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   NEWS ARCHIVES

CHILDREN 18:3 CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL DEBUT YEAR
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - After a year of rave reviews and live show acclaim, Minnesota's Children 18:3 is celebrating a successful debut year on Tooth & Nail Records.  The band released their self-titled label debut on February 26, 2008.  Since the release the band has been successful with touring, radio, press and fans.

This past spring Children 18:3 began their year of relentlessly touring beginning with the 5for5 tour, followed by summer festivals and this fall on the road with Norma Jean on the "Solid State presents: The Norma Jean vs The Anti Mother Tour."  Radio has jumped on board with this new band as both Rock singles released ("You Know We're All So Fond Of Dying" and "All My Balloons") have hit the top spot at No. 1, and the new single ("Homemade Valentine") climbed the chart as "New and Active."  In addition, Children 18:3 has been confirmed as a favorite amongst fans and editors on multiple end of the year polls.

“faith-based band that has helped reinvigorate the (punk-rock) genre.”

On ChristianMusicToday.com, the band garnered a spot on the coveted "Best Christian Albums of 2008" saying this is a "faith-based band that has helped reinvigorate the (punk-rock) genre."  Also the readers on ChristianMusicToday.com voted Children in the Top 5 of the "Best Group or Band," "Best New Artist," and "Best Album" categories.  HM Magazine readers also made their voice heard voting the band as "Favorite New Band of 2008" and Lee Marie was voted in the No. 4 as "Favorite Bassist."

As the debut album made its way into fans' hands, press began chatting about the album.  Reviews stated that the self-titled album "makes punk rock interesting again" and "this band was something special."  Other reviews shared that "few can compare to the life, luster and liveliness in Minneapolis' Children 18:3" and lastly they said "hello to the best surprise you've gotten in years."

The trio of siblings on Tooth&Nail Records hails from a rural farming community in Minnesota where the three home-schooled siblings developed their undeniable rock sound.  Children 18:3 is comprised of siblings David (lead vocals, songwriter, guitar), Seth (drums) and Lee Marie (bass, vocals).  The combination of male and female vocals along with their unmatched determination is a throw back to the beginnings of Tooth&Nail punk and rock n' roll.  The band name is derived from Matthew 18:3, "And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"  For more information on Children 18:3 visit their website and myspace: http://www.children183.com and http://www.myspace.com/children183.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

THE PAYNES ADDED TO BRANSON GOSPEL MUSIC CONVENTION
BRANSON, MISSOURI - In their only major concert appearance since their reunion concert in 2000, The Paynes will be appearing at the inaugural Branson Gospel Music Convention later this summer.

Fan favorites during the 1980’s and 1990’s, The Paynes rose through the Southern Gospel ranks because of their talent, their love for God and Mike Payne’s gift of songwriting.  While starting out writing such favorites as “God Delivers Again” and “That Same Spirit”, Mike soon became one of Southern Gospel’s most notable songwriters.

During his career, Mike penned or co-wrote songs that are now standards in Southern Gospel music.  Mike’s song catalog includes “Ready or Not”, “Out Of This World”, “Come On Over”, “I’m A Jesus Fan”, “The Conversation” and many more.  Mike partnered with songwriting great Ronny Hinson to pen the classic “When He Was On The Cross I Was On His Mind”.

“We’re very excited to have such a rich part of Southern Gospel history join us at this convention.”

In 1990, Mike announced his calling to preach and The Paynes disbanded.  They reunited only once for a reunion concert in 2000.  The appearance of The Paynes at the Branson Gospel Music Convention will no doubt bring fans from all over the United States that have missed their energetic style and spiritual anointing on stage.

“We’re very excited to have such a rich part of Southern Gospel history join us at this convention.  The Paynes have blessed hearts and shared so much joy through the years, and we look forward to bringing them to the beautiful Branson Convention Center,” said Kelly Burton, Director of Media Relations for YMR Music Productions.

Plans were announced last month for the annual event in the heartland of America.  The Branson Gospel Music Convention will be held July 14-17, 2009 at the Branson Convention Center in Branson, Missouri.

Performances by The Blackwood Quartet, The Stamps Quartet, The Florida Boys and The Chuck Wagon Gang have already been confirmed for this multi-day music festival that is sure to become one of the nation's premier Southern Gospel concerts.  In addition to these pioneers, the concert will also feature some of the best-known artists from today, as well as some great regional artists from all over the country.

Artist lineups are being finalized and tickets will go on sale shortly.  For more information on the event, visit http://www.bransonGMC.com.

The Branson Gospel Music Convention is a 4-day event bringing the legends of Gospel Music to the same stage with some of the best regional artists in the nation.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

BREAD OF STONE JOINS THE TRIBE WITH NEWSBOYS
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Christian band Bread of Stone will take part in the newboys "Join The Tribe" tour with DecembeRadio and VOTA beginning on February 19, in Frederick, Maryland.  The tour will visit 35-cities throughout the United States and Canada and will support Global Tribe (www.GlobalTribe.com) in its quest to fight physical and spiritual poverty.

Being part of a tour that supports physical and spiritual poverty is something Bread of Stone can relate to after having lived the first nine years of their life in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world.  "This is such a wonderful opportunity to be able to tour around the country, ministering to people with one of the most well-known bands in Christian music," says Ben Kristijanto, lead singer of Bread of Stone.  "And to think that they came from Australia, which is the neighboring country just South of where we came from, Indonesia. It's going to be a blessed tour for sure."

“This is such a wonderful opportunity to be able to tour around the country.”

With their song "Letting Go" charting on the CRW charts for over ten months, Bread of Stone will add two new songs to their four-song set, which will open the concert each night.  Along with the two new songs, the band will also welcome their new drummer, Chris Boesch, who is from their hometown of Sioux City, Iowa.  The band looks forward on this tour to meeting new fans, in this New Year with their new songs and their new drummer!

Bread of Stone consists of Ben Kristijanto (lead vocals, guitar, keys), Bill Kristijanto (lead guitar), Chris Boesch (drums), and Tim Barnes (bass).  For more infomation on Bread of Stone, including tour dates and music clips, visit www.BreadOfStone.com.

JOIN THE TRIBE TOUR DATES (dates subject to change):
Feb 19 Frederick, Maryland
Feb 20 Salisbury, Maryland
Feb 21 Woodbridge, Virginia
Feb 22 Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Feb 23 Wildwood, New Jersey
Feb 27 Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Feb 28 Blakely, Pennsylvania
Mar 01 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Mar 05 Texarkana, Arkansas
Mar 06 Longview, Texas
Mar 08 Hidalgo, Texas
Mar 12 Knoxville, Tennessee
Mar 13 Johnson City, Tennessee
Mar 17 Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Mar 19 Bakersfield, California
Mar 20 Redlands, California
Mar 21 Los Angeles, California
Mar 22 Modesto, California
Mar 23 Redding, California
Mar 25 Eugene, Oregon
Mar 26 Wenatchee, Washington
Mar 28 Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Apr 03 Saginaw, Michigan
Apr 05 London, Ontario, Canada
Apr 06 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Apr 07 HullGatineau, Quebec, Canada
Apr 17 Minot, North Dakota
Apr 18 Bemidji, Minnesota
Apr 19 Fargo, North Dakota
Apr 24 Pensacola, Florida
Apr 26 Vero Beach, Florida

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

THE 51ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS GOSPEL WINNERS
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - The 51st Annual Grammy Awards were held Sunday, February 8th, 2009 in Hollywood, California.  Kirk Franklin received the most Grammy Awards in the gospel field with 2 Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Song and Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.  The following is the list of the 2009 Grammy Award nominees in the gospel categories.  Winners in each category are shown as bold.

Category 51
Best Gospel Performance
(For solo, duo, group as collaborative performances. Singles or tracks with vocal containing Gospel lyrics. All genres of Gospel music are eligible.)

I Understand
Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Bebe Winans & Mariah Carey
Track from: Randy Jackson's Music Club, Volume One
[Concord Records/Dream Merchant 21 Ent.]

East To West
Casting Crowns
Track from: The Altar And The Door Live
[Beach Street/Reunion Records]

Get Up
Mary Mary
Track from: The Sound
[Columbia]

Shall We Gather At The River
Take 6
Track from: The Standard
[Heads Up International]

Waging War
CeCe Winans
Track from: Thy Kingdom Come
[PureSprings Gospel/EMI Gospel]


Category 52
Best Gospel Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)

Cover Me
James L. Moss, songwriter (21:03 With Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful & J Moss)
[Verity/Zomba Gospel; Publisher: Millenni-era Music]

Get Up
Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Warryn Campbell & Eric Dawkins, songwriters (Mary Mary)
Track from: The Sound
[Columbia; Publishers: Wet Ink Red Music/That's Plum Song/It's Tea Tyme/EMI April/E.D. Duz-It Music/Irving Music/Underdog Songs]

Give Me Your Eyes
Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Track from: What If We
[Reunion Records; Publishers: Sitka6 Music/Peertunes/Grange Hill Music/Windsor Way Music]

Help Me Believe
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: The Fight Of My Life
[Fo Yo Soul Ent./Zomba Gospel ; Publishers: Universal Music-Z Songs/Kerrion Publishing]

You Reign
Jim Bryson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Nathan Cochran, Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Mike Scheuchzer & Robby Shaffer, songwriters (MercyMe)
Track from: All That Is Within Me
[INO Records; Publishers: Simpleville Music/Wet As A Fish Music, Sparrow Song/Peach Hill Songs]


Category 53
Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

Hello
After Edmund
[Slanted Records]

Our World Redeemed
Flame
[Cross Movement Records]

We Need Each Other
Sanctus Real
[Sparrow Records]

Rock What You Got
Superchick
[Inpop Records]

Alive And Transported
TobyMac
[ForeFront Records/EMI CMG]


Category 54
Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

This Moment
Steven Curtis Chapman
[Sparrow Records]

What If We
Brandon Heath
[Reunion Records]

Opposite Way
Leeland
[Essential Records]

Hello Love
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records/Sixstepsrecords/EMI CMG]

Thy Kingdom Come
CeCe Winans
[PureSprings Gospel/EMI Gospel]


Category 55
Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

Room For More
Booth Brothers
[Daywind Records]

Lovin' Life
Gaither Vocal Band
[Gaither Music Group]

Steps To Heaven
Charlie Louvin
[Tompkins Square]

Hymned Again
Bart Millard
[INO Records]

Ephesians One
Karen Peck & New River
[Daywind Records]


Category 56
Best Traditional Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

Down In New Orleans
The Blind Boys Of Alabama
[Time Life]

I'll Say Yes
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Carol Cymbala, producer
[Integrity Music]

Take It Back
Dorinda Clark-Cole
[GospoCentric/Zomba]

Deitrick Haddon Presents . . . Together In Worship
Voices Of Unity
[Tyscot Records]

Bishop Charles E. Blake Presents... No Limit
The West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir
[EMI Gospel]


Category 57
Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

Reflections
Jason Champion
[EMI Gospel/Brooks Entertainment]

The Fight Of My Life
Kirk Franklin
[Fo Yo Soul Entertainment/ Zomba Gospel]

The Sound
Mary Mary
[Columbia]

Donald Lawrence Introduces: Family Prayer
The Murrills
[Quiet Water/ Verity]

Stand Out
Tye Tribbett & G.A.
[Columbia]

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

THIRD DAY EMBARKING ON TOUR WITH BRANDON HEATH AND REVIVE
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Band Embarks On 35-City Tour With “New Artist Of The Year,” Double GRAMMY Nominee, Brandon Heath and New Pop/Rock Band, Revive - With sales approaching 250,000 on Third Day’s latest, No. 1 debuting album, Revelation (7/29), the multi-platinum, GRAMMY and AMA winning rock band announces the lineup for its spring 2009 “Revelation Tour.” Reigning “New Artist of the Year,” and recent double-GRAMMY nominee, Brandon Heath and new four-piece pop/rock band, Revive will join Third Day on its 35-city tour launching March 5 in Champagne, Ill. The tour will visit venues across the nation through the end of May.

