We will be hosting a Movie Night for Relay for Life. We will be showing "What if" and "Tressure Puppies". Admission is $3.00 (You can't see 2 movies anywhere else for that price) Refreshments will be sold during intermission. All proceeds go to Relay for Life. Come out and help us give HOPE.

Meadow Grove Baptist Church is proud to present Summer Jam 2012 featuring Dove Award Winning artists Chris August and Sidewalk Prophets with special guest The Andrew Brown Band. This is the summer event you don't want to miss. Tickets are just $15, so get yours today. This event will be held at 19 Meadow Grove Lane Hayesville, NC on July 8th at 7pm. For more info or to purchase tickets please visit www.mgbcsummerjam.com or call the MGBC Offices at 828-389-6325.

Join us for the Tabernacle Experience, June 9 - June 16! You will not want to miss it!

Take a guided-tour of the life-size replica of the Biblical Old Testament Tabernacle. We want you to discover for yourself the mystery of Jesus hidden inside. No reservations necessary.

June 9, June 15 and June 16: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

June 10 - June 14: 1:00 - 8:00 PM

Kids will go wild as they experience God's incredible world of wonders and learn that the Bible tells the truth in Genesis about God creating all things in six actual days! They'll find out that true science supports the biblical account of creation! June 3rd-7th Sunday @ 6pm Mon-Thurs @ 6:30pm Call to preregister or for more information! 706.866.9213

HUGE CHURCH YARD SALE!!! Date & Time: SAT. JUNE 2, 2012 @ 7AM (cst) Location: CHRISTIAN WORSHIP CENTER 120 SWEETWATER RD. WHITWELL, TN 37397 (across from Whitwell Ball Park & behind Henreys Feed Store & Gym) Pas. Allen Griffith and Congregation invites everyone to come out to their annual yard sale! All proceeds go to Christian Worship Center's 2012 Vacation Bible School. For More Info or Donations please call: Georgie Layne 423-618-8649 Lori Dodson 423-208-1103

His concerts are legendary. His live shows have amazed millions on every continent in the world. After an extensive World Tour, Yanni returns to the USA and Canada with an all new show. Yanni as you know him best, performing his instrumental hits from the shows that have become famous around the world. Fans will witness Yanni and his world class musicians as they take the stage to perform his greatest instrumental hits made famous in his shows from The Acropolis in Greece, The Taj Mahal in India, The Forbidden City in China and The Royal Albert Hall in England. The live show will feature some of the music from Yanni's new album "Truth Of Touch", which is the composer’s first album of original studio music in almost a decade. This is Yanni returning to his roots with a live performance that will deliver old and new fans the very best of Yanni and his music. Come hear the music that touches the world. Buy tickets: http://www.magicspace.net/chattanooga/an-evening-with-yanni-chattanooga/?utm_source=J103_ChattanoogaYanni&utm_medium=Grassroots&utm_campaign=ChattanoogaYanni

You're invited to an event that will not only be a lot of fun, but will teach you how to add more enjoyment and romance to your marriage forever. Join us as Dr. Gary Chapman, New York Times Bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages, shows us how to increase the fun, adventure and excitement by speaking the words your spouse longs to hear. http://www.datenightevent.com

COME to an awesome YOUTH RALLY that will be held on Friady, May 25th, starting at 7pm at Daisy Church of God (Soddy Daisy, near Walmart). There will be exciting guest speakers: Josh Morgan and Chris Schmeichel. "Beyond the Gate" will be the live band for Praise and Worship. There will be multiple drama teams and skits performed. COME AND ENCOUNTER JESUS CHRIST IN WORD AND WORSHIP. All ages and denominations are welcome to come in fellowship.

The Chattaooga First SDA Church Health and Temperance committee has arranged for a skit, titled "Hats Off to Breast Health" to be presented by the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center from Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chattanooga First activity center. A question and answer time with experts will follow the skit. Ladies, you are encouraged to bring your friends and husbands!

The event is the Rock spring elementary school rock run 5k and kids 1 mile fun run. Cost is $20 5k morning of event and $8 for kids. To be held in may 19th @8:00. Registration at 7:00 am. For early bird discount please contact the school @ 423-605-6196

Peter Furler releases his “I’m Alive” video (http://t.co/DYotPltm) from footage taken during the 2012 Winter Jam Tour Spectacular that wrapped up earlier this month after hitting 47 cities and playing to nearly 535,000 people - the #1 tour in the world (first quarter) for the second consecutive year (Pollstar). “I’m Alive” is the opening track on Furler’s acclaimed solo debut album, On Fire, which also sparked the radio hits “Matter of Faith” and “Reach.”

The idea for “I’m Alive” practically assaulted Peter. “I just felt this overwhelming sense of freedom,” he says of the song. “When we’re born again, our spirit is free to join with God’s Spirit. Then, when we begin reading and doing what Jesus said, and following the promptings of the spirit of God, this leads us to live without being bound or led by anxiety, emotions or the material, to be ‘On Fire’ with the full life of Christ.” 

With Peter’s quintessential pop vocal breaking through, this contagious anthem does just that, building from a place of doubt and imprisonment to an all-out release of gratitude for forgiveness and freedom.

You shed Your tears for me,
and then You took my hand
and raised me high

I’m alive
I’m on fire
and my spirit burns with desire

Peter Furler’s Winter Jam band pictured (l-r):  Jeff Irizarry, Furler, Phil Joel and Dave Ghazarian.
Joining Furler’s band during the Winter Jam tour and featured on the video is fellow artist and former newsboy bassist/vocalist, Phil Joel, as well as guitarist Dave Ghazarian (Superchick) and drummer Jeff Irizarry.

With multiple GRAMMY nominations and Dove awards, “Songwriter of the Year” nods and musical talent that has driven the sales of five RIAA Certified Gold records, over seven million albums sold and 25 No. 1 songs, Peter Furler made his return to music after amicably ending his long tenure in 2009 as the lead singer of newsboys, the band he founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia.  Refreshed and reawakened to the joy of music, Furler’s first solo album, on fire, released amidst wide critical acclaim on Sparrow Records.

As one of the most successful, award-winning artists today continues his musical journey, Peter Furler is one of Australia’s biggest exports of any musical genre.

Source CMSpin

Christian music breakout band Tenth Avenue North announces the unveiling of its third studio project, The Struggle (Reunion Records), on Aug. 21.  The 12-track album reflects influences ranging from fan insight from the headlining artists’ past two years on the road, to the addition of two new band members and a new recording process. Produced by six-time SESAC Christian Songwriter of the Year, and two-time GRAMMY nominee, Jason Ingram (Chris Tomlin, Sanctus Real), The Struggle is a bold, creative leap forward.
 
The Struggle acknowledges life-challenges while pointing to the grace that ultimately delivers us from those challenges.  Front man Mike Donehey shares, “The record’s theme implies permission to struggle with life’s challenges but encourages us not to remain in that place of struggle.  Things are going to be hard but we have something greater to look forward to.  We are free to struggle, but because of what Christ did on the cross, we don't need to struggle to be free.”
 
The album’s debut single “Losing” will impact Christian radio, May 25.  The song was inspired by a moving letter sent in to a WAY-FM radio station by a woman struggling with forgiveness; it sums up the idea that we actually lose more than we win when we choose not to extend  forgiveness to someone.  “Withholding our love doesn’t give us an upper hand in any conflict.  ‘Losing’ suggests that we actually end up losing when we don’t offer forgiveness or love,” adds Donehey. 
 
The band has always valued a direct relationship with its fans, and had the idea to bring them into the recording process.  Guitarist, Jeff Owen, shares, “On several dates during our last tour we posted invitations on our facebook and twitter pages inviting our fans to show up and lend their voices to some of our songs. The result? We have songs on The Struggle featuring rich choruses made up of our fans.  It’s pretty special that we got to do this.”
 
New members, Ruben Juarez (bass) and Brendon Shirley (keys) were instrumental in the progression of the band’s sound.  “Ruben and Brendon are more technically knowledgeable than Jason, Jeff and I are,” says Donehey.  “They really added to the musical structure of these songs. Plus, we all get along so well creatively.  I couldn’t see doing this record without them.” 

 
Fresh off the “Rock & Worship Roadshow” tour, which saw attendance exceeding 230,000, Tenth Avenue North made a featured appearance at the GRAMMY block party in Nashville earlier this week.  Known as the event that launches the summer music season, the Block Party gives industry folks a chance to mingle while enjoying a great variety of live music.  Other artists scheduled to appear include Luke Bryan, Wynonna, Elenowen, Keb’ Mo’ and The Mavericks.

Source: CMSpin

You can imagine, (or maybe you have experienced) what it is like when the dryer goes out.  You have a couple of options-hang everything out on the back deck and pray for warm sunny weather, (like our grandparents used to do), or pack the clothes up and head to the inlaws to borrow their dryer.  Either way-it put a major damper on the laundry at our house recently.

Thank God for good neighbors.  One of our neighbors down the street works on dryers/washing machines in his spare time.  He even buys damaged ones, fixes them up and resells them.  (We have one of his washers we bought several years ago-runs like new!)

"Chris" came down and checked out our dryer the other night-and sent us to a parts store to get a new fuse.  We got it, and he then found that our heating element was broke, he patched it, changed the fuse and got us up and running again.

When I tried to pay him for his time and expertise, he refused, so I snuck it in his tool bag.  He found it and said, "Ted, I'm not charging you."  I said, "I know you are not charging me, you are blessing me and I want to bless you."  He left our house with cash, and we now have dry clothes!

He could use the cash and we needed an affordable fix to our dryer.  Those are the blessings orchaestrated from Heaven.

The sad reality is that there are a lot of kids who's dad is the only mother they have ever known.

I know of some great men that are providing both roles in their kids lives.  I pray for them.

I don't know how I would have handled our three all by myself.  My wife Amy is an incredible mother and her job is (a lot of times) thankless.

So to all you mom's (and dad's who are mom's) Happy Mother's Day!

This afternoon I am honored to perform a ceremony of a wonderful couple who live on Lookout Mountain.  The wedding is going to be a real intimate one with just the two of them and two other family members.  It is going to be held in their backyard that has a stunning view of the TN Valley.

I feel God is really shining down on this couple-the weather is gorgeous!

This weekend as we honor our mothers, husbands make sure the mother of your children feel special and loved.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Timothy Hamby I would say he wanted his children to look like him

Tonya Parker Hammontree He
already had servants-his angels. He wanted family. Children who would
take after their Father! He is amazing! I hope I look like my Daddy! I
love You, my dear Abba, Father!

Carla Hixson Hayward God
is love. He created people who can love and reason as He can. Expecting
and wanting us to just show His kind of love to each other and to love
Him back.

Christy Jones God
is perfect, we r perfect in his eyes! So we look like him, so the pic
of him that we associate with him can not b accurate because we r all
different in our own way but yet we r all the same hmmm!?

i love all of these responses and the others that were posted in reply to the FB update. the reason i asked that though, and what got me thinking on it was a part in a book I'm reading called "Is God A Moral Monster" by Paul Copan, a great book to read if you've ever thought about the old testament God as different form the new.

in the book though, Paul talks about how many people call God a self-conceited, full of himself diety for making us in His image, but Paul points out that that's not the case. think about it, if we truly believe that God is indeed perfect in every way and that he loves us more than anything, why would he not want the best for us? especially in our basic design as humans!

God designed human-beings to look like him, not because he's a snob in the sky, but because he's the ultimate perfect being and loves us so much that he wants us to be like Him. it's just a little bit from the book, but something i had never thought about for and loved the realization of! thought I had to share some, but you can check out the book for more!

Check out the video.....Only 25 more days till JFEST!

http://www.highonleconte.com/index.html

When I first began my internship at J103, I was immediately
surprised by how laid back the station was. I guess that I always just assumed
that a radio station would be strict and extremely business-like. While there
is plenty of business going on, it is also an environment where people can have
a good time and enjoy their jobs. It was refreshing to be around that kind of
atmosphere.

Another thing that I didn’t expect was how close everyone was. When
I first noticed this, it was the first “birthday lunch” that I went to. This is
when everyone gathers for lunch once a month to celebrate all of the birthdays
in that month. As I looked around the table at everyone eating their lunches
and making casual conversation, it looked as if I was eating with one, big
family. It was such an amazing sight.

The best part was that I felt like a part
of this family. This was evident when something would happen that would upset
me and everyone (including ALL of the DJs) would talk to me and tell me that
they were there for me if I needed anything. It was so thoughtful of them and so
nice to feel like they were there for me.

I never would have expected to come
here for an internship and leave knowing that I have created relationships with
these people that I will never forget.

Oh and some other things that I didn’t expect:
Ted’s participation in a body building contest, Brett’s obsession with Frisbees,
and the fun, yet extensive and sometimes random projects that I was given to by
Justin.

