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NEWS ARCHIVES
DIZMAS HEADLINING THE 5 FOR 5 TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - After releasing two
albums with EMI imprint Credential Recordings, southern California rock
band Dizmas begins a new chapter with Forefront Records. Forefront
is home to artists TobyMac, Audio Adrenaline, Rebecca St. James, as well
as former tour mates This Beautiful Republic. The change in labels
reinforces the focus and commitment to the Christian marketplace that
has long been at the heart of Dizmas' ministry.
“Dizmas personifies the type of artist that has defined Forefront
Records over the years,” EMI CMG Label Group president Peter York
comments on the signing. “They have demonstrated a passionate
commitment to authentically communicate an eternal message with an
intense, no compromise sound. It's a privilege to partner with
Dizmas and share their music with a generation searching for truth.”
“...we now feel ready to step
forward and begin a new day where anything can happen.”
New fans will be brought up to speed on Dizmas' recording history via
the bands first Forefront release (April 29). In addition to four
brand new songs written specifically for this release, the self titled
album will feature six re-mastered tracks pulled from the two Credential
releases, making Dizmas the perfect introduction to the band - past,
present and future.
“We're stoked to be a part of the history that is Forefront Records,”
shares frontman Zach Zegan. “The past few years have been spent
learning and growing, and we now feel ready to step forward and begin a
new day where anything can happen.”
First single “Yours” is one of the four new songs and has already seen
early traction at Christian radio. Fans can purchase the song at
iTunes and listen to the track on the band's MySpace page,
www.myspace.com/dizmas , which is the hub for all interaction with the
band. Fans can find Twitter updates from each band member, record
and listen to voicemails for the band via their SayNow application by
calling the band's phone number (661)349-7204 as well as watch regularly
updated webisodes of “ The Dizmas Factor .”
Throughout most of April, Dizmas will be out in front of fans live and
in person, headlining the “5 For 5” Tour. After wrapping up the
tour Dizmas will be stopping through Nashville for Gospel Music Week and
then spending the summer playing several major festivals.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS GATHERING STARTS LATER THIS MONTH
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - The Hephzibah Children’s Home will
be hosting the 2008 Great Smoky Mountains Gathering this coming April.
Some have called it one of the best-kept secrets in Gospel music!
The Great Smoky Mountains Gathering is an event filled with heartwarming
inspiration, barrels of fun, and meeting Christian friends from across
North America in an atmosphere of familiar songs, the finest in southern
gospel and traditional music, and preaching that’s true to the Word of
God.
This year’s event will take place April 21-25, 2008 and will be held at
the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
This year’s event promises to feature performances from Triumphant
Quartet, The Webbs (formerly the Rick Webb Trio), and Allison Durham
Speer as well as comedians Tim Lovelace and David Duncan. Jerry
Brecheisen will be speaking during the event as well.
For more information on the event as well as registration details, visit
http://www.hephzibahgathering.com or call (478) 477-3383, ext. 114.
This event is sponsored by the Hephzibah Children’s Home. In the spirit
of the Good Samaritan, Hephzibah Children's Home, a subsidiary
corporation of The Wesleyan Church, has been there for abused and
neglected children since 1900. Located in Macon, Georgia, its mission is
to provide a Christ-centered, safe, and wholesome environment for
at-risk children and young people.
HCH ministries include residential group homes for children ages 6-18,
The Elizabeth Home maternity home for resident single girls up to age
22, a Teen-Parent Home for single moms and their babies, recreational
center, and Bethlehem Stables pet center.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
BREAD OF STONE IS ABOUT MORE THAN MUSIC
SIOUX CITY, IOWA - By involving themselves with
other ministries, Bread of Stone focuses on more than just music.
Partnering with Christ In Action and Homes of Hope, the band in the
month of March helped families recover from the devastation of Hurricane
Katrina.
Knowing what it’s like living in an area having little, founding
members, Ben and Bill Kristijanto are motivated by memories of having
grown up in Indonesia. This month the band traveled back to St.
Bernard Parish in Louisiana to help with the disaster relief efforts—a
trip that marks the third such visit.
“When St. Bernard Parish was a barren land in early 2006, BOS (Bread of
Stone) came here to work but they did much more than physical labor.
They gave us a spiritual uplifting by performing a free concert at
Adullam Christian Fellowship's gutted building” say Cheryl Renz, St.
Bernard Parish resident. “This month the guys are back to assist
in the rebuilding process consisting of anything from gutting homes,
hanging drywall, electrical work, painting etc...they’ve proven their
not afraid of hard, dirty work.”
“...they’ve proven their
not afraid of hard, dirty work.”
The experience of seeing poverty in their childhood has had a lasting
effect on the lives of the Kristijanto brothers. They remember
life and their view of poverty while living in Indonesia in contrast to
what they saw coming to the United States. "Being younger, we were
kind of secluded from what was going on there," front man Ben said, "If
you're that person (living in poverty), you don't know any better.
We don't really have anything to compare it to over here.”
Infused with a global vision and an energy that finds its source in
their passion for bringing others closer to Jesus, Bread of Stone’s (BOS)
rise as an up-and-coming Christian band based out of Sioux City, Iowa
has been a steady climb. Formed by brothers Ben (vocals) and Bill
Kristijanto (guitar) and later joined by friends Jeremi Hough (drums)
and Tim Barnes (bass), they have answered the call to ministry through
inspiring music. When asked about the significance of the name
“Bread of Stone”, Bill states: “We as Christians are all merely stones
who—in God’s hands—can be turned into bread to feed the hungry.”
Since the release of their original self-produced album, Broken Vessels,
BOS has been blessed with many incredible opportunities to expand their
musical horizon. A major highlight of their vast touring
experience was being a part of the Farewell Tour for the legendary group
Petra. Other tour experience includes Stellar Kart, Phil Joel,
DecembeRadio, and Casting Pearls. In addition to their extensive
touring schedule they have had the experience of sharing the stage with
artists such as Toby Mac, Jars of Clay, and Chris Tomlin.
Bread of Stone’s current single “Letting Go” off their sophomore project
of the same name is currently being serviced to Christian radio and is
also the upcoming major industry promotion thru CRW.
In April, Bread of Stone will tour with Building 429 and Remedy Drive on
the Lifelight Tour, April 9th through April 19th.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
ISRAEL AND NEW BREED FOCUS ON INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY
MOBILE, ALABAMA - Touring to include Japan,
Indonesia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, South Africa and more - The GRAMMY
Award winning Israel and New Breed, who are known for their
multi-cultural approach to worship music, are diving deeper into
international ministry this year with a globe-trotting tour schedule
that includes stops in Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, South
Africa, Israel, The Netherlands and Barbados.
Israel and New Breed started the year with a February trip to New
Zealand before jetting over to Japan for eight performances in four
days. In addition, frontman Israel Houghton also made time to
visit Japan’s Soul Bird Gospel Music School which uses the group’s music
as part of its curriculum. While there, Houghton served as a guest
clinician for 400-plus students at classes held at Billboard Live venues
in Osaka and Tokyo.
“We’re humbled and honored that
the doors for us to minister to the international community are open
like never before.”
This month, the group returned to South Africa, the site of their
Gold-Certified Alive In South Africa recording which garnered GRAMMY,
Dove and Stellar Awards. Israel and New Breed spent two weeks
touring the country with stops in East London, Pretoria, Durban,
Centurion, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Through summer and the rest of ’08, the group has planned tours for The
Netherlands, Zimbabwe and Israel. While in the Holy Land in
October, Israel Houghton will participate with leading worship artists
Darlene Zschech, Don Moen and Messianic worship leader Paul Wilbur in a
live Integrity Music recording slated to take place in Jerusalem.
“We’re humbled and honored that the doors for us to minister to the
international community are open like never before,” says Houghton.
“And, we’re excited to have the opportunity to represent the Body of
Christ in ways that reach each of these respective cultures.”
When not touring abroad, Israel and New Breed continue to minister in
the U.S. and Canada. They have also scheduled their annual “A
Deeper Level” conference for May and will be participating in the Gospel
Music Association’s “Music in the Rockies” conference in August.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
FAMILY FORCE 5 HITS THE ROAD
DALLAS, TEXAS - Family Force 5 will hit the road
for their 14-city Skeletour and the Rock-n-Roll Champions of the
Universe tour. The Maine (Fearless Records) and Ivoryline (Tooth &
Nail) will join them on the club circuit that kicks off on April 3rd in
Dallas, TX and continues throughout the West coast ending in Portland,
OR on April 20th.
Following on the heels of their smash-success debut Business Up Front,
Party In The Back, the next Family Force 5 album is slated for a late
summer release. Fans can anticipate a preview of the new songs on
the April tour run.
"We used to always say, ‘if
the Transformers became a rock band, it would be Family Force.’”
Guitarist Chap Stique says, “We used to always say, ‘if theTransformers
became a rock band, it would be Family Force 5.’ But the second
record turns it up to 11. Now, we're more like the Delorean from
Back to the Future...but the Delorean became a Transformer that slays
dragons, travels through time, and kills monsters with mullets!”
With an escalating fan popularity since their 2006 debut Business Up
Front, Party In The Back, Family Force 5 has been catapulted onto the
music scene with a performance on CBS TV’s The Late Late Show With Craig
Ferguson, two performances on DIRECTV’s CD USA, music video play on
MTVU.com, and a win as Yahoo! Music’s “Who’s Next” contest. The
band’s freshmen effort has sold over 110,000 copies while racking up two
#1 rock radio hits, “Replace Me” and “Love Addict” at Christian radio.
The band tours over 200 dates a year including 2006’s Journeys Backyard
BBQ Tour, 2007’s Van’s Warped Tour and their Dance, Rawr, Dance Tour
where they played 16 sold-out shows and awed over 16,000 people.
2007 was also punctuated with an online Family Force 5 surge including
1,200,000 views of the band’s “Really Real” shows on You Tube, over
200,000 person community on the Family Force 5 MySpace site, and
10,000,000 online music plays. Led by front man and guitarist
Solomon Olds (aka Soul Glow Activator), Family Force 5 includes
Solomon’s two brothers Jacob Olds (aka Crouton) on drums/vocal, and his
twin Joshua Olds (aka Fatty) on bass/vocals. The force of five is
rounded out by Nathan Currin (aka Nadaddy) on keyboard and Derek Mount
(aka Chap Stique) on guitar.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
EXCLUSIVE AUDIO ADRENALINE REUNION CONCERT SET FOR AUSTRALIA
TOOWOOMBA, AUSTRALIA - The Australian festival
about Easter will bring a world exclusive to the stage in 2009.
Audio Adrenaline will headline Easterfest 09 in Toowoomba, Australia for
a reunion concert. The group, one of the most successful in CCM,
retired from active music ministry almost a year ago. It has sold
more than three million records and scored two Grammy® Awards, multiple
Dove awards, and 18 number one singles. Audio Adrenaline started a
revolution in Christian rock music in the early 90s, influencing MercyMe,
Sanctus Real, Hawk Nelson, and many of the sector's leading acts.
"We're really looking
forward to next year.”
Easterfest CEO Isaac Moody says to secure the band for the worldwide
exclusive reunion concert is a "real coup" for Australia's premier
Easter event. "During the past ten years the festival has grown to
attract more than thirty thousand people annually, because it presents
the message of Easter through world class music and other media
including drama, debates and even poetry." "Audio Adrenaline will
build on the thriving music reputation the festival has established,"
Moody says.
Nashville's Alabaster Box is another US based band singing the praises
of Easterfest, describing it as unmatched. "It's so professionally done,
we tell all the American bands to come over here." Touring down under
for the first time, Project 86 said they'd been looking forward to their
gig at the Toowoomba event for two years.