The tour’s lineup is already drawing praise from many promoters. Jon Robberson, Celebration Concerts and Spirit West Coast Director, is looking forward to the spring run. “Third Day continues to be one of the premier performance and recording groups in Christian music and with each tour they roll-out they deliver the perfect mix of musical excellence and spirit-lifting worship. It is always an exciting pleasure to connect Third Day with its fans in a live concert setting and the Revelation Tour will be no exception.”

Third Day’s lead vocalist, Mac Powell, comments on the artists joining this spring’s tour, “We’ve seen Brandon Heath really connect with his audience, and we’ve seen his fan base multiply over the past few years. We respect him as an artist and a songwriter and are excited to have him on this tour.”

“each tour they roll-out they deliver the perfect mix of musical excellence and spirit-lifting worship.”

“Revive is a new band Third Day is working with through our Consuming Fire imprint, in partnership with Essential Records/Provident Label Group,” notes Third Day bass player, Tai Anderson. “We met these guys while on tour in Australia and they have everything we look for in a new artist: energy, incredible talent, tireless work ethic and a passion for their mission. We’ve had them open for us over the last several months and they’ve been very well received. It’s going to be fun continuing to introduce them to our fans over this spring run.”

The Revelation Tour will continue Third Day’s tradition of “paying it forward” by donating $1 per ticket sold to charitable organizations through its “Come Together Fund.” Through this fund, Third Day has been able to serve charities such as Habitat For Humanity, Blood:Water Mission, World Vision’s Hope Child Initiative and is responsible for more than a million dollars in donations over the last 4 years to disaster relief in and outside of the U.S.

About Revive
High-energy, pop/rock band Revive relocated to the U.S. just over a year ago from Australia to pursue a clear calling to share the gospel on a global level through Christian music. Championed and mentored by GRAMMY-winning band Third Day, Revive now has its first opportunity to tour and record in America. In partnership with Third Day’s Consuming Fire Productions and Essential Records, Revive will launch its 12-song label debut titled Chorus of the Saints on March 10, 2009. Co-produced by Third Day’s lead singer, Mac Powell, with Revive, Chorus of the Saints combines the band’s passionate musicianship with its direct emphasis on well-crafted lyrics. The vibrant pop/rock outfit is anchored by Dave Hanbury’s charismatic lead vocals which contain an element of drama and spiritual passion. Having toured extensively in Australia with 3 acclaimed albums already to its name, Revive is fast connecting with fans on tour with Third Day. After playing more than 45 dates with the headliner in 2008, Revive will play 35 cities in spring 2009 as part of Third Day’s Revelation Tour, yielding more opportunities for American audiences to fall in love with Australia’s latest musical export. For more on Revive and to view the band’s video blogs from the road, please visit www.reviveband.com.

About Brandon Heath
Singer/songwriter Brandon Heath celebrates a milestone year in 2008 with two GRAMMY nominations, a blockbuster No. 1 single and the coveted title of New Artist of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards. After releasing his anticipated sophomore album What If We in August, the project’s debut single “Give Me Your Eyes” held the top spot at Christian AC radio for 11 consecutive weeks. The hit song also secured 17 weeks at No.1 on iTunes Christian Top 100 Songs Chart with more than 160,000 tracks purchased. “Give Me Your Eyes” is GRAMMY nominated for Best Gospel Song and What If We for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.

Teaming up again with producer Dan Muckala, Heath’s GRAMMY-nominated sophomore album follows his 2006 breakthrough debut project, Don’t Get Comfortable, which delivered Heath’s first radio No.1, and Song of the Year nominee, “I’m Not Who I Was.” The song ended 2007 as one of the year’s most played radio singles. Heath’s highly-acclaimed debut also contributed to his first Songwriter of the Year nomination at the 2008 GMA Dove Awards.

Off stage, Heath seeks opportunities to merge his public platform with his heart for community and serving the needs of his neighbors around the world. He regularly works with organizations such as YoungLife, Blood:Water Mission, Restore International and unofficially volunteering for many other human rights agencies on a global scale. In March 2008, Heath turned his attention to trials near his hometown of Nashville after parts of the city were ravaged by a string of tornadoes. Brandon quickly organized a highly-effective benefit concert raising $20,000 for the storm victims. Heath has been a respected songwriter in the Nashville music community for years, collaborating with well-known artists like Bebo Norman, Matt Wertz and Dave Barnes, to name a few. Heath first began writing at age 13 and credits the town’s legendary hotspot for songwriters, the Bluebird Café, as the place he first experienced music that moved him. For more information on Brandon Heath, please visit: www.brandonheath.net.

About Third Day:
Over the past decade, rock band Third Day (made up of members Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, David Carr and Mark Lee) has racked up 25 No. 1 radio singles and sold close to seven million albums. The band has garnered 23 career Dove Awards, three GRAMMY Awards (with eight career nominations), an American Music Award, three AMA nominations and multiple ASCAP honors.

One of the top-ranked touring bands according to Pollstar magazine, Third Day has played for audiences reaching into the millions. Due to its mass appeal, Third Day has been featured by top media outlets including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (NBC), “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” (CBS), “60 Minutes” (CBS), ABC’s “Nightline,” USA Today, New York Times and even graced the cover of Billboard magazine (June 7, 2008).

While celebrated for its live shows and chart-topping album sales, Third Day is also highly respected for its humanitarian efforts. The band actively supports the ONE Campaign, Blood:Water Mission, Habitat for Humanity and World Vision. Third Day recently established the “Come Together Fund” as a vehicle to direct a portion of concert proceeds to grassroots humanitarian efforts around the world.

For the latest tour dates and most updated information, please visit www.ccauthority.com.

3.05.09 Champaign, IL Assembly Hall - University of Illinois
3.06.09 Spencer, IA Clay County Regional Events Center
3.14.09 Worcester, MA The Palladium
3.19.09 Weatherford, TX Trinity Meadows Raceway
3.20.09 Jonesboro, AR Arkansas State Convocation Center
3.21.09 Bossier City, LA First Baptist Church
3.22.09 Hattiesburg, MS Reed Green Auditorium- U of S Miss
3.26.09 Rogers, AR Church at Pinnacle Hills
3.27.09 College Station, TX Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheatre
3.29.09 Corpus Cristi, TX Concrete Street Amphitheater
4.02.09 Fairfax, VA Patriot Center
4.03.09 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center
4.04.09 West Point, NY Eisenhower Hall Theatre
4.14.09 Tulsa, OK Mabee Center
4.15.09 Des Moines, IA Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
4.17.09 Macon, GA Ingleside Baptist Church
4.18.09 Ft. Walton Beach, FL Emerald Coast Conference Center
4.24.09 Modesto, CA Calvary Temple Church
4.26.09 Fresno, CA Warnors Theatre
4.30.09 Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
5.01.09 Corona, CA Crossroads Church
5.02.09 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia
5.07.09 Redmond, WA Overlake Christian Church
5.08.09 Tualitin, OR Rolling Hills Community Church
5.09.09 Abbotsford, BC, CAN Abbotsford Entertainment Centre

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

SARAH REEVES WRAPS UP LATEST TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Sparrow Records’ newest signing, worship artist Sarah Reeves, wraps a 27-city promotional tour in support of her debut radio single, “Sweet, Sweet Sound.”  The song, which released to Christian AC, CHR, and INSPO radio on December 26, 2008, is currently available at all digital music outlets.

Reeves began her tour last month in Florida, making her way up to the Carolinas and on to Michigan and Indiana.  She also visited stations in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and California before the holidays.  Among those stations was WBGL-FM in Champaign, Ill. Jeff Scott, general manager at WBGL, commented on Reeves’ visit: “Sarah is very pleasant and easy to spend time with…I pray all of us as an industry protect her.  Her first single is very strong with a memorable hook and a message beyond her years.”

“She’s got great potential and a great future as an artist.”

Similarly, Gary Thompson, program director at WJQK-FM in Grand Rapids, Mich., remarked, “I think Sarah is a winner.  She’s got great potential and a great future as an artist.  I like the song.  We’ll keep it on the radar.”

In early January, Reeves joined fellow Sparrow Records artists Britt Nicole, Above the Golden State, and Danyew for the “New Faces Tour,” a week-long venture to radio stations in the southeast.  The tour, which showcased music from the label’s newest signings, wrapped last week.

“We are extremely proud of our new artist line-up for 2009,” says Grant Hubbard, vice president, EMI CMG national promotions.  “They were a big hit on the road this month, and we’ve already received great feedback from radio stations who are eager to play music.  Sarah, particularly, won fans at radio who are rooting for her strong debut.”

Reeves’ debut single and the title track from her forthcoming April 21, 2009 release, Sweet, Sweet Sound, was serviced to radio stations nationwide last month and is now available via digital music outlets.

With zealous faith and a love of music early on, Reeves first exercised her songwriting/vocal abilities as a participant in her church’s fine arts program.  Consistently placing first at local as well as regional competitions, Reeves was moved by the receptiveness of young people to her message—one of power and freedom in the Holy Spirit.  She has since made it her goal to serve God by leading young people into a lifestyle of worship and adoration to Him.  Reeves is represented by Patton House Entertainment and Jeff Robert & Associates.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

FACEDOWN RECORDS PRESENTS WAR OF AGES ARISE AND CONQUER TOUR
FALLBROOK, CALIFORNIA - War of Ages has just announced a headlining tour in support of their album, Arise and Conquer.

Special guests will include: Destroy the Runner, Inhale Exhale, Hope For the Dying and Hands.

The tour will kick off in WOA's hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania and will make its way to Facedown Fest in Pomona, California.

