Sotomayor, Teak Underdue, Dee Underdue; Flicker Records ROCK RECORDED SONG “Comatose”; Comatose; Skillet; John L. Cooper, Brian Howes; Ardent Records, Atlantic, Lava, SRE Recordings ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG “Everything Glorious”; Remedy; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG “East To West”; The Altar And The Door; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; Beach Street Records, Reunion Records INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG “By His Wounds”; Glory Revealed; Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Hall, Brian Littrell, Mac Powell; Davis Nasser, Mac Powell; Reunion Records SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG “Get Away Jordan”; Get Away Jordan; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Traditional; Gaither Music Group BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG “He’s In Control”; Austins Bridge; Austins Bridge; Justin Rivers, Mike Kofahl, John Ramsey; Daywind Records COUNTRY RECORDED SONG “How You Live (Turn Up The Music)”; How You Live; Point Of Grace; Cindy Morgan; Word Records URBAN RECORDED SONG “Listen”; T57; Trin-i-tee 5:7; Chanelle Haynes, Adrian Anderson, Walter W. Millsap III, Angel Helaire, Candice Nelson, Lamar Van-Sciver, Charles Griffin III, Ryan Farith, Frank Greenfield, Tony Jones; Music World Entertainment TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG “Ready For A Miracle”; Evan Almighty Soundtrack; LeAnn Rimes; Bunny Hull, Art Reynolds; Curb Records CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG “Say So”; A Deeper Level; Israel & New Breed; Michael Gungor, Israel Houghton; Integrity Music WORSHIP SONG “How Great Is Our God”; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, Alletrop Music RAP/HIP-HOP ALBUM (album; artist; producer; label) Group 1 Crew; Group 1 Crew; Christopher Stevens, Andy Anderson; Fervent Records ROCK ALBUM Scars Remain; Disciple; Travis Wyrick; SRE Recordings ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM Portable Sounds; TobyMac; Toby McKeehan, Christopher Stevens, David Wyatt; Forefront Records POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM The Altar and the Door; Casting Crowns; Mark A. Miller; Beachstreet Records; Reunion Records INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM I Love To Tell The Story, A Hymns Collection; Mark Lowry; Paul Johnson; Gaither Music Group SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM Get Away, Jordan; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Lari Goss, Michael English; Gaither Music Group BLUEGRASS ALBUM Salt Of The Earth; Ricky Skaggs & The Whites; Ricky Skaggs & The Whites; Skaggs Family Records COUNTRY ALBUM Big Sky; The Isaacs; Mark Bright; Gaither Music Group URBAN ALBUM T57; Trin-i-tee 5:7; The Bama Boyz, Matthew Knowles, Solange Knowles,Walter W. Millsap III, DJ Static; Music World Entertainment TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM Past And Present; Lillie Knauls; Wayne Haun, Lillie Knauls; Vine Records CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM A Deeper Level; Israel & New Breed; Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey; Integrity Music INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM Amazing Grace (Original Score); David Arnold; David Arnold; Sparrow Records CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM VeggieTales Christian Hit Music; VeggieTales; Christopher Davis; Big Idea Records SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM De Corazon A Corazon; Seth Condrey; Seth Condrey, Mark Balltzglier; CanZion SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM Glory Revealed; Josh Bates, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder, Mark Hall, Shawn Lewis, Brian Littrell, Trevor Morgan, Paul Neufeld, Candi Pearson-Shelton, Mac Powell, Shane & Shane, Michael W. Smith; Mac Powell; Reunion Records CHRISTMAS ALBUM It’s A Wonderful Christmas; Michael W. Smith; David Hamilton, Michael W. Smith; Reunion Records PRAISE & WORSHIP ALBUM Remedy; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords MUSICAL (title; creator; publisher (award given to creator and publisher) Amazing Grace - My Chains Are Gone; Dennis & Nan Allen; Pilot Point Music, Lillenas Publishing Company YOUTH/CHILDREN’S MUSICAL Praise Rocks; Gina Boe, Barb Dorn, Sue C. Smith, Brian Green; Brentwood Kids Music Club, Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing CHORAL COLLECTION Let The Redeemed Say So; Lari Goss; Word Music RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING (product; art director; graphic artist; illustrator/photographer; label) Remedy (David Crowder*Band); Gary Dorsey; Gary Dorsey; Gary Dorsey, Kaysie Dorsey; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO (title; artist; director; producer; production company; label) Boomin’; TobyMac; Scott Speer; Jason Peterson; Symbolic Entertainment; Forefront Records LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO Live From Hawaii; Audio Adrenaline; Mark McCallie; Audio Adrenaline; Audio Adrenaline; Forefront Records -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Braille on the Vans Warped Tour starting in June |