Aussie favorites Newsboys and CCM's leading female Rebecca St James have
headlined in recent years. Chart toppers Jars Of Clay have also drawn 10
000-plus crowds to the unique outdoor venue in Toowoomba's down-town
central park.
"We're really looking forward to next year," Moody adds.
For further information: www.easterfest.com.au.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
BLOODGOOD AND WHITECROSS TO HEADLINE GERMAN ROCK FESTIVAL
HAUS ENNEPETAL, GERMANY - Legends Of Rock
Festival Returns To Germany April 5th - Some of the best remembered
bands from the heydays of White Metal as well as today's Christian rock
scene have joined the second Legends of Rock festival to be held on
Saturday April 5th, 2008, in Germany.
The highly anticipated line-up by rock fans from all over Europe will be
headlined by two very rare concerts from US "metal missionaries"
Bloodgood (with guest Oz Fox from Stryper on guitar) and melodic
rock-group Whitecross (featuring both founder members Scott Wenzel, voc,
and Rex Carroll, guitar).
The two most popular Swedish Christian bands Blindside and Narnia will
be performing as well as four more long-established bands, i.e. blues
three-piece Glenn Kaiser Band (members from Resurrection Band),
Stavesacre (with founder member Jeff Bellew back in the line-up), Rex
Carroll Sessions and German band Seventh Avenue.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATES BEST OF GOSPEL MUSIC
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - The 24th Annual Gospel Music
Festival welcomes Grammy®, Stellar and Dove award winners The Clark
Sisters, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, (left) The Rance Allen Group, The Mighty
Clouds of Joy and many more to Millennium Park May 30- June 1. The
three day festival includes more than ninety performers on three stages;
The Jay Pritzker Pavillion, the Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep Gospel Youth
Tent on the North Promenade and the Walgreens Day Stage on the South
Promenade.
"The Gospel Music Festival is one of many festivals sponsored annually
by the City of Chicago to showcase and celebrate Chicago's diverse
musical heritage", said Megan McDonald, Executive Director of the
Mayor's Office of Special Events. "This year's festival line-up is
an example of the many genres within gospel music drawing from classical
to R&B to traditional gospel that will be presented by the many award
winning performers."
On Friday, May 30 at the Pritzker Pavillion, fans of BET's Sunday's Best
will be delighted as Percy Bady Presents "Gospel's Next Showcase".
Two of Sunday's Best finalists Tasha Collins and Shari Addison will
bring Gospel to life. Aaron Seldge will also perform in the
showcase he is the Children's Minister of Music at The House of Hope in
Chicago. Headlining on Friday at the Pritzker are the 2008 Stellar
Award winners for Quartet of the Year, The Rance Allen Group with their
soul soothing sound that is sure bring the audience to their feet.
An "Evening of Gospel Elegance" on Saturday, May 31 at the Pritzker
Pavillion includes a special salute to Professor Robert E. Wooten Sr.
and features the Wooten Choral Ensemble, Pastor DeAndre Patterson and
many surprises. Steller Award nominees Joshua's Troop and the much
anticipated Darius Brooks and The Tommies Reunion take the Pritzker
stage on Saturday evening. Finally, with their inspirational
sound, Grammy, Stellar and Dove award winners The Mighty Clouds of Joy
will bring the evenings performances to a crescendo.
"This year's festival
line-up is an example of the many genres within gospel music...”
An evening with the legendary ladies of gospel music is set to close the
Festival on Sunday, June 1. Gospel music icon Lady Tramaine
Hawkins, this years Stellar Award winner for Lifetime Achievement and
past Grammy and Dove winner, brings her soprano chops and class act to
the Pritzker stage, along with a special “Tribute to the Queen of
Gospel", Dr. Albertina Walker, featuring Leanne, Faine, Kim McFarland
and Anita Wilson.
For the finale, Gospel Music Hall of Fame members The Clark Sisters,
close the evening with their commanding style and fusion of sound.
The Clark Sisters won three major Grammy's at the 50th Annual Grammy
Awards and in June 2007 received the esteemed President's Merit Award
for Lifetime Achievement at the Grammy Salute to Gospel.
Gospel music enthusiasts are invited to enjoy uplifting entertainment on
Saturday and Sunday at the Walgreens Day Stage and the Chrysler, Jeep
and Dodge Gospel Youth Tent. Performances feature local choirs,
quartets and more with gospel music sounds sure to make this weekend one
to remember.
Admission is FREE and performances begin on Friday, May 30 at 4:00 until
9:30 p.m. and on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m. until
9:30 p.m. Entertainment at the Pritzker Pavilion begins at 5:00
p.m. all three days.
The Chicago Gospel Music festival is presented by the Mayor's Office of
Special Events with the help of many generous sponsors including:
Walgreens, Dodge, Chrysler & Jeep, Communications Direct, Chicago
Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, Chicago
Defender, Hinckley Springs, Inspiration 1390, La Grou Distribution
System, Pepsi-Cola, WGN-TV and the 50 Million Pound Challenge Sponsored
by State Farm.
The Mayor's Office of Special Events encourages taking public
transportation to all lakefront festivals. Call (312) 836-7000,
TTY (312) 836-4949 for information on RTA, CTA, PACE and Metra.
Lakefront parking is available at the Millennium Park Garage, as well as
at East Monroe, Grant Park North and Grant Park South parking garages.
Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago, on Michigan Avenue
between Randolph and Monroe Streets.
The City of Chicago does not endorse or promote any religious messages
expressed by the performers. For great hotel rates, call 1 (877)
CHICAGO.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
BIG NAMES SLATED FOR NIGHT OF JOY AT DISNEY WORLD
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - Night of Joy at Walt
Disney World Resort, regarded as one of the top contemporary Christian
music events in the country, will feature a 16-act lineup Sept. 5-6 that
includes Gospel Music Association Dove Awards winners such as current
Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and
New Artist of the Year Aaron Shust plus 2004 Artist of the Year MercyMe
and enduringly popular tobyMac and Rebecca St. James.
Now in its 26th year, Night of Joy is moving to a new venue, Disney's
Hollywood Studios, which features both outstanding concert locations and
must-do thrill attractions. Guests attending Night of Joy, which
takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (after regular theme park
hours), can combine an evening of rockin' Christian music with the
thrills and chills of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The
Twilight Zone(tm) Tower of Terror plus the shoot-'em-up fun of Toy Story
Mania! slated for a summer premier.
Concerts will take place at several stage locations, with eight national
recording acts performing each evening. Here's how they'll line up:
Sept. 5 -- Tomlin, MercyMe, St. James, BarlowGirl, Matthew West, Rush of
Fools, Brandon Heath and Britt Nichole.
Sept. 6 -- Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Fred Hammond (left), Marcos Witt,
Mandisa, Shust, RED and Pure NRG.
The lineup represents a continuation of Night of Joy's historic blend of
musical talents -- from Christian pop and rock to contemporary Gospel,
Urban and hip-hop to Praise and Worship. Half of this year's acts
have won Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, one of Christian music's
highest honors. More than one million guests have experienced
Night of Joy from 1983 through 2007, a 25-year period during which the
event was held in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
FLYLEAF TO PERFORM AT FINAL FOUR
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - On Saturday, April 5,
Pontiac Garage at the Final Four® will energize both fans of music and
basketball with performances by numerous popular artists, including
Belton, Texas-born alternative metal band Flyleaf and Austin-based rock
band Meridianwest.
Also on Saturday, Pontiac Garage at the Final Four will be home to The
World’s Largest Pep Rally featuring cheerleaders, mascots and pep bands
from each of the four participating teams as they rally their respective
fans just hours before tip-off of that night’s first semifinal contest
at the nearby Alamodome.
Our nation’s military will be honored with a military salute and flyover
and, for the third year in a row, Pontiac’s pre-game predictor—the
Pontiac Virtual Final Four—will pit four elite gamers against each other
in the ultimate showdown in college hoops gaming skill.
The day culminates with viewing of the Men’s Final Four semifinal games,
which will be broadcast by CBS and KENS-5 on giant video boards at The
Big Dance.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
STRONGER THAN HELL TOUR WITH DEMON HUNTER STARTS IN MAY
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - With Newly Reunited
Living Sacrifice As Special Guests - Demon Hunter will launch their
"Stronger Than Hell Tour" this summer in support of the band's brand new
album for Solid State Records, Storm The Gates Of Hell.
"The Stronger Than Hell Tour will definitely be an amazing experience
for everyone involved," said singer Ryan Clark, who co-founded Demon
Hunter with his guitarist brother Don shortly before the release of
their self-titled debut album in 2002. "We can't wait to play some new
material and get to know more of our amazing fans."
"I can't tell you how excited we are to get back out there on the road
and play some new songs along with the crowd favorites," added Don, who
recently attended the 2008 Grammy Awards as a nominee in the graphic
design / packaging category (Ryan Clark was nominated last year and the
year before).
The Stronger Than Hell Tour will feature special guest Living Sacrifice,
the legendary metal band whose alumnus went on to join bands like
Evanescence and P.O.D.. This will be their first tour since reuniting.
"For us, it's a bit of a
family reunion.”
The tour lineup is rounded out by Demon Hunter's labelmates in Oh,
Sleeper as well as The Famine (featuring former Demon Hunter guitarist
Chris McCaddon) and North Carolina's Advent.
"The members of Demon Hunter are ecstatic about the lineup," said Ryan
Clark. "It features many of our old friends in both reunited and amazing
new bands. For us, it's a bit of a family reunion."
Demon Hunter recently completed a video for "Carry Me Down," the second
single from Storm The Gates Of Hell. The group was named one of "10
Artists to Watch" by AOL Music and featured on the cover of Revolver for
their 2006 "Christian Metal" story. Demon Hunter's fans are some of the
most dedicated in heavy metal. Check out their MySpace page to see the
Demon Hunter logo tattoos that adorn many of their bodies.
Demon Hunter's first album was released in 2002 and remains a classic to
the group's loyal "Hunters." Summer Of Darkness arrived in 2004,
bringing with it fan beloved songs like "Not Ready To Die" and "My
Heartstrings Come Undone." The Triptych followed just a year later and
has sold over 100,000 copies in the United States, featuring the MTV2
Headbanger's Ball staples "Undying" and "One Thousand Apologies."
Don and Ryan Clark are also the founders of Invisible Creature design
studio, working on projects for a diverse group of clients including Foo
Fighters, Korn, Chris Cornell, Bleeding Through, Throwdown and more. The
Clarks have been nominated at the Grammys the last three years
consecutively for their design work.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH JOINS SKILLET FOR COMATOSE TOUR
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Following a successful
fall with the release of The Flame In All Of Us, which produced the
band’s eighth No. 1 Christian Rock single with “Falls Apart,”
Tooth&Nail’s Thousand Foot Krutch continues the momentum with general
market radio, recent JUNO and Dove nominations, and upcoming tour dates.
On February 5th the successful rock single “Falls Apart” was released to
Active Rock/Alternative general market radio. The single is the
first to be released to this format from the current TFK project.
This marks the band’s third Active Rock/Alternative single following the
breakout songs “Rawkfist” and “Move.” The radio stations have been
highly receptive to the band once again with 18 adds after two weeks out
of the box including AOL Radio, Sirius Octane, XM Squizz and more.
A huge supporter of the single, Peter Schiecke from AOL Music/ AOL Radio
shares, “‘Falls Apart’ has been a huge testing record for me in 2007.
I've played it in power rotation on AOL Radio's Xtreme Alt Rock station
for around 4 months now. It's also already a recurrent on the
Christian Rock station. I just expanded the airplay today on 2 of
our other stations - Top Alternative + Alternative Mix - heavy rotation
on both.”
"You've got a hit record on
your hands.”
Schiecke continues, “The overall listener score is a 9.17 out of 10.