WAR OF AGES (Facedown)
& Special Guests:
DESTROY THE RUNNER (SolidState Records)
INHALE EXHALE (SolidState Records)
HOPE FOR THE DYING (Strikefirst Records)

Feb 27 - Erie, PA @ Forward Hall
March 1 - Crofton, MD @ The Macc
March 2 - Clinton, NJ @ The Aquifer
March 3 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Club Relevant
March 4 - Danville, VA @ Plan B
March 6 - Wilmington, NC @ Lamp Stand Light Club
March 7 - Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
March 8 - Jacksonville, FL @ Murray Hill Theatre
March 9 - Tampa, FL @ Real Life Church
March 10 - Pensacola, FL @ American Legion Post 33
March 12 - Athens, AL @ Friendship Church
March 13 - McCalla, AL @ The Fish
March 14 - Evansville, IN @ Boney Junes
March 19 - Lansing, MI @ Mac's Bar
March 20 - Mokena, IL @ Soundlab
March 21 - Springfield, IL @ Blacksheep Cafe

WAR OF AGES (Facedown Records)
DESTROY THE RUNNER (SolidState Records)
HANDS (Facedown Records)
HOPE FOR THE DYING (Strikefirst Records)

March 22 - Poplar Bluff, MO @ The Well
March 23 - Joplin, MO @ The Foundry
March 24 - Tulsa, OK @ The Pinkeye
March 25 - Fort Smith, AR @ Amp'd Regeneration
March 26 - Dallas, TX @ The Max
March 27 - Houston, TX @ Java Jazz
March 29 - Abilene, TX @ The Key
April 1 - Mesa, AZ @ Badlands Music Venue
April 2 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Vertical

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

THE ACCESS JOINS THE WINTER JAM TOUR ON SELECT DATES
HOUSTON, TEXAS - “I Remember When” rising up the CRW Global INSPO Charts - RAW Music Group/Indie Exteme CCM band, The Access, garnered a slot on the Winter Jam Tour during the Indie Jam Showcase on The Music Boat 2008 Cruise.  The Houston area band blasted their way through 3 performance competitions, against a combination of 22 other bands and soloists.  The grand prize was slot on the tour.  Their performance was overwhelmingly received.  The tour decided to add them onto a second date.

The Access will open the concert for the Winter Jam 2009 Tour on February 26 at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, OK and on February 27 at the Mabee Center in Tulsa, OK.  Sharing the stage with the boys from Baytown, TX will be Toby Mac, Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, Newsong and others.  The doors open at 6:00pm and The Access will take the stage shortly after.

“The talent level of this young band is uncommon, energetic and powerful.”

“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with and support the development of The Access and RAW Music Group.  The talent level of this young band is uncommon, energetic and powerful.  The vision of RAW Music Group and Mark Silvestri is right in line with the mission and goals of Indie Extreme.  We believe in independent music and the artists who create this great music,” says Kathy Douglas, CEO of Indie Extreme, LLC.  “The Access is proudly independent and paving the way for other young artists and bands who chose to minister in the Christian music industry without ties to major record labels.”

The Access continues to break ground at radio with their first 2 singles “I Remember When” and “Pressing On” from their debut album “The Time is Come” released in September 2008.  “ I Remember When” has risen to #12 on the Christian Radio Weekly Global INSPO chart as of early 2009.  The band’s concert touring has expanded with dates in Virginia, Iowa, and camps throughout Texas in July.

Indie Extreme, a Nashville and Houston-based independent record label management firm, provides RAW Music Group with label administration, e-commerce, bookkeeping and inventory management.  The company also provides the label with consulting on artist and business development as part of the complete overall resources available to each member.  The membership of Indie Extreme includes hit CCM songwriter Matt Brouwer, Wildflower Records owned by legendary folk artist Judy Collins and many others.

For more information go to www.myspace.com/theaccessband.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

PHILLIP LARUE TO CONNECT WITH FANS AT CONCERTS
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Anxiously ready to release his solo debut, Phillip LaRue and BEC Recordings announces the April 7, 2009 street date for the freewheeling spirited album Let the Road Pave Itself. This release is a masterpiece in the making as Phillip LaRue finished recording the organic collection of original songs this past fall in Nashville, TN. He will also head out on the road later this month to begin connecting with listeners. These dates will give fans a taste of this artist's authentic expression and passion (dates / markets listed below).

"I put in my CD the other day to take a quick listen since it has been a while since we finished it and I have to say that I am proud of what Paul Moak (producer) and I did," shares Phillip LaRue of his debut. "These songs are all close to my heart. There is not one that I don't feel deep within when I sing them. So I am excited to hear what folks think about it when it releases. I think the title Let the Road Pave Itself is perfect for where I am right now as a musician and personally. I just feel so blessed that I was able to make this and partner with companies that believed in what I have to offer. 09' will be fun to watch."

“I still believe in the power of music and want people to find hope through this record.”

As an artist that is not new to the industry or the Nashville music scene, Phillip LaRue has filled the role of producer (Krystal Meyers, Tenth Avenue North) and songwriter (Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North) since his duo LaRue (with his sister Natalie) called it quits in 2003.

"I'm stepping back into this world, and I could care less about some of the details," he shares. "As far as being popular, I've kind of tasted and seen that. I still want great things to happen, but more importantly I just want to be me in the process. I still believe in the power of music and want people to find hope through this record. If I can throw a rock and make another ripple, then what a blessing."

Being himself and playing for a cause, Phillip will perform on February 17th for the Home Foundation Benefit in his residence city of Nashville, TN. This concert will be held at the historic Belcourt Theater in Hillsboro Village featuring HOME founder Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath and Tenth Avenue North. All proceeds will benefit the HOMES project to support shelters for domestic victims of sexual trafficking. Ticket information / times below.

About Let the Road Pave Itself and Phillip LaRue:
An organic set of songs for the digital age, it was tracked live in the studio to an old fashioned two-inch tape reel, warmly capturing the sound of Phillip and his friends playing real time rock that's only ever concerned with life's deepest matters of love and faith. Recorded in this manner, Phillip kept many of the first takes without fixing to keep the album as natural as possible. One such example is the debut radio single and opening track, "Chasing the Daylight," a stirring mid-tempo rocker that has seen dark times but still declares I want to chase the daylight like it's the last day of my life.

For more information on Phillip LaRue and this upcoming debut, check out his MySpace and EPK at: www.myspace.com/philliplarue. In addition to the EPK, you can check out the upcoming radio single and opening track " Chasing the Daylight" on his MySpace page.

Details for February 17th Nashville Show:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Doors @ 6:30pm Show @ 7 pm
Advance Tickets: $20 general;
$10 student on sale online or at the box office after 4 pm
Day of Tickets: $25 general; $12.50 student

The Home Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking specifically sexual slavery. The HOMES project, an initiation of the foundation, will help raise awareness and funding to support the efforts of shelters across the U.S. dedicated to the restoration of those victims identified in the United States. For more information on the work of The Home Foundation you can visit www.thehomefoundation.net.

Upcoming Concerts: (with Bebo Norman)
2-25-09 Presque Isle, Maine
2-26-09 Frederction, New Brunswick Canada
2-27-09 Portland, Maine
2-28-09 Lewiston, Maine
3-01-09 Manchester, New Hampshire

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

CHRIS TOMLIN TOUR PACKING VENUES NATIONWIDE
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Tour Plays To Over 40,000 In First 10 Shows, Garners Critical Praise - Three-time GRAMMY nominee Chris Tomlin recently kicked off his "HELLO LOVE TOUR" in a big way, performing to over 40,000 fans in just the first 10 dates alone.  Also featuring Israel Houghton and New Breed, markets including Baltimore, Newark, Hershey, Grand Rapids and Philadelphia have all reported capacity and/or sold out crowds.

"The Hello Love tour is more than just a show," remarked Mike Alley, Director of Live Events for WRBS, and the promoter of the sold out Baltimore show. "It is more than just a praise concert. It is a Worship Experience. To look out over almost 8,000 people of every age, color and race singing and sharing together...I believe I glimpsed a small part of what Heaven will look like."

“every song stirs the soul and compels you to sing along.”

On the heels of his seventh No. 1 single, a new one launching this week ("I Will Rise"), and releasing HELLO LOVE, which took the No. 9 spot on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart and was the highest charting iTunes debut ever for Christian album, Tomlin launched the tour on January 22nd in Hershey, PA. The tour will hit over 36 cities across the U.S. through April 9th, including Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, AZ, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and more.

The HELLO LOVE TOUR is also supporting onemillioncan.com, a cause Tomlin is very passionate about, and which says every single one of us really can make a difference. Proof has came from PASSION events where over one million dollars has been raised to dig wells for Kenyan villages, provide life-altering surgeries for children in Afghanistan, and build homes for former child soldiers in Uganda. Throughout the HELLO LOVE TOUR, stories are being be shared about how the organization is continuously impacting lives to help people realize that they can do a lot with just a little.

With the Grand Rapids Press giving the show a 3.5 out of 4 star rating, the audience's response to Tomlin was recently compared with that of one of the biggest pop acts of the moment by The New York Times, while the Cedar Rapids Gazette remarked how "It's so easy to see why worship leaders and congregations embrace Tomlin's music - every song stirs the soul and compels you to sing along."

The artist Time Magazine calls "the most often sung artist anywhere" is currently performing new songs and past favorites, and while featuring Israel Houghton and New Breed, has also brought Christy Nockels out to be a part of the tour to sing vocals with Tomlin and perform her new single, "Life Light Up" which goes for radio adds on March 6th. One of the most recognizable and noted female voices in Christian music, Nockels has been leading as part of the Passion movement more than ten years. The most recent artist to join the sixstepsrecords' family, her upcoming full-length label debut releases June 2, 2009.

With six records, seven No. 1 radio singles, three GRAMMY nominations, 14 Dove Awards, one platinum and one gold album to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time Magazine as "the most often sung artist anywhere," Tomlin additionally has 10 Top 100 CCLI songs with 6 in the top 25. ASCAP's 2007 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin's "How Great Is Our God" was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25. The award-winning song moved to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. Tomlin continues to tour many dates every year and plays regularly at Passion Conferences in the States and worldwide.

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords (www.sixstepsrecords.com) is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords' artists include Chris Tomlin (HELLO LOVE), David Crowder* Band (Remedy), Charlie Hall (The Bright Sadness), Matt Redman (Beautiful News), and Passion (Passion: God of This City). The label partners with Sparrow Records/EMI CMG Label Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations.

About EMI CMG Label Group:
Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI CMG Label Group is comprised of Sparrow Records, Forefront Records, and Credential Recordings, in addition to providing A&R and marketing support for sixstepsrecords via a joint venture and licensing partnership. Balancing freedom, discipline, creativity, profitability and ministry, EMI CMG Label Group strives for excellence in artist development. The Label Group is a division of EMI Christian Music Group. For further information, please visit www.emicmg.com.