-Khrista

On Friday I surprised Chipper when I picked him up from school and took him to see The Avengers!  Great movie!  We both loved it!

Spent the entire day Saturday with Amy.  Went to lunch (Welcome to Moes!  $4 burrito day for Cinco de Mayo), found Amy a pair of sandals she was looking for, enjoyed some Sweet Frogs Premium Yogurt! (You have to try some of that!) and then spread mulch in a couple of flower beds!

Sunday had a great Sunday School class, worship service, BBQ lunch for our church's summer mission trip and then just hung out in the yard!

Thank you God for great weekends like this one!

Chris August at JFEST update.......Nothing new-he is still recupperating and planning on being at JFEST.  I will keep you informed right here in the blog if there are any changes or updates!

You may not be aware that in addition to hanging out with you on your ride into work on the morning show, one of my responsibilities here at J103 is Festival Director of JFEST.

I love almost every part of my job-especially this part.

Most people who come to JFEST have no idea of the amount of hours and effort that goes into making sure everyone has an awesome time and that people are able to be exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

My "To Do" list right now is longer than most people's entire year.  But please know I am not complaining in the least bit.  God has given me a passion for events like this and being busy is just a part of it.

We are deciding on J-Merch designs, Volunteer shirt colors, best pricing on generators, Gofl cars, volunteer training, counselors for the Prayer and Counseling tent, just to name a few.

Can I ask you to add me to your daily prayer list?  Pray for God's wisdom, strength, endurance, vision, and health.

Also keep Chris August in your prayer.  No new news yet-as far as we know he will be fully recovered from his head injury and be here singing all your favorite Chris August tunes.

Thanks and keep coming back for a daily update on the progress of JFEST!

He is improving and yet has had to cancel some of his concert appearances (mostly opening for Mercy Me) the first two weeks of May.  His management said they haven't been informed by his doctors if he should cancel any future events, so we are still on a wait and see game.

As far as right now, yes, Chris August will be at JFEST singing your favorites.

Keep him in your prayers.  Pray for compete healing......and a helmet!!

You may or may not have heard my name from Ted, Brett, or even my own
personal one time experience on the radio, but I am Khrista, the intern
for J103. I began my internship with J103 in July, when I searched for a
Journalism business that I could go to every day after school as a part
of my Youth Apprenticeship Program.

While I am graduating from high school in less than a month, I will
soon be on my way to the University of Georgia to major in Journalism.
Unfortunately, my voice will not be heard on the radio in Athens, for I
am terrified of talking on the radio. And that fear is the reason why I
have decided to write my blogs. Plus, I absolutely love to write, which
makes it a surprise that this is my first blog. 

I have always thought that I will end up writing many books, but
never once thought about attempting any type of blog, until I came to
J103. The guys here thought that it would be a neat idea to get the
interns' perspective of working at the radio station, and I agreed to
this idea.

As I said, I am graduating soon, so I sadly will not be with J103 for
much longer, but while I am still interning here, I will continue to
blog. So don't worry, you will hear all of my honest and certainly
entertaining stories and experiences that I have had at J103.

-Khrista

I don't know what's going to happen if they begin to let women in
baseball. Of course, they will never make good. Why? Because they are
too delicate. It would kill them to play ball every day.

a few days after Jackie Mitchell struck out the Yanks, baseball commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis (yes, thats his name!) voided her contract and declared women unfit to play baseball as the game was "too strenuous for women."

i posted this on my Facebook wall just the other day and someone even found a video on the legend of Jackie Mitchell that tells the story much better than i could!

The Jackie Mitchell Story on Vimeo.

As a JFEST artist (in a month) I will be making a call today to his booking agency to see if he is still planning on coming to our festival June 2, or if they are going to provide an alternate artist.

Check back in to my blog here tomorrow and I will keep you upated.

Ted

There are so many loose ends that have to be tied up before thousands can come and enjoy the great artists at Camp Jordan.

Will you please pray for me and our staff as we make the last month's decisions?

If you haven't gotten your tickets get them today-we still have some of the wristbands for Faith and Family Night to give you!

What does that mean to you?  Love to hear your comments.

Wow.  I’m so thankful for the gift of pets. God gives us animals to bring comfort, joy, laughter, peace and love to our lives.  But it sure is hard to say goodbye.  In 1995, Shelly and I had been married only 4 years when Boots came into our life.  A beautiful black and white long-haired cat with a completely loveable personality. She was just sweet.  17 years is a long time to have a pet.  But we had to say goodbye to her last night.

She developed a problem with seizures back in the summer.  We thought we lost her around labor day, then again at Christmas, then again last week.  Each time, I could tell the toll it was taking on her. Then it happened again this week.  She got sick Friday and never recovered. 

What I’ll miss the most, is coming home from work.  She would hop up from her nap and eagerly follow me to the closet, where I always changed clothes. She’d rub her favorite boxes and wait patiently for me to finish changing.  I’d pick her up and hold her like a baby.  It was an every day routine for as long as I can remember. 

Please pray for Shelly and Luke. Boots, or “booty” or “boo” as we sometimes called her has always been part of Luke’s life.  He’s only 10, she had just turned 17.

Booty….we’ll miss you!

It is "do or die" time with only 4 weeks left to go.  He is taking every free minute he can to study, (weekends, evenings, lunch time, etc).  He is really striving to pass this class.

Do we do the same thing in life?  When faced with tough obstacles or trials do we, through God's help and strength, strive and push forward to win the prize?

If Chipper can pass Biology then surely I can face the tough times that are coming my way.

Go Chipper!  That's my boy!

 

Talented Gotee Records’ singer/songwriter Jamie Grace continues to build on an incredible year with her highly successful album, One Song At a Time. With a best-selling record, two No. 1 singles, and a GRAMMY ® nomination under her belt, Jamie Grace can now add the GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year to her list of accolades. Jamie Grace also performed at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, which will air on the Gospel Music Channel tonight at 8 and 10 PM EST.
 
"Going to the Dove's was amazing, being nominated and performing... an honor I can't explain - winning? I cried for a good 20 minutes in total,” Jamie Grace states. “Being in my hometown, spending that evening with my parents and being considered as an artist when I was in a room of people who truly inspire me was an overwhelming experience that I'll never forget. So thankful that God has given me this opportunity and I pray I can continue to grow into who He wants me to be."
 
"Jamie Grace is as exciting a new artist as I have ever witnessed," states Jamie Grace's long-time mentor TobyMac. "She is fresh, charming, and a serious songwriter. She is the gospel whether singing or not!!  As Jason Crabb put it on Twitter... 'Jamie, Gotee Records blessed us when they found you!' We're all blessed to have a Jamie Grace."
 
Many offered their congratulations to Jamie Grace via Twitter, including Reba McEntire, whom Jamie Grace has admired for years, and "The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd.

Source: CMSpin

 

Newsboys announced today they are extending their much sought after God's Not Dead Tour through the fall of 2012. Over the course of visiting 60+ cities this spring, the Newsboys' God’s Not Dead Tour has impacted thousands of lives, both locally and internationally. Since the tour began in mid-January, a remarkable 31 venues have sold out and the tour is still hitting another ten markets before the spring leg ends May 6th in Williamsburg, VA.
 
Joining the fall leg of the tour will be Building 429 (Provident Label Group) and Luminate (Sparrow/EMI). Compassion International will continue their highly successful partnership with Newsboys in raising awareness and sponsorships for children overseas during the tour.
 
The God's Not Dead Tour is one of the most in-demand nights of worship, praise and celebration during this touring season. Over 4,000 children have been sponsored through the partnership with Compassion International, while 3,200 people have pledged to be “Second to One” through I am Second, and thousands more have indicated their desire to give their lives to Christ after hearing a message of hope from evangelist Bob Lenz of Life Promotions.
 
Testimonies have poured in following each show. One of the tour's promoters shared, “I wanted to tell you THANK YOU for giving us the opportunity to host the GOD'S NOT DEAD Tour with Newsboys. Of course the music was great, but this tour is so much more. We greatly appreciated the chance to host an evening where the Gospel was a part of the evening and was not shoe-horned in somewhere. To have the artists, especially Newsboys, speak about Jesus Christ in more than a passing comment was exactly what we think these evenings should be about.”
 
Concertgoers will be sure to have an amazing time hearing some of the biggest hits currently at radio, led by Newsboys' hit single "God's Not Dead," which held the top spot on Billboard's CHR chart for seven weeks in a row and is currently rising up the AC chart, this week at No. 3 on Christian AC Indicator. They'll also hear Building 429's "Where I Belong," which has been No. 1 for an astounding eleven weeks (Billboard's National Audience chart and Christian AC Monitored chart).
 
The fall leg of the tour will visit more than 35 markets nationwide, with stops in major markets of Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, Houston, and Nashville. The remaining tour dates for the spring leg of the God's Not Dead Tour are available at Newsboys.com and the tour's official webpage at GodsNotDeadTour.com.

Source: CMSpin

so without any more verbage, here's my superlative list when it comes to the JFest artists:

Best band to play putt-putt with: Sidewalk Prophets - these guys are just too goofy and fun to not enjoy an ultra-competitive/cutthroat game of mini-golf with!

Best band to go hunting/fishing with: Dara Maclean - the lady grew up in Texas. she must know how to hunt!

Best band to go shopping with: Building 429 - you thought i was going to say Dara didn't you? but have you seen the amount of eyeliner and hair product B429 uses??? not to mention their fashionably hipster grunge rock attire!

Best band to play pickup basketball with: Kutless - not because they're exceptionaly tall or athletic looking, but because their lead singer is bald. bald on the court is intimidating.

Best band to go out to eat with: Chris August - the guy wrote a whole song about candy! need i say more!

haha, sounds bad i know, i always sang along, but never read into them. the band's name is Shaimus, and they're not a Christian band, but you can see who this song is calling out. it's calling out us Christians for making claims and professions with our mouths but living a completely different life through our actions. people know that love is it. they realize that love is why we're all here. they know that we as Christians claim love and grace. we need to strive to truly show the love we so proudly claim in our daily lives to EVERYONE we're around, cause as proof here, everyone is watching for that love!

Shaimus - "Interview"

I woke up this morning to the


interview on the radio.

It was this bitter old lady preaching 'bout

how much she hated the world.


And it hit me like whiplash, oh but I


couldn't get up to turn it off. It was

Like watching a car crash.

Your mouth is open but you can't find a word.

In our lives, how do we perceive?

Do we know whats right or do we just believe?

We can name when it's black or white.

It won't look the same when it's shades of light.

Attacking the people


With the book she molested in the palm of her hand.

How can you take what is based on love

To hate those you don't understand?


And it hit me like whiplash, oh but I


couldn't get up to turn it off. It was

Like watching a car crash.

Your mouth is open but you can't find a word.

In our lives, how do we perceive?

Do we know whats right or do we just believe?

We can name when it's black or white.

It won't look the same when it's shades of light.

 

This past weekend women in Oklahoma City and Lafayette gathered to celebrate the debut Dare To Be events. This revolutionary event features Nashville based four-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year and 2012 GRAMMY Award® nominee Natalie Grant, alongside international speaker and author Charlotte Gambill.
 
Dare To Be, a brand new live women’s event birthed from a realization of a dream from two close friends, kicked off its 2012 spring tour on April 12. The tour continues through April and May (dates below). Both events this past week included a packed house of women from all walks of life aiming higher, stretching further – rediscovering their God- given dreams.
 
Presented by World Vision and sponsored by Regent University, the Dare To Be nationwide events highlight Grant and Gambill’s unique American, English combination. Each evening features Grant’s musical talent and Gambill’s powerful speaking, bringing to life a practical interpretation of God’s word that remains alive for our everyday challenges.
 
In addition to the evening programming, Grant and Gambill are honoring a local extraordinary woman in every market  – someone who is currently daring to be.  Anyone can be nominated by sending a nomination email to info@daretoberevolution.com and sharing why the nominee should be honored.
 
Last weekend, two women were honored at the Dare To Be events. After a life of hardships and loosing her son in a tragic accident, the Oklahoma City honoree Fay Glenn remains a pillar of strength for those around her.  In Lafayette, honoree Allison Prince is a wonderful example of a single mom working diligently to support her family while maintaining two jobs working 24-7 each week and still giving back to others in need. Crossroads Church partnered with Dare To Be and donated $1000 to Allison Prince in honor of her continuous dedication to her family and community.
 