BRAILLE MAINTAINS INTENSE TOURING SCHEDULE THROUGH SUMMER PORTLAND, OREGON - Always on a musical mission, BRAILLE has become one of rap’s best-kept secrets. He has released three solo albums; performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan with artists like the late James Brown, De La Soul and others; been named one of the “Next 100” by URB magazine; and collaborated with rap heavyweights such as 9th Wonder and Pigeon John. All of these accomplishments set the stage for Braille’s fourth album The IV Edition, released April 15th on Syntax Records/KOCH Entertainment. The album’s first single and title song serves as an ode to Braille’s rap roots. Produced by Marco Polo and featuring scratches from Rob Swift, the energetic drum-driven tune is a lyrical showcase that caters to rap’s tremendous subterranean following. “The underground hip-hop base is a lot bigger than people think it is,” Braille reveals. “Sometimes when people think of the word ‘underground,’ they think of basement albums that just get dubbed on tape. So I’m sticking to my roots. I believe that the audience for lyricism and good hip-hop is much larger than most people assume. I wanted to start with the hip-hop base and take it from there.” “I believe that the audience for lyricism and good hip-hop is much larger than most people assume.” Elsewhere, Braille acknowledges his personal and artistic history on “Remember Your Path” and channels the energy of music icon James Brown on “Main Squeeze,” with whom Braille toured as an opening act during 2005 and 2006. Then on “Calculated Risk” Braille gets personal by examining his decision to pursue and create lyric and beat-drive rap music with spiritual overtones. In addition to being his fourth album, the title represents three other things. Braille wants the album to serve as an IV to distribute musical medicine for social illnesses directly into the veins of the society. IV also stands for “International Vision” (becoming more aware of what's going on in the world around us) and “International Version” (the album is made for an international audience and features German, French, Finish and Australian producers like M-Phazes, Aetoms, Staffro, etc). Hailing from Portland, OR, Braille began his life in hip-hop at an early age. In 1999, when he was 17, independent startup ESWP music released his first album, Lifefirst: Half The Battle. Next came 2004’s Shades of Grey, which featured collaborations with 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child) and Rob Swift, and Box of Rhymes followed in 2006. Leading up to the release The IV Edition, BRAILLE toured with Ohmega Watts and Galactic performing material from the album. Later this summer he’ll be appearing with Othello on the Vans Warped Tour. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 DeWayne Woods multi-Stellar Award winner |
DEWAYNE WOODS HEADLINES THE HOPE NATION TOUR WASHINGTON, DC - Artist Is Joined By Well-known Artists Coko, Myron Butler & Levi, Jonathan Nelson, Canton Jones, Tarsha' McMillian Hamilton, and Ted Winn - On the heels of his three 2008 Stellar Awards, Zomba Gospel/Quiet Water Entertainment DeWayne Woods is headlining The Hope Nation Tour which started on April 2, 2008 in Hattiesburg, MS and closes on Sunday, May 25th in Los Angeles. In addition to Woods, the Hope Nation Tour features Coko, Myron Butler & Levi, Jonathan Nelson, Canton Jones, Tarsha' McMillian Hamilton, and Ted Winn. With a star-studded lineup, the tour will be making stops in cities like Washington, D.C., New Orleans, LA, Orlando, FL and Atlanta, GA. Sponsored by The Ellis Verne Agency in partnership with World Vision, the Hope Nation Tour aims to empower and inspire with a message of hope from today's most popular gospel artists. Winning coveted Stellars including New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year, DeWayne Woods received national recognition for his debut Zomba Gospel/Quiet Water Entertainment project Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet at the 2008 Stellar Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in January. In addition, P.J. Morton, writer of DeWayne's megahit "Let Go", walked away with a 2008 Stellar Award for Song Of The Year. A former background singer for John P. Kee & New Life and Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers, Woods gained a huge fan base with his breakout hit "Let Go", one of 2007's hottest gospel tunes. Woods will be joined on The Hope Nation Tour by a number of his friends. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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    Switchfoot, Third Day, Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph and the Family Band the Music Builds Tour runs from August 21st to October 12th |
SWITCHFOOT, THIRD DAY AND JARS OF CLAY TEAM UP FOR FALL TOUR LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - GRAMMY® award-winning band Third Day and multi-Platinum rockers Switchfoot will team up with the acclaimed Robert Randolph & the Family Band and GRAMMY award winners Jars of Clay for the “Music Builds” tour, which will kick off on August 21st in Detroit, MI and conclude in Denver, CO on October 12th. Exclusive content and promotions for the tour will be available via MySpace’s Impact Channel (http://impact.myspace.com), the site’s platform for social and civic engagement. The internet pre-sale begins May 14th and tickets go on sale to the general public May 16th. Habitat for Humanity affiliates located in tour cities will be the beneficiaries of a portion of the funds raised during the tour, through a multi-platform program run by Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and Live Nation, in conjunction with the artists. To kick off the tour, Third Day, Switchfoot and Robert Randolph & The Family Band will perform at a special kick-off party on April 21st at The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN. For information on this show, visit http://www.wildhorsesaloon.com. All four headliners will preview material from their upcoming studio albums on the “Music Builds” tour, which will hit amphitheatres and select arenas in 23 major U.S. markets. Additional performers will soon be announced for the side stage, which will feature many of today’s most promising up-and-coming artists. “The only message we have for our fans is this: Get ready.” “We couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to play on the same bill with bands we respect, and to help an organization whose work we respect,” says Third Day bassist Tai Anderson. “The only message we have for our fans is this: Get ready.” Adds Jon Foreman, lead vocalist for Switchfoot: “We have all worked with Habitat for Humanity before, and when approached about touring together, to benefit such a great cause, it was easy to say yes. We