It's testing better than the latest singles from bands like Avenged
Sevenfold, Atreyu, Finger Eleven, Mudvayne, Serj Tankian, Godsmack, and
Bullet For My Valentine. You've got a hit record on your hands.”
In addition to the general market single, Christian radio is behind the
new Rock single and title track “The Flame in All of Us,” which debuted
at No. 28 as the second most added at Rock and has climbed to No. 17
during the second week with most increased plays. The song “ Wish
You Well” went for adds on February 15th at CHR as a follow-up to “What
Do We Know.”
Amongst all the radio excitement, Thousand Foot Krutch’s recent studio
project was nominated for a 2008 JUNO Award for Contemporary
Christian/Gospel Album of the Year. This is the band’s third JUNO
Award nomination. Previous nominations included in the same
category were for Phenomenon (2005) and The Art of Breaking (2006).
The JUNO Award is part of the Canada Music Awards, which will celebrate
the 37th anniversary this year being televised on April 6, 2008 in
Canada.
Additionally TFK’s music video for “Falls Apart” was nominated for a
Gospel Music Association Dove Award for “Short Form Music Video.”
The Dove Awards will be live on Gospel Music Channel on April 23rd.
Gearing up for a rock n’ roll spring, Thousand Foot Krutch will head out
on the road beginning March 27th with the Skillet Comatose Tour followed
by appearances at all the major summer festivals. Thousand Foot
Krutch is comprised of Trevor McNevan, his childhood friend Joel Bruyere
on bass guitar and Steve Augustine on drums. The Toronto, Canada
natives have sold near a half-million copies to date of their albums Set
It Off, Phenomenon, and The Art of Breaking. The band hit the
musical scene with their 2003 Phenomenon album, which landed them six
stellar No. 1 songs on rock radio and branched into mainstream radio
with songs “Rawkfist” (Phenomenon) and “Move” (The Art of Breaking).
It was “Rawkfist” that became the first great sports anthem of the 21st
century being heard everywhere from sports stadiums to commercials (NHL,
NFL and major league baseball, ESPN) to the WB’s Smallville. In
2007, Thousand Foot Krutch released their newest Tooth&Nail Records'
studio project, The Flame in All of Us, which has received media acclaim
saying the project "marks a bright new chapter for Thousand Foot
Krutch." Flame has already produced the band's eighth No. 1 Rock
hit for three straight weeks ("Falls Apart") in addition to the third
Top 5 CHR hit ("What Do We Know").
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
STORMIE OMARTIAN'S SEMINAR SLATED FOR HOUSTON AND ATLANTA
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Unique among 2008
‘women's events’ in major market church based settings will be the April
launch of The Power of Prayer And Worship Seminar, center pointed by
nationally award winning, best selling author/speaker Stormie Omartian,
whose “Power of Praying” series has sold more than 12 million books
since initially being introduced to readers in 1995.
The spring staging of the one day Power of Praise & Worship will debut
in the Houston market at Woodland, Texas Saturday, April 12th. Location
will be Fellowship of the Woodlands Church. Atlanta will host the
event on April 26th at the Mount Paran Church of God. Additional ‘08
conference dates are being set.
Central to the heart of the seminar will be four unique teaching
sessions by Stormie Omartian, based on her best selling 'Power Of
Praying' book series. Sessions will include: The Power Of Prayer
To Transform Your Life; The Power Of Prayer To Transform Your
Relationships; The Prayer That Gets You Through Tough Times; The Prayer
That Changes Everything. The event will be presented in morning and
afternoon sessions.
"So many lives will be
changed in just one short day!”
Supporting the teaching will be a strong emphasis on worship and an
equally strong line-up of ‘praise and worship based’ ministry.
Musical content for the event will be under the direction of Ms.
Omartian’s husband, Grammy Award winning producer, Michael Omartian.
Praise and worship artists/speakers will include Jennifer & Jeromy
Deibler of Dove Award winning Christian band FFH, nationally known
worship leader, Roz Thompson, gifted singer Debi Selby, new artist Lara
Landon, and Prelude—contemporary all girl worship group featuring the
Omartian’s daughter, Amanda.
Communicating with genuine, infectious warmth and from the depths of a
wealth of spiritual experience, Stormie Omartian powerfully and
profoundly connects with readers and listeners on the subject of prayer.
Her groundbreaking book, The Power of A Praying Wife, broke a 21 year
Christian publishing industry record by claiming the #1 spot on the
Christian Booksellers list for a remarkable 27 months. It has been
continually on the bestseller list for the last five years—followed
closely in popularity by her Gold Medallion Award winning books The
Power Of A Praying Husband, and The Power of A Praying Parent.
The beloved author is enthusiastic about the opportunity the The Power
Of Prayer & Worship Seminar will present. She noted from her home
in Franklin, Tennessee: “This will be a very unique event—the only one
of its’ kind to my knowledge—as it is totally focused on the power of
prayer. We will be be teaching people not only how to pray so that
their prayers are maximized, but how to more effectively communicate
personally with God, and how to live in a manner to see prayer
answered.”
Characteristic of the outreach of her books, she believes this is a
conference that has something for not only women--but for virtually
everyone desiring a deeper spiritual insight and closer relationship
with God. “I urge anyone who has friends or acquaintances that
don’t know the Lord to come and bring these friends,” she notes, adding:
“We have seen so many people come to know God personally, we’ve again
and again seen spiritual walls come down and healing and restoration
take place! So many lives will be changed in just one short day!”
Both early bird and special group prices are available and information
can be resourced online at The Power Of Prayer & Worship Seminar
website: http://www.stormieomartianlive.com.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
SUPERCHICK SETS OUT ON THE CROSS THE LINE TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Band to Be Joined by
Disciple, KJ-52, Britt Nicole and Starlit Platoon - Power-pop
rockers Superchick head out this weekend on their spring 2008 “Cross The
Line” headlining tour, visiting more than 45 cities through mid-May.
Accompanying the group will be KJ-52, Disciple, Britt Nicole and Starlit
Platoon.
Kicking off Friday, March 14 at Evangel University in Springfield,
Missouri, the “Cross The Line” tour will make stops in major Christian
music markets including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Special to its fans, Superchick will offer ticket-holders an exclusive
$8.00 VIP package, including a limited edition tour poster and
collector’s edition laminated access pass, a private pre-show reception
with the band as well as $2.00 off any Superchick T-shirt or CD at the
concert. Participants will also receive a copy of Superchick’s
forthcoming June 24 album, Rock What You Got, delivered to their door
upon release.
"Our hope is that the tour
will not only provide a means for us to know their hearts better but
also to inspire this generation toward action.”
“We are so pleased to be able to connect with our fans in a personal way
on this tour,” says Superchick’s Melissa Brock. “Our hope is that
the tour will not only provide a means for us to know their hearts
better but also to inspire this generation toward action.”
Chicago-based Superchick comprises sisters Tricia Brock (vocals) and
Melissa Brock (vocals, guitar), Matt Dally (bass, vocals), Dave
Ghazarian (lead guitar, vocals), Brandon Estelle (drums, vocals), and
Max Hsu (keyboards/DJ). With five projects to date, Superchick has
sold upwards of 700,000 albums, and the group’s music has been heard in
more than 70 different films and television shows. With literally
hundreds of live performances on its resume, Superchick has developed a
well-deserved reputation as an incandescent and charismatic pop/rock
phenomenon. This summer, Superchick releases its boldest project
to date, titled Rock What You Got. Three years in the making, Rock
What You Got comes on the heels of Superchick’s most successful album
ever, Beauty From Pain, which landed three No. 1 radio singles including
“We Live” and “Stand In The Rain.” Now, Superchick ‘rocks what
they’ve got’ and reinvents itself with a more progressive, in-your-face
sound the band has dubbed ‘rock-o-tronic.’ Seeking out
world-changers in the lost corners of a generation, Superchick noisily
challenges the status quo, while journaling the band members’ battles in
their families with depression and cancer in the quieter moments of the
record. Produced by the band’s own Max Hsu (Superchick, tobyMac,
newsboys), Rock What You Got features the stand-out title track in
addition to the songs “Breathe,” “Crawl” and “Cross The Line.”
The Knoxville, Tennessee foursome’s first self-titled studio release
“Disciple” (2005) sold nearly 100,000 units and brought home three No. 1
hits. Disciple has also been nominated for a whopping eight Gospel
Music Awards, and their sophomore album “Scars Remain” (2006) has
already garnered a No. 1 hit. “Game On” from their sophomore
project also received massive placement in sports shows across the
country including “Best Damn Sports Show,” NFL’s “Total Axxess”, WWE’s
“Cyber Sunday” and Speed TV’s “Speed Report,” as well as venues such as
Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and even Madison Square Garden in New
York City. The single was also used in promotion for “Criminal
Minds” and “CSI Miami.”
KJ-52, a multi-Dove Award winning hip-hop artist, has toured with the
likes of Kutless, Disciple, Falling Up, and Seventh Day Slumber, as well
as performed at Acquire The Fire conferences and Dome Events. With
seven albums to his credit, KJ has amassed more than 500,000 records
sold to date. He has also twice been voted favorite “Hip Hop
Artist” by readers of CCM Magazine. Currently, KJ-52 is a guest
artist alongside Hawk Nelson and Natalie Grant on Women of Faith’s
“Revolve Tour” geared toward young women.
Britt Nicole, known for her heart for the youth of this generation
doesn’t simply sing about issues surrounding today’s youth, but Britt
shares from personal experiences such as her parents’ divorce when she
was only seven years old. With such noted producers at the helm as
Tedd T. and Double Dutch, Britt’s Sparrow Records debut is a wonderfully
textured effort mingling upbeat pop with pensive ballads. Britt,
who started writing songs at 16 and has co-written every song on her
upcoming release, has found her own direction for her writing and
musical style, which is simply an outpouring of her depth and committed
spiritual walk as a young woman who loves God intensely. The title
track, which Britt penned with Cindy Morgan, Jason Ingram and Tedd T. is
among the young artist’s favorites discussing on living in the NOW.
The youthful and petite brunette speaks to her generation in a language
they understand – seamlessly transitioning from drinking chai tea and
texting friends to the deep desire to inspire her peers to be consumed
with a passion for God and to know Him deeply.
When Brandon Estelle isn’t on the road playing sold out shows with
mega-group Superchick, he can be found in the studio and behind a
keyboard with his latest project Starlit Platoon. Formed in the
summer of 2005 with long time friends Chase Lovelace (drums), Caleb
George (bass), and Ray Darter (guitar), Starlit Platoon became an outlet
of Estelle’s songwriting and soulful vocals. Today, Starlit
Platoon is opening for other major acts, including Superchick, and
headlining their own shows throughout the Midwest.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
ASHMONT HILL OPENING FOR NATALIE GRANT
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - On March 8th in
Woodward, Oklahoma, Axiom Records group Ashmont Hill opened for
well-known Curb Recording artist Natalie Grant on her “Relentless Tour.”
Ashmont Hill’s set included songs from their upcoming self-titled debut
that is releasing nationwide on May 13th. Already being recognized
for their fresh sound this group of 4 is set to hit the road to share
their music with audiences across the country. Their first single
“You Proved Your Love” is gaining more attention every day at AC radio
and their performance at the NRB on March 10th gave them even more
attention.
The group got their name from “Ashmont Hill,” an idyllic community near
Boston, the group of four (all related by blood or marriage) has made
beautiful, spiritual music for years at Jubilee Church, where their
father is Bishop. Phil Thompson, sisters April Joy Thompson and
Deborah Bullock, along with Deborah’s husband, Wil Bullock, heard the
call from the Lord to bring their music to a larger community.