What women are saying about Dare To Be:
 
“There really aren't words to express how amazing DareToBe was. If they're coming near you...GO!” ~ Tweet from @aguilbert
 
“Enjoyed "Dare to Be" in Lafayette, LA Had an AWESOME TIME!” ~ April, Facebook post
 
“Amazing weekend at Dare to Be in Lafayette, La. Thank you, the experience has forever changed me!!” ~ Jamie, Facebook post
 
“DareToBe rocked my world!!! I am forever changed...God encouraged me, challenged me & dared me to be” ~ Tweet from @karina268
 
“Such an inspiration!! Enjoyed tonight's Dare To Be.” ~ Verna, Facebook post
 
“Dare To Be was amazing!! Thank you for the great messages!! Can't wait until tomorrow!! I'm blessed to have had the chance to be a part of something so great!!” ~ Allison, Facebook post
 
“Thank you for a wonderful evening in OKC. You and Charlotte spoke deep, meaningful and powerful words.” ~ Roe, Facebook post
 
“Awesome tonight!!!! So inspiring and moving you guys rocked!!!! Thank you for an awesome show, your story was moving, and touching and so heartfelt. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! Best of luck with the rest of the tour.” ~ Christina, Facebook post
 
Grant and Gambill are also asking women from around the world to join this movement and share how they "Dare to Be" - living for the one thing God has called them to be. Women can participate by writing their "Dare to Be" message on a piece of paper and signing it with their name and location. They are encouraged to take a picture while holding the sign and Tweeting the picture with the hashtag #daretobe or email to team@daretoberevolution.com.

Source: CMSpin

 

Christian music's biggest tour, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, has shattered its own record to become the #1 tour in the world (first quarter) for the second consecutive year.  According to Pollstar’s 2012 Worldwide First Quarter Ticket Sales Charts - Top 100 Tours, Winter Jam outpaced attendance for all other tours, including Cirque du Soleil - “Michael Jackson: The Immortal,” Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, The Black Keys, Jason Aldean and Brad Paisley, among others.  See below for exclusive highlights from Winter Jam 2012.

Founded and hosted by Grammy®-nominated NewSong and headlined by Grammy®-nominated alternative rockers Skillet, the 47-city tour—which ended April 1 before a capacity crowd at Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena—saw 32 sold-out concerts and surpassed last year’s record attendance by more than 10,000, playing to a total of nearly 535,000 people.
 
"Being the headliner on Winter Jam was an incredible opportunity for Skillet,” said the band’s frontman, John Cooper.  “The fans, the music, and the message were absolutely relevant and impacted people's lives each and every night.  The worst part of Winter Jam was having to end the tour and go back to ‘normal’ life!"
 
“For 17 years, each Winter Jam Tour has had its own unique personality, made so by not only the artists on stage, but by the entire team of people who made each night happen,” said Eddie Carswell, Winter Jam creator and founding member of NewSong.  “Although we are overwhelmed by the attendance figures and sellouts, what means the most to us are the stories we heard every single night of how God moved in people’s hearts.  Providing a platform for the Gospel message was why we began Winter Jam, and that mission remains true today.”
 
In addition to headliners Skillet and hosts NewSong, this year’s tour also featured Sanctus Real, former Newsboys frontman Peter Furler, Kari Jobe, Building 429, Group 1 Crew, illusionist Brock Gill, and national speaker/PULSE Movement founder Nick Hall.  In addition, the OneVerse Pre-Jam Party included performances from Dara Maclean, For King & Country and We As Human.
 
Following its January 6 launch in Charleston, West Virginia, The Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular played to capacity audiences in some of the country’s top venues, including Atlanta’s Philips Arena; The Wolstein Center in Cleveland; Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena; the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee; and the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, where more than 20,000 were in attendance.
 
Promoted by Premier Productions and presented by Holt International, Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular partners included BeMyVote.com, the University of Mobile, Teen Mania's Global Expeditions, OneVerse, The Life Book Movement, Logo's Bible Study Magazine, Teen Missions, Premier Christian Cruises, Xtreme Conferences, Camp Electric, The Creation Museum, Wayne E. Bailey Produce, and Texas TransEastern.
 
Since its formation by NewSong in 1995, Winter Jam has featured many of the top names in Christian music, including TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North and Fireflight, among others.  The tour has also been instrumental in helping launch the careers of such acclaimed artists as Francesca Battistelli, Chris August and Sidewalk Prophets.

Source: CMSpin

Sometimes our lives are a lot like this.   Are you in the midst of the storm right now? Is it one of those “sad” days?  The devil wants you to worry worry worry. He wants you to think of the worst possible outcome.  But here’s the good news: Things usually do not turn out nearly as bad as we are able to imagine they will.  And by God’s grace, the storm usually passes sooner that we expect.

So be encouraged today!  Your “3 days” will be over sooner that you think!

On the other side-I am asking a favor......pray for marriages!  I have two couples that I know that are really struggling keeping their marriage vows.

One couple was on the brink of a divorce after some unfaithfullness.  They were ready to throw in the towel thinking it was to late and to far gone.  But God interceeded and thanks to some good marital counseling and a lot of prayers they are on the road to strengthening their marriage.

Don't take your own marriage for granted either.  Invest time daily to make sure your spouse knows without a shadow of a doubt that you love them just as much now, if not more than the day you said, "I do!"

Kind of a short post tonight but I'm dead dog tired and suffering from a sore throat! This is the worst thing that could happen to a person who makes a living talking on the radio. 

haha, it always seems like when i convince her it won't take long and not to worry about changing or drying her hair or whatever we run into somebody we know and i get berated for the next 48 hours on how it was my fault she didn't look good when we ran into somebody we knew. it was pretty cool last night though, we went grocery shopping and happened across two of our friends in seperate parts of the store who had just come from working out. here we were fresh from dinner and lookin pretty spiffy if i might say so myself. did i get any thanks? not this time. when we look good, i've learned by now i had nothing to do with it. :)

• WBCO/WQEL- Bucyrus, Ohio


• WDIF - Marion, Ohio


• Hit Radio 100 - The Island of Guam


• WFMF- Baton Rouge, Louisiana


• Star 102.1- Little Rock, Arkansas


• KJ-103 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma


• 1075 KZL - Greensboro, North Carolina


• Y-107 Columbia, Missouri


• Island 106 - Panama City, Florida


• 1079 PFM - 
   Panama City, Florida


• Spirit 93.3 Little Rock, Arkansas


• Alice 107.7 Little Rock, Arkansas


• V-103 Atlanta, Georgia
  
  But let me tell ya, I'm done wanderin! I have found the perfect station to call home! 

 

This week BEC Recordings’ and international rock artist Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) released his fifth studio album, Fighter. This album follows his critically acclaimed release The Chase and is already on track to reach the heights of his previous effort.  In true Manafest fashion, he has already taped two music videos from this new album.  Fans can view “Never Let You Go” and “Pushover” online now.
 
“Never Let You Go,” Fighter’s lead CHR single, currently New and Active, shows the softer, more spiritually reflective side of Manafest’s endless pursuit. This song is also charting on the National Christian Audience chart. The title track is currently at Rock radio and charting in the Top 10.
 
The media are digging Fighter stating it is “lyrically intense,” “packs a power punch,” and an “ambitious blend of rap, hip-hop and R&B.” Here are samples of what the media are saying about Manafest’s Fighter:
 
"Wrapped up in each of the eleven tracks is a message defined by positivity and the will to get up and make a difference. If anyone out there needs a new album to spin while working out, trying to get through hard times in life, or just to put a little fire under you, look no further."
-IndieVisionMusic
 
"All things considered, Fighter is a fun, upbeat rap rock album with a pleasantly encouraging message. Fans of Manafest and the genre in general will find plenty to like here."
-JesusFreakHideout
 
"Lyrically intense, the musicianship on this record is nearly flawless. Arguably better than most Top 40 rock, fans of the genre will NOT want to pass this up, and I hope to see several of these songs go on to gain major mainstream exposure." 
-NewReleaseTuesday 4.5 star review
 
"Fighter packs a power punch dripping with melodic hooks, hardcore tracks and spot-on vocals...making his musical output stronger than ever before." 
-CCM Magazine 4 Star Review
 
"An accessible but still ambitious blend of rap, hip-hop and R&B. The street-savvy artist tackles topics like childhood insecurity, perseverance and evangelism."
-GMCtv online
 
"This one-two punch of blazing spirit and back-against-the-wall verve could just be the thing that endears Fighter to fans."
-Crosswalk
 
"The entire album seemed to have a common theme which was hopeful but also challenging listeners to stand up for what they believe, and not give up." 
-ChristianMusicJunkie Blog
 
"Manafest is giving rap a hardcore edge"
-The Shorthorn (University of Texas Arlington paper)

Source: CMSpin

 

FANetwork presents the launch of the inspirational concert series Global Sounds on May 9 featuring GRAMMY Award nominated Jeremy Camp. This first ever satellite television F-broadcast concert series delivered within the Facebook platform will air live on multiple Facebook pages and will feature six episodes connecting artists with their Facebook fans from all over the world. Each Global Sounds concert event will be a part of a month-long engaging experience providing the opportunity to share, encourage, and unify on a global platform in real time.
 
Jeremy Camp will be the first in this series from his home in Tennessee. He will host his family and friends along with Facebook fans, churches and youth groups from everywhere for a night of stories behind the songs that he has written. Fans will be able to interactively take part before, during and after the live event, gaining access through the "Global Sounds Live" application featured on multiple Facebook pages.
 
"I am really excited about this new opportunity with FANetwork,” shares Camp. “I love that through Facebook and social media we can now broadcast around the world and allow people a chance to experience all the stories behind the songs that may not typically get to come to a show.”
 
"With the launch of FANetwork.TV's live events and original programming in combination with Facebook's 850 million subscribers around the world, every fan is immediately granted all-access to their favorite artists," says Charlie Stuart Gay, President of FANetwork. "It's great that we can express ourselves connecting through the premiere of Global Sounds featuring inspirational mega artists starting with Jeremy Camp. He is an extraordinary performer and by broadcasting this concert live from his home in Tennessee, it is unique. It also gives his million plus fans the chance to engage in the heart of his authentic expression, interact and share Global Sounds with their friends."
 
Prior to the event Jeremy will be engaging fans throughout social media outlets encouraging them to express themselves through contests beginning in April leading up to the live event on May 9. Contest winners and the most popular fan questions will be announced during the event. These contests promote fan expressions through video and photos, allowing fans to spread the word about the event through social media outlets.
 
To view Global Sounds, there will be a “pledge” option for fans as opposed to purchasing a ticket. By encouraging people to pledge a suggested amount, the Global Sounds event is empowered to support Camp’s non-profit Speaking Louder Ministries and the collective Global Sounds community. Those who cannot pledge at this time are still able to enjoy the concert.
 
"Majority of the proceeds go to our non profit called Speaking Louder Ministries, which allows us to do free evangelistic outreaches all around the world," states Camp.
 
Camp will be available for radio and media interviews beginning May 1.
 
About Jeremy Camp:
Over his stellar 10 year career, BEC Recordings' artist Camp has established himself with these landmark accolades: over three million albums sold, Four RIAA Gold-selling studio albums including his debut album; One RIAA Multi-Platinum long-form video; 26 No. 1 Radio Hits across all formats; GRAMMY® nominated project for his album Speaking Louder Than Before; Billboard’s No. 3 Christian Artist of the Decade including five songs in the Top 50 Billboard Christian Songs of the Decade; Four ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards; ASCAP Song of the Year award; Five Dove awards including two-time Male Vocalist of the Year. Jeremy is a Compassion International artist.
 
About FANetwork:
FANetwork, is both a broadcaster of live events and a distributor of music and film within the
delivery ecosystem of Facebook and beyond. This growing media group with offices in London and Los Angeles is managed by media investors and entertainment producers, providing immediate investment, innovative delivery-platforms and distribution to major artists and entertainment properties. FANetwork  has grouped pioneering digital delivery companies from Europe and US to support it's launch of theatrical quality programming through social medias. In the past its President, Charlie Stuart Gay has been used to producing large Christian assemblies including being Arrangements Chair for the final Billy Graham Crusade at the Rose Bowl.

Source: CMSpin

 

Would you believe that I entered the swinging world of radio at the age of two?

My mom always tells the story on how I wandered away from home in Lompoc California and ended up at the radio station about a mile down the road. When she finally found me I was happliy on top of the radio console telling the disc jockey what record should be played next.

Since then I always pursued being a disc jockey, which actually was a family thing since my mom was a DJ in Morocco and my next door neighbor and CCD sponsor was a disc jockey at the local station.

When most guys were going on dates in high school I and my wacky band of friends would sit out on the driveway and listen to the radio to hear the most distant stations. Being on the coast of California is was a really big deal to hear Ohio stations.

More radio cornicopia in my next rambling!

The Micro Bus Bed and Playhouse

(fixed the above link!)

If you missed it here it is:

 

PASSION: White Flag has debuted to widespread praise and popularity with the highest street week to date for a Passion recording, selling more than 48,000 units, a 61% increase above 2011's PASSION: HERE FOR YOU, while landing at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 1 on Christian SoundScan. In addition, this marks sixstepsrecords' second album this year to debut in the top 5 of the Billboard Top 200, following David Crowder* Band's No. 2 entry this past January.
 