all want to be a part of something that makes a difference. Through Habitat this tour will help build houses for many deserving families - that's something we can all rally around." The tour will benefit Habitat for Humanity’s home building in many ways. For starters, artists on the tour will collectively donate $1 to Habitat for Humanity for each ticket sold during the tour. In addition, funds raised from ticket auctions, special merchandise items and event packages will be designated to fund Habitat for Humanity in each tour city. The bands plan to pick up hammers and lend a hand at various Habitat for Humanity build sites along the tour and to invite some current and future homeowners to attend the show as their guests. Over the past decade, Atlanta-based Third Day has racked up 24 No.1 radio singles and sold more than six million albums, with RIAA certifications including one Platinum record, one Platinum DVD, and six Gold records. The band has garnered 23 career Dove Awards, three GRAMMY Awards (from eight previous nominations), two consecutive American Music Award nods, multiple ASCAP honors, and has developed a historic partnership with Chevrolet. Third Day – comprised of Mac Powell (lead vocals), Mark Lee (guitar), Tai Anderson (bass) and David Carr (drums)– has maintained a touring record second-to-none by playing for audiences reaching into the millions. In addition to these many accolades, the band is most proud of its humanitarian efforts that include raising nearly $300,000 for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and charities such as the Blood:Water Mission. The band is responsible for encouraging over 15,000 fans to sponsor children across the globe through the work of World Vision. Revelation, Third Day’s eleventh studio album, was produced by Howard Benson (All American Rejects, Flyleaf, Daughtry) and is already receiving acclaim at radio for its first single, “Call My Name.” In addition, it’s garnering very positive early feedback from media. The single released digitally through Amazonmp3.com the same day it was released to radio (April 4) and rocketed to the No. 1 spot that day. The album drops July 29. With over five million records sold, three albums in the Billboard Top 20, two top-five singles at both pop and alternative radio, Switchfoot is recognized as one of the hardest touring bands in rock. The San Diego-based band has sold nearly three million concert tickets worldwide since the 2003 release of its double-Platinum breakthrough album The Beautiful Letdown. Oh! Gravity, Switchfoot’s latest studio album, debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Albums chart and received stellar reviews, with Billboard magazine calling it “the best of the San Diego group’s nearly 10-year recording career.” Spin exclaimed this album is “their liveliest record, full of dive-bombing guitar fuzz, juicy arena-alt choruses.” “This is an outstanding record in every sense,” raved Associated Press. MTV’s “Life of Ryan” tapped the album’s title track for its theme song as the album showcases a harder rock direction for Switchfoot. “This Is Home,” a song written by the band for Prince Caspian, the new Narnia movie, will be featured in the end credits of the film and is the lead single and video for the accompanying soundtrack. It impacts radio on April 25th. Switchfoot’s next album is due out this fall. With an ever-growing fan base, Switchfoot has also been actively involved in a number of humanitarian causes since its inception, including DATA, Bono’s THE ONE Campaign, Invisible Children, Habitat for Humanity and To Write Love on Her Arms. The band further founded the Switchfoot Bro-Am, a surfing and music benefit-event, and the online magazine, lowercase people (www.lowercasepeople.com), a daring new endeavor to revolutionize the way beauty, truth and humanity are viewed. Switchfoot is: Jon Foreman (vocals, guitar); Tim Foreman (bass, backing vocals); Chad Butler (drums); Jerome Fontamillas (guitar, keys, backing vocals); and Andrew Shirley (guitar). Since emerging from a House of God church in Orange, New Jersey, Robert Randolph has been named one of the 100 greatest guitar players of all time by Rolling Stone. Following the path of other gospel-rooted pop stars like the amazing Aretha Franklin, he always intended to return to his own gospel roots at different points throughout his career. For 2008, the Grammy-nominated Randolph has teamed with acclaimed producer T-Bone Burnett to record a new album that is part rock and part sacred steel, the Gospel music heritage that serves as the foundation to Randolph's music. Besides key cover songs and the re-envisioning of old gospel classics, Randolph has also invited two of his Sacred Steel mentors, Calvin Cooke and Aubrey Ghent, to participate in this classic recording combining unprecedented guitar explorations, roots music traditions, and gospel spirituality. Robert Randolph & the Family Band (comprised of Randolph on guitars and vocals, Danyel Morgan on bass, Marcus Randolph on drums and Jason Crosby on Hammond organ and piano) will be on the road with Eric Clapton this summer (Bonnaroo and other festivals). Multi-Platinum and GRAMMY Award winning band Jars of Clay (Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, and Matt Odmark) launched its career with the hit song, “Flood” in 1995. Since then, it’s amassed more than five million in career sales (5 Gold, 2 platinum and 1 double platinum certifications), three GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award nod, 17 No.1 radio hits, and numerous film credits and BMI honors for songwriting and performing. In June of 2007, the band blazed a new trail with the creation of their own label imprint, “Gray Matters” under the Nettwerk Music Group umbrella. Their first release, “Christmas Songs,” was released in the fall of 2007 and has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. The band has just released its "Greatest Hits" record and is currently working on their next studio record, due in the early part of 2009. Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity (HFHFH) is an entertainment industry partnership with Habitat for Humanity. HFHFH supports Habitat for Humanity’s goal of ending poverty housing worldwide and making poverty housing a matter of conscience and action. Participants support the mission through donations, volunteer hours and advocacy. HFHFH’s partner affiliate, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, helps connect entertainment industry volunteers to opportunities locally and around the globe. Actors, screenwriters, agents, directors, producers, musicians and label executives are among the thousands of volunteers who have helped build homes for people in need, in the United States and around the world through their efforts. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Thousand Foot Krutch their hit "Rawkfist" became a great sports anthem |
STRONG RADIO AND CONCERT DEMAND FOR THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Tooth&Nail Records' rock band Thousand Foot Krutch continues to build with their single at Active Rock/Alternative general market radio as they continue their spring tour. The band will also be appearing at numerous summer festivals, which will be followed by another major fall tour. Thousand Foot Krutch's Active Rock/Alternative single "Falls Apart" debuted in the Top 40 and continues to move upward currently at No. 33 with increased spins. This marks the band's third Active Rock/Alternative single to break into the Top 40 on the charts following the hit songs "Rawkfist" and "Move." The single is exposing the band to more than 1.9 million accumulated audiences on a weekly basis. In addition to the general market single, Christian radio is behind the new Rock single and title track "The Flame in All of Us," which is currently at No 12. "This year's been nothing short of amazing," says lead singer Trevor McNevan. "We've been so encouraged by the support the new album ("The Flame In All Of Us") has received, both from a radio and live perspective. With the chart topping success of the first two singles ("Falls Apart"/"What Do We Know") in the CCM market, and a fast moving General Market single on Active rock and Alternative, we couldn't ask for much more." “This year's been nothing short of amazing.” Supporting their radio success, Thousand Foot Krutch hit the road for the COMATOSE Tour with Skillet and special guests Decyfer Down. The tour hit major cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, New York City, Columbus and more. Following their spring tour, TFK will perform at nine major festivals this summer including Sonshine, Alive, Spirit West Coast (both), and Kingdom Bound. TFK will join Kutless along with special guests Pillar, Fireflight and Worth Dying For as well as MC KJ-52 on tour this fall. Expounding on the band's forthcoming tours, McNevan shares, "Touring wise, we're teaming up with long time co-horts Skillet to rock the U.S. for a 32 city tour. Then, following the intense summer festivals, we're heading out for the fall with fellow Tooth&Nail mates Kutless (as well as Pillar, and a slew of other great bands on the one day traveling festival bill). We're sincerely thankful to everyone for their love and support, and to be a small part of what God's doing." Thousand Foot Krutch is comprised of Trevor McNevan, his childhood friend Joel Bruyere on bass guitar and Steve Augustine on drums. The Toronto, Canada natives have sold near a half-million copies to date of their albums Set It Off, Phenomenon, and The Art Of Breaking. The band hit the musical scene with their 2003 Phenomenon album, which landed them six stellar No. 1 songs on rock radio and branched into mainstream radio with songs "Rawkfist" (Phenomenon) and "Move" (The Art of Breaking). It was "Rawkfist" that became the first great sports anthem of the 21st century being heard everywhere from sports stadiums to commercials (NHL, NFL and major league baseball, ESPN) to the WB's Smallville. In 2007, Thousand Foot Krutch released their newest Tooth&Nail Records' studio project, The Flame in All of Us, which has received media acclaim saying the project "marks a bright new chapter for Thousand Foot Krutch." Flame has already produced the band's eighth No. 1 Rock hit for three straight weeks ("Falls Apart") in addition to the third Top 5 CHR hit ("What Do We Know"). -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Worth Dying For will play at Lakewood Church in Houston and San Antonio's Cornerstone Church |
WORTH DYING FOR PREPARES FOR SUMMER FESTIVALS NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - April 15 may mark the "tax deadline" for some, but for the Modesto, Calif.-based band Worth Dying For, the date marks an exciting new season that includes the release of their Integrity Music self-titled debut CD and the beginning of full-tilt activity as they set out to promote their freshman project across the country. Their packed schedule includes a full week of showcases and interviews at GMA Music Week and summer festivals. Worth Dying For was birthed in the city-wide outreach of Calvary Temple of Modesto’s weekly youth event called "The Stadium." The five-member band is made up of lead vocalists Christy Johnson (who also plays keytar) and Sean Loche (who also plays bass), Nathan Parish and Micah Berteau on guitars and Josh O'Haire on drums. Their self-titled release, full of aggressive guitars, searing vocals and heart-provoking lyrics, gives WDF the opportunity to take their music beyond Central California to a bigger national stage. While the band strives to make excellent and relevant music, their declared mission is to: "infiltrate, destroy [the darkness] and rebuild today’s youth culture." “infiltrate, destroy [the darkness] and rebuild today’s youth culture.” "The music that God has used us to write has changed our youth ministry and our city. Now, God has put it on our hearts to let these songs resonate in the hearts of the