HELLO LOVE TOUR DATES (all dates subject to change)
2/04 Tulsa, OK - Spirit Bank Events Center
2/06 Denver, CO - Wells Fargo Theater
2/20 Houston (Cypress), TX - Berry Center
2/21 Dallas (Grand Prairie), TX - Nokia Theatre
2/22 San Antonio, TX - Municipal Auditorium
2/24 El Paso, TX - Abundant Living Faith Center
2/26 Las Vegas, NV - Canyon Ridge Church
2/27 Phoenix (Glendale), AZ - Jobing.com Arena
2/28 Universal City, CA - Universal Gibson Amphitheater
3/03 San Diego, CA - The Rock Church
3/05 San Jose, CA - San Jose State Event Center
3/06 Sacramento, CA - Memorial Auditorium
3/07 Portland, OR - Rolling Hills Community Church
3/08 Seattle, WA - Kent ShoWare Arena
3/26 North Little Rock, AR - Alltel Arena
3/27 Indianapolis, IN - Conseco Fieldhouse
3/28 Chicago (Hoffman Estates), IL - Sears Centre
3/29 St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
3/31 Memphis, TN - FedEx Forum
4/02 Charlotte, NC Bojangles' Coliseum
4/03 Tampa, FL - Idlewild Baptist Church
4/04 West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheater
4/05 Jacksonville, FL - Veterans Memorial Arena
4/07 Knoxville, TN - Knoxville Coliseum
4/08 Greenville, SC - Timmons Arena/Furman Univ.
4/09 Winston Salem, NC - Joel Coliseum Theatre

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

 

KARI JOBE TO PERFORM NEXT WEEK SUPPORTING DEBUT CD RELEASE
DALLAS, TEXAS - Concerts To Benefit Life Outreach International's Water for LIFE Program - Self-titled CD’s First Single “I’m Singing” Gaining Momentum at Radio - Worship artist Kari Jobe will sing her way through the street week of her Integrity Music self-titled debut record Kari Jobe (Feb. 10), performing in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi and offering the proceeds from the music events to Life Outreach International's Water for LIFE ministry.

Jobe is excited about sharing her new music, including the CD’s first single, “I’m Singing,” which is impacting AC and Inspirational radio formats. The song has already been added by WPOZ in Orlando, FL; WAFJ in Augusta, GA; WMUZ in Detroit, MI and the Family Life Radio network, which is carried in nine states.

“Not only is the tour a celebration of releasing my new album, but it's the beginning of a new season,” says Jobe. “My band and I looking forward to worshipping with our old and new friends. We truly want to connect people to the heart of God through worship and ministry. It's going to be a great time!"

“Music becomes a way to minister to people in times of trouble, to lead them to the feet of Jesus who can bring peace, life, hope and healing.”

Jobe, who is a worship pastor at the Dallas/Fort Worth-based Gateway Church, will kick off the week of concert dates with a special CD Release Party and Concert at her home church on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. at its Southlake, Texas campus.

The Gateway CD release party event will also be available worldwide with a live webcast of the concert on the Internet at http://www.gatewaypeople.com/.

Jobe will be in Tulsa for another release party on the actual release date, Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Victory Christian Center at 8 p.m. Jobe will present a Night of Worship at First Baptist Church in West Monroe, La. at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12; at Orchard Assembly of God in Mobile, Ala. at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 and at Resurrection Life Church in Picayune, Miss. on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Details about these events can be found at http://www.karijobe.com/.

In keeping with the CD’s theme of lifestyle worship, Jobe will combine her music events with a ministry opportunity for Life Outreach International. The ministry, best known by its nationally televised “Life Today with James Robison,” also has a decade-long outreach called LIFE Ministry, whose mission is to drill water wells in the most impoverished and desperate areas of Africa, Asia and South America to provide much needed clean drinking water to communities. With more than 2,000 water wells now in use, each serving an average of 1000 villagers, it means more than 2 million people now have clean water - one of the most precious resources in life. Additional information about the mission of LIFE Outreach International is available at http://www.lifetoday.org/.

"I'm extremely excited to be partnering with Life Outreach International in my ministry and for my tour. Their mission to raise money to drill water wells in villages where people are dying for lack of fresh water, in turn giving them life and hope is a work very close to my heart. What an incredible joy for me to join with them,” said Jobe.

"We at LIFE Outreach International are honored to be a part of Kari Jobe's tour. Kari's ability to draw others into worship is only a reflection of her heart to serve the Lord. We are excited to see the Lord continue to use Kari to reach believers and non-believers with the love of Christ," said Jim Rogers, Executive VP of LIFE Outreach International.

In addition to her concert performances, Jobe will be leading worship at the CFNI (Christ For The Nations) chapel service in Dallas on Tuesday morning Feb 10 and Oral Roberts University Chapel in Tulsa on the morning of Wednesday Feb 11, the latter of which is open to the public.

The child of traveling ministers, Jobe began singing when she was only 3 and knew by age 10 that she wanted to lead worship. She spent time studying at Oral Roberts University, Christ For The Nations Institute and Dallas Baptist University where she finished her Psychology/Pastoral Ministries degree before joining the Gateway Church staff.

Produced by Ed Cash, Kari Jobe contains a collection of worshipful pop/folk songs birthed from her life and journals in addition to new versions of “Revelation Song,” “No Sweeter Name” and “Beautiful” from the Gateway recordings. Co-writers on the album include Ed Cash, Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Mia Fieldes and Klaus Kuehn.

Whether leading worship before thousands at Gateway or in intimate settings around the country, Jobe says the work of ministry always comes back to people. “I am moved by people’s lives and stories, and I am amazed by who God is and who He says that we are. Music becomes a way to minister to people in times of trouble, to lead them to the feet of Jesus who can bring peace, life, hope and healing.”  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

NEWSBOYS CALLING ON FANS TO JOIN THE TRIBE
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Guitarist Jody Davis Returns to Group - Award-winning supergroup newsboys kicks off 2009 with its 35-city “Join The Tribe” tour in February featuring DecembeRadio, VOTA, and Bread of Stone.  Also on the tour is Jody Davis, who has re-joined newsboys after a five-year hiatus.

Kicking off on February 20, the tour will support Global Tribe (www.globaltribe.com) in its quest to fight physical and spiritual poverty.  The tour will also introduce fans to new music from newsboys forthcoming fifteenth studio release in stores May 5, 2009, including the album’s title track and debut single, “In The Hands Of God,” which debuted January 23rd.

Running through mid-April, the “Join The Tribe” tour also marks the return of long-time guitarist Jody Davis to newsboys.  Davis will replace Paul Colman who has retired the band to pursue his solo career.  “I am thrilled to be returning to the band and back with my bandmates, who are some of my best friends,” says Davis.  “This is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement.”

“This is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement.”

With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, more than 20 No.1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys has achieved phenomenal success in its two decades together.  Known for its amazing live performances and groundbreaking tours, the band continues to sellout festivals and concerts worldwide, satisfying diehard fans and winning new ones in the process.

Classic rock band DECEMBERADIO has been making headlines since its debut initially hit the shelves, garnering a GRAMMY ® nomination, a DOVE Award win for Rock Album of the Year, three DOVE nominations and several hits including Song of the Year nominee “Drifter.”  The band’s recent sophomore release was named one of the Top 10 Critics Pick Albums of the Year by ChristianityToday, CCM Magazine and The Gospel Music Channel.  DECEMBERADIO is known for their rousing stage performances and gutsy, guitar expertise.  Whether opening a NASCAR event with songs like “Dangerous” or filling the AC radio airwaves with hit ballads such as “Find You Waiting,” the foursome has brought a defining sound and energy to the world of Christian music.

Formerly known as Casting Pearls, VOTA is Bryan Olesen, Case Maranville and Scott Rutz.  This pop-rock band has had a busy year signing with INO Records and releasing their new self-titled album digitally.  Now they are preparing to release VOTA to all stores nationwide on February 10, 2009.  Produced by Nathan Dantzler (Relient K, Audio Adrenaline, Tree63) the 11-track album exerts high-energy artistic sounds, taking cues from the players’ previous alternative dichotomy and adding dance elements influenced by dance poppers Maroon 5 to ethereal rockers Augustana.

With a unique blend of rock, pop, and worship, Bread of Stone (BOS) is a Christian band based out of Sioux City, Iowa with a sound all their own.  Coming from Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, Bread of Stone was formed by two brothers Ben (vocals) and Bill Kristijanto (guitar) and later joined by friends, Jeremi Hough (drums) and Tim Barnes (bass).  When asked about the significance of the name “Bread of Stone," they state we are all merely stones that God turns into bread to feed the hungry and that without Him, no one can accomplish good in this downfallen world.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

RUSH OF FOOLS KICKING OFF FIRST EVER HEADLINING TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Rush Of Fools, one of the hardest working tour bands in Christian music will launch their first headlining tour, Wonder Of The World, in support of their latest CD.  Presented by Freedom Begins Here the tour kicks off in Garner, NC on February 20 and concludes April 5 in Marietta, GA.  (A complete listing of dates is at the end of this press release).  Also featured on the tour is Jimmy Needham along with special guest Sarah Reeves and introducing, Joy Lippard.  The tour is being booked through the Greg Oliver Agency and produced by Patton House Entertainment.

“During the past three of years of partnership with the Fools we have been building to this tour,” says Andrew Patton, President, Patton House Entertainment. “We have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful acts over the past three years, and feel ready to launch our own tour. This tour is exciting since we get to partner with four out of five Patton House Entertainment artists in a truly family-like way. I’m excited to see the power of connection between the artists and the large audiences expected in each tour market.”

“I’m excited to see the power of connection between the artists and the large audiences expected in each tour market.”

Rush Of Fools is currently climbing Radio & Records AC Mainstream Monitored Chart with their new single, “Never Far Away,” a duet with Jim Brickman. The single, currently #24, continues to pick up more markets each week with syndication airplay scheduled in the near future. Their latest Christian single, “Lose It All,” is currently #4 on Radio & Records CHR Christian chart. To date, Rush Of Fools has sold over 133,000 albums and Radio & Records ranked the band #19 in the Top 20 Christian AC artists of 2008. The band’s multi-Dove nominated tune and ASCAP’s Christian Song Of The Year, “Undo,” was listed at #18 on iTunes 2008 Top Sellers/Top Songs in the Christian/Gospel category. The band will appear on Tennessee Mornings on Nashville’s Fox network Feb. 10, WGN America (national) Midday News, Feb. 11; Moody radio’s Midday Connection, Feb. 12; and will tape Harvest Show on Feb. 13.

Houston, Texas-based singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham initially established a devoted fan following as a regular on the independent circuit but he soon signed with Inpop Records in 2005. Needham's label debut, Speak was released in 2006, followed by Not Without Love in 2008. The project garnered Needham his best-ever sales debut, landing in the top five on iTunes’ Christian Albums chart and No. 8 on both the Christian AC Soundscan and Overall Christian Digital charts. The album’s lead single, “A Breathe Or Two,” peaked at #3 on the Radio & Records CHR chart, and he was a featured guest on BarlowGirl’s “Million Voices” tour last fall.

Nineteen-year-old Alabama native, Sarah Reeves, first exercised her songwriting/vocal abilities as a participant in her church’s fine arts program. Consistently placing first at local as well as regional competitions, Reeves soon signed with Sparrow Records in late 2008 and joins the label's all-star line-up of new talent in 2009. She will release her Sparrow Records debut, Sweet, Sweet Sound, April 21, 2009. The project's first single and title track is currently vying for adds at all Christian radio formats and the song is now available online via all digital music outlets.