Ashmont Hill’s album is a true collaborative effort between the band and
their producer Sal Oliveri.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
THE CLARK SISTERS REUNION TOUR CONNECTING WITH FANS
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Gospel royalty once again
took the stage on Friday, March 7th in St. Louis at the City of Life
Christian Church when the renowned Clark Sisters returned to the road
for the continuation of their critically acclaimed Reunion Tour.
Spanning 20 cities covering the Midwest, southern and northern United
States, The Clark Sisters Reunion Tour the will connect the 3-Time
Grammy Award winning sisters with their legions of loyal fans for the
first time in 20 years, while simultaneously raising awareness of the
AIDS Pandemic in Africa.
"We are excited to see all the fans that did not get the opportunity to
see us in the fall," says Karen Clark-Sheard. "Me and my sisters
are overwhelmed by the support given to us throughout our careers.
Our tour allows us to share music ministry and to say thanks."
"Our tour allows us to share
music ministry and to say thanks.”
The historic tour produced by Tate and Associates, Inc. and features
4-time Stellar Award winner Dewayne Woods on selected dates and will
make stops in St. Louis, Kansas City, Wichita, Pine Bluff, Shreveport,
Baton Rouge, Houston, Jackson MS, Raleigh-Durham, Charleston SC,
Plainfield NJ, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus and more.
"It's a pleasure working with The Clark Sisters," says Shawn Tate,
president of Tate and Associates, Inc. "We have produced over 100
concerts and I can say that I have never seen the type of relationship
that they enjoy with their fans. It is unique, inspirational and
special."
The tour will reunite The Clark Sisters with World Vision, the Christian
humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families,
and their communities worldwide to raise awareness of the significant
AIDS Pandemic affecting children in Africa. "The Clark Sisters
have been powerful spokespersons on our behalf," says Dawn Williams,
World Vision Gospel Representative. 1,078 children have received
sponsorship through their efforts.
2008 is shaping up to be a spectacular year for the Detroit vocal
sensation. In January, the Clark Sisters garnered 5 honors during
the 23rd annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Last month the
foursome took home 3 coveted statues during the 50th annual Grammy
Awards. Their hit album Live - One Last Time has been a mainstay
on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart since its April 2007 release.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
FLYLEAF ENJOYING SUCCESS ONLINE, ON THE AIR, AND ON THE ROAD
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - A&M/Octone artists
FLYLEAF's self-titled debut album has been certified platinum by the
RIAA for sales of one million copies. Currently their third single, "All
Around Me" is their highest- charting song to date, crossing over at Top
40 radio. With over 25 million plays on MySpace and 300,000 spins to
date, Texas-bred FLYLEAF has already spawned two powerful singles, "I'm
So Sick," and "Fully Alive" both of which were played on major market
active rock radio, modern rock radio, MTV 2, Fuse and Yahoo Music.
After headlining their own two-month Justice & Mercy Tour, harvesting a
multitude of new fans on the 2007 Family Values Tour, and opening for
Korn on their European tour this past winter -- the band is now gearing
up to co-headline their cross country, multi-city tour with Seether --
kicking off April 8th in Denver. Entertainment Weekly recently paid
credit to the band's relentless touring while Rolling Stone raves
FLYLEAF "marries dark wounded lyrics with snarling, metallic guitars and
machinelike drums."
FLYLEAF will be traveling to Rwanda with World Vision this March to
experience first hand the work being done to address the current
HIV/AIDS epidemic, in addition to World Vision's plans to provide aid in
the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide. Upon their return to the US, FLYLEAF
will be the flagship artist for World Vision's "Use Your Voice"
campaign. With the band's partnership, the campaign will raise awareness
and funding for programs that transform the lives of orphans and
children in Africa who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.
FLYLEAF -- vocalist/lyricist Lacey Mosley, guitarists Sameer
Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann, bassist Pat Seals, and drummer James
Culpepper -- have been playing together since 2002. Their debut album
was produced by Howard Benson, (Papa Roach, My Chemical Romance, POD and
The All-American Rejects.) Flyleaf released a CD/DVD special edition on
10/30 which includes the original album, five acoustic tracks, exclusive
acoustic DVD footage and all music videos.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
P.O.D. TO PLAY AT HARD ROCK CAFES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - The lineup that P.O.D. to
multiple platinum success with “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown”
and “Satellite” (featuring “Youth of a Nation,” “Alive,” “Boom,” and
"Satellite") is back with their INO/Columbia Records debut, “When Angels
and Serpents Dance” on April 8, 2008.
Prior to the release, the band will take part in Hard Rock Café's month
long charity drive for Musicians on Call and perform at various Hard
Rock Café's throughout the country. On Tuesday, March 18 there
will be an album listening event at Hard Rock locations in Atlanta,
Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Orlando,
Philadelphia and San Francisco. These listening parties will have
a voluntary $5 donation to the Musicians on Call charity and a register
to win drawing for various P.O.D. items.
"There’s a lot of passion on
this record.”
Beginning March 25, P.O.D. will criss-cross the country to perform live
in 8 markets at various Hard Rock Café venues including a special
hometown show on April 7 in San Diego the night before the CD is
released in-stores. The Hard Rock shows will give P.O.D. fans a
chance to be up close with the band in the intimate setting of the Hard
Rock Café venues. The San Diego show will be broadcast live over
the internet on ALL ACCESS Warrior Pass. This will allow fans to
have access to exclusive footage, witness the hometown performance and a
chance to interact with the band and other fans. P.O.D. will also
be special guests on Rockline Radio show on Monday April, 7 before the
Hard Rock performance that same evening.
“When Angels and Serpents Dance” (produced by Jay Baumgardner:
Evanescence, etc.) is ultimately a record of P.O.D. in 2008. “As far as
P.O.D. goes it’s always for the moment,” Sonny says. “I just kind of go
through it and whatever the song brings out in us that’s it. There’s a
lot of passion on this record.”
Indeed, “When Angels and Serpents Dance” is the sound of a rejuvenated
band: passionate, aggressive and with a message for our times.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
NATALIE GRANT SETS OUT ON RELENTLESS TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - In support of the
February 12 release of her best-selling and critically acclaimed seventh
album, Relentless, Curb recording artist Natalie Grant, is set to bring
the “Relentless Tour” to audiences across the country this spring.
Sponsored by Gospel Music Channel, the tour will include special guest Inpop recording artist Jimmy Needham, and introduce new Axiom recording
artist Ashmont Hill.
Kicking-off March 8 in Woodward, Oklahoma, the “Relentless Tour” will
hit Atlanta; Seattle; Decatur, Illinois; Mobile, Alabama; Kansas City,
Missouri; and Boca Raton, Florida, among other locations this spring.
Relentless, Grant’s first studio recording in nearly three years,
debuted on Nielsen SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums and Christian Retail
charts at #2, as the highest debut and top album by a female artist on
both charts. The project’s first single, "In Better Hands," is a
multi-format Christian radio hit.
Grant recently earned the Gospel Music Association’s most prestigious
Dove Award nomination, Artist of the Year, and has been nominated once
again for Female Vocalist of the Year, a distinction she has held since
2006. Grant is among a select few in the genre to have also
achieved a formidable foothold at mainstream media and radio. A
tireless advocate for victims of human trafficking, she was one of the
first Christian artists to raise awareness of this worldwide atrocity.
Grant created the Home Foundation in 2005 to support various
anti-trafficking efforts around the world.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
PILLAR'S NINTH HEADLINING TOUR NOW UNDERWAY
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - GRAMMY-nominated, rock
band Pillar’s highly-anticipated, fifth studio album hit stores tomorrow
on February 26, 2008, just days after the start of the rock leaders
3-month, ninth headlining tour, the “For the Love of the Game” Tour,
sponsored by World Vision, TVU and RadioU. The full tour line-up
is: Pillar, Building 429, Wavorly and introducing Brooke Barrettsmith.
All dates are listed below and additional dates are still being added.
Of Pillar’s release of For the Love of the Game, and the start of the
band’s ninth headlining tour, Pillar lead vocalist, Rob Beckley,
exclaims, “We are so glad to be back on the road, interacting with our
fans, sharing hope to all through the love of Jesus Christ and
performing these brand-new songs. With the release of For the Love
of the Game on Tuesday (2/26/08), that is just further reason to be
thankful and excited for what we love to do. It’s a great feeling
to be carrying big production on this tour, and going back to our roots
of putting on a great show for our fans. This really is the most
fun we’ve had since Pillar began!”
"This really is the most fun
we’ve had since Pillar began!”
Pillar’s game is definitely on. Since the fall of 2007, the band
has earned its first GRAMMY nomination (Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album
for The Reckoning), had its music played on numerous ESPN sports
programs (SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight and College Gameday), achieved
its ninth No. 1 radio single (“For the Love of the Game”), and has
started its ninth headlining tour.
Word Records artist Building 429 debuted in 2004 with “Glory Defined,” a
song that hit No. 1 on eight different charts and became BMI’s 2005 Song
of the Year for Christian music. The band received four Dove Award
nominations and was named the GMA’s “New Artist of the Year” in 2005.
Building 429 has toured with Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Jeremy Camp and
BarlowGirl, among others, and frontman Jason Roy acted as a spokesperson
for 2004’s Redeem the Vote, with appearances on “Fox News Live,” CNN and
ABC’s “Nightline.” The band’s third full-length record, Iris To
Iris, released in May 2007.
Wavorly burst onto the national scene in 2007 with their Flicker Records
debut, Conquering the Fear of Flight. The highly-acclaimed album
is a sprawling modern rock masterpiece. It blends elements of
alternative, classic progressive, indie and hard rock with highly
literate lyrics, a boldly imaginative use of strings and a sublime sense
of melody.
Christian rocker Brooke Barrettsmith captivates audiences with her
passionate vocals and straightforward lyrics about faith and
relationships. Growing up a pastor’s daughter in Chicago, Brooke
first started singing in church with her siblings. Since then, she
has shared the stage with artists such as Toby Mac, Audio Adrenaline,
Jeremy Camp and Steven Curtis Chapman. As a top 40 finalist on
“American Idol Season 5” in 2006, Brooke has been championed by local
Chicago TV and print outlets and has received hometown support
performing at various local events including White Sox games.
Brooke’s debut album on Essential Records will be released in June.
Since Pillar’s Dove Award-winning debut Above in 2001, the band has
tallied nine No. 1 radio singles, 12 top five hits, a GRAMMY nomination,
three Dove Awards, nine national headlining tours, covers of numerous
national magazines and album sales approaching one million. For
the Love of the Game (Feb. 26, 2008) is the band’s fifth, full-length
studio project. Pillar is: Rob Beckley, vocals; Lester Estelle,
drums; Noah Henson, guitar; and Kalel, bass.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
ANDREW PETERSON TOUR BEGINS NEXT WEEK
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Prolific
singer/songwriter and author Andrew Peterson recently announced his
plans for a spring tour that will include friends and special guests
Jill Phillips, Andrew Gullahorn, Ben Shive, and others for his
Resurrection Letters Tour. The tour will kick off on March 7th in
Taylors, South Carolina.
Resurrection Letters Tour will resemble Peterson’s widely popular Behold
The Lamb of God Tour. The first half of the show will be
in-the-round, in which Peterson and guests will perform songs from their
various albums. The second half is a special time during which
Peterson will play songs from his new album Resurrection Letters and
Jill Phillips from her album Kingdom Come, along with traditional hymns
to usher in the Easter season and celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Peterson has long been known for his intricate songwriting and
transparent candor on stage, often drawing comparisons to predecessor
Rich Mullins. While signed to Watershed/Essential Records from
1999 to early 2004, Peterson recorded three national releases including
his award-winning Carried Along, which featured the top ten radio
single, “Nothing to Say.” Peterson wrote and produced the popular
Christmas play and musical Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the
Coming of the Christ, and the album by the same name, which received the
2004 Best Album of the Year, World Christian Music’s Editors Choice
Award. Behold The Lamb of God Tour just completed its 8th year
with multiple shows being sold out. His latest album Resurrection
Letters will be released in the Spring of 2008.