young people across this nation," said Loche. WDF kicks off this exciting season with a CD release party at home at their church’s Wednesday night "Stadium" event. Later, they travel to Nashville to be a part of GMA Music Week, Christian music’s biggest week of the year, where radio and media from around the world gather for a week of showcases, interviews and other events. WDF will be introduced through a variety of venues including the CAA showcase on Sunday, the HM/Cornerstone evening showcase and the Provident-Integrity Distribution "Big Hits" luncheon and showcase. In between, the band will interview with radio, Internet, TV and print journalists. Following GMA Music Week, WDF will make appearances at worship concerts held at some of the country’s largest churches including Houston’s Lakewood Church, home of renowned preacher/speaker Joel Osteen, and San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church, home of Pastor John Hagee. May is the beginning of summer festival season for Christian music and WDF will make its presence felt at several of the biggest events of the summer, including Spirit West Coast, Alive Festival, Creation East and Creation West. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Red Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner |
RED CONTINUES NONSTOP TOURING SCHEDULE NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Modern rock band Red is clearly not afraid to continue to show why its debut album, End of Silence (6/6/06) is an album to be taken very seriously. At a time when most people assume the band is on its second, or third, project, Red shows further evidence that the silence truly ended on June 6, 2006, the release date of End of Silence. Still touring in support of End of Silence, Red currently boasts the following stats, ALL from its debut: “Let Go” being selected by Activision, for the videogame “Baja 1000”; “Already Over” premiering on FUSE.TV (4/4/08); a top 10 hit at R&R Active Rock Radio (“Breathe Into Me”); a GRAMMY Award nomination; a Dove Award win (and additional nominations); four number one radio singles at Christian Rock radio; “Let Go” being used by CBS in promotion spots for its hit, drama “Without A Trace;” and now a stellar single review of “Already Over,” by Billboard Magazine. “Already Over” is currently No. 24 on the R&R Active Rock radio chart. “...the band lets it rip with one walloping crescendo after another.” Red will be on tour with 3 Doors Down through the end of April, then will join Seether and Flyleaf, in May. Billboard Magazine offers the following review of “Already Over” in its April 12 edition. “Evanescence defined catchy orchestra- and goth-flavored rock that excelled for its emotional depth. Nashville’s Red, newly upstreamed from Provident Label Group to Epic, turns that sound into its own on ‘Already Over.’ Singer Michael Barnes throws back his head and howls in anguish at love’s demise, while the band lets it rip with one walloping crescendo after another. This is the masculine side of the story when it comes to misery, as piano trickling in the background reminds that guys can also be fragile inside. It’s no accident that “Already Over” is swiftly ascending at radio – it’s but one killer song from the act’s 2006 End of Silence debut that has plumped up sales of the rereleased album past the 200,000 mark.” Red is nominated for a Dove Award at the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards, in the Rock Recorded Song category, for its No. 1 hit song “Break Me Down” from its album End of Silence. The 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards show will be presented on April 23, 2008 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and broadcast live on Gospel Music Channel. Since the June 6, 2006 release of its debut album, End of Silence (Essential Records), Red has toured non-stop (over 250 dates per year), collected four No. 1 radio singles at Christian Rock radio (“Breathe Into Me,” “Already Over,” “Break Me Down” and “Let Go”), won a Dove Award (Rock Recorded Song for “Breathe Into Me”), and received a GRAMMY nomination in the category Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for End of Silence. The five-member band is: Michael Barnes, lead vocals; Anthony Armstrong, guitar; Randy Armstrong, bass; Jasen Rauch, guitar; and Hayden Lamb, drums. End of Silence was produced by Dove-nominated producer/songwriter Rob Graves and mixed by Ben Grosse (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fuel, Sixpence None the Richer). -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 The Wrecking hails from Portland, Maine |
THE WRECKING TOURS TO SUPPORT LOVE 146 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Gearing up for their first nationally-distributed CD in mid-July, Chosen/Executive/Universal Music band The Wrecking is filming a music video to coincide with the project's first radio single, "In Your Eyes," written by Peter Gabriel. The video will be produced in conjunction with Love 146, a non-profit organization dedicated to the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation. "Love146 is delighted to be working with The Wrecking on the concept and production of their upcoming video," says Andrew Zsigmond, Artist Coalition Leader for Love146. "The Wrecking has long been an advocate for child survivors of sex-trafficking. Now, with the production of their video, the band and Love146 will portray a story of hope and joy at the restoration of these children. The band is a key player in the Love146 Artist Coalition, using their voices on behalf of the voiceless." The video will be filmed next month and released to coincide with the band's new CD entitled, A NEW ABOLITION, set for release July 15. “Every show is an awesome labor of love for us.” The Wrecking is currently participating in the One Shot Tour, a multimedia outreach event featuring the band along with hip hop artist Bobby Bishop. Venues and cities for the tour continue to be added with upcoming stops to