The self-titled debut from 18-year-old singer/songwriter Joy Lippard is set for worldwide retail release February 24, 2009 through a distribution partnership with Go Global Entertainment and Koch Entertainment. A guitar and piano player, Lippard penned her first song at the age of 11 and went on to become a 2006 GMA Music in the Rockies songwriting competition winner. Lippard has served as a youth worship leader at her home church, McLean Bible, in suburban Washington, DC. She is an advocate of international missions and has participated in trips to Peru, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

Freedom Begins Here is a newly launched group that is challenging Christians everywhere to join a bold movement to break the chains of pornography and sexual addictions in our culture. Created as a response to countless emails and phone calls from pastors and individuals looking for resources to help with the problem of pornography and sexual addictions, they are hoping to break the silence by providing a full line of dynamic resources: The Freedom Begins Here Church Toolkit and the Personal Toolkit, which officially launched in January.

Wonder Of The World Tour Dates (Subject To Change)
Friday, February 20 – Garner NC
Saturday, February 21 – Pigeon Forge, TN
Friday, February 27 – Perry, GA
Saturday, February 28 – Cleveland, GA
Saturday, March 7 – Boone, NC
Tuesday, March 10 – Midland, TX
Friday, March 13 – Anchorage, AK
Saturday, March 14 – Anchorage, AK
Sunday, March 15 – Spokane, WA
Friday, March 20 – Billings, MT
Saturday, March 21 – Billings, MT
Sunday, March 22 – Schaumburg, IL   BUY TICKETS NOW
Friday, March 27 – Baltimore, MD
Saturday, March 28 – Baltimore, MD
Sunday, March 29 – Munysville, PA
Friday, April 3 – Charleston, WV
Saturday, April 4 – Mineral, VA
Sunday, April 5 – Marietta, OH

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

NATALIE GRANT TO HEADLINE HOME FOUNDATION BENEFIT CONCERT
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - GMA’s reigning three-time Female Vocalist of the Year and Curb recording artist, Natalie Grant, is slated to headline the Second Annual Home Foundation Concert at Nashville’s historic Belcourt Theatre on February 17 at 7 pm.  Benefiting Grant’s Home Foundation, the concert will also feature GMA’s 2008 New Artist of the Year and Reunion recording artist Brandon Heath; Reunion recording artist Tenth Avenue North; and new BEC recording artist Phillip LaRue.

Grant established the Home Foundation in 2005 to raise awareness of international human trafficking.  A priority of her ministry platform, Grant educates audiences on the plight of children forced into the sex trade both domestically and around the world.  The Foundation’s most recent endeavor is the H.O.M.E.S. Project, which operates in conjunction with various faith-based agencies dedicated to the restoration of trafficking victims in the United States.  The H.O.M.E.S. Project helps those providing refuge to victims identified domestically by offering hope, opportunity, mentoring, empowerment and spiritual support through educational and credentialing services.

In 2008, Grant became the first artist in 13 years to win the GMA Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year three consecutive times.  Fueled by the success of her best-selling, critically acclaimed seventh recording, Relentless, Grant was also the most-played female artist at Christian radio last year.  Her latest single, “Our Hope Endures,” is currently #14 on R&R’s Christian AC National Airplay chart and #6 on the publication’s Soft AC/Inspo National Airplay chart, according to the January 30 issue.

Tickets for the Second Annual Home Foundation Concert can be purchased at www.belcourt.org or at the theatre box office, 2102 Belcourt Avenue, after 4 pm.  General admission is $20 ($25 at the door) and $10 for students ($12.50 at the door).  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

EXCLUSIVE   FAREWELL FLIGHT DEBUTS ON CHRISTIAN CONCERT AUTHORITY'S HOT 25   EXCLUSIVE
HONOLULU, HAWAII - Farewell Flight debuted at number 20 on Christian Concert Authority's Hot 25 dated January 30th, 2009.  The band was one of 5 debuts this week which also include Addison Road, Mercy Me, Tammy Trent, and the Anchormen.

The Hot 25 is determined by the total number of scheduled appearances in the database of the Christian Concert Authority, the world's largest Christian concert search engine.  The Hot 25 is published by the Christian Concert Authority® and is the most respected performance chart used by professionals in the Christian music industry.  Take a look at this week's Hot 25.  Be sure to go back in time and look at the Hot 25's dating back to as early as October of 1998.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's Farewell Flight are taking their indie-pop sound to both coasts this winter, embarking on their first tour over the Rockies.  The band is currently spending the few days before hitting the road demoing up new songs for a new album.  Listen for a new song or two on this current tour.

Tour Dates
Feb 6 – York, PA
Feb 7 – Annapolis, MD
Feb 10 – Chapel Hill, NC
Feb 11 – West Columbia, SC
Feb 12 – Jacksonville, FL
Feb 13 – Tallahassee, FL
Feb 14 – Mobile, AL
Feb 15 – Lafayette, LA
Feb 16 -- Dallas, TX
Feb 18 – Fayetteville, AR
Feb 19 – Muskogee, OK
Feb 20 - Tulsa, OK
Feb 21 – Tyler, TX
Feb 22 – Amarillo, TX
Feb 23 – Albuquerque, NM
Feb 24 – Phoenix, AZ
Feb 25 – San Diego, CA
Feb 26 – Los Angeles, CA
Feb 27 – Santa Barbara, CA
Feb 28 – Sanger, CA
Mar 1 – San Jose, CA
Mar 3 – Portland, OR
Mar 4 – Seattle, WA
Mar 5 – Boise, ID
Mar 6 – Salt Lake City, UT
Mar 7 – Greeley, CO
Mar 8 – Colorado City, CO
Mar 10 – Lincoln, NE
Mar 12 – Omaha, NE
Mar 13 – Wentzville, MO
Mar 14 – Dewey, IL
Mar 15 -- Chicago, IL
Mar 16 -- Kalamazoo, MI
Mar 17 – Grand Rapids, MI
Mar 18 – Carmel, IN
Mar 19 – Toledo, OH
Mar 20 – Youngstown, OH
Mar 21 -- Pittsburgh, PA
Mar 27 – York, PA

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

KRISTIAN STANFILL HEADS OUT ON STUDENT LIFE TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Sixstepsrecords Welcomes First New Signing, Kristian Stanfill, To Its Family Of Artists - Stanfill To Release Anticipated Debut Album - With sales exceeding five million, worship label sixstepsrecords, home to Chris Tomlin, David Crowder* Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, and Passion, announces its first new artist signing since the label’s inception in 2000.  Worship leader Kristian Stanfill will join the sixstepsrecords family, releasing his label debut, Attention, April 21, 2009 after wrapping a three-month-long stint on Student Life’s 2009 spring tour.

An Atlanta native, Stanfill began playing music at 13, leading worship for his home church throughout high school.  After graduating college in 2002, he started leading worship at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia.  It was there he met Louie Giglio, who, in the fall of 2004, asked Stanfill to lead worship for 7:22, a popular weekly young adult gathering Giglio established in 1995.  In 2005, he became actively involved with the Passion movement, first leading a community group at Passion ‘05, a conference for university students, then as a lead worshipper at Passion ‘06.  In 2008 he led at both Passion Regionals USA and on the Passion World Tour.  He has also been featured on multiple Passion recorded projects including the Passion: Everything Glorious CD and DVD (2006), The Best of Passion (So Far) (2007), and Passion: God of This City (2008).

“The sixsteps team has shown great belief and enthusiasm for the newest addition to their pristine roster of artists,” says Peter York, president of EMI CMG Label Group.  “Kristian Stanfill is an extremely gifted young artist who has the collective support of both the sixsteps and EMI CMG Label Group teams.  I believe he is a significant signing and a very gifted young artist whose heart and voice will impact this generation.”

“his unique voice and passionate heart for God’s fame have emerged in beautiful ways.”

“I have had the privilege of working along side Kristian Stanfill for the last five years in settings where his unique voice and passionate heart for God’s fame have emerged in beautiful ways,” says sixstepsrecords founder and director Louie Giglio.  “Kristian is a clear and distinctive voice in this generation and a great fit within our small sixsteps family.  We are excited to have the opportunity to serve him by making the songs God is entrusting to him available to people around the globe.”

Produced by Matt Goldman (Underoath, Copeland), Attention will include 11 songs, 6 of which will be previewed on the Attention EP available exclusively at iTunes and other digital music outlets beginning January 27, 2009 and on the 2009 Student Life Tour.

In support of the April release, Stanfill will debut his new songs on tour with Student Life, a teen ministry organization, beginning late January.  The tour is scheduled to visit churches in 10 major cities such as Dallas/Ft. Worth, Atlanta, Houston, and Oklahoma City through March.  A complete list of tour dates follows this release.  For concert and ticket information, visit: www.studentlife.com.  Stanfill will also have a presence at radio with his first single, “Beautiful Jesus,” going for adds March 6, 2009.

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords (http://www.sixstepsrecords.com) is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Hello Love), David Crowder* Band (Remedy), Charlie Hall (The Bright Sadness), Matt Redman (Beautiful News), and Passion (Passion: God of This City).  The label partners with Sparrow Records/EMI CMG Label Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations.

About EMI CMG Label Group:
Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI CMG Label Group is comprised of Sparrow Records, Forefront Records, and Credential Recordings, in addition to providing A&R and marketing support for sixstepsrecords via a joint venture and licensing partnership.  Balancing freedom, discipline, creativity, profitability and ministry, EMI CMG Label Group strives for excellence in artist development.  The Label Group is a division of EMI Christian Music Group.

Student Life Tour 2009
DATE(S) CITY
1/30-31 Hattiesburg, MS
2/6-7 Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
2/13-14 Memphis, TN
2/20-21 Houston, TX
2/27-28 Orlando, FL
3/6-7 Pensacola, FL
3/13-14 Charlotte, NC
3/20-21 Atlanta, GA
3/27-28 Oklahoma City, OK

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

A PLEA FOR PURGING DEBUTS NEW TRACK AND LAUNCHES TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Today, A Plea For Purging debuts a brand new song on their new myspace profile.  Plea has been keeping their new look under wraps and will unveil it today to coincide with the first track to be released from their new album Depravity.  The track is titled "Malevolence" and is just a taste of what the new album has in store.

Guitarist John Wand has this to say about the creation of Depravity.  "In many ways this album is a confession to each other and to all those who know and care for us.  There have been many things in our lives that have been hidden for the better of this band and its reputation.  We have all felt despair and hopelessness and blamed God for those circumstances, when in all actuality, we have driven ourselves into those dark places.  Depravity is the depiction of what life is without God."

“Depravity is the depiction of what life is without God.”

Click here to listen to "Malevolence."  Plea will soon release a video for this track as well, directed by Andy Reale.  You can see a teaser for the video now on their myspace at http://myspace.com/apleaforpurging.

Depravity comes out March 3rd.  Every pre-order receives a free t-shirt and chance to win a one of a kind A Plea For Purging snare drum by Dark Horse Percussion and a new guitar from First Act guitar.