Peterson will also release his first novel in March entitled On the Edge
of the Dark Sea of Darkness through WaterBrook Press. Full of
fast-paced storytelling, fanciful songs and poems, hilarious asides, and
characters rich in heart, courage, and smarts (two boys and a girl), On
the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, launches a highly-anticipated
series of fantasy novels that readers of all ages will treasure, enjoy
reading aloud, and use in stirring book group discussion. Peterson
also released his first children’s book entitled The Ballad of Matthew's
Begats in October 2007 through Thomas Nelson.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
LEGENDARY VOCALIST LARRY NORMAN DIES AT AGE 60
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - It is with great sadness
that we announce the passing of legendary Christian rock pioneer Larry
Norman. Please keep Larry's family and friends in your prayers
during this tough time. Below is the official announcement at
LarryNorman.com made Sunday, February 24th, 2008...
"Hello everybody.
Our friend and my wonderful brother Larry passed away at 2:45 Sunday
morning. Kristin and I were with him, holding his hands and sitting in
bed with him when his heart finally slowed to a stop. We spent
this past week laughing, singing, and praying with him, and all the
while he had us taking notes on new song ideas and instructions on how
to continue his ministry and art.
"I feel like a prize in a box of
cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up.”
Several of his friends got to come and visit with him in the last couple
of weeks and were a great source of help and friendship to Larry.
Ray Sievers, Derek Robertson, Mike Makinster, Tim and Christine Gilman,
Matt and Becky Simmons, Kerry Hopkins, Allen Fleming and a few more.
Thank you guys. Larry appreciated your visits very much. And
he greatly appreciated the thoughts, wishes, support and prayers that
came from all of you Solid Rock friends on a daily basis. Thank
you for being part of his small circle of friends over the years.
Yesterday afternoon he knew he was going to go home to God very soon and
he dictated the following message to you while his friend Allen Fleming
typed these words into Larry's computer:
"I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand
reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months.
My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to
fly home.
My brother Charles is right, I won't be here much longer. I can't do
anything about it. My heart is too weak. I want to say goodbye to
everyone. In the past you have generously supported me with prayer and
finance and we will probably still need financial help.
My plan is to be buried in a simple pine box with some flowers inside.
But still it will be costly because of funeral arrangement,
transportation to the gravesite, entombment, coordination, legal papers
etc. However money is not really what I need, I want to say I love you.
I'd like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be
a funeral posted here on the website, in case some of you want to
attend. We are not sure of the date when I will die. Goodbye, farewell,
we will meet again.
Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will stay with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.
Larry"
Thank you to all of you who were so nice to my brother over the years.
Kristin and I will post funeral information in the next day or two.
Right now we're not able to function very well, but the whole family is
here... our mother Margaret, our sisters Nancy and Kristy, Mike Norman
and his new wife Tiffany, and Silver.
We miss him beyond words. Thank you for everything.
Peace to you all in Christ,
Charles Norman"
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
SALVADOR PLANS TOUR WITH JACI VELASQUEZ
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Salvador, Christian
music’s break-thru Latin Jam band, has signed an exclusive booking
representation agreement with the Nashville based Christian Division of
The Agency for the Performing Arts (APA). Announcement was made
today by APA Christian Division head, Mark Guynn from the agency’s
Nashville office.
Salvador will tour the U.S. beginning in March with Jaci Velasquez,
following immediately with a May European tour. Their much
anticipated new album, Aware, streets April 29th from Word Records, with
a title track single reaching Christian radio this month. Dove
Award winners for ‘Spanish Language Album Of The Year,” the group has
garnered multiple Billboard Latin Music Award honors in their chart
history of Top 5 radio hits. Their most recent single, "Shine,"
stayed at the top of the Christian radio charts for 18 weeks, earning
“Song Of The Year” honors from ASCAP.
Salvador has toured extensively since exploding onto the mainstage in
Christian music in 2000 with their unique blend of soulful music with a
Latin influence, underscored by dynamic stage performances. Key
national exposure with The Billy Graham Crusades, as well as crusades
with both Franklin and Will Graham, Teen Mania’s Acquire The Fire youth
conferences, and national Promise Keepers events, have highlighted their
touring.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
MAE ANNOUNCES SPRING HEADLINING TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Having wrapped the mtvU
tour with Motion City Soundtrack, MAE have announced they'll launch a
spring headlining run in support of their widely acclaimed major label
debut SINGULARITY, released last fall on Capitol Records. Starting
March 16, the trio is partnering with Habitat For Humanity and Invisible
Children for their five-week U.S. headlining tour with The Honorary
Title, Between The Trees and Far-Less supporting. Frontman DAVE
ELKINS states:
"In a continuing effort to learn more about charitable organizations and
serve as a bridge between those groups and our fan community, we are
partnering with Habitat For Humanity and Invisible Children on this
tour. We will be performing acoustic everyday before the show so
come early and stay tuned to www.whatismae.com for more details on
participation. We are excited to bring you a tour with our friends
The Honorary Title, Between the Trees, and Far-Less and we look forward
to being a part of it every night."
"This tour will give us a
chance to re-visit many old songs with a new enthusiasm, and it's
exciting for us dust off some early favorites.”
MAE--DAVE ELKINS (lead vocals/guitars), JACOB MARSHALL (drums) and ZACH
GEHRING (guitars)--are currently on the road in Japan, after which
they'll head to Australia for a seven-city run performing at the
Soundwave Festival in addition to a few one-off shows with Cartel,
Sugarcult and Motion City Soundtrack.
2008 marks the five-year anniversary of the release MAE'S debut
Destination: Beautiful. "That album started it all for us," ELKINS
says. "This tour will give us a chance to re-visit many old songs
with a new enthusiasm, and it's exciting for us dust off some early
favorites. We are asking for fan participation in creating the set
list so cast a vote for your favorite songs at www.myspace.com/mae."
Produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, All American Rejects,
Saosin) the Virginia group's third album, SINGULARITY--the follow-up to
their indie releases Destination: Beautiful (2003) and The Everglow
(2005) which have now sold over a quarter of a million copies
combined--marked the highest debut of their career, coming in at #40 on
the Billboard Top 200 chart.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
NEW AVALON TOUR STARTS NEXT MONTH
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Award-winning Sparrow
Records vocal act Avalon is preparing for the “We Will Stand” tour, its
first headlining tour in three years. Joining Avalon are labelmate
Daniel Doss Band, Curb Records industry veteran Michael English and
emerging Fervent Records female duo CADIA. The tour kicks off on
March 27 in Pittsburgh and will visit more than 30 cities through May.
"Avalon is very excited
about the upcoming tour.”
“Avalon is very excited about the upcoming tour,” says Avalon founding
member Janna Long. “We are anxious to hit the road again with
these other talented artists and embrace new and old listeners alike.”
In support of the tour, participating artists together recorded new song
“We Will Stand,” which they will perform to close each show. The
song will also be serviced for play at Christian radio.
Additionally, EMI Christian Music Group will highlight the tour as part
of its “Music for the Entire Family” promotion at CBA retail outlets.
A promotional display will feature all four artists’ new albums,
releasing Feb. 26, a tour CD sampler and English’s new book, The
Prodigal Comes Home.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
GOLD CITY AND JAMEY RAGLE EMBARK UPON PREACH THE WORD TOUR
GADSDEN, ALABAMA - “Preach the Word, preach the
Cross, preach redemption to a lost and dying world. Lift your voice
unashamed of the Gospel of His name. Until all have heard, preach the
Word.” Those lyrics, penned so eloquently by Jim Davis, recorded by
popular quartet Gold City, serve as the premise for an evangelistic
event that is changing lives nationwide.
The Preach the Word Tour, featuring Gold City and noted evangelist Jamey
Ragle, is bringing to life the lyrics of the song featured on Gold
City’s latest recording, Revival. Judging by the results of the
inaugural Preach The Word event, “revival” is exactly what is occurring
through the Preach The Word Tour. “It’s hard to define how awesome this
event truly was,” stated long-time Gold City member, Daniel Riley,
following the first official Preach The Word Tour engagement at Central
Baptist Church in Dunn, NC, during which more than 70 individuals came
forward to make important salvation decisions. “The fire of God still
burns in our church,” stated Central Baptist Church Senior Pastor Tom
Wagoner, several weeks after the conclusion of the Preach The Word
event. “We had the privilege of hosting Jamey Ragle and Gold City for
three days, and it was remarkable. I would highly recommend these
genuine servants of the Lord Jesus to any church that desires real
revival.”
"It’s hard to define how
awesome this event truly was.”
The Preach The Word Tour came to life in January of 2007 during a bible
study cruise featuring Gold City and Ragle. “During the week of the
cruise,” Riley explains, “we spent quite a bit of time together, sharing
the goals we have for our ministries. God began to work, and before we
disembarked the ship on the final day, the Preach The Word Tour was
born.”
According to Ragle, the event combines a night of encouraging music with
a serious presentation of the Gospel. “I’ve been described as seriously
funny in my presentation of the Gospel message. I share my humor without
compromising the Gospel, and Gold City presents the Gospel message with
musical excellence. The Preach The Word Tour embraces those two
attributes.”
Ragle, who has close ties to the Southern Gospel Music genre, having
traveled with The Dixie Melody Boys during the 1970s, has become
recognized as one of the nation’s most noted evangelists, ministering
through local church revival meetings, Reach the Planet crusades,
corporate meetings, school assemblies and youth camps. Ragle uses
scriptural and personal illustrations with humor to communicate powerful
Biblical principles.
Gold City is one of the most celebrated and awarded quartets in Southern
Gospel Music. Over the past two and a half decades, they have enjoyed
countless honors and accolades, as well as numerous national hit songs.
Pastors interested in scheduling the Preach The Word Tour featuring Gold
City and Jamey Ragle may contact the BSA Agency at 615-595-7500.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
39TH ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARD NOMINEES
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Well, it's that time of
year again. Today, the nominees for the 39th Annual GMA Dove
Awards were announced at 10:30AM at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.
"Gospel Music's Biggest Night" will be held on April 23, 2008 at 7 p.m.
at the Grand Ole Opry House - Nashville, Tennessee. For more info
and to order tickets to the event and/or After Party at the Two Rivers
Mansion, visit www.DoveAwards.com. Below is the list of nominees,
courtesy of DoveAwards.com.