include the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia (home to 76ers), New Orleans, plus cities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, among numerous other states. The One Shot Tour is a unique venture that features an exclusive docudrama directed by Jeffrey Kubach whose credits include the hit tv show Survivor as well as other reality shows and music videos. The film is seamlessly interspersed with live performances from The Wrecking and Bishop, and has been described by one spectator as "MTV, with Jesus at the center." "Every show is an awesome labor of love for us," says The Wrecking lead vocalist and co-founder Doug Elder. "We have a constant desire to bring to God the most excellent offering that we can, particularly in our performance and in our availability to connect with people and share the love of God on a personal level. It has been amazing to watch the response to the One Shot events, and we are privileged to be part of this unique experience." The Wrecking's song "Inside" from A NEW ABOLITION will be featured on the Underground Sound Series set to release via EMI/CMG/Nuspring in late May. The series features 15 of the "hottest up-and-coming acts in Christian music today." The Wrecking has already signed a licensing agreement with the MTV Network for the songs from A NEW ABOLITION to be placed on various shows and networks such as MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Spike tv, among others. In addition to partnering with Love 146, The Wrecking also works with International Justice Mission, a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. Additionally, The Wrecking partners with Soulfest in Gilford, New Hampshire, the largest multi-day music festival of its kind in the Northeast, which attracts over 12,000 attendees annually. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Sonicflood touring overseas this summer |
SONICFLOOD TO TEAM WITH VOICE OF THE MARTYRS FOR FALL TOUR NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Grammy-nominated worship band SONICFLOOd will preview new songs from their upcoming album at the William Morris Agency luncheon during Gospel Music Week on Monday, April 21st. Scheduled for a September 2008 release on Word Distribution, the new album features a more established and introspective rock sound, coupled with the catchy hooks and passionate worship the band is known for. “This album has found us on a journey of love to the Father’s heart. He never fails to reveal more of Himself as we press in to Him through our songs of praise,” states lead singer Rick Heil. “We are very excited to be partnering with VOM, as we tour overseas extensively and see first hand what Christians sacrifice for their faith.” SONICFLOOd recently completed filming a 9-week video bible study with Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a non-profit organization that aids Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ. SONICFLOOd will also partner with VOM for the band’s new music video and Fall 2008 tour. “We are very excited to be partnering with VOM, as we tour overseas extensively and see first hand what Christians sacrifice for their faith,” exclaims Heil. Having recently returned from Brazil, SONICFLOOd’s touring schedule includes summer shows in the Philippines and the Czech Republic. Voice of the Martyrs currently assists in over 40 countries. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 DeGarmo & Key destined to win... again |
DEGARMO AND KEY REUNITE FOR DOVE AWARDS AFTER PARTY NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - After the Dove Awards are handed out at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on April 23, 2008, the festivities will continue with the official GMA Dove Awards After Party featuring a special DeGarmo & Key reunion, announced John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA). The GMA Dove Awards After Party will be held at the Two Rivers Mansion in Nashville, after the Dove Awards concludes at 9 p.m. The antebellum mansion, located on McGavock Pike, is less than five miles from the Opry, making it an ideal location for the celebration. Pioneering Christian rock duo DeGarmo and Key will reunite to present the evening’s entertainment. “We hope it will be an unforgettable finish to our community’s biggest night of the year.” “The reason for creating an official After Party was to bring the whole Christian and gospel music community together – artists, professionals and fans – to celebrate not only the Doves, but all that has been accomplished over the past year in the Christian and gospel music industry. We hope it will be an unforgettable finish to our community’s biggest night of the year,” said Styll. Tickets for the GMA Dove Awards After Party are $50 per person, and include valet parking, food and beverage. Tickets to the After Party are separate from entrance to the GMA Dove Awards and can be purchased at GMA at 615-242-0303 or at www.doveawards.com. Tickets will not be available on site. The Dove Awards, gospel music’s biggest night of the year featuring artists from every style of gospel/Christian music coming together for a night of music and celebration. The 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be handed out at the Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House at 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. While the awards are the purpose of the show, music performances will definitely share center stage at the Dove Awards, showcasing some of gospel music’s hottest and most diverse artists. The GMA Dove Awards will also be seen live across the country on the Gospel Music Channel. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Casting Crowns leads this year's Dove Awards with the most nominations |