Some of the most celebrated and respected worship leaders of today, including Chris Tomlin, David Crowder*Band, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and Charlie Hall, led the generation of tomorrow in collective praise, as captured on PASSION: White Flag, recorded at Passion 2012 earlier this year. This 14-track worship celebration (deluxe edition contains 3 additional tracks, plus extras), live from Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, features the aforementioned sixstepsrecords artists along with the voices of more than 42,000 college students. PASSION: White Flag skyrocketed to No. 4 on iTunes® Top Albums Overall Chart upon its release, with the deluxe version of the project currently No. 1 on the Christian iTunes® chart and the regular version holding the No. 2 position. PASSION: White Flag can be downloaded  here or purchased at retailers and digital outlets nationwide.

PASSION: White Flag is lead by the rallying title-track single, “White Flag,” featuring GRAMMY® winner Chris Tomlin. The song was the most added track at Christian AC radio in its debut week and is currently at No. 17 on the National Audience chart, while being the most added at both AC Monitored and Indicator this week. The album features some familiar songs while also highlighting brand-new music spurred from Passion 2012.
 
Passion 2012 was a four-day gathering, attended by over 42,000 college students, led by Passion founder and pastor, Louie Giglio along with renowned speakers John Piper, Beth Moore and Francis Chan, as well as artists and worship leaders Chris Tomlin, David Crowder* Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Hillsong United and Lecrae. Passion 2012 helped students representing 31 countries and more than 1,700 campuses learn about the horrific realities faced by the 27 million people worldwide who are enslaved as forced laborers, child laborers or trapped within the all- too prevalent sex trade. In total, $3.3 million was given to support more than 20 projects around the world by organizations that are focusing on prevention, rescue, and restoration for the millions of men, women, and children entrapped in modern day slavery.
 
Media are also taking notice of PASSION:White Flag, saying…
 
“White Flag rises up and delivers a powerful set… Assisted by stellar vocalists like Kristian Stanfill and Chris Tomlin, tracks like “Not Ashamed” and “No Turning Back” ring out with an epic rock swagger that draws heavily from the sound of artists like U2 and Coldplay. David Crowder*Band steps in…adding anthemic fuel to a fire that’s already burning pretty hot.” – iTunes
 
“Featuring modern worship’s usual suspects, sixstepsrecords fills the musical component of its annual Passion conference with bigger anthems, bigger production and all-star roster…the 2012 CD showcases Passion’s best yet tracks... producer Nathan Nockels does a stellar job of sonically placing the listener in the middle of the action. White Flag plainly positions Passion as the leader in new corporate worship.” – CCM
 
"Passion's heart to craft reverent and relevant praise remains the same....this is a tightly performed blend of electronic rock, Brit pop, and booming ballads that work well with a congregation, though the calmer cuts could just as comfortably accompany personal prayer time." – Christianity Today
 
“If you have a time or place to sit alone and spend some time singing praises to a loving Creator, this album is amazing. To close your eyes and sing along with some of these remarkably powerful lyrics, with no other thoughts or distractions, will take you to a true place of worship. Passion has always excelled in this area and they continue to do so, even after 14 years.” – Jesus Freak Hideout
 
“Like previous offerings, this project delivers a set of songs that bring the listener to a fresh sense of gratefulness for God and what He has done for those who belong to Him. It’s no exaggeration to say there is not a single track on this recording not worth downloading and carrying with you.” – Worship.com
 
Alongside the release of Passion: White Flag, Passion founder and recent GRAMMY ® nominee Louie Giglio debuted the latest in the 900,000+ selling Passion Talk Series,   SYMPHONY, I LIFT MY HANDS, last week. As seen by over 200,000 people on Tomlin’s 50-city “And If Our God Is For Us...Tour," SYMPHONY is one of Giglio’s most compelling talks and one that left audiences spellbound. To experience a preview of SYMPHONY, click here.
 
The Passion World Tour will stop in Vancouver this Friday, March 23, and features Giglio, along with Chris Tomlin, David Crowder and Kristian Stanfill with future 2012 dates soon to be announced in Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa.

Source: CMSpin

Celebraing this weekend:

Friday:  Rhonda Killian, 52 in Ringgold

James Sims, 2 in Ringgold

Colin Sapienza, 6 in Dayton

Drew Mullins, 40 in Cleveland

Jr Sitzlar, 45 in Ten Mile

Duane Hope, 40 in Cleveland

Saturday:  Lydia Terrazas. 67 in Dalton

Cheryl Ashworth, 29+ in Valley Head

Sunday:  Lynda Hughes, 47 in Chattanooga

Nathan Sunder, 5 Flintstone

Rebecca Walden, 15 Niota

Ava Robbins, 4 in Chattanooga

Nathan, 5 Flintstone

Herb Landwer, 39 in Ooltewah

Happy Easter Everyone!

She is a local High School student who has (since September) been keeping up with the morning show page among other duties around the station.

With that said, she is on spring break, and I forgot to post yesterdays birthdays.  Sorry.

Congratulations Madison Collier, 13 in Rock Spring-she won the DQ Birthday Cake.

Also celebrating yesterday:

Ashlyn Melton, 15 in Cleveland

Taelor Cash, 12 in Charleston

Courtney Lillian Patterson, 15 in Pikeville

and Nathan Hales, 37 in Dunlap.

Today's Birthday winner was Austin Vandergriff, 16 in Cleveland.  Enjoy that DQ icecream cake Austin!

Happy Birthday to:  Spencer Earls, 16 in Cleveland

Rhyan Dishroom, 28 in Ringgold

Christian Moser, 5 in Cleveland

Mike Mcintyre, 44 in Ringgold

and Brandi Patterson 35 in Epworth!

Can't wait for Khrista to get back Monday!!!

Jimmy Needham’s  new album, Clear The Stage,  is being hailed as his strongest release to date with stellar reviews from media and strong support overall from the Christian music industry.  The project is the first-time collaboration between producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Dave Barnes, Aaron Shust) and Needham, with the first single, If I Ever Needed Grace going for adds at radio.  The Fish/LA is one of the stations who is on board with an early add.

Needham’s two-week promo trip covered several cities in six states (Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Indiana, Texas and Michigan) for media appearances and radio interviews/visits.  The music has attracted several mainstream outlets such as the national WGN Midday News, nationally syndicated morning show Daytime, and Great Day Houston.  Other national press outlets include, Moody’s Chris Fabry Live!, watchgmctv.com, Campus Crusade For Christ-Lighthouse and Women Today radio programs, and local outlet, Atlanta Live.   Radio visits included KLTY/Dallas, TX; TheJoyFM/Sarasota, FL; WHPZ/South Bend, IN; The Fish/Atlanta, GA; WJQK, Grand Rapids, MI, and  Shine.FM in Chicago, IL hosted a live acoustic concert by Needham at Olivet Nazarene University.
Early media reviews are raving about Clear The Stage, and the growth of Needham as an artist and songwriter.

Phantom Tollbooth - This may be Needham’s best and most mature recording to date, and the way he sings “Clear The Stage” is worth hearing.

JesusFreakHideout.com - The theme of "Clear The Stage" cannot be missed as it is weaved throughout the entire album. Needham is focused on eternity and drawing closer to God.

Hollywood Jesus - With Clear The Stage, the influences are diverse, but the ten-song disc is cohesive and solid.

Christian Manifesto - He has paved for himself a unique path with his distinctive voice,
brilliant  songwriting, and mixture of various music styles.  And it works.

Also upcoming for Needham will be an interview about Clear The Stage with Rhapsody.com’s, “On The Record” and “The Box,” that will be online in May, along with a busy touring schedule this spring and summer.  For more information about Needham please visit online at www.jimmyneedham.com.

Source: CMSpin

 

After receiving five GRAMMY® awards, countless other accolades, and with album sales in excess of 10 million, it’s no surprise that critics and fans alike bravoed superstar TobyMac upon the release of Dubbed & Freq’d: A Remix Project, his first remix album in seven years. Fusing his signature rock-pop, hip-hop and urban styles with a treatment of today’s electronic music uprising, the album offers an outstanding new interpretation of 12 of Toby’s classics to an incredibly wide audience. Immediately upon release, the album made its debut at No. 2 on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Albums chart.
 
To give fans a chance to build their own remixes, Toby has launched an interactive app on his Facebook page where visitors can create their own remix of his hit song “Showstopper”. After creating it, fans can share their unique remix via Facebook and Twitter. To check it out, please click here.

“For remix records, an artist can be very involved or back off, and for me it’s the latter,” Toby explains. “For all of my remix records, I choose the producers and remixers and let them do their thing. Then I either say ‘yes’ or push back with ‘what if you did this or that?’ The way I see it, I’ve already taken my shot at the songs and put the recipe together.”
 
Media have been eager to praise TobyMac for his adventurous new project, and here is just a sampling of what people are saying about Dubbed & Freq’d:
 
"...if you’re familiar with [TobyMac's] music and are interested in hearing it in a fresh new way, look no further… and prepare to be freaked." - New Release Tuesday
 
“Such a crisp creative project could only come from one of the industry’s best. TobyMac puts together another great release… no surprise there.” – CMAddict.com
 
"‘Lose My Soul’ and ‘Ignition’ are both simply amazing, with the former carrying hot piano (yes piano) keys while the latter has dramatic production throughout. McKeehan takes two already great songs and re-mixes them into pure creative awesomeness... this will be spinning in my player for a while." – Jesus Freak Hideout
 
“TobyMac not only makes great music with amazing production value, he makes essential music, and getting Dubbed & Freq’d is just a natural choice for any fan.” – Christian Music Zine
 
In addition to the release of Dubbed & Freq’d, TobyMac has concert plans as well, having announced the expansion of his unplugged “A Night of Stories and Songs” tour through April 21. He has also confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in additional to many more. See the cities and dates here.
 
About TobyMac: 
With over 10 million in career sales, TobyMac’s first three solo projects received RIAA Gold status and GRAMMY® nominations, his live CD/DVD took home a GRAMMY® award in 2009, and this year the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist celebrated his eighth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination, this time for his songwriting contribution to rising star (and recording artist on his label, Gotee Records) Jamie Grace’s No. 1 hit “Hold Me.” His latest album TONIGHT that received a nod for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.”  The GRAMMY ® nominated single from the hit record “City On Our Knees” track topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at #1 on the Christian Audience Chart.  TONIGHT also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78,000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. The album was also named as iTunes® Best Christian Album of 2010 and recently took home the Dove Award for “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year.”
 
Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits and being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 “Artist of the Year,” he was also nominated for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist” at the 2010 American Music Awards and was up for three Billboard Music Awards this year including “Top Christian Artist.” The hit song “Tonight” was also chosen as the theme song for MLB’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series and featured on the Golf Channel.  Additionally, his music has been heard in major motion pictures such as “Hancock,” “TRANSPORTER 2,” while also being featured on Fox sports, The NFL network, being selected as the theme song for Fox College Football and WWE’s Fatal 4-Way Pay-Per-View. “Showstopper,” from the chart-topping album TONIGHT, was featured in ESPN’s ESPY Award Show and used to launch the last season of CBS hit television show CSI: NY. His latest album, Dubbed & Freq'd: A Remix Project, released on March 26, 2012. For more information on TobyMac, go to:  www.tobymac.com

Source: CMSpin

Aaron Shust Voted By Fans Best Inspirational Artist On About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

The accolades continue to grow for Aaron Shust and his incredible career, as he was just fan-voted as Best Inspirational Artist on the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.  Voting began on the popular website February 22 with fans nominating twenty artists, and the top five artists who garnered the most votes became the finalists.  Voting ended March 21 with Shust winning the category.

“I am so honored by this award and the support of my wonderful fans,” says Shust.  “It means so much to me that people took the time to vote and I want to thank each and every one of you.  And thank you to About.com for providing this opportunity for the fans’ voices to be heard.”

Shust just ended an incredible fourteen-week run on five Christian music charts at #1 with his last single, My Hope Is In You.  His second single, RisenToday, is currently going for adds at radio.  Both songs are from Shust’s current CD, This Is What We Believe on Centricity Music. 

For more information on Shust and his touring schedule, which includes dates for the Called To Love Tour, please visit online at www.aaronshust.com.

Source: CMSpin

Chris August joins the Morning Show with Ted 4-5-12 by The Morning Show with Ted

 

NewReleaseTuesday.com (NRT), the largest Christian music site online, continues to push forward in mobile app development with the announcement of the site's third application, “NRT Weekly,” designed for Apple’s industry leading mobile iOS platform. The app is available now as a free download through Apple’s iTunes Store and is optimized for the iPad as well as available for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. The app was developed in partnership with Word Entertainment—an entertainment company that represents some of the top names and brands in Christian music—and will feature exclusive ads throughout NRT Weekly, highlighting the latest projects and messages from Word Entertainment, as well as various national awareness campaigns throughout the year.
 