Tour Dates
Jan 30 - Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
Feb 1 - 25 w/ The Great Commission and Venia
Feb 1 - Hickory, NC @ YMCA Teen Center
Feb 3 - Danville, VA @ Plan B
Feb 4 - Boones Mill, VA? @ Southside 220
Feb 5 - Louisville, KY @ Bulldog Cafe
Feb 8 - Lorain, OH @ Chenga 57
Feb 9 - Mansfield, OH @ CD Jungle
Feb 10 - Romeo, MI @ Static Age
Feb 11 - Lansing, MI @ Mac's Bar
Feb 12 - Ft. Wayne, IN @ Sunset Hall
Feb 22 - Little Rock, AR @ Vino's
Feb 24 - San Antonio, TX @ The White Rabbit
Feb 25 - College Station, TX @ Schotzi's
Feb 28 - Hernando, MI @ Higher Grounds
April 3 & 4 - Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse - FACEDOWN FEST

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

DOVE BROTHERS PREPARE FOR 7TH ANNUAL HOMECOMING WEEKEND
BLADENBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - Return Engagements and the award-winning Dove Brothers are proud to announce the details regarding their 7th Annual Homecoming Concert.  This year’s event will be held February 6-7, 2009 at the East Bladen Middle School Auditorium in Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

The Dove Brothers will once again be hosting the Dixie Melody Boys and Jerry DeLawder as well as the world famous Chuck Wagon Gang on Friday evening, February 6, 2009.

On Saturday evening, February 7, 2009, the Dove Brothers will be hosting the We Are Family Tour featuring Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Lewis Family, and the Easter Brothers.  The Dove Brothers will be performing each night as well.

“We are very excited about the groups that we are bringing in this year.”

McCray Dove said, “Our Homecoming is a very special weekend for our group.  We are very excited about the groups that we are bringing in this year, and we know that our fans will be pleased with the talent.  We hope everyone can make it out for this event!”

The event’s ticket prices range from $15.00 to $20.00 as well as discount pricing for multiple-day passes and advance ticket sales.  Article Circle ticket holders will receive a free dinner, a meet and greet with the Dove Bothers, and a special private concert on Saturday.

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Doors will open an hour before each concert.

Tickets can be purchased at various retail establishments around the Elizabethtown/Bladenboro, North Carolina area.  For more information – call (910) 863-3808.

The Dove Brothers recently received special recognition from the Southeaster Firefighter’s Burn Foundation this past weekend.  On Saturday, September 27, 2008, the Dove Brothers were named the Ambassadors of the Southeastern Firefighter’s Burn Foundation for their support in raising funds for the organization, and the group received a plaque in honor of the title.

About the Dove Brothers
Voted Favorite Male Quartet of The Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association and the Singing News Fan Awards, the Dove Brothers’ high energy presentation and progressive arrangements reflect a tangible link to the good old days of gospel music.  Their peers regard them as a class act representing the industry with dignity and respect.  Their latest recording for Sonlite Records is entitled Life and spawned off the #1 hits “You Don’t Know God’s Love” and “You Would Think He Would Learn.  According to SoGospelNews.com, the Dove Brothers were the most played artist at radio in 2007.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

MATTHEW WEST AND SANCTUS REAL HEADLINE WAY-FM WORLD VISION TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Tour to Reach 12 WAY-FM Radio Markets Across the Country - Award-winning Sparrow Records acts Matthew West and Sanctus Real will join WAY-FM and World Vision for the organizations’ first-ever national tour.  Designed to bring World Vision’s ministry to the local station level, “The WAY-FM/World Vision ’09 Tour,” also featuring special guest Jason Gray, will kick off January 28, 2009 in Charleston, South Carolina, and visit 12 WAY-FM radio markets through February 20, 2009.

“I’m ready to hit the road this spring with Sanctus Real,” says Matthew West.  “WAY-FM has some of the greatest listeners in the world, and it’s going to be a blast visiting all these WAY-FM cities.  Of course, the chance to team up with an outreach like World Vision is an honor, and we hope these concerts will be more than just music but a chance to change the world by teaming up with such an amazing ministry.”

“As we’re getting ready for the ‘WAY-FM/World Vision ’09 Tour,’ we see this as a unique opportunity for us to reach a whole new audience with our music,” says Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt.  “We’re great friends with Matthew West and so appreciate the ministry of both WAY-FM and World Vision.  To be partnered with such great people is an honor and a pleasure.  We know this will be a great tour on all levels and hope a ton of people come out and join us!”

“As the World Vision - WAY-FM partnership came together, we realized a national tour would be a great way to bring the story of the ministries of both organizations directly to our audience,” says Lloyd Parker, WAY-FM Chief Operating Officer.  “Because both Matthew West and Sanctus have a heart for what we do, and they also receive a lot of airplay on WAY-FM, having them co-headline the tour made sense.”

“We know this will be a great tour on all levels and hope a ton of people come out and join us.”

“The World Vision Artist Associates Department has hoped for a tour with WAY-FM for many years,” says Jenny Lockwald, World Vision channel/product executive director, artist associates & volunteer programs.  “This year along with the World Vision radio department we have produced a tour specific to the WAY-FM markets in conjunction with Maxx Live.  The tour features Matthew West and Sanctus Real and introduces Jason Gray.  We felt that the combination of these artists in concert would be attractive to the WAY-FM audience, as well as share World Vision ministry and need in serving the vulnerable and needy in over 100 countries on a daily basis.”

The WAY-FM/World Vision Tour ’09 itinerary:
January 28 Charleston, SC
January 30 Tallahassee, FL
January 31 Huntsville, AL
February 5 Panama City, FL
February 6 Ft Myers, FL
February 8 West Palm Beach, FL
February 10 Rome, GA
February 12 Bowling Green, KY
February 13 Clarksville, TN
February 14 Louisville, KY
February 19 Wichita, KS
February 20 Denver, CO

MATTHEW WEST:
West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, “More,” which was the most played Christian AC song of 2003.  The multi-Dove Award nominee and sought-after songwriter released two critically-acclaimed recordings, Happy (2003) and History (2005); has been a mainstay at Christian radio with memorable hits like “Only Grace,” “History” and “Next Thing You Know”; and has toured with such artists as tobyMac and Jeremy Camp on the wildly popular 2008 “Boomin’ Beyond Measure” tour.  In addition, West has penned songs for Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Natalie Grant and Mandisa, among others.  West’s third studio recording, Something To Say, released January 15, 2008 and debuted on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian Retail Chart at #10, while West was the best-selling Christian artist on iTunes the week of its release.  The album’s debut single “You Are Everything” additionally peaked at No. 1 on Christian AC radio and was the most played Christian song of 2008, while “Something to Say” climbed to No. 7 at AC radio.  Most recently, West wrapped the 27-city “Something to Say” fall tour featuring label mate Josh Wilson.

SANCTUS REAL:
One of the top Christian rock bands today, five-member Sanctus Real’s breakthrough album, The Face of Love, released in April 2006, landing at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and amassing a string of radio hits including No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” While The Face of Love was inspired by real-life heartache and rediscovered joy, the band’s fourth studio release, We Need Each Other, marks a completion of that healing process and is a call for unity. Described by multiple media outlets as Sanctus Real’s best project to date, the record’s title track was a No. 1 hit on Christian Hit Radio. We Need Each Other also received a 2009 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album. Popularly known for its captivating live performance, the group toured with Third Day last spring and headlined the “We Need Each Other” tour with special music guests Tenth Avenue North and VOTA in fall 2008.

WAY-FM MEDIA GROUP:
WAY-FM Media Group was founded in 1987 by Bob Augsburg and his wife Felice as a single station, WAYJ, in Fort Myers, FL. Today WMG, including CHRSN, has over 100 signals in 26 states.  Markets served by WMG include Denver, CO; Nashville, TN; West Palm Beach, FL; Louisville, KY and Charleston, SC.

WORLD VISION:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

BUILDING 429 EMBARKING ON SPRING TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Pop-rock trio Building 429 has recently announced plans for the spring 2009 continuation of their “Truth, Hope & Love Tour.”  Once again, GRAMMY ® nominee After Edmund will be accompanying the band alongside new EMI artist Above The Golden State and emerging female group, Kimber Rising.

With 30 dates on the calendar, the “Truth, Hope & Love Tour” will travel across the country from February-March of 2009.  World Vision will continue to partner with the tour as they did with the successful fall 2008 Tour when Building 429 shared the stage with the new female-fronted band Addison Road and After Edmund.

“It has been a thrill to be a part of the ministry of Building 429 this last year,” says front man Jason Roy.  “With the release of our new record, the success of the debut single, ‘End Of Me’ and fall tour, we now have the blessing of cranking up the bus and heading back out on the spring leg of the ‘Truth, Hope and Love Tour.’  In the fall, we saw thousands of children sponsored through World Vision and countless numbers of decisions for Christ, which was far above and beyond our expectations.”

“It has been a thrill to be a part of the ministry of Building 429 this last year.”

Building 429 recently released their fourth self-titled studio album with INO Records on October 21.  Their debut single “End Of Me” is currently climbing the radio charts, now in the Top 15 on CHR & AC Charts.  To listen to “End of Me” visit: http://wmedia.buzzplant.com/content/ino/Building429-EndOfMe_ACMix.wma.

The band’s second single “Always,” is scheduled to release this spring.  It is a powerful ballad that Roy wrote following an encounter with a woman who shared her heartbreaking story about how her son’s life was taken away by his own father.

Roy explains, "There is a moment in each of our lives that will undoubtedly define our existence from that point on.  The moment when, for the first time, we stare injustice in the face.  When an innocent child is murdered, when a father walks out on a family, when life seems completely unfair.  That moment undoubtedly brings us to our knees asking the question: ‘God, Where are you?’  This is the true story of two people who faced that very question and found peace in the storm in the truth of God with us."

For more information on Building 429 please visit their website at www.building429.com and get an idea of what the tour will be like by watching a special spring tour video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAOdfIYjyn8.

Building 429 has had a history of success with the release of three albums and now the rock band has joined forces with INO Records for their fourth studio record which became available in stores last fall.  In 2005 “Glory Defined” was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, they were named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year and nominated that same year for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year.  They have toured with artists such as TobyMac, Family Force 5, Casting Crowns and Thousand Foot Krutch. Jason, Michael and Jesse are excited for their fans to hear a record that reflects where they are as individuals and artists.