CASTING CROWNS AMONG THOSE SET TO PERFORM AT DOVE AWARDS NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Casting Crowns, The Clark Sisters, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Marvin Sapp, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Trin-i-tee 5:7, David Crowder*Band, Israel Houghton; and Charlie Daniels with Mac Powell and other performers to be announced in a special Grand Ole Opry segment are the first performers announced for the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards telecast, according to the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and Gospel Music Channel (GMC). Gospel and Christian music’s biggest night of the year will take place live on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry House and will be broadcast live nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel television network from 8 – 10 p.m. (ET). Gospel Music Channel is the exclusive television home for the GMA Dove Awards. In addition to the live telecast, GMC will present back-to-back encore broadcasts that night and additional re-airings following. While the awards are the purpose of the show, music performances will definitely share center stage at the Dove Awards, showcasing some of gospel music’s hottest and most diverse artists. Casting Crowns appears on the Dove Awards as one of the top nominees of the year. Frontman/songwriter Mark Hall leads all nominees with six individual nominations including Male Vocalist and Song of the Year. The band has an additional four nominations including Artist and Group of the Year nods. Progressive worship band David Crowder*Band has five nominations including Group of the Year, and frontman David Crowder earned three individual nominations for Worship Song of the Year and two in the Special Event Album category. Chris Tomlin’s five nominations include Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year. Switchfoot makes its first performance appearance at the Dove Awards this year, arriving at the evening with three nominations – Rock/Contemporary Album, Rock/Contemporary Song and Short Form Music Video. Additionally, lead singer Jon Foreman is nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year. Gospel’s legendary sister act The Clark Sisters have four nominations including ones for Group and Artist of the Year. Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman, the most honored artists in Dove Awards history, each have three nominations this year as does Israel & New Breed’s Israel Houghton. Amy Grant is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, while Marvin Sapp is up for Male Vocalist of the Year honors. Gospel trio Trin-i-tee 5:7 is nominated for Urban Song and Urban Album. Charlie Daniels is honored as a nominee in the Special Event Album category as is Mac Powell (of Third Day), who has a total of two nominations. The 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards are being produced for the Gospel Music Channel by Steve Gilreath. The show will be directed by Ron de Moreas, an accomplished director of concerts, awards shows, live events and series television, including Salt Lake Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, Survivor: Central Park Finale, SAG Awards and many others. The American Bible Society (www.bibles.com) is the presenting sponsor of the 2008 telecast and the designated charity of the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Skillet rocking the flock |
SKILLET SEEING PACKED HOUSES AND SELL OUT CROWDS NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Atlantic/LAVA/Ardent/INO rockers Skillet launched their “COMATOSE” headline tour this past weekend to packed houses and sell out crowds. Both Minneapolis (1609/Club 3 Degrees) and Kalamazoo, MI (2850/Wings Stadium) shows were SOLD OUT, with packed houses in Des Moines (1656/Val Air Ballroom) and the band’s hometown area of Chicago (1142/House of Blues). "As long as you don't mind answering the phone, you're gonna love bringing the Skillet tour to your town,” remarked WAYK Station Manager Rich Anderson, promoter of the Kalamazoo show. “First it was dozens and dozens of calls from people begging for tickets because we sold out 8 days in advance of the show; Then it was calls and e-mails from the ecstatic 2,850 who got to experience the tour.” “It was really awesome.” Here's a few comments from some of the e-mails WAYK received: 'SKILLET ROCKED!!!! Thanks, WayFM for bringing them here to West Michigan. It was so awesome to see so many kids and parents totally rockin’ out and having a great time. I have seen many concerts in my day and let me tell you, they are definitely on top of my list and I can't wait to see them again. I am a fan for life!' 'The concert WAS AWESOME!!! My son, daughter & their friends were down in front of the stage and are still saying "huh? I can't hear you." Wow, it was LOUD, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Will said it's the best weekend he ever had! Isn't that great? Each band probably talked about 2 minutes about how they loved Jesus and Rock & Roll in that order. It was really awesome.' Hitting approximately 30 cities, including New York City,’s Grand Ball Room, also features Thousand Foot Krutch and special guest Decyfer Down, the tour will run through May 11, 2008. Criss-crossing the country over the past year and a half with other bands like Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace and on Winter Jam, Skillet is excited to be out on their own tour. As their GRAMMY-nominated COMATOSE continues to be one of the best-selling projects in Christian music, still in the top 10 after 77 weeks of release and 320,000 units scanned, Skillet is also nominated for a GMA Dove Award for ARTIST OF THE YEAR and ROCK RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR (“Comatose”). Skillet's current rock hit is already #2 on the Christian rock chart with a bullet on their song from the COMATOSE Deluxe Edition, “Live Free Or Let Me Die,” and they’ll be releasing "Those Nights" to CHR this month. In addition, Skillet will headline several rock stages and pre-closing slots at top summer festivals including Creation East and West, Kingdom Bound, Soulfest, Cornerstone, Icthus, NewSong, Rock the