Song of the Year
"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio,
Traditional; sixsteps music (ASCAP), worshiptogether.com Songs (ASCAP)
"Bring The Rain"; Bart Millard, James Bryson, Nathan Cochran, Barry
Graul, Michael John Scheuchzer, Robin Shaffer; Simpleville Music
(ASCAP), Wet As A Fish Music (ASCAP)
"East To West"; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; My Refuge Music, Club Zoo Music
(BMI), SWECS Music (BMI), Sparrow Song (BMI), Word Music LLC (ASCAP),
Banahana Tunes (ASCAP)
"Give You Glory"; Jeremy Camp; Thirsty Moon River Publishing (ASCAP)
"How You Live (Turn Up The Music)"; Cindy Morgan; Lola Max Music
(ASCAP), Word Music LLC (ASCAP)
"I’m Not Who I Was"; Brandon Heath; Capilano Music (ASCAP), New Spring
Publishing Inc. (ASCAP)
"In Better Hands"; Catt Gravitt, Jim Daddario, Thom Hardwell; Two Girls
and a Pen (SESAC), Jim Daddario Music (BMI), Thom Hardwell Music (BMI)
"Made To Love"; Toby McKeehan, Cary Barlowe, Jamie Moore, Aaron Rice;
River Oaks Music (BMI), Emack Music (ASCAP), Achtober Songs (BMI)
"Tears Of The Saints"; Leeland Mooring, Jack Mooring; River Oaks Music
Company (BMI), Meaux Mercy Publishing (BMI), Meaux Jeaux Music (SESAC)
"Undo"; William Davis, Kevin Huguley, Wes Willis; Midas Magic (ASCAP)
Songwriter of the Year
Nominess to be announced prior to the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards
Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Tomlin
Gerald Wolfe
Jon Foreman
Mark Hall
Mark Schultz
Marvin Sapp
TobyMac
Female Vocalist of the Year
Amy Grant
Christy Nockels
Darlene Zschech
Krystal Meyers
Mandisa
Natalie Grant
Sandi Patty
Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
David Crowder*Band
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Hillsong United
Point Of Grace
Selah
The Clark Sisters
Artist of the Year
Casting Crowns
Chris Tomlin
Natalie Grant
Point Of Grace
Skillet
The Clark Sisters
TobyMac
New Artist of the Year
33 Miles
Austins Bridge
Brandon Heath
DeWayne Woods
Group 1 Crew
Mandisa
Rush of Fools
Producer of the Year
Bernie Herms
Ed Cash
Ian Eskelin
Israel Houghton
Nathan Nockels
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
"Name Droppin’"; Bone-Appetit Servin’ Up Tha Hits; T-Bone; Rene F.
Sotomayor, Teak Underdue, Dee Underdue; Flicker Records
"Open Bar"; Redemption; Grits; Teron Carter, John Dust, Anthony Johnson,
Jr., Stacy Jones; Gotee Records
"Wake Up"; The Yearbook; KJ-52 featuring Toby Morrell; Jonah Sorrentino,
Toby Morrell, Aaron Sprinkle; BEC Recordings
"Who Am I?"; Open Book; Da’ T.R.U.T.H. featuring Tye Tribbett; Emmanuel
Lambert, Jr., Courtney Peebles; Cross Movement Records
"Word of Mouth"; Word of Mouth; John Reuben; John Reuben, Seth Earnest;
Gotee Records
Rock Recorded Song of the Year
"Break Me Down"; End of Silence; Red; Jasen Rauch, Anthony Armstrong,
Rob Graves; Essential
"Comatose"; Comatose; Skillet; John L. Cooper, Brian Howes; Ardent
Records, Atlantic, Lava, SRE Recordings
"I Need You"; Five Score And Seven Years Ago; Relient K; Matthew
Thiessen; Gotee Records
"Million Voices"; How Can We Be Silent; BarlowGirl; BarlowGirl; Fervent
Records, Curb Records, Warner Brothers Records
"Procrastinating"; We Can't Stand Sitting Down; Stellar Kart; Adam Agee,
Jordan Messer; Word Records, Curb Records
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
"After The World"; Scars Remain; Disciple; Timothy Barrett, Joey Fife,
Bradley Noah, Travis Wyrick, Kevin Young; INO Records, SRE Recordings
"Awakening"; Oh! Gravity; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman; Sparrow Records,
Columbia Records
"Everything Glorious"; Remedy; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band;
Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords
"Glorious One"; We Shine; Fee; Steve Fee; INO Records
"Signature of Divine (Yahweh)"; The Heat; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart,
Bo Rinehart; Atlantic Records
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
"East To West"; The Altar And The Door; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall,
Bernie Herms; Beach Street Records, Reunion Records
"I'm Not Who I Was"; Don't Get Comfortable; Brandon Heath; Brandon
Heath; Reunion Records
"In Better Hands"; Relentless; Natalie Grant; Jim Diddario, Thom
Hardwell, Catt Gravitt; Curb Records
"Tears Of The Saints"; Sound Of Melodies; Leeland; Leeland Dayton
Mooring, Jack Anthony Mooring; Essential Records
"Undo"; Rush Of Fools; Rush Of Fools; Scott Davis, Kevin Huguley, Wes
Willis; Midas Records
Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
"Be Lifted High"; Stand; Michael W. Smith; Leeland Dayton Mooring;
Reunion Records
"Be Thou Near To Me"; Bless The Broken Road; Selah; David Grow; Curb
Records
"By His Wounds"; Glory Revealed; Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Hall, Brian
Littrell, Mac Powell; Davis Nasser, Mac Powell; Reunion Records
"Give Me Jesus"; Beyond Measure; Jeremy Camp; Public Domain; BEC
Recordings
"God Speaking"; God Speaking; Ronnie Freeman; Ronnie Freeman; Hardly
Entertainment
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
"Get Away Jordan"; Get Away Jordan; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound;
Traditional; Gaither Music Group
"I'm Just Waiting For My Ride"; The Ride; The Hoppers; Ronnie Hinson;
Canaan Records
"Last Night"; Journey of Joy; Karen Peck & New River; Marcia Henry;
Daywind Records
"Orphans of God"; Rise Above; The Talley Trio; Twila LaBar, Joel
Lindsey; Horizon Records, Crossroads Entertainment
"Over And Over"; Life Is Great And Gettin' Better; Jeff & Sherri Easter;
Belinda Smith, Sue Smith; SheLoved Music
Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
"He's In Control"; Austins Bridge; Austins Bridge; Justin Rivers, Mike
Kofahl, John Ramsey; Daywind Records
"I Will Find You Again"; Lifetimes; Little Roy Lewis, Earl Scruggs,
Lizzy Long; Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, Cindi Ballard; Vine Records
"Love Will Be Enough"; Salt of the Earth; Ricky Skaggs & The Whites;
Janis Ian, Paul Overstreet; Skaggs Family Records
"Salt of the Earth"; Salt of the Earth; Ricky Skaggs & The Whites; Jim
Rushing, Ronald Scaife; Skaggs Family Records
"The Key To Heaven"; Flyin' High; The Lewis Family; Caleb Collins, Lyn
Rowell; Vine Records
Country Recorded Song of the Year
"Anyway"; Waking Up Laughing; Martina McBride; Martina McBride, Brad
Warren, Brett Warren; RCA Records
"Drug Problem"; Jesus Is Coming; The Bellamy Brothers; David Bellamy;
Curb Records
"How You Live (Turn Up The Music)"; How You Live; Point Of Grace; Cindy
Morgan; Word Records
"James Whit"; Lifetimes; Little Roy Lewis, Earl Scruggs, Lizzy Long;
Barry Dean, Don Poythress, Brian White; Vine Records
"'Round The Kitchen Table"; Journey of Joy; Karen Peck & New River;
Ronnie Hinson; Daywind
Urban Recorded Song of the Year
"I Can"; New Harvest; New Harvest; Kyle Bynoe, Kevin Deane; Vital
"I Love Me Better Than That"; Soulfood; Shirley Murdock; Dale Anthony
DeGroat, Shirley Murdock; Tyscot Records
"I'm Not Perfect"; V2; J Moss; PAJAM, GospoCentric, Zomba Label Group
"Listen"; T57; Trin-I-Tee 5:7; Chanelle Haynes, Adrian Anderson, Walter
W. Millsap III, Angel Helaire, Candice Nelson, Lamar Van-Sciver, Charles
Griffin III, Ryan Farith, Frank Greenfield, Tony Jones; Music World
Entertainment
"Simply Because"; Darlene McCoy; Darlene McCoy; Darlene McCoy, Antonio
Neal; EMI Gospel
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
"Happy Day"; Past And Present; Lillie Knauls & The Talley Trio;
Traditional, arr. by Edwin Hawkins; Vine Records
"I Can't Stop Praising Him"; New Harvest; New Harvest; Kyle Bynoe; Vital
"Ready For A Miracle"; Evan Almighty Soundtrack; LeAnn Rimes; Bunny
Hull, Art Reynolds; Curb Records
"Selah"; Live In Dallas 2006; GMWA; J. David, Valena Bratton; Light
Records
"The Light"; 7th Episode: Live In Toronto; Ricky Dillard & New G; Ricky
Dillard; NuSpring, EMI Gospel
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
"Be The Miracle"; Evan Almighty Soundtrack; Room For Two; John Debney,
Mervyn Warren, David Zippel; Curb Records
"Blessed & Highly Favored"; Live: One Last Time; The Clark Sisters;
Karen Clark-Sheard; EMI Gospel
"Come On"; Bridges; Calvin Hunt; David Thomas; Vine Records
"Say So"; A Deeper Level; Israel & New Breed; Michael Gungor, Israel
Houghton; Integrity Music
"You Saved Me"; Letting Go; The Crabb Family; Aaron Crabb; Daywind
Records
Worship Song of the Year
"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio;
sixsteps Music,worshiptogether.com Songs
"Everlasting God"; Brenton Brown, Ken Riley; Thank You Music
"Everything Glorious"; David Crowder; worshiptogether.com Songs
"How Great Is Our God"; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash;
worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, Alletrop Music
"Praise You In This Storm"; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; Club Zoo Music, My
Refuge Music, SWECS Music, Banahama Tunes
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Group 1 Crew; Group 1 Crew; Christopher Stevens, Andy Anderson; Fervent
Records
Redemption; Grits; Mario "Rio" Moore, Grits; Gotee Records
The Yearbook; KJ-52; KJ-52, Aaron Sprinkle; BEC Recordings
Unleashed; L.A. Symphony; Great Jsn, Wil I Am, FLYNN, Madlib, Pigeon
John, CookBook, Overflo, UNO Mas; Syntax Records
Word of Mouth; John Reuben; Joe Baldridge; Gotee Records
Rock Album of the Year
Jungle of the Midwest Sea; Flatfoot 56; Daniel Spencer, Ethan Luck;
Flicker Records
Live from Hawaii; Audio Adrenaline; Audio Adrenaline; Forefront Records
Scars Remain; Disciple; Travis Wyrick; SRE Recordings
Secret Weapon; MXPX; Aaron Sprinkle; Tooth & Nail Records
Twilight; Future of Forestry; Ken Andrews, Eric Owyoung, Nick Maybury;
Credential Recordings
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
How Can We Be Silent; BarlowGirl; Otto Price; Fervent Records, Curb
Records
Oh! Gravity; Switchfoot; Tim Palmer, Switchfoot; Sparrow Records,
Columbia Records
Portable Sounds; TobyMac; Toby McKeehan, Christopher Stevens, David
Wyatt; Forefront Records
Remedy; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; Sparrow Records,
sixstepsrecords
The Heat; NEEDTOBREATHE; Rick Beato, NEEDTOBREATHE, Ed Roland; Atlantic
Records, Word Records
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Blink; Plumb; Jeremy Bose; Curb Records
GO remixed; Newsboys; Lee Bridges, Tedd T, Max Hsu, Jeff Frankenstein;
Inpop Records
How You Live; Point Of Grace; Brown Bannister; Word Records
Rush of Fools; Rush of Fools; Scott Davis, Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp,
Matt Bronleewe; Midas Records
The Altar and the Door; Casting Crowns; Mark A. Miller; Beachstreet
Records; Reunion Records
Whispered and Shouted; Aaron Shust; Dan Hannon; Brash Music
Inspirational Album of the Year
Amazing Freedom; Women of Faith Worship Team; Chance Scoggins; Myrrh
Records, Curb Records
Falling Forward; Sandi Patty; David Hamilton; INO Records
I Love To Tell The Story, A Hymns Collection; Mark Lowry; Paul Johnson;
Gaither Music Group
In Christ Alone; Keith & Kristyn Getty; John Andrew Schreiner;
Martingale Music, Getty Music