TRUTH, HOPE & LOVE TOUR DATES (dates subject to change):
2/5 Lewisburg, WV*
2/6 Richmond, IN*
2/7 Cincinnati, OH*
2/8 Denver, NC*
2/13 Peoria, IL*
2/14 St. Louis, MO
2/15 Olathe, KS
2/19 TBA
2/20 Pittsburg, PA*
2/21 TBA
2/22 TBA
2/26 TBA
2/27 Comanche, OK*
3/1 Carlsbad, NM*
3/6 Beaumont, TX
3/7 Kilgore, TX*
3/8 Coldspring, TX
3/12 Jackson, TN
3/13 Boaz, AL
3/14 Houma, LA
3/15 Addison, AL
3/19 TBA
3/20 Pikeville, TN
3/21 Bluefield, WV
3/22 Lansdale, PA
3/24 Owensboro, KY
3/25 Mayfield, KY
3/26 TBA
3/27 Springfield, MO
3/29 TBA

*After Edmund not appearing

-- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

MICHAEL W SMITH TO BE INDUCTED INTO GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - GMA Gospel Music Hall Of Fame To Induct Michael W. Smith, Dolly Parton, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dixie Hummingbirds and Lari Goss - The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct artists Michael W. Smith, Dolly Parton, Dr. Bobby Jones and The Dixie Hummingbirds along with music producer Lari Goss into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on February 2, 2009, announced John W. Styll, president and CEO of the GMAF.

The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner will be held on Monday, February 2, 2009 at The Richland Country Club in Nashville.  The evening will begin at 6:30pm with a medallion ceremony and reception, followed by the induction ceremony and dinner which will begin at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $150, and they can be reserved by calling 615-277-1366 through January 23 (while available).  The Imperials, featuring the original back-up singers for Elvis Presley and Hall of Fame members, will provide entertainment for the event.

“each shares a common heritage of the Gospel’s powerful impact on their lives.”

"This year’s class of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees have all achieved great professional and personal success in many different areas of the music and entertainment industries, but each shares a common heritage of the Gospel’s powerful impact on their lives,” said Styll.

The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame was established in 1971 and has inducted more than 150 members since its inception, including 2007 inductees Phil Keaggy, The Statler Brothers, The Winans and Joe Moscheo.  Previous inductees include Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, Keith Green, Amy Grant, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Andrae Crouch, Sandi Patty, Vestal Goodman, Tennessee Ernie Ford, 2nd Chapter of Acts, The Oak Ridge Boys, Petra, Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Rambos, Evie, Richard Smallwood, Jake Hess, The Lewis Family, Thomas A. Dorsey, the Fairfield Four, Billy Graham and the Jordanaires.

About the Inductees:

Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith's contributions to music go far beyond creating and singing memorable songs. He is a mentor whose wise counsel has inspired a new generation of young artists and he is a leader whose creative vision has had immeasurable impact on the church and believers all over the world.

Born in Kenova, West Va., on Oct. 7, 1957, Smith wrote his first song at age five. In 1978 he moved to Nashville, Tenn., to work as a songwriter and in 1981, he signed to Meadowgreen Music as a staff writer, where over the next few years he provided gospel hits for such artists as Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither and Amy Grant. He began touring as a keyboardist with Grant in 1982 and the following year, after releasing his first album, The Michael W. Smith Project, became her opening act. His debut album garnered him a GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance. He became a headliner following the release of his second album, Michael W. Smith 2.

Twenty-five years after his first taste of success, he has become one of the best-known names in Christian music with a stellar career that boasts 18 albums, too many number one hits to count, three GRAMMY Awards (amidst 13 nominations), 42 Dove Awards, and an American Music Award among countless other accolades. Beyond his own musical career, Smith was instrumental in launching a teen club in Nashville, a record label with an entirely new way of doing things (Rocketown Records), and even a church (New River Fellowship) in Franklin, Tenn.

Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to sing for presidents and national leaders, and counts among his friends President George W. Bush and his father, Bush, Sr., and the Reverend Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham. He is active in Billy Graham Crusades as well as The Samaritan's Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham.

Despite Smith’s stardom, his involvement in the teen outreach Rocketown, his leadership in his local church, his business as an artist, an author and a record label executive, he sums up his life humbly as, "to be remembered as a God-fearing man who loved his wife and kids well."

Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is an iconic music figure who has reached a level of stardom reserved for an elite club. She is an GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, author, actor and philanthropist. In the 42 years since her chart debut, she remains the most successful female country music artist, with 26 No. 1 singles, a record for any female performer, as well as a record 39 Top 10 country albums. She also has the distinction of having recorded a Top 40 country hit in each of the last five decades.

Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) grew up part of a poor, Pentecostal family (her grandfather was a fiddling preacher who wrote "Singing His Praise," which was recorded by Kitty Wells) of 14 in a small town in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. At 12, she was appearing on Knoxville TV and, at 13, she was already recording on a small label and appearing at the Grand Ole Opry. After graduating from high school in Sevier County in 1964, she moved to Nashville to launch her career as a country singer.

Early on, Parton's singing caught the attention of Porter Wagoner. He hired her to appear on his program, “The Porter Wagoner Show.” She stayed with the show for seven years, during which time their duets became famous. She also appeared with his group at the Grand Ole Opry; toured and sold records. By the time her hit "Joshua" reached No. 1 in 1970, her fame had overshadowed Wagoner's, and she struck out on her own, though still recording duets with him. She left him for good to become a solo artist in 1974. Their partnership produced the mega-hit, multi-genre song “I Will Always Love You,” a song she wrote for Wagoner.

Parton went on to have (and continues to have) a internationally successful music career. Parton was named CMA's Female Vocalist of the Year in 1975 and 1976 and won the Entertainer of the Year trophy in 1978, one of only five women to achieve this accomplishment to date. Parton released her 42nd album, Backwoods Barbie, in 2008 to great critical acclaim, especially for the project’s endearing “Jesus and Gravity,” a song she performed on television’s most popular program, “American Idol.”

But, the multi-talented Parton’s success is not limited to music. She is an accomplished actress with acclaimed roles in “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias” and many other film and television shows.

Parton also changed the landscape of her Tennessee stomping grounds when she opened the Dollywood theme park in 1985. Dollywood showcases much of the music that has impacted her throughout her life, including many tributes to gospel music. Each fall, the National Gospel Harvest Celebration brings together many of today's biggest names in southern gospel music, and in 1999 the Southern Gospel Music Association opened the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame on the grounds of Dollywood. The park also offers an array of themed shops that include many nods to gospel music.

Dr. Bobby Jones
Born in Henry County, Tenn., Bobby Jones always dreamt of a career in music. He excelled academically throughout school, graduating from high school at 15 and Tennessee State University at 19 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. He also went on to earn a master's degree from Tennessee State and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. While pursuing his master's, he taught elementary school in the Missouri and Tennessee education systems.

During his teaching days, Jones helped develop an idea for this local community, a pilot for what is now "Bobby Jones Gospel." First airing in 1976 on a local Nashville, Tenn., station, BET picked up the show for national syndication in 1980, where it has remained to this day.

During this period, Jones also created, produced and hosted "Bobby Jones World," a magazine-style show that incorporated gospel music with world-renowned authors, entertainers and national leaders. “Bobby Jones World” ran from 1978-1984. He also starred in the 1982 made-for-television NBC movie "Sisters, Sisters," alongside Diahann Carroll, Paul Winfield and Irene Cara.

In 1980, Jones received The Gabriel Award and an International Film Festival Award for writing and performing the black gospel opera, "Make A Joyful Noise." He and his group, New Life, were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1982 for "Best Performance by a Black Contemporary Gospel Group" for the album Soul Set Free. In 1984, he received the Gospel Music Association's (GMA) Dove Award for Black Contemporary Album of the Year for Come Together, a GRAMMY Award for "Best Vocal Duo for a Soul/Gospel Performance" for the single, "I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today," which he performed with country music star Barbara Mandrell, and an NAACP Image Award.

Today, Jones is a constant on BET's Sunday programming, serving as the host and executive producer of "Bobby Jones Gospel," and producer of "Video Gospel” and recently began a new series, “Bobby Jones Next Generation” on the Gospel Music Channel.

The Dixie Hummingbirds
Formed in 1928 in Greenville, S.C., by James B. Davis and his classmates, The Dixie Hummingbirds sang in local churches until they finished school, then started touring throughout the south.

Lead singer Ira Tucker joined the group in 1938 at age 13, and they signed with Decca Records. In addition to his formidable vocal skills, Tucker introduced the energetic showmanship - running through the aisles, jumping off stage, falling to his knees in prayer - copied by many quartets that followed. Tucker also took the lead in the stylistic innovations adopted by the group, combining gospel shouting and subtle melismas with the syncopated delivery made popular by The Golden Gate Quartet, as well as adventuresome harmonies, which the group called "trickeration," in which Paul Owens or another member of the group would pick up a note just as Tucker left off. The group relocated to Philadelphia in the 1940s.

During the years, a number of talented singers starred in the group -- their bass, William Bobo, baritone Beachy Thompson, James Walker, who replaced Owens, and Claude Jeter, who went on to star for The Swan Silvertones. The Hummingbirds added a guitarist, Howard Carroll, who added even more propulsive force to their high-flying vocals.

The Hummingbirds absorbed much from other artists as well, performing with Lester Young in the 1940s and sharing Django Reinhardt records with B.B. King in the 1950s. Tucker and the Hummingbirds inspired a number of imitators, such as Jackie Wilson and James Brown, who adapted the shouting style and enthusiastic showmanship of hard gospel to secular themes to help create soul music in the 1960s.

The group recorded for a number of different labels over the years, while touring the circuit of black churches and gospel extravaganzas. They occasionally came to the attention of white listeners -- at Café Society, the integrated New York nightclub favored by jazz cognoscenti, in 1942, at the Newport Folk Festival in 1966, and as backup for Paul Simon on the 1973 single "Loves Me Like a Rock." The group now consists of Ira Tucker (lead vocals), William Bright (vocals), Carlton Lewis, III (vocals), Cornell Mcknight (bass), Torrey Nettles (drums/vocals), and Lyndon Baines Jones (guitar & vocals).

In February 2008, "The Dixie Hummingbirds: Eighty Years Young," the first feature length documentary/concert film featuring the life and history of The Dixie Hummingbirds was released in commemoration of their extraordinary longevity as performers. The film has been shown on the Gospel Music Channel and has played at numerous film festivals.

Produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jeff Scheftel, and executive produced by University of Hawaii Musicologist Jay Junker, the film is now available on DVD, featuring extensive interviews with Ira Tucker, Sr., archival footage, and following the current group as they perform in numerous venues, and rehearse under Mr. Tucker's spirited guidance, in their hometown of Philadelphia, and across the vast landscape of America.

Lari Goss
Lari Goss is best known within the Christian music industry in the areas of music production, orchestral arranging and keyboard artistry. He has produced critically acclaimed projects for such artists as The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, The Cathedrals, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Anthony Burger, Greater Vision, Christ Church, The Martins, Larnelle Harris, Phil Driscoll, The Gaither Vocal Band, Janet Paschal, and many others.

Along with Goss' impressive list of production credits, he is equally recognized on both sides of the industry for his signature orchestral arrangements. He has orchestrated music for such secular music giants as Warner Bros., Capitol, RCA, Columbia; and such artist names as Glen Campbell, Ray Price, B.J. Thomas and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. His arrangements have been heard in countless venues around the world, from the stage of Radio City Music Hall to "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." Additionally, he has arranged and conducted music for such prestigious entities as the GRAMMY Awards, the Peoples Choice Awards, and The London Philharmonic Symphony, with whom he has recorded several award-winning albums.