“NRT Weekly is the culmination of the hard work our entire team has done over the past five years as we've sought to build the best Christian music site online,” states NRT founder, Kevin McNeese. “Our previous app, NRT Mobile, is more informative and static, connecting to our massive Christian artist and album databases, whereas NRT Weekly is a content rich app, updating every Tuesday with new content to explore. It is a natural progression of what we do and a great way for the casual, or even hardcore, Christian music fan to quickly digest the latest that NRT and the world of Christian music has to offer each week."
 
Adam Zinke, Director of Online Marketing at Word Entertainment, said, “As an entertainment company, we are always looking for ways to expand our reach through new and innovative technologies. NewReleaseTuesday.com has once again delivered a well-designed mobile experience for the Christian music fan. We are honored to be a part of this vision and help drive it forward."
 
Released almost three years to the date since NRT Mobile’s launch—which has since been downloaded more than 85,000 times—NRT Weekly seeks to dynamically share with fans what's new in Christian music each week. Through exclusive content, special features and rich media, Christian music fans will be able to explore new releases, watch the latest music videos, connect with their favorite artists and read interviews and other exclusive content found nowhere else.
 
In addition to the latest information on new releases, NRT Weekly will give users mobile access to the site’s popular new release schedule promoting what's releasing in future weeks as well as connecting fans to NRT Radio, a 24/7 Christian Music radio station that plays over 8 hours of new music with zero repeats.
 
“It's been my experience that God will bring together the right team in His timing,” says McNeese. “We feel that NRT Weekly aligns perfectly with Word Entertainment's mission to reach music fans in a dynamic and innovative way. One of NRT’s main objectives is to introduce people to music that changes lives and NRT Weekly will be a true extension of that vision for both companies. With over 25 billion applications downloaded through iTunes, and the recent release of the third generation iPad, there is huge potential to bring positive music to this platform, and I can’t think of a better partner than Word Entertainment to help us bring this application to market.”
 
"We are truly approaching this as an evolution of the digital magazine," continues McNeese. "NRT Weekly is designed for quick consumption and updated for free every single Tuesday with content you can't get anywhere else. We can't wait to connect with Christian Music fans in this way.”
 
More information about NRT Weekly, along with the long-awaited launch of NRT Mobile for the Android platform, can be found at http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/nrtmobile.
 
About NewReleaseTuesday.com
NewReleaseTuesday.com (http://www.NewReleaseTuesday.com) was launched in August of 2002 and offers the most complete and up-to-date listing of upcoming releases online, exclusive artist interviews, commentary from a variety of columnists, New Christian Music PodCasts and the latest in Christian music news. It is also the home to the NRTeam, an online music community that maintains one of the largest online databases of Christian artist profiles, album reviews and song lyrics. NewReleaseTuesday.com is part of the FrontGate Media group.

About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry for more than 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in Christian music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, For King and Country, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets, and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records and Fervent Records.

Source: CMSpin

Happy B-Day to Hannah Williams who is 12 years old today in Chatsworth Georgia.  She won the DQ Grill and Chill Birthday Cake.

Others having birthdays today are:

Judy Walker, 63 in Soddy Daisy

Ronnie Vandergriff, 55 in Cleveland

Marty McCarver 64 in Ringgold

Mildred Green, 71 in Dalton

and Pastor Lee Ingram, 67 from Fairview Baptist Church in Benton TN.

Hurry Back Khrista!!!!!!

Happy Birthday and Congratulations to today's DQ Grill and Chill B-Day cake:  Constance Ensley, 7 from Ooltewah.

Also Happy B-Day to:

katy kennedy 10 in Ringgold

Ashley Ingram 25 (Sat) in Ider Al

Lance is 9 in Chatsworth

Mark Ware, 50's in Calhoun.

How Much is $540 Million?

if you walked down the street and found a dollar bill on the ground every 10 feet, you'd have to walk the circumference of the Earth 41 times to pick up all 540 million of those bills.

it's yoru salary for 5,400 years if you earn $100,000 a year.

You could buy a thousand $500,000 homes

You could buy over 98 million $5-plus drinks at Starbucks-or one for everyone in the state of California, New York and TExas and still have enough to buy two of them for all your friends in Washington state plus if you were feeling generous, one for everyone in Oregon too.

In fact, you could buy 1.3% of Starbucks, the company.

Here is this mornings Monday Morning Chuckle-Christian Comediane Anita Renfroe talks about how difficult it is to get the entire family to sit down for dinner.

Wendy Steele: "does this call for a new bumper sticker?"

Dave Poe: "lol ... only in America is Haz-mat eco friendly!! .. smh"

Melissa Shelton: "April Fools? That is ugly."

Perk Evans: "I just threw up in my mouth... A little."

Robin Swanson: "The light bulb is ok but the j103 part is way "60-70"s not so crazy about that part. But it you change it I would still sport proudly on my car so get ready to send two my way."

Jessica Churches: "Love it!! Made me laugh!!!"

Rebekah Staats: "Hey guys, they posted this a
while back, then confirmed it's a JOKE. They aren't really changing the
logo. Remember: today is April Fool's Day.... so don't worry!!"

This morning we talked about Christina Verrelli's Pillsbury Bake-Off award winning recipe.  She created a Pumpkin Ravioli with Salted Caramel Whipped Cream from Pillsbury Crescent dough sheets, canned pumpkin and cream cheese.  Sounds delicious!

Apparently the judges thought it was and they awarded her $1 million and a $10,000 kitchen makeover with GE kitchen appliances.

Here is the recipe:

Create a sweet new twist on pumpkin ravioli with flaky crescent dough, cream cheese and caramel sauce.  Mmmmm.

Prep Time:  1 Hr 10 Min

Total time: 1 Hr 10 Min

Makes 12 (2 ravioli each) servings

Ingredients:

4 Tbls LAND O LAKES Butter, melted

2 pkgs (3 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1 LAND O LAKES Egg Yolk

1/2 tsp McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup sugar

5 tbls Pillsbury Best All Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/3 cup Fisher Chef's Naturals Chopped Pecans, finelly chopped

2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations refrigerated seamless dough sheets

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/8 tsp sale

5 tbls Hershey's caramel syrup

4 tlbs McCormick Cinnamon Sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Heat oven to 375.  Brush 2 large cookie sheets with 2 tbls of the melted butter.  In large bowl, beat cream cheese and pumpkin with electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until smooth.  Add egg yolk, vanilla, sugar, 3 tbls of the flour and pumpkin pie spice; beat on low speed until blended.  Reserve 4 tsps of the pecans; set aside.  Stir remaining pecans into pumpkin mixture.

2.  Lightly sprinkle work surface with 1 tbls of the flour.  Unroll 1 can of the dough on floured surface with 1 short side facing you.  Press dough into 14x12-inch rectangle.  With paring knife, lightly score the dough in half horizontally.  Lightly score bottom half of dough into 12 squares (3x2 1/4-inch each).  Spoon heaping tablespoon of the pumpkin filling onto center of each square.  Gently lift and position unscored half of dough over filling. Starting at the top folded edge, press handle of wooden spoon firmly between mounds and along edges of pumpkin filling to seal.  Using toothpick poke small hole in top of each raviolli.  Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut between each ravioli; place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.  Repeat with reamining 1 tbls flour, dough sheet and filling.  Brush ravioli with remaining 2 tbls melted butter.

3.  Bake 9 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.

4.  Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat whipping cream and salt with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.  Beat in 2 tbls of the caramel syrup until stiff peaks form.  Transfer to serving bowl, cover and refrigerate.

5.  Remove ravioli from overn.  Sprinkle ravioli with 2 tbls cinnamon sugar; turn.  Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.

6.  To serve, place 2 ravioli on each of 12 dessert plates.  Drizzle each serving with scant tsp of the caramel syrup; sprinkle with reserved chopped pecans.  With spoon, swirl remaining 1 tbls caramel syrup into bowl of whipped cream.  SErve warm ravioli with whipped cream.

At lunch today we were talking and he mentioned at how bad our gang problem must be here in Chattanooga.  That struck me.  I know we have some unruly teens and young adults, and yes there is some gang activity, but knowing the size of the city and the gang problems there I spoke up and reassured him that Chattanooga and Atlanta are far different in that regard.

It is easy to talk negatively about our city.  We see things in the newspaper, see on TV and hear about it on the radio, but because only the negative things take the forefront all of the positive things seem to go ignored.

Chattanooga and our surrounding areas is a great place to live.  We do have our issues, but by far I feel safe allowing my family to call this home.

Kentucky basketball is known world-wide because of two rivals-The University of Louisville and The University of Kentucky.

These two teams meet once a year during the season for the Dream Game.  Louisville (my almamater) is mostly an urban school.  Kentucky just 60 miles away in Lexington is not.  In the city of Louisville there are probably just as many KY Wildcat fans as Lousiville Cardinals.

Saturday the two teams will face off in NCAA's Final Four.  The winner will advance to the Championship game!  This game means a lot more than bragging rights!

I will be on pins and needles Saturday watching my Cardinals, the underdogs, take on the #1 ranked KY Wildcats.

This week being from KY (mostly Louisville) makes me proud!!!!

 

Fans looking for an early preview of new music from chart-topping foursome The Afters will have their chance later this month as the band’s song “Life Is Beautiful” is featured in the upcoming feature film October Baby. Releasing nationwide on March 23 via Provident Films, the movie’s closing credits play to “Life Is Beautiful,” a newly penned song from the band’s forthcoming Fall 2012 studio album. Before the movie hits theaters, however, the music video for the song, which also features footage from the film, is available to view online at  TheAfters.com. GodTube exclusively premiered the video for "Life Is Beautiful" on their site yesterday, and the video received over 30,000 views within the first 24 hours.

“It's an honor to be able to partner with a movie that promotes love, acceptance, forgiveness, and mercy in such a poignant and effective way,” says lead singer Josh Havens. “We hope that the song and the movie remind people of all the things that make every life beautiful!”
 
Already having had their music placed in TV promotions for “The Biggest Loser,” “Army Wives” and “You Deserve It,” as well as in the trailer for last year’s feature film New Year’s Eve, The Afters are no strangers to their music receiving national film and television exposure. The band’s third record Light Up the Sky bolstered two No. 1 radio hits—“Light Up The Sky" and "Lift Me Up." The Afters’ current singles include the Top 5 Billboard Christian CHR song “We Won’t Give Up" and the newly released AC single “I Am Yours.”
 
October Baby—premiering nationwide March 23—marks the feature film debut of award-winning music video directors Jon and Andrew Erwin. It tells the story of Hannah, a 19-year-old college freshman whose world is rocked by learning she is the adopted survivor of an attempted abortion. The realization leads Hannah on a journey to find her birth mother, but it is the power of forgiveness she ultimately discovers. The film earned the Grand Jury Prize for Best Fiction Feature at the Red Rock Film Festival and was named Audience Choice Feature Film at the Omaha Film Festival. In support of the film’s life-affirming theme, the producers of October Baby have assigned 10 percent of the profits of the film to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund. More information can be found at www.EveryLifeIsBeautiful.com. Visit the film’s official website at www.OctoberBabyMovie.net
 
About The Afters:
Texas-based, four-piece band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.” “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky has bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placements on “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters.

Source: CMSpin

 

Award-winning Canadian pop band Newworldson offers fans its long-awaited third national release, Rebel Transmission, on April 17. The project’s debut radio single, “Learning to Be the Light,” climbed to No. 3 this week on the Billboard Christian Songs chart.

Rebel Transmission continues Newworldson's unique innate pop sensibility. In addition to the exceptional musicianship of band members Joel Parisien, Mark Rogers, Rich Moore and Josh Toal, the album also features critically acclaimed Chops Horns (Alicia Keys, The Police, The Rolling Stones).

The self-produced record showcases songs including “Old Time Religion” and “Son of Man,” which follow in the footsteps of old favorites like “Working Man” with foot-stomping soul and glitzy brass. Lead single “Learning to Be the Light” and “Today” have a decidedly pop leaning while still maintaining Newworldson’s colorful retro flair.

“It still sounds like a Newworldson record in that it’s very eclectic,” says Parisien. “It goes to a lot of extremes; and it’s still a mixture of genres, with soul music and gospel music being the foundation of what we do. There’s still plenty of artistic liberty.”

The album is already finding radio success, as “Learning to Be the Light” released to Christian AC radio in late October and received 38 adds out-of-the-box. The song, which recently broke Top 5, is presently
No. 3 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart. Parisien comments on how Rebel Transmission is an expression of Newworldson’s gratitude to radio.
 