Speak To Me; Geoff Moore; Dwayne Larring, Geoff Moore; Rocketown Records
Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Get Away, Jordan; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Lari Goss, Michael
English; Gaither Music Group
Journey Of Joy; Karen Peck & New River; Bubba Smith; Daywind Records
Real Faith; Brian Free & Assurance; Barry Weeks; Daywind Records
Sounds Like Sunday; Janet Paschal; Wayne Haun; Vine Records
The Ride; The Hoppers; Lari Goss; Canaan Records
Bluegrass Album of the Year
God's Masterpiece; The Marksmen; Mark Wheeler; Rural Rhythm Records
Lifetimes; Little Roy Lewis, Earl Scruggs, Lizzy Long; Wayne Haun, Kevin
Ward; Vine Records
Salt Of The Earth; Ricky Skaggs & The Whites; Ricky Skaggs & The Whites;
Skaggs Family Records
Tell Someone; Kenny & Amanda Smith Band; Kenny & Amanda Smith Band;
Rebel Records
Where No One Stands Alone; Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Paul
Williams; Rebel Records
Country Album of the Year
Austins Bridge; Austins Bridge; Bubba Smith; Daywind Records
Big Sky; The Isaacs; Mark Bright; Gaither Music Group
Gospel Duets with Treasured Friends; Brenda Lee; Brenda Lee; Provident
Special Markets
Jesus Is Coming; The Bellamy Brothers; David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy,
Randy Hieber; Curb Records
Life Is Great And Gettin' Better; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Jeff & Sheri
Easter, Greg Cole; SheLoved Music
Songs Of Inspiration II; Alabama; Randy Owen; RCA Records
Urban Album of the Year
Church Girl; Onitsha; Shep Crawford, Tony Jones, Ricky “Ricc Rude”
Lewis, Walter “dj Walt” Millsap III, Candice “C.G.” Nelson, Onitsha,
Phillip Scott III; Stillwaters Recordings, Hidden Beach Recordings
Darlene McCoy; Darlene McCoy; The Movement, Tommy Sims, Dallas Austin,
PAJAM, Fred “Uncle Freddie” Jerkins, Antonio Neal, Tedd T., PJ Morton;
EMI Gospel
Restoration Vol. 1; Terrence Mackey & Nu Restoration; Ceaser A. Hancock,
Terrence Mackey; Spiritual City Music
T57; Trin-I-Tee 5:7; The Bama Boyz, Matthew Knowles, Solange
Knowles,Walter W. Millsap III, DJ Static; Music World Entertainment
V2; J Moss; PAJAM, GospoCentric, Zomba Label Group
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Closest Friend; The Rance Allen Group; Chris Byrd, Rance Allen; Tyscot
Records
Complete; LaShun Pace; LaShun Pace, Justin Gilbert; EMI Gospel
Live In Dallas 2006; GMWA; Andrew Gouche; Light Records
New Harvest; New Harvest; Paul Porter, Kyle Bynoe, Jon Doe Muzik; Vital
Past And Present; Lillie Knauls; Wayne Haun, Lillie Knauls; Vine Records
Still Standing; Bishop Paul S. Morton; Kurt Carr; Tehillah Music Group,
Light Records
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
A Deeper Level; Israel & New Breed; Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey;
Integrity Music
Brand New Day; Jonathan Butler; Luther "Mano" Hanes, Jonathan Butler;
Maranatha! Music
Bridges; Calvin Hunt; Wayne Haun, Kevin Ward; Vine Records
Live - One Last Time; The Clark Sisters; Donald Lawrence; EMI Gospel
The Gospel According To Patti Labelle; Patti Labelle; Sami McKinney,
Scott Shavoni Parker, Thianar Gomis, Dean "DC" Charles, Del Atkins, Troy
Taylor, Gorden Chambers, Nisan Stewart, Gerald Haddon, Eddie Brown,
PAJAM, The Soul Seekers; Umbrella Records
Instrumental Album of the Year
Amazing Grace (Original Score); David Arnold; David Arnold; Sparrow
Records
Holy! Piano & Orchestra; Terry MacAlmon; Dick Tunney, Terry MacAlmon;
Maranatha! Music
In The Garden; Eric Wyse; Eric Wyse; Hendrickson Worship
Let's Get Quiet: The Smooth Jazz Experience; Ben Tankard; Ben Tankard;
Verity Records, Zomba Label Group
Nativity Story (Original Score); Mychael Danna; Sandeep Sriram; New Line
Records, Word Records, Curb Records
Children's Music Album of the Year
Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 3; Kid Connection; Craig Adams; Fervent
Records
deliberateKids; Phil Joel; Phil Joel; Indelible Creative Group
My Father's World; The Praise Baby Collection; Christopher Davis; Big
House Kids
Snazzy; Go Fish; Jamie Statema, Darren Rust; GFK Records
Supernatural; Hillsong Kids; Julia A'Bell, Gio Galanti, Andrew Crawford,
David Wakerley; Hillsong Music, Integrity Music
VeggieTales Christian Hit Music; VeggieTales; Christopher Davis; Big
Idea Records
Spanish Language Album of the Year
Bueno; Jacobo Ramos Y Sediento; Jacobo Ramos, Hector Blancovitch; Equipo
Aire, Integrity Music Latin
De Corazon A Corazon; Seth Condrey; Seth Condrey, Mark Balltzglier;
CanZion
El Ritmo De La Vida; Julissa; Mike Rivera; Integrity Music Latin
En Lo Sucreto; Lucia Parker; Alvaro Lopez; 316 Media
Invencible; Vertical; Alan Villatoro; Integrity Music Latin
Tu Amor; Danilo Montero; Josue Ramos; Sigueme Internacional, Integrity
Music Latin
Special Event Album of the Year
Amazing Grace; Bill & Gloria Gaither and the Homecoming Friends; Bill
Gaither; Gaither Music Group
Evan Almighty Soundtrack; Blue County, Bomshel, C + C Music Factory,
Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tracy Edmond, John Fogerty, Hal Ketchum,
Jo Dee Messina, The Mike Curb Congregation, Plumb, Leann Rimes, Room For
Two, Stone Temple Pilots, ZZ Top; Adam Anders, Matt Bronleewe, D.J.
Butcher, Robert Clivelles, David Cole, Mike Curb, Bill Ham, Chuck
Howard, Dan Huff, Doug Johnson, Hal Ketchum, Jo Dee Messina, Kathy
Nelson, Brendan O’Brien, Tom Shadyac; Curb Records
Glory Revealed; Josh Bates, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder, Mark
Hall, Shawn Lewis, Brian Littrell, Trevor Morgan, Paul Neufeld, Candi
Pearson-Shelton, Mac Powell, Shane & Shane, Michael W. Smith; Mac
Powell; Reunion Records
Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace; Avalon, Jeremy and
Adie Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder, Bethany Dillon, Natalie
Grant, Jars of Clay, Martina McBride, Shawn McDonald, Bart Millard,
Nichole Nordeman, Smokie Norful, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Chris Tomlin;
Brown Bannister, Matt Bronleewe, Cedric Caldwell, Victor Caldwell,
Jeremy Camp, Ed Cash, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Hammond, Bernie Herms,
Jars of Clay, Martina McBride, Bart Millard, Ed Seay, Christopher
Stevens, Marty Stuart, Paul Worley; Sparrow Records
Songs 4 Worship Country; Trinecia Butler, Charlie Daniels, Linda Davis,
Diamond Rio, Emerson Drive, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Lenny LeBlanc, Oak
Ridge Boys, Rascal Flatts, Marty Raybon, Collin Raye, Rachel Robinson,
Ricky Skaggs, Bryan White, The Wilsons; Michael A. Curtis, Teddy Gentry;
Integrity Music, Time Life
Christmas Album of the Year
Christmas From the Realms of Glory; Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman, Jason
Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; BEC Recordings
Christmas Songs; Jars of Clay; Jars of Clay; Gray Matters
It's A Wonderful Christmas; Michael W. Smith; David Hamilton, Michael W.
Smith; Reunion Records
Noel; Josh Groban; David Foster; 143 Records, Reprise Records
One Wintry Night; David Phelps; Monroe Jones; Word Records
Praise & Worship Album of the Year
All of the Above; Hillsong United; Michael Guy Chislett, Joel Houston,
Paul Maybury, James Rudder; Integrity Music
Manifesto; Pocket Full of Rocks; Kyle Lee, Pocket Full of Rocks; Myrrh
Records, Curb Records
Our God Saves; Paul Baloche; Paul Baloche, Austin Deptula; Integrity
Music
Remedy; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; Sparrow Records,
sixstepsrecords
We Shine; Fee; Steve Fee, Jason Hoard; INO Records
Musical of the Year
3:16 The Numbers Of Hope; Travis Cottrell; Lifeway Worship Music Group,
Genevox
All Bow Down; David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith, Travis Cottrell; Benson Music
Publications, Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Amazing Grace - My Chains Are Gone; Dennis & Nan Allen; Pilot Point
Music, Lillenas Publishing Company
I've Seen Jesus; Deborah Craig-Claar, Robert Sterling; Word Music
Unspeakable Joy; Lari Goss; Word Music
Youth/Children's Musical of the Year
Bows Of Holly; Dennis & Nan Allen; Brentwood Kids Music Club,
Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Livin' Inside Out; Celeste Clydesdale; Clydesdale & Clydesdale, Word
Music
No Wonder!; Annette Oden; Hal Leonard Corporation, Integrity Choral
Praise Rocks; Gina Boe, Barb Dorn, Sue C. Smith, Brian Green; Brentwood
Kids Music Club, Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
The Mystery Of The Manger; Celeste Clydesdale; Clydesdale & Clydesdale,
Word Music
Choral Collection of the Year
God Is In This Place; Regi Stone; Word Music
He Is Great; Geron Davis; SpiritSound Music Group
Heaven; Mike Speck, Cliff Duren; Lillenas Publishing Company
Let The Redeemed Say So; Lari Goss; Word Music
Made To Worship; Travis Cottrell; Benson Music Publications,
Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Cities (Anberlin); Invisible Creature; Ryan Clark, Parker Young; Tooth &
Nail Records
Remedy (David Crowder*Band); Gary Dorsey; Gary Dorsey; Gary Dorsey,
Kaysie Dorsey; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords
Rival Factions (Project 86); Invisible Creature; Don Clark; Dave Hill,
Jerad Knudson, Shane McCauley; Tooth and Nail Records
Secrets Keep You Sick (The Fold); Invisible Creature; Don Clark; Chris
Strong; Tooth and Nail Records
The Fiancee (The Chariot); Invisible Creature; Ryan Clark; David Stuart;
Solid State Records
Short Form Music Video of the Year
"Awakening"; Switchfoot; Brandon Dickerson; Lauren Schwartz; Kaboom
Music Videos; Sparrow Records, Columbia Records
"Boomin'"; TobyMac; Scott Speer; Jason Peterson; Symbolic Entertainment;
Forefront Records
"Falls Apart"; Thousand Foot Krutch; Travis Copatch; Jeremy Sullivan;
Dignity & Shame; Tooth & Nail Records
"Foreverandever, etc."; David Crowder*Band; Sam J. Stanton; Mark Steele,
Kevin Anderson; Steelhouse; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords
"Name Droppin'"; T-Bone; Bart Conover; Bart Conover; Asian Productions;
Flicker Records
"Never Let Me Go"; Family Force 5; Ken Horstmann; Ken Horstmann;
Spyplane Films; Gotee Records
Long Form Music Video of the Year
777; Underoath; Michelle Caputo, Shannon Hartman; Michelle Caputo,
Shannon Hartman; Art and Industry; Solid State Records
Get Away, Jordan; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Doug Stuckey; Bill
Gaither, Ernie Haase; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music
Group
Live From Hawaii; Audio Adrenaline; Mark McCallie; Audio Adrenaline;
Audio Adrenaline; Forefront Records
Live From Portland; Kutless; Carl Diebold; Michael Sacci; Jupiter
Project; BEC Recordings
No More Night: Live in Birmingham; David Phelps; Russell E. Hall; David
Phelps, Jim Chaffee; Word Records
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
KUTLESS UNPLUGGING FOR ACOUSTIC TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Going back to their
college worship band roots, Christian rock band Kutless will begin a new
touring season this spring with their first ever acoustic tour debuting
March 6th in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Kutless Acoustic tour
will also include newcomers Esterlyn and Chris Taylor, both releasing
debut albums in 2008.