Whether arranging for 10 or 100 pieces, his music is consistently noted by the dimension of unparalleled quality, undergirding power and heartwarming richness it lends alongside the other musical components of a project. When music to stir the heart and emotions of the listener is the requirement, Lari is widely recognized as the arranger of choice.

In addition to being one of gospel music's most respected producers and arrangers, Goss also is an accomplished artist in his own right. He has recorded several successful piano/keyboard albums and has written scores of songs, including the widely performed and recorded "Cornerstone." His keyboard style is distinctive and unique and his "Goss Sound" is legendary in the recording industry.

Besides his musical vocation, Goss also uses his industry networking for philanthropic purposes. This year marks the 5th Annual Lari Goss Invitational, a charity golf tournament that in previous years has benefited the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home.

The acclaim he has received from his keyboard artistry as well as his producer/arranger credentials have brought ever-increasing demand across the United States for Goss’ involvement as a speaker/teacher at various music symposiums and seminars. He is an Artist-in-Residence at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., where he teaches graduate level courses one day a week in Orchestration and Recording Studio Accompanying.

About the GMA Foundation:
The GMA Foundation (GMAF) is a non-profit educational association working in connection with the Gospel Music Association (GMA) The GMAF recognizes and preserves the history and legacy of all forms of gospel music and provides educational resources that encourage participation and appreciation by the general public. Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Christian/Gospel 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 more than 3,000 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 and the GMA Academy. For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.  -- ©2009 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS

THE 2009 STELLAR AWARD WINNERS
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - The Stellar Gospel Music Awards returned to Nashville for the 4th consecutive year on Saturday, January 17th, 2009.  The prestigious awards show was taped at the historic Grand Ole Opry House.

This year’s celebration was co-hosted by Sinbad, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Donnie McClurkin with special performances given by Kirk Franklin, 21:03, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Heather Headley and many more.

Below is the complete list of the official nominees with the winners shown in bold.

Artist of the Year
*Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
*Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
*Kirk Franklin; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
*Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
*Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel

Song of the Year (Songwriter; Song; Label)
*Canton Jones ; "My Day"; Arrow Records
*Jonathan Nelson and Justin Savage; "My Name Is Victory"; Integrity Music
*Marvin Sapp / Matthew Brownie; "Never Would Have Made It "; Zomba Label Group
*Myron Butler and John Webb; "Stronger"; EMI Gospel
*Percy Gray; "God Is My Everything"; New Haven Records

Male Vocalist of the Year
*Byron Cage; Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation; Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
*Isaiah D. Thomas; The Greatest; Habakkuk Music
*Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
*Marvin Winans; Alone But Not Alone; PureSprings Gospel
*The John Tillery Project; The Next Level; Danbla Records

Female Vocalist of the Year
*Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
*CeCe Winans; Thy Kingdom Come; PureSprings Gospel
*Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
*Jessica Greene; 4 The World; Habakkuk Music
*Shirley Caesar; After 40 Years... Still Sweeping Through the City; ShuBel Records/Light Records

Group Duo of the Year
*Deitrick Haddon Presents Voices of Unity; Together in Worship; Tyscot Records
*Israel & New Breed; Live: A Deeper Level; Integrity Music
*Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
*The John Tillery Project; The Next Level; Danbla Records
*Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston; Exalted ...Live in Baltimore; Evidence Gospel / Light Records

New Artist of the Year
*Jai Reed; Anointed for Purpose; TLR Records
*Jessica Greene; 4 The World; Habakkuk Music
*Melody; The Reason; N'Flyte Music Group
*Terrell Hunt; Awesome; Rich Escape Music
*The Murrills; Donald Lawrence Introduces The Murrills Family Prayer; Verity/Zomba Label Group

CD of the Year
*Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
*Kirk Franklin; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
*Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
*Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel
*Tye Tribbett & G.A.; Stand Out; Columbia Records/Axis

Choir of the Year
*Chicago Mass Choir Just Having Church Live; New Haven Records
*Isaiah D. Thomas; The Greatest; Habakkuk Music
*Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel
*Tye Tribbett & G.A.; Stand Out; Columbia Records/Axis
*Shekinah Glory Ministry; Jesus; Kingdom Records

Producer of the Year
*Aaron Lindsey; Thirsty; Zomba Label Group
*Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Introduces The Murrills Family Prayer; Verity/Zomba Label Group
*Isaiah D. Thomas, Warren Jones, & Christopher Leach; The Greatest; Habakkuk Music
*Jonathan Nelson, Justin Savage, & Kenneth Shelton; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
*Kirk Franklin & Harold Martin; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
*Deitrick Haddon Presents Voices of Unity; Together in Worship; Tyscot Records
*Israel & New Breed; Live: A Deeper Level; Integrity Music
*Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
*Myron Butler & Levi; Stronger; EMI Gospel
*Vashawn Mitchell and Friends; Promises; Tyscot Records

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
*Bishop F.C. Barnes & Co.; The Barnes Family Reunion II; AIR Gospel
*Doug & Melvin Williams; Duets II; Blackberry Records
*Endurance; I've Got a Home;SCCME Records
*Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's; So Much To Be Thankful For; MCG Records
*The Canton Spirituals; Driven; Verity/Zomba Label Group

Contemporary Male of the Year
*Byron Cage; Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation; Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
*Canton Jones; Kingdom Business; Arrow Records
*Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
*Marvin Winans; Alone But Not Alone; PureSprings Gospel
*The John Tillery Project; The Next Level; Danbla Records

Traditional Male of the Year
*Bishop Paul S. Morton; Embracing the Next Dimension; Light Records/ Tehillah
*Keith 'Wonderboy' Johnson; Keith 'Wonderboy' Johnson presents The Rising Stars of Quartet Vol. 1; Malaco Gospel
*Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's; So Much To Be Thankful For; MCG Records
*Luther Barnes; The Barnes Family Reunion II; AIR Gospel
*Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group

Contemporary Female of the Year
*CeCe Winans;Thy Kingdom Come; PureSprings Gospel
*Doreen Vail; Odyssey; Vail House Productions
*Joann Rosario; Joyous Salvation; Verity/Zomba Label Group
*Regina Belle; Love Forever Shines; Pendulum Records
*Tonya Hairston Ware; The Voice; Princess Production Company

Traditional Female of the Year
*Angela Spivey; Angela Spivey and The Voices of Victory "Eyes on the Prize"; Tekoa Records
*Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
*Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
*Dorothy Norwood; No Request; Malaco Gospel
*Nancey Jackson-Johnson; The Launch Out Project; Habakkuk Music

Contemporary CD of the Year
*Canton Jones; Kingdom Business; Arrow Records
*Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
*Marvin Winans; Alone But Not Alone; PureSprings Gospel
*Deitrick Haddon Presents Voices of Unity; Together in Worship; Tyscot Records
*Israel & New Breed; Live: A Deeper Level; Integrity Music

Traditional CD of the Year
*Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
*Bishop Paul S. Morton; Embracing the Next Dimension; Light Records/ Tehillah
*Endurance; I've Got a Home;SCCME Records
*Chicago Mass Choir Just Having Church Live; New Haven Records
*Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group

Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year (Artist; Song; Label)
*Canton Jones; "My Day" Arrow Records
*CeCe Winans; "Waging War" PureSprings Gospel
*Deitrick Haddon featuring Ruben Studdard & Mary, Mary; "Love Him Like I Do " Integrity Gospel/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
*Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; "My Name Is Victory " Integrity Music
*Kirk Franklin; "Declaration: (This Is It)" Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group

Music Video of the Year (artist, song/CD title, label)
*Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion; Journey Music Group
*Deitrick Haddon featuring Ruben Studdard & Mary, Mary: "Love Him Like I Do"; Gotta Have Gospel! 5; Integrity Gospel/Gospocentric/Zomba Label
*Kirk Franklin: "Declaration"; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
*Marvin Sapp: "Never Would Have Made It"; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
*Myron Butler & Levi: "Stronger"; Stronger; EMI Gospel

Contemporary Choir of the Year
*Brent Jones & The T.P. Mobb The Ultimate Weekend; Tyscot Records
*James Fortune & FIYA; The Transformation; WorldWide Music
*Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
*Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston; Exalted ...Live in Baltimore; Evidence Gospel / Light Records
*Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel

Traditional Choir of the Year
*Bishop Charles E. Blake presents The West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir No Limit; EMI Gospel
*Bishop Paul Morton & The Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir; Embracing the Next Dimension; Light Records/ Tehillah
*Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion; Journey Music Group
*Chicago Mass Choir Just Having Church Live; New Haven Records
*The New Life Community Choir featuring John P. KeeNothing But Worship; Zomba Label Group

Instrumental CD of the Year
*Angélla Christie; The Breath of Life; ACSM Record Company
*Barry D; Born To Play; TAQA Records/New Day
*Courtney Nero; Make Me Walk; Courtney Nero Music
*Esther Williams & Davey Yarborough; In the Spirit; DAV-EST
*Jeff Majors; Sacred Major 7th; Music One

Special Event CD of the Year
*Briana Scott; O What A Night; Waterbrooke Music
*Dr. Bobby Jones; Bobby Jones Presents Ultimate Gospel; Time Life
*The Clark Sisters; The Best of the Clark Sisters Encore; Dexterity Sounds
*Vickie Winans; Happy Holidays from Vickie Winans; Destiny Joy Records
*Yolanda Adams; What A Wonderful Time; Columbia

Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
*Da' T.R.U.T.H; Open Book; Cross Movement Records
*FLAME; Our World Redeemed; Cross Movement Records
*Frontlynaz; Game Over; Frontlynaz, Inc.
*Sho Baraka; Turn My Life Up; Reach Records
*Trip Lee; 20/20; Reach Records

Children's Performance of the Year
*Ashley Payne; Peace in Heaven; Champion-Payne Productions
*Dijon; A Kid's Point of View; Verity/Zomba Label Group
*First Coast Children's Choir/FISH Kids; Raise the Praise/"Raise The Praise" Fitness; Spirit of Life Records
*Kaira Miller; In God's Time/It Ain't Over; GFM Entertainment
*The Bradby Girls; So Grateful; Jewel Records

Quartet of the Year
*The Blind Boys of Alabama; Down in New Orleans; Time Life
*Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's; So Much To Be Thankful For; MCG Records
*Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires; The Barnes Family Reunion II; AIR Gospel
*Endurance; I've Got a Home; SCCME Records
*The Canton Spirituals; Driven; Verity/Zomba Label Group

Recorded Music Package of the Year [art credit / album (artist) / label]
*Aziz Peregrino-Briman for Bezworks Design, LLC [www.bezworks.com] and Vickie Winans (art Direction/design); David Deutsch, (photography); Happy Holidays from Vickie Winans (Vickie Winans); Destiny Joy Records
*Michael Jay, (graphics); Arron Holmes(logo sketch art); Roussan Etienne, Jr.(photography); In Hi