“After the success of ‘There Is A Way,’ all of a sudden, we were being accepted at radio, so we didn’t want to fight that,” Parisien explains. “We’ve got a message that we want as many people to hear as
possible. We’re going to reach millions of people with a song that’s successful at radio. At the end of the day, I would rather not be self-indulgent; I would rather reach more people. We’re using this album to say ‘thank you’ to radio for embracing Newworldson.”

The group recently filmed a music video for “Learning to Be the Light,” which premiered on the Gospel Music Channel March 13. The video will be serviced to national video outlets later this month. To view
the video, visit: http://tinyurl.com/73lj5bg.

To find out more about Newworldson and Rebel Transmission, go to www.newworldson.com.
Also follow the band on Facebook: www.facebook.com/newworldson  and Twitter: www.twitter.com/newworldson.

About Newworldson
Newworldson comprises Joel Parisien (lead vocals, keys), Mark Rogers (drums), Rich Moore (bass), and Josh Toal (vocals, guitar). The group released its national debut, Salvation Station, in 2007 to critical and commercial acclaim. The album reached No. 26 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, while voted No. 3 on Christianity Today’s Best Christian Albums of 2008. Additionally, Salvation Station
produced a No. 1 music video on the Gospel Music Channel with “Working Man,” and earned Newworldson a guest spot on newsboys’ 2007-2008 “GO” tour. Newworldson’s sophomore self-titled release came out in 2010, generating the group’s first hit single, “There Is A Way.” The band has garnered three JUNO Award nominations for Gospel Album of The Year and seven GMA Canada Covenant Awards including three wins for Roots Album of The Year and one each in the categories of New Artist of the Year and Group of the Year. For more information on Newworldson, visit www.newworldson.com.

About Platinum Pop
Founded by former Inpop Records President and Co-Founder Dale Bray, Platinum Pop Entertainment is a management firm and record label for both contemporary Christian and mainstream music artists. Its management roster includes GRAMMY Award nominated group Superchick as well as new artists Abandon, Luminate, and Mike Mains and the Branches. The company’s newly formed label consists of Canadian band Newworldson. Visit www.platinumpop.com for further information.

Source: CMSpin

 

GRAMMY Award nominated pop/rock band Royal Tailor announces the launch of a national “Get Schooled” campaign.  Geared to junior high, high school and college campus this fall the campaign aims to encourage young people who may otherwise feel hopeless or trapped by their circumstances.

Having toured the country, experiencing firsthand the plight of today’s youth—kids influenced by corrupt media messages or suffering in unhealthy home environments who turn to self-mutilation as well as drug and alcohol abuse—Royal Tailor feels a burden for this generation.

“The core of the issue is that kids are living a life void of vision,” says Royal Tailor’s Tauren Wells.  “The Bible says that without vision people perish or cast off restraint.  It’s time that we
stop allowing pop culture to cast vision for our kids and give them a vision of who Jesus is and who they are in Him.  That’s at the root of this campaign; it’s our response to what’s
happening in our culture today.”

Royal Tailor’s contribution is a 60-minute, high-energy, performance-driven presentation at schools nationwide that inspires students to dream and to break the cycle of dysfunction in the
world around them.  The plan is to visit four different schools in a single city from Monday through Thursday.  The week would culminate in a Friday concert where all students are invited.

“We want them to realize that thoughtlessly following the trends of pop culture will leave them with a pale pallet that will paint nothing more than a dingy future,” says Wells.  “We also want to remind them that there is hope when they feel hopeless…that they have a future and it doesn’t have to look like their past.”
 
The band recently recorded a video appeal to fans on indiegogo.com to help them raise funds to launch the first tangible expression of this campaign, a four city tour – which the band hopes can become nationally impacting.  The band’s goal is to raise $200,000 by April 8 which would ideally fund up to a 64-school-tour impacting  approximately 16 cities (an estimated four schools per city) starting with the band members’ hometowns of Battle Creek, Mich., Decatur, Ill., St. Louis, Mo. and Giles County, Va.
 
Visit www.indiegogo.com/Royal-Tailor to view the video and to learn more about how you can contribute.  Also follow Royal Tailor’s fundraising progress on Twitter at www.twitter.com/royaltailor.

About Royal Tailor:
With a contagious blend of pop, R&B, hip hop and rock, Royal Tailor is a high-energy band and music ministry reaching out to a new generation of students suffering from symptoms of a visionless life.  The four-member band – made up of Tauren (lead singer), DJ (guitar), Blake (bass) and Jarrod (drums) – met while in school in Indianapolis and began to hone its sound while playing for churches and youth groups around the country.  In just under two years, Royal Tailor has performed more than 300 shows, including playing at the Nashville GRAMMY Chapter’s Block Party stage alongside artists including Old Crow Medicine Show and The
Civil Wars.
 
Royal Tailor released its debut project, Black & White, June 7, 2011.  Produced by Aaron Lindsey, Chuck Butler, and Daniel Kinner, Black & White showcases Royal Tailor’s distinctive musical blend, highlighting influences that range from Bruno Mars to Maroon 5 to Michael Jackson.  The result is 11 high-energy tracks that make audiences want to dance, pray, shout and sing along.  The album received a 2012 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Contemporary
Christian Music Album and produced Royal Tailor’s first No. 1 radio single “Make A Move.”  The CHR hit is now vying for adds at Christian AC radio as well, with many stations on the song early including JOY-FM in St. Louis who called it “one of the most requested songs on the air.”

Source: CMSpin

 

BEC Recordings’ and international rock artist Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) will be releasing his fifth label studio project, Fighter, on April 10th.  Produced by Adam Messinger (Justin Bieber) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), Fighter vents the Toronto native’s losses and draws hurting people toward inspiration like never before. With great hope, the starting title track crunches down hard on life’s oppression while Manafest retells his story to encourage others going through their own hard times.
A fighter himself, Manafest knows what it means to have a fight. His uphill climb began at age five when his father committed suicide. Years of childhood insecurity and fear gave way to a promising skateboarding career, but then an injury took that away, too. Music soon filled the void, and it would prove to be a perfect fit.

 “Whether it’s family, personal, or professional, it’s been a fight,” he says of a life and career that, despite their many layers and successes, are really just beginning to step into the ring. “I’ve had the willingness to bear pain to get through all this, and I’m winning now. Fighter was made to keep bringing a light to people; keep fighting.”
 
Since 2001, Manafest has battled his way into the business—playing a thousand shows in nine countries, winning an armload of industry awards – including nine GMA Covenant Awards, two Juno and four Dove Award nominations, and gaining recent victories like his first No. 1 hit, “Bring the Ruckus.” His 2010 release, The Chase, blew up in Japan, quadrupling sales of previous efforts.
 
“Never Let You Go,” Fighter’s lead CHR single, shows the softer, more spiritually reflective side of Manafest’s endless pursuit.  The title track is currently at Rock radio and charting in the Top 5. This week Manafest also debuted the new music video for the song “Pushover,” click here to view.  “Pushover” shouts out against bullying, another chapter in Manafest’s early life that helps him relate to what many of his younger fans are likely going through today.
Manafest continues to tour heavily as he finishes the REDvolution tour next week with RED and Thousand Foot Krutch. In 2011, Manafest was seen on tour with Newsboys, Skillet and TFK.  This summer fans can catch Manafest on all major festivals such as Spirit West Coast, Creation East and West and Ichthus.

ABOUT MANAFEST: Over the past 11 years, Chris Greenwood has used the moniker Manafest to organically build his fan base playing hundreds of shows on three continents.  In 2006, Manafest released Glory from which the rock anthem “Impossible,” featuring Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan, became a global hit. In 2008, Manafest followed up with Citizens Activ, which catapulted success garnering multiple TV placements and his overall presence in the US and internationally. In 2010, Manafest released his most critically acclaimed project, The Chase, which he received his second JUNO Award nomination as well as won the 2010 GMA Canada Award. In June 2011, Manafest released his first self-titled live DVD / CD. Touring worldwide Manafest has also traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan and United States.

Source: CMSpin

 

Highly acclaimed, Dove Award-winning pop/rock band Building 429 is not the same artist fans have followed for more than a decade.  With its current track record at radio, retail, and on tour, the former up-and-comer has cemented its status among contemporary Christian music’s very best.
 
The band’s Christian radio presence is at an all-time high, with Building 429 scoring back-to-back No. 1 songs from its latest project, Listen to the Sound (May 2011).  Lead single “Listen to the Sound” topped the Christian Hit Radio chart, while follow up single “Where I Belong” is currently No. 1 at Christian Adult Contemporary with more than seven million weekly impressions.  Christian Hit Radio single “Made For You” also made an impact, holding a Top 5 position for three weeks.
 
Building 429’s popularity at radio is driving fans to see the band perform live in record-breaking numbers.  The group has toured non-stop, co-headlining a 30-city “Sounds of Hope” tour last fall with labelmate Leeland.  This spring Building 429 joins the popular “Winter Jam Tour Spectacular,” visiting 47 cities through early April for an estimated audience of more than 500,000 attendees.
 
Roy Morgan, owner of Premier Productions, the company that produces and promotes “Winter Jam,” comments, “B429’s performance on the ‘Winter Jam Tour Spectacular’ has left me speechless.  They rule the stage.  Their songs, ministry, and presentation are breathtaking.  It matches their humble spirit.  Run and buy their latest album...don’t walk.”

The band will continue its tour streak with appearances at 20+ festivals and solo dates this summer. Fall tour plans are in the works and will be announced shortly.  For a complete list of tour dates, visit www.building429.com.
 
This stellar momentum at radio and on the road has translated into a huge sales boost for Building 429 as well.  The group’s sales have increased 250% weekly with its “Winter Jam” appearance and the success of radio single “Where I Belong.”  In fact, the latter held strong at No. 1 on iTunes for multiple weeks and currently sells 10,000 tracks every week.  
 
Media too are commenting on Building 429’s resurgence with ChristianityToday.com calling Listen to the Sound “their best disc to date” and Louder Than The Music commenting, “Jason Roy's vocals have never sounded so powerful.”  Additionally, Billboard touts the band’s recent radio success in a news bit to print Saturday, March 10.
 
Most recently, Building 429 released a music video for “Where I Belong,” which premiered on GodTube in late February.  Directed and produced by Ry Cox, the video was filmed during sets at “Winter Jam” tour dates in Orlando, Fla., Jacksonville, Fla., Tampa, Fla., Atlanta, and Louisville, Ky.  View the video online at http://youtu.be/he32vwlKQPY
 
About Building 429
Building 429 comprises Jason Roy (vocals), Jesse Garcia (guitar), Michael Anderson (drums),
and Aaron Branch (bass).  The band is best known for its 2004 breakout hit “Glory Defined,” which was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year in 2005.  That same year Building 429 was also named New Artist of the Year at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards.  The band has since amassed a dedicated fan following, tirelessly playing 150 live shows a year, while developing its own touring brands “Winter Blast” and “Summer Blast.”

Building 429 released its fifth studio project, Listen to the Sound, May 10, 2011.  Produced by Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp (Tenth Avenue North, Sanctus Real) and Rob Hawkins, Listen to the Sound debuted at the top of iTunes’ Christian & Gospel Albums chart, while its title track hit No. 1 on the CHR chart and Top 5 on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart.  The follow up single, “Made For You,” reached the Top 5 on the CHR chart and most recently, “Where I Belong,” peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s National Christian Audience chart, AC
Monitored and AC Indicator charts for multiple weeks.

Source: CMSpin

He is 15 and a sophomore.  He will not get his drivers license until after the end of May, so any job he gets-guess who gets to transport?  Yup!  Mom and Dad.

I can remember the nights my mom and dad would have to come pick me up at Druthers (formerly Burger Queen), when I was flipping burgers.

I am so old!!!!

 

This week BEC Recordings’ proudly releases the new studio project from Kutless, Believer, which debuted and currently is No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart.  Touted as the best Kutless release yet, Believer has produced a widely popular and touching radio single, “Carry Me To The Cross.” This single is in the Top 10 on AC Indicator and Inspo charts as well as Top 20 on CHR and National Audience charts.  Fans can purchase Believer at iTunes, AmazonMp3, Target, Wal-Mart, Family, Lifeway and Mardel.
 
To celebrate this release, Kutless spent the day in Minneapolis. They began their day at KTIS on their morning show followed by a performance for 200 men at the Union Gospel Mission shelter and concluded their evening with a free concert at the famed Mall of America.  More than 3,500 fans gathered to watch the band perform last night.

Kutless performs at Union Gospel Mission - a men's shelter

Kutless performs for more than 3,500 fans at the Mall of America (above photo).  A free concert last night presented by KTIS radio station. 
The band also did a signing following the concert for their fans (photo below).
 