The Kutless Acoustic tour will offer an intimate evening with the band
performing acoustic and unplugged versions of their vast catalogue of
hits as well as sharing the stories behind the songs. The band
chose to deliver an acoustic tour, wanting to create an environment
where they could enter into a worshipful time with their fans, which is
a departure from their intense rock show.
The tour will feature Esterlyn , who will release their debut project
“Lamps” on February 26th, as well as BEC Recordings’ progressive
pop/songwriter Chris Taylor, who will release his debut “Take Me
Anywhere” on April 15th.
After the Acoustic Tour, which will end April 27th, Kutless will be in
full throttle for their summer release of their fourth studio project.
The band is currently recording in collaboration with producer Pete
Kipley (The Afters, MercyMe, Phil Wickham). Continuing to serve
their fans feeding them up-to-date information, journals and photos, the
band has launched www.exclusivekutless.com.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
SWITCHFOOT ANNOUNCES UP IN ARMS TOUR 2008
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Switchfoot has announced
their Spring tour dates for the Up In Arms Tour 2008 with special guest
Athlete. The tour is in support of To Write Love On Her Arms.
Here is the announcement from the band:
"We're happy to announce a new set of tour dates for the spring: the
2008 UP IN ARMS TOUR featuring a special performance by ATHLETE.
We are pleased to be partnering with a wonderful philanthropic
organization for this tour: To Write Love On Her Arms. TWLOHA
began in Orlando, Florida in February 2006 and is a non-profit movement
dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for those struggling with
depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to
encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment
and recovery. We're very happy to support such an important
cause."
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
PHIL KEAGGY TOUR KICKS OFF
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Legendary guitarist and
GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Phil Keaggy will kick off "The
Master and The Musician: 30 Years Later" Tour on February 8, 2008, at
Landmark Baptist Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hitting 19 cities this
spring, the tour celebrates the 30th anniversary of the release of
Keaggy's 1978 acclaimed instrumental album, The Master and The Musician.
Keaggy will be joined on the tour by drummer John Sferra, guitarist Ric
Hordinski, multi-instrumentalist Tom Shinness, flutist Melissa
Lautenbach, pianist Bryan J. Lautenbach and bassist Joel Jimenez.
Unlike anything he has done before on tour, Keaggy will replicate live
the intimacy of the studio from 30 years ago in this special concert
experience. Every concert on the tour will be full of amazing
musicianship, soulful storytelling and the usual humor and humanity of
the night's host. A two-part concert experience, the first set of each
show will showcase some of Keaggy's favorite vocal songs chosen from the
span of his career and will also highlight the musicianship of each of
the ensemble members. The second set will bring the classic The Master
and The Musician album to life as each of the seven musicians will play
multiple string, percussion and reed instruments to capture the sonic
palette of the album. There will also be a special vocal song tribute to
the life-changing work of Compassion International, with whom Keaggy has
long been affiliated.
Released in 1978, The Master and The Musician is considered the
best-selling and most influential album of Keaggy's lengthy career,
which spans nearly 40 years. The album is a fusion of English and Celtic
folk, rock, jazz and neo-classical influences. Worshipful without
lyrics, the album challenged late-1970's preconceptions of what
Christian music should sound like. The Master and The Musician would
become the first in a long line of instrumental work for Keaggy, his
most recent work being 2007's The Song Within on Autumn Records.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
DATES ANNOUNCED FOR BRANDON HEATH TOUR WITH AARON SHUST
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE -
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Brandon Heath will hit the
road this spring with Aaron Shust on the 20-city “Whispered and Shouted”
Tour beginning March 7 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Dates were announced this week and include Seattle, San Diego, and Texas
A&M in College Station, Texas. Check our website at
www.ccauthority.com for
complete tour listings.
Brandon quickly became a fixture at Christian radio with the release of
his debut project, Don’t Get Comfortable.
His song “I’m Not Who I Was” raced to #1 and ended 2007 as one of the
year’s most played radio singles.
-- ©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
THIRD DAY ROCKS INTO SPRING WITH FIRST LEG OF 2008 TOUR
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Special Guests Sanctus
Real, DecembeRadio and Revive Add Punch To Veteran Band’s Potent Live
Experience - With much of the United States still looking at the
bulk of winter in front of them, acclaimed multi-platinum rock band
Third Day is busy pulling together the final touches on the projects
that will kick off its year: an upcoming studio album release and the
spring leg of its 2008 live tour.
The veteran Atlanta-based rockers welcome exciting young bands Sanctus
Real, DecembeRadio and Revive to its spring tour, beginning March 6 in
Charleston, SC and spanning 20 shows within a month’s time frame.
After taking a break from the road for much of the back half of 2007,
Third Day enters the concert arena reenergized, and together with the
presence of three vital and powerful new bands will make the evening’s
entertainment and message combination that much more potent.
"Our fans are in for a very
exciting time...”
“We were able to see these bands play last summer and were blown away
with their hearts, energy and music,” says Third Day bassist Tai
Anderson. “Our fans are in for a very exciting time on the Third
Day Live tour this spring.”
With a deep catalog of chart-topping hits (recently showcased on last
year’s two-edition Chronology compilations), Third Day’s live show has
long been a staple of the band’s interaction with its fan base.
Even while reaching out through online avenues such as MySpace, Facebook,
its official site at www.thirdday.com and the soon-to-be relaunched fan
community Gomertopia, it’s always been the live experience that impacts
fans the most.
Third Day’s promoters agree. “It’s a great privilege as a promoter to
continue to be a part of Third Day’s touring career and excited to see
them play markets that they have not been to in a while. Fans are
in for a real treat this spring!” says Greg Ashford from Outerlight
Concerts.
Over the past decade, Third Day has racked up 24 No.1 radio singles and
sold more than six million albums, with RIAA certifications including
one Platinum record, one Platinum DVD, and six Gold records. The
band has garnered 23 career Dove Awards, two GRAMMY Awards (from seven
previous nominations), two consecutive American Music Award nods,
multiple ASCAP honors, and has developed a historic partnership with
Chevrolet. Third Day has maintained a touring record
second-to-none by playing for audiences reaching into the millions.
In addition to these many accolades, the band is most proud of its
humanitarian efforts that include raising nearly $300,000 for the
victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and charities such as the
Blood:Water Mission. The band is responsible for encouraging over
15,000 fans to sponsor children across the globe through the work of
World Vision.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
THIRD DAY WILL PERFORM FOR SERVICE MEMBERS IN THE PERSIAN GULF
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - GRAMMY-winning and
multi-platinum rock band Third Day will soon trek to the Persian Gulf
and perform for service members as part of a USO/Army and Air Force
Chaplains entertainment tour.
On its first USO tour, the five member band will spend quality time with
troops, mesmerize military audiences with high-energy performances and
express their heartfelt gratitude.
The band will also meet and shake hands with deployed military
personnel, and share personal stories of life, family and encouragement.
Historically, few events have left a more lasting emotional impression
on service members and their families than USO celebrity entertainment
tours. Since the USO's inception in 1941, thousands of celebrities
have boosted the morale of troops in times of peace and war.
Celebrities give selflessly of their time and talents, traveling to
foreign countries and to installations in the United States. They
are there to shake hands, sign autographs, teach clinics, and help
service members and their families feel a little closer to home.
Entertainers come from many different backgrounds with a variety of
talents. They visit the most remote military installations and
receive no talent fees. Performances often take place in unique
locations, such as airplane hangers, flatbed trucks, military tents and
bunkers.
USO entertainers are essential to fulfilling the USO's mission of
boosting troop morale. The USO's long-standing tradition of
sending entertainers overseas will carry on as long as service members
are stationed far from home.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
EVERLIFE CONTINUES TO IMPACT THEIR GENERATION
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Sister trio Everlife are
more than ready to hit the road, yet again. No strangers to touring
coast to coast, this time the girls will be performing in front of
sold-out crowds, estimated at 105,000 people, in just six days.
Everlife, who are sisters Amber (23), Sarah (21), and Julia (18), will
be opening for their friend Miley Cyrus, also known as Hannah Montana,
on the last six dates in January of the Best Of Both Worlds Tour.
The girls will be performing at the following venues: the
Lafayette Cajundome in Lafayette, LA, the New Orleans Arena in New
Orleans, LA, the Amway Arena, in Orlando, FL, the Jacksonville Veterans
Memorial Arena, in Jacksonville, FL, and the American Airlines Arena, in
Miami, FL.
Following the arena tour, Everlife’s music will be heard in thousands of
movie theatres nationwide. Their single, “Find Yourself In You,”
is the title song that will be featured in the upcoming Hollywood comedy
movie, Penelope. The song was written by Everlife along with
Matthew Gerrard. Gerrard, a producer as well as a songwriter, has had
his songs performed by artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson,
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, and has six songs found in Disney’s High
School Musical.
The movie Penelope, featuring megastars such as Reese Witherspoon,
Christina Ricci, and James McAvoy, will hit theatres on February 29th.
Since the release of their self-titled debut in 2004, Everlife has sold
over 70,000 units. They have had numerous songs on various Disney
compilations, such as the gold-certified Disneymania 3 CD/concert DVD,
Radio Disney Jams 7, Disney Girlz Rock, and the three-time
platinum-selling Hannah Montana soundtrack. The girls have had
continuous airplay on Radio Disney, with four of their singles on Radio
Disney’s Top 30 playlist. You can also hear Everlife performing the
title track for Disney Channel’s Original Movie "Go Figure," as well as
the single "Strangers Like Me" on the Tarzan Special Edition DVD. They
have also hit the live stage with The Cheetah Girls and co-headlined
with B5.
Amber, Sarah and Julia have been writing and performing together since
1997, starting in their hometown of Indiana, PA. The sisters now
reside in Nashville and are managed by Platform Artist Management.
--
©2008 CCAUTHORITY.COM BREAKING NEWS
SMOKIE NORFUL FEATURED ON MCDONALD'S GOSPEL TOUR
OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS - To celebrate the rich
tradition of African American music that uplifts and inspires,
McDonald’s will kick off its Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour in
February. Back by popular demand, the gospel tour will serve up a
series of unprecedented, free gospel concerts to churches, bringing a
powerful and inspirational message to eight cities during Black History
Month.
The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration concerts feature Grammy-award
winning gospel recording artist Smokie Norful headlining the tour for
the second year in a row, joined by fellow EMI Gospel recording artist
Myron Butler & Levi. The tour will visit the following cities:
Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Creedmoor, and
Fort Washington.
"It’s important that we
continue to give back and that we realize giving back is the true way to
keep ourselves and others feeling positive, uplifted, empowered, and
encouraged.”
“I am humbled and inspired by my continued relationship with McDonald’s
through their community outreach programs,” says Smokie Norful.
“It’s important that we continue to give back and that we realize giving
back is the true way to keep ourselves and others feeling positive,
uplifted, empowered, and encouraged.”
In most cities, concerts will include performances by local gospel
groups to showcase community talent. In addition to the gospel
tour, several McDonald’s franchisees have developed their gospel
celebrations. In Atlanta, McDonald’s sponsors “The Gift” Gospel
talent search, a gospel singing a