Universe, Spirit West Coast, Sonshine, LifeFest Alive, Red Letter Rockfest, and many more. Skillet’s explosive 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records GRAMMY-nominated release, Comatose follows 2004’s Collide, which launched the group into the public eye and garnered the band their first prestigious Grammy nomination. A critical fave, Comatose has become their best-selling project to date, doubling the sales of Collide in half the time. In follow up to packed out headline club shows, a tour with FlyLeaf, and summer festivals Skillet spent last fall opening for mainstream rockers Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. In the process of becoming one of the hardest working, most rocking, and broadly appealing acts of its generation, radio welcomed Comatose with open arms, as the first single, “Rebirthing” spent seven-weeks at No.1 on Christian Rock. Their second single, “The Last Night,” also took the top spot, this time at both Rock and CHR (CRW/R&R), while their latest singles, “The Older I Get” (CHR/Rock) and “Comatose” have become their third and fourth consecutive No. 1 singles. At the end of 2007 the band was lauded with R&R’s No. 1 Christian CHR Song of the Year for “The Last Night”, which was also R&R’s No. 2 Christian Rock song of the year. In addition, Skillet was named 2007s No. 2 top artist on both the CHR and ROCK year end lists. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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 Third Day has had 24 #1 radio songs |
THIRD DAY AND TOBYMAC TO PERFORM FOR POPE AT YOUTH RALLY YONKERS, NEW YORK - Marking his third performance at an event with a Pope, TobyMac has been confirmed as a performer at a Youth Rally on April 19th at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY which will be presided over by Pope Benedict XVI. DC Talk performed at such rallies in Denver (1993) and St. Louis (1999), both of which were presided over by the late Pope John Paul II. The 2008 rally’s purpose is to encourage youth to seek vocations within the church. On his inaugural visit to the United States Pope Benedict XVI is attending open-air masses in both Washington D.C. and New York City, and delivering an address to the United Nations and visit to the World Trade Center site. About being asked to perform before the Pope at the Rally, TobyMac commented, “It's an honor to participate in this Papal visit. Not too many artists are given this opportunity. We have great respect for the work he does.” “We wanted to bring the most current sound to the rally.” TobyMac recently completed his “Boomin’ Beyond Measure Tour” with Jeremy Camp and is preparing for the release of his first Live CD and DVD as a solo artist, “Alive and Transported,” which hits the streets May 26th. In addition he is slated to headline numerous summer festivals including Spirit West Coast, Icthus, Atlantafest, Alive, Creation East and West, Sonshine, and more. When Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the United States in April, he will visit several cities including New York City and Washington, D.C. He is scheduled to attend open-air masses, deliver an address to the United Nations and visit to the World Trade Center site. One of the key stops will be an April 19 visit to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, where he will preside over a youth rally; encouraging youth to seek vocations within the church. Third Day, GRAMMY winning and multi-million selling rock band, was asked to perform at the youth rally by St. Joseph’s Seminary. “It’s not every day that you’re invited to perform for a crowd being presided over by Pope Benedict XVI,” shares lead vocalist, Mac Powell. “This is a great honor for us.” Chris Wangro, event producer, notes, “Third Day was selected to perform because they’re recognized as a leader in Christian music and an important influence for today’s youth. We wanted to bring the most current sound to the rally and Third Day definitely fits this bill.” Third Day is readying to release its 11th studio project Revelation on July 29. Produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, P.O.D., Flyleaf and Hoobastank) the 13-song project reflects its Southern rock influences, but also delivers real, palpable vulnerability in both song matter and performance. With guest vocals by Chris Daughtry, Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosely and Robert Randolph the album is highly anticipated. The albums first single, the aching love song “Call My Name” releases to Christian radio on April 4, and sets the stage for the album’s release on July 29, followed by a summer of festival appearances and an ambitious fall tour schedule together with Switchfoot and Robert Randolph & The Family Band. Over the past decade, Third Day has racked up 24 No.1 radio singles and sold more than six million albums, with RIAA certifications including one Platinum record, one Platinum DVD, and six Gold records. The band has garnered 23 career Dove Awards, three GRAMMY Awards (with eight career nominations), two consecutive American Music Award nods, multiple ASCAP honors, and has developed a historic partnership with Chevrolet. Third Day has maintained a touring record second-to-none by playing for audiences reaching into the millions. In addition to these many accolades, the band is most proud of its humanitarian efforts that include raising nearly $300,000 for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and charities such as the Blood:Water Mission. The band is responsible for encouraging more than 15,000 fans to sponsor children across the globe through the work of World Vision. -- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS |
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Another Creation of MMIWORLD® ©2008 MMI World Communications® All information contained herein is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any way without prior written consent from MMI World Communications® Christian Concert Authority® |