Media have also been talking about this album this week including features on GMCtv.com, HM Magazine, AllAboutWorship’s Songwriters Cafe as well as they will grace the cover of CCM Magazine (March issue). Fans can also hear the band featured on this week’s NewReleaseTuesday.com podcast here.  Check out what is being said about Believer:
 
"The lyrics on Believer are thought-provoking, moving, and requesting change — And the music is a lesson in diversity from ballads to the band’s hard-rock rhythm..."
- Denver Post "Higher Note" blog
 
"Believer is the band’s crowning achievement featuring thirteen excellent rock worship songs. The album has a perfectly balanced mix of rockers and ballads and Jon Micah’s vocals have never sounded better."
- NewReleaseTuesday.com - 5 star review
 
"Believer blends gritty rockers, contemplative worship cuts and piano-punctuated ballads. At all turns, the guys cover plenty of meaty lyrical ground, vividly detailing the crucifixion one minute and urging listeners to find their identity in Christ the next."
 - CCM Magazine, 4 stars
 
"Believer finds the band focusing on what they do best - delivering a heartening message set to memorable rock melodies. While the music on Believer will churn out numerous hits, it's clear the band has its head and heart on one primary thing; a message of hope and grace for those who will listen."
 - HM Magazine
 
"Believer blends a more mature edition of the group's modern rock beginnings with more recent worship musings (though this batch is all originals), resulting in both gritty anthems and crisply-crafted, gradually intensifying ballads."
- Christianity Today, 4 stars
 
"Believer is the seventh record that Kutless has put out and it is by far their best work. Everyone who listens to it will be able to relate with several (or all) of these songs. This album encompasses a journey that all Christians resonate with and that is being human, and being a Believer." 
- Christian Music Zine

About Kutless
This Portland, Oregon-based Kutless has emerged as one of the premiere rock, worship bands. With over two million albums sold, a RIAA Gold-selling album, AC Song of the Year in 2010, and 11 No. 1 radio singles, Kutless has transformed from that new rock band from Oregon to the one new bands look up to, the band whose music is all over the radio in multiple formats and on major tours.
Believer finds Kutless using a decade of growth to deliver an expertly crafted set of songs with as much diversity in the music as there is consistency in the message.

Source: CMSpin

With the most-added Billboard Christian AC single this week as well as the No. 2 Christian song on iTunes, the buzz for MercyMe's May 22nd release, The Hurt and The Healer, is rapidly escalating.
 
With an uninterrupted string of 23 #1 career singles, the award-winning and multi-platinum selling band sure seems to have another hit on their hands with the title track garnering a whopping 61 adds from AC, CHR and Inspo formats combined. In addition, the single even debuted at No. 28 on the AC-Monitored and No. 29 on the AC-Indicator charts its first week out. 
 
"The Hurt & The Healer is a celebration of that moment when these two worlds collide.... the deep need for healing and the God who provides it, " remarks lead vocalist Bart Millard.
 
Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, The Hurt & The Healer features signature MercyMe anthems, engaging pop songs and worshipful and intimate moments.
 
"For whatever reason, God has called us to help people through the healing process, so as we began this project, we thought, 'do we even try to fight it, this is kind of who we are,' " said Millard recalling songs like their worldwide hit "I Can Only Imagine," "Homesick," "Bring the Rain," "Finally Home" and more.  "The idea is to create an album to help bring healing to people, but not just healing; even in the midst of life's worst moments, there's this irony of feeling more alive than anytime before; that moment when we embrace our kids a little tighter and we reevaluate what's important in life," he continues. "The whole album revolves around this common theme, but it's not all really heavy.  We hope it helps people get to a better place in these moments that seem to cripple us at times."
 
On April 19, just after closing out another successful Rock and Worship Roadshow tour, MercyMe will embark on a headline tour also featuring Chris August and Moriah Peters. More dates are currently being added, and current shows can be seen below or by visiting MercyMe's website.
 
About MercyMe
Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 6 million units in CD and DVD sales, while being one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum, as well as garner 23 No.1 multi-format Christian radio singles, and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.”  In 2009, BILLBOARD named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the #1 Song of The Decade and the group the #1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade, with an additional #1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry's most notable talents. MercyMe made history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain.  The multi-platinum selling band has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and has been seen on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel¹s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS¹ The Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more. www.mercyme.org 
 
MercyMe spring tour dates -
Thurs, April 19 –
PANAMA CITY, FL – Marina Civic Center
Fri, April 20 –
PENSACOLA, FL – Extraordinary Women Conference-Pensacola Civic Center
Sat, April 21 –
HAIWASSEE, GA – Anderson Music Hall
Sun, April 22 –
MURFREESBORO, TN – World Outreach Church
Fri, April 27 –
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Extraordinary Women Conference-BJCC Arena
Thurs, May 3 –
AGAWAM, MA – Bethany Assembly of God
Fri, May 4 –
PORTLAND, ME – University of Southern Maine
Sat, May 5 –
MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK (CAN) - Moncton Wesleyan Church
Sat, May 6 –
HOULTON, ME - Millar Arena
Thurs, May 10 –
MCALLEN, TX – McAllen Convention Center
Fri, May 11 –
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Castle Hills First Baptist Church
Sat, May 12 –
LUFKIN, TX – George H. Henderson Expo Center

Source: CMSpin

 

Following the release of their highly acclaimed rock worship project, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-winning Christian rock band Newsboys is currently headlining their biggest tour yet, the “God’s Not Dead Tour.” Running through May 6th and hitting over 60 markets across the U.S., the tour, already in full swing, has had numerous shows sell out! The tour is presented by Compassion International, continuing their partnership with Newsboys to raise awareness for child sponsorships.
 
A special VIP Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience is held nightly on the tour with a portion of its proceeds going to support Compassion International's child trafficking initiatives. Other major sponsors supporting the tour are I Am Second and Interstate Batteries. The tour dates for the "God's Not Dead Tour" are listed below, but be sure to visit the tour's official webpage at GodsNotDeadTour.com for the most updated information.
 
With their latest radio single, "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)," Newsboys have taken the top spot on Billboard's CHR charts now for four weeks in a row. The hit song, the debut from their latest project God's Not Dead (Inpop Records), is being heard on hundreds of stations across the country as well as quickly climbing up Billboard's AC Indicator, National Audience and AC Monitored radio charts.
 
In addition, Newsboys just received three Dove nominations for the upcoming 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. The band is nominated for Best Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for "Born Again," as well as for Short Form Music Video of the Year for "Miracles." Michael Tait was involved with a collaboration of artists for The Story, which is nominated for Special Event Album of the Year. The ceremony will be held in Atlanta on April 19th.

www.Newsboys.com 

Newsboys' God's Not Dead Tour Dates remaining:*
February 23 - Anaheim, CA
February 24 - Redlands, CA
February 25 - Fresno, CA
February 26 - Bakersfield, CA
March 01 - Colorado Springs, CO
March 02 - Farmington, NM
March 03 - Lubbock, TX
March 04 - Woodward, OK
March 09 - New Bern, NC
March 10 - Myrtle Beach, SC
March 11 - Huntington, WV
March 15 - Joplin, MO
March 16 - St. Charles, IL
March 17 - Quincy, IL
March 18 - Boaz, AL
March 22 - Barre, VT
March 23 - Blakely, PA
March 24 - Lynchburg, VA
March 25 - Hopkinsville, KY
March 28 - Yankton, SD
March 29 - Indianola, IA
March 30 - North Platte, NE
March 31 - Spencer, IA
April 01 - Bourbonnais, IL
April 03 - Park City, KS
April 05 - Edna, TX
April 06 - Pharr, TX
April 12 - Estero/Ft. Myers, FL
April 13 - Clearwater, FL
April 14 - Valdosta, GA
April 15 - Jacksonville, FL
April 16 - Vero Beach, FL
April 21 - Springfield, OH
April 22 - Wabash, IN
April 24 - Glen Falls, NY
April 26 - Knoxville, TN
April 27 - Evansville, IN
April 28 - Charlottesville, VA
April 29 - Reading, PA
May 03 - Menasha, WI
May 04 - Oak Creek, WI
May 05 - Flint, MI
May 06 - Williamsburg, VA
 
*Dates and supporting acts are subject to change. For the most updated tour schedule, please visit Newsboys.com.

Source: CMSpin

Everytime I would get into my truck I would pray, "God, please protect me as I drive and allow these tires to last until we can afford new ones."

God protected and provided.  I drove down to Summerville GA, to Reese tires and purchased a full set of tires.  They took the best of the old tires to use as my spare, and I am now ready to go.

God will protect and provide for you too!  Have you asked Him to?

"Switchfoot will be at Track 29 (in Chattanooga) on May 11th! Tickets are $20 advance and will go on sale this Friday." You can get more information on Track 29's facebook page.

GRAMMY-winning rock band SWITCHFOOT will launch a North American headlining tour on March 22 in Kahului, HI. (See below for itinerary.) A ticket pre-sale for members of the band’s fan club, Friends of the Foot, is underway at www.switchfoot.com.

Next week SWITCHFOOT heads to Australia and New Zealand, where they will headline the traveling Soundwave Festival. They’ll also be capturing footage for Fading West, the San Diego-based band’s upcoming surf film, which will feature numerous other incredible surfing locations SWITCHFOOT has visited on its world tour.

On March 20, NBC SounDiego + Living Social present “An Evening with Switchfoot at La Jolla Playhouse.”  SWITCHFOOT and producer Neal Avron (Sara Bareilles, Weezer) will discuss the making of their latest album, Vice Verses (Credential Recordings/lowercase people and Atlantic Records). The evening will also feature a Q&A and meet-and-greet session. Tickets will be available on February 22 exclusively through www.livingsocial.com.

On Record Store Day, April 21, SWITCHFOOT will release a limited edition CD entitled Vice Re-Verses. The EP will feature remixes of songs from Vice Verses by Paper Route, Owl City’s Adam Young, Photek and Darren King. A digital version of Vice Re-Verses will be released on May 1 and will include a remix of the band’s new single, “Afterlife,” by the winner of the Switchfoot Remix Contest, which is underway now at http://www.talenthouse.com/remix-for-switchfoot and sponsored by Ultimate Ears.

“Afterlife” is the follow-up to SWITCHFOOT’s Top 5 Modern Rock hit “Dark Horses,” which was the first single from Vice Verses. Billboard praised the record’s “powerful, anthemic rockers” and Relevant Magazine called it SWITCHFOOT’S “most unique” album yet. “[The] gorgeous, swelling ‘Restless’ sounds plucked from U2’s Achtung Baby,” said Alternative Press.

SWITCHFOOT – comprising Jon Foreman (vocals/guitar), Tim Foreman (bass), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (keys/guitar) and Drew Shirley (guitar) – has begun making plans for the eight annual Switchfoot Bro-Am will be held on Saturday, June 16, at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, CA. The event will feature surfing contests, a live art mural created by local artists and a live concert. It will benefit San Diego area chapters of StandUp for Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk and homeless youth (www.standupforkids.org). Further details will be announced shortly. The event has raised more than $500,000 to date for San Diego-based children’s charities, including StandUp for Kids.

SWITCHFOOT - UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE ROCKET SUMMER

3/22 Kahului, HI  MACC Castle Theater
3/24 Kahuku, HI  Turtle Bay Hilton
4/12 Norfolk, VA  The Norva
4/13 Buies Creek, NC Campbell University
4/15 Muncie, IN  Ball State
4/18 Madison, WI  Majestic Theatre
4/20 Spring Arbor, MI Spring Arbor University
4/22 Frisco, TX  FC Dallas Stadium
4/25 Fayetteville, AR George’s Majestic Lounge
4/26 Columbia, MO  The Blue Note
4/27 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s
5/3 Birmingham, AL Samford University
5/4 Springfield, MO Gillioz Theatre
5/5 Greenville, IL  Greenville College
5/7 Asheville, NC  The Orange Peel
5/8 Athens, GA  Georgia Theatre
5/10 York, PA  Pullo Family Performing Arts Center
5/18 Gulf Shores, AL Hangout Music Fest
5/20 Naperville, IL  North Central College
5/22 Winnipeg, MB  Garrick Centre
5/24 Saskatoon, SK  Louis’ Pub
5/26 Calgary, AB  MacEwan Ballroom
5/27 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
6/28 King’s Island, OH King’s Island
7/11 Oshkosh, WI  Sunnyview Fairgrounds
7/20 Enumclaw, WA Enumclaw Expo Center
8/2 Gilford, NH  Gunstock Mountain Resort
8/18 Great Falls, MT Centene Stadium

Source: CMSpin

When I get up in the morning, feed Oakley the dog outside and then make my way to the radio station (4-5am) sometimes it is warmer than it is when I get off the air and out of the studio (10am.)

We need to always remember to take what comes our way and be thankful.  Don't like cold weather?  Look at some of the cities facing record snowfall.  I am a "summer boy" but I can appreciate the cold weather (especially this winter) because it makes the spring and summer that much more nice.

Of course with the warm winter they say we will see a lot more bugs and people are going to be fighting a lot more pollen and allergies.

But......it could be worse!

Thank God for whatever you are dealing with today.  Consider the alternatives.

 

Referred to by Time as "most likely the most often sung artist anywhere," and known for being a songwriter for the generations, sixsteprecords’ Chris Tomlin picked up his first GRAMMY® Award, winning Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for And If Our God Is For Us….
 
A video of Tomlin's heartfelt acceptance speech can be viewed here:
www.grammy.com/videos/chris-tomlin-wins-best-gospel-album
 
Tomlin was nominated for three awards, “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album,” “Best Contemporary Christian Music Song” and “Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance,” leading the nominations in categories within the genre. The twice-nominated song “I Lift My Hands,” which was co-written by Louie Giglio and Matt Maher along with Tomlin, is found on the aforementioned GRAMMY® winning And If Our God Is For Us…. This marks six career nominations for the internationally acclaimed worship artist. For additional video coverage of Tomlin's GRAMMY® win, please visit  www.grammy.com/videos/chris-tomlin-at-thank-you-cam.
 
Impacting radio on February 24th, Tomlin is featured on the first single, “White Flag,” from the upcoming album PASSION: White Flag. Recorded live at Passion 2012 and featuring fellow sixstepsrecords artists David Crowder* Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Kristian Stanfill, along with the voices of more than 42,000 college students at Atlanta's Georgia Dome, PASSION: White Flag will release worldwide on March 13th. White Flag is the follow-up record to Passion: Here For You, which debuted at No. 11 on Billboard’s Top 200 when it released in March 2011 selling over 30,000 units and garnering the No. 1 spot on the Christian Albums Chart.
 
About Chris Tomlin:
With eight records, ten No. 1 radio singles, six GRAMMY ® nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, 18 Dove Awards, a platinum and three gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time Magazine as “most likely the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin also has 15 of the Top 100 CCLI songs with 4 of them being in the top 10. ASCAP’s 2007 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, moving to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 3.1 million albums and over 3.7 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio its first week and skyrocketed to No. 1, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian Radio history. In the midst of his record breaking success, and continuing his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide.

Source: CMSpin

My day in court came this morning.  I took off early from the morning show and appeared in front of Judge Patty.  She saw my current proof of insurance and saw where I have always been insured, and after hearing my account of the accident she dismissed both charges pending a 6 month driving probation and pay of court costs.

I paid my 65.25 and came back to the radio station.

You know, one day I am going to stand before the Ultimate Judge in Heaven, He is going to look at the Lambs Book of Life and Jesus is going to step in and say "Father, I have already paid the penalty for Ted's sin."  God is going to look at me and, because of Jesus, say All Charges Dismissed.

I just hope I am not in another "court room" until then!!!

Oh!  By the way!  Tickets for our J103 Birthday Bash with Big Daddy Weave, Mike's Chair and Kerrie Roberts are on sale now at the J103 studios and online at J103.com.  Only $10.00 in advance!

 

After nearly a decade with Christian rock band Hawk Nelson, frontman and founding member Jason Dunn will depart the GRAMMY® and Dove Award nominated group on May 15th. Dunn plans to release his first solo project under the name Lights Go Down later this year.

Dunn spent the last few months recording at Profile Studios in Vancouver, B.C., with RIAA Gold-accredited record producer Steve Kravac (Blink 182, MxPx, Less Than Jake). Tentatively titled Abandon Progress, information about the album’s release date and label and distribution plans are forthcoming.

Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Hawk Nelson signed to Tooth and Nail Records in 2004, and to date have recorded 5 full-length albums selling in excess of 600,000 units. A compilation album, The Songs You’ve Already Heard: Best of Hawk Nelson, is scheduled for release on March 27, 2012.

"I will miss playing music on stage with my friends, but really looking forward to the future with Lights Go Down,” says Dunn. “I wish Hawk Nelson the very best with their future endeavors."

For more information, follow Lights Go Down on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: CMSpin

 

With 46 No. 1 singles, including "Do Everything," which topped charts last month; 56 GMA Dove Awards; five GRAMMY awards; and more than 200 songs recorded on 17 original albums spread across an illustrious 25-year career, Steven Curtis Chapman has already amassed a collection of songs worth celebrating.
 
Since his first national recording, First Hand, Chapman has become one of the most beloved artists in all of popular music. This year on his website, StevenCurtisChapman.com, he revisits some of his favorite tracks with a video series called Twenty Five, featuring acoustic performances of some of Chapman’s most popular songs and the stories behind them. 
Every other Thursday in 2012, a new acoustic, one-take, raw performance of one of Chapman’s songs will be debuted, each one only available to view for only 25 days. To check out Twenty Five, visit  stevencurtischapman.com/scc25.
 
In addition, Sparrow Records is releasing a new Chapman greatest-hits package, #1’s Vol. 1. Available on April 3, the album features 13 of his biggest songs, each of which charted at No. 1, and features the career-defining songs “Dive,” “The Great Adventure,” “I Will Be Here” and more. Would you believe more than 15 years have gone by since his previous greatest-hits album released? Many of Chapman’s biggest songs and albums have never been represented on a greatest-hits collection.
 
In November, Chapman wrapped his first "Songs & Stories" tour with friends Andrew Peterson and Josh Wilson. After performing in front of sold-out crowds across the country, the Show HOPE-sponsored tour continued to be in high demand and, as a result, Chapman announced a spring leg of the intimate tour.
 
The spring leg of the “Songs & Stories” tour launches on Feb. 2 in Broken Arrow, Okla., with Peterson and Wilson supporting. After visiting markets including Cleveland, Nashville and Tampa, among others, the tour will wrap on Mar. 11 in Ocala, Fla. During this uniquely formatted writer’s night, 47 instruments are integrated into the show, and true collaboration dominates the night with Peterson, Wilson and Chapman all playing and singing on each other's songs. Chapman performs songs from his latest album re:creation and more, including his most recent No. 1, “Do Everything,” for which he collected his 16th career GRAMMY nomination. Chapman also opens up about the stories that inspired him to write the songs that have impacted lives around the world.

Source: CMSpin

 

Sidewalk Prophets will release their sophomore album, Live Like That on Tuesday, March 27. Their current single is the title track off the new album and plays a strong part in the overall messaging from the band. In its first day on iTunes, “Live Like That” peaked at No. 3 on the iTunes Christian and Gospel chart. With the help of their fans, Sidewalk Prophets’ album cover encompasses the faces and hearts of people all across the country who have inspired someone to “live like that.” Log on to www.SidewalkProphets.com to preview Live Like That for a limited time.

“There comes a point in our lives when we ask: what exactly is this life for? It’s in those moments that I’m reminded of those who have impacted my life – my grandparents, parents, teachers and pastor – and whether they knew it or not, I saw Christ in them,” said Dave from Sidewalk Prophets. “This album is a reflection of our journey in music and our desire to live our lives in such a way that it is rooted in a deep passion and love that knows no bounds.”

Following in the footsteps of their debut album, Live Like That (produced by Dove Award winning producer Ian Eskelin), is a powerful musical devotion that weaves together thought provoking lyrics and melodies. Each song on the record was written/co-written by Sidewalk Prophets’ Dave Frey and Ben McDonald. Sidewalk Prophets fans were able to participate in the creative process of the album, singing background vocals on “Love Love Love” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us.”

Beginning today, fans can pre-order the 12-track album with exclusive pre-sale offers on their website. The featured bundle is the “Live Like That Signature Package” which contains personal letters from each band member, an autographed album and poster, an exclusive download, t-shirt, and more! Check out the Live Like That Signature Package and other exclusive bundles at: www.sidewalkprophets.com/store.
 
Sidewalk Prophets have made an impressive debut on the CCM scene, winning “New Artist of the Year” in 2010 and garnering four Dove Nominations to date, including “Pop Contemporary Song of the Year” and “Group of the Year.” Produced by Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli), their debut album These Simple Truths catapulted Sidewalk Prophets into one of the top-selling new artists of the genre. The album delivered the smash No. 1 singles “You Love Me Anyway” and “The Words I Would Say,” which topped Billboard’s AC/Indicator Chart for five consecutive weeks. Sidewalk Prophets recently kicked-off “The Rock & Worship Roadshow” alongside Hawk Nelson, MercyMe, Tenth Avenue North, among others.
 
TRACK LISTING for Live Like That:
1. Hebrews 12:1 (Prelude)
2. Live Like That
3. Love, Love, Love
4. Save My Life
5. Keep Making Me
6. It's Good (Love's Not Safe)
7. Help Me Find It
8. Heart's on Fire
9. Wrecking Ball
10. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us
11. For You Tonight
12. This is Not Goodbye

Source: CMSpin

First WinterJam rolls into the UTC Mackenzie Arena on Sunday, Feb. 12.  Ten artists for only $10 at the door.  Fantastic!

We also have the J103 Birthday Bash at Ridgedale Baptist Church, Thursday March 1 with Big Daddy Weave, Mike's Chair and Kerrie Roberts!  Crazy Good!  Tickets?  $10.00 in advance!

Then there is FFH, Sidewalk Prophets, Casting Crowns with Matthew West, Kutless and Hawk Nelson all appearing in the area before we get to the month of May.

May brings us MooFest is Athens TN with Steven Curtis Chapman.

The Big Kahuna!   JFEST!  Saturday June 2 with Kutless, Building 429, Chris August, Sidewalk Prophets and Dara Maclean is shaping up to be the best JFEST line up yet.....But I'm not done....

Riverbend's Faith and Family Night with Chris Tomlin and The Museum on Tuesday night June 12.

Wow!  Call all your out of town friends and family and tell them to pack up the rental truck and move here because this the place for Christian Concerts!!!  Who will make them all?

You have successfully gone over our 500 child goal!!!!

Over 500 orphans in Mozambique Africa will now be off the streets, in a Christian home, and will be receiving the food, clothing, shelter, education, medical attention and most important the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

You have, once again changed the face of eternity.

I can't wait to get to Heaven and see all those smiling faces!

1.  We are going to be announcing the JFEST line up, (heads up-it will actually be announced on the JFEST Facebook page Thursday).  From the few that know they think this is the best line up ever!

2.  We are going to be talking with Dixie Fuller from the Riverbend Festival about this year's Faith and Family Night Headliner and some of the support acts.  (We are going to give you a sneak peak on the J103 Facebook page.

3.  With the Super Bowl on Sunday we are going to be talking favorite Super Bowl Snacks, go over some of your recipes (check out the Morning show page here at J103.com) and award two listeners a J103 prize pack for their recipes.

4.  Ever wanted to make Chicken Wings for your family but didn't want to spend hours in front of a fryer?  A good friend of mine Todd Hartman (from Grillin Thyme Catering) is going to come in and share with us how to make easy, delicious chicken wings that will make you the talk of the family.  He brought some sweet and hot ones in for us to sample today.......I love "hot/spicy" foods but the ones he brought in for me to try today?     Wow!  That's Hot!

 

With the release of their successful eighth studio album, The Anthem of Angels, in November 2011, Seventh Day Slumber is preparing for their upcoming U.S tour, appropriately named “The Anthem of Angels Tour.”  The album debuted at the iTunes Top Christian Albums chart at No. 4. In addition the Rock single, "Never Too Far Gone" was in the Top 15 in December 2011.
 
Kicking off March 1st and running through May 31st, the tour will hit across the nation and feature special guests Manic Dive and Ilia.
 
"We are very excited about 'The Anthem Of Angels Tour'," shares frontman Joseph Rojas. "Our fans have been so supportive over the years, and we can't wait for them to see the NEW show! We will be playing songs off of our past records as well as plenty of new stuff. We are excited to be bringing Manic Drive and Ilia out on the road with us and believe this tour will be a life changing experience for a lot of people! All ages are welcomed. 'The Anthem Of Angels Tour' will be the biggest tour we have done to date production wise!"
 
Seventh Day Slumber currently has two singles out, ”One Mistake” on Billboard’s Christian CHR Chart and “Wasted Life” at rock radio, which was the track of the newest music video from the band.  You can view the video for “Wasted Life” here. Since 2005 when Seventh Day Slumber signed to BEC Recordings, they have not only found chart success and a string of top ten singles, they’ve seen the power of music and the gospel to change lives.
 
For more information on Seventh Day Slumber and to check if “The Anthem of Angels Tour” is coming to a city near you, please visit http://www.seventhdayslumber.com/

Source: CMSpin

 

GRAMMY Award nominee Matt Maher has extended his popular “The Love In Between” tour to include 16 additional dates.  The follow-up run to his fall leg will feature guest artist Sparrow Records singer-songwriter Audrey Assad, with Reunion Records newcomer Lindsay McCaul at select shows.

Originally kicking off mid-September, “The Love In Between” tour visited more than 25 cities through late October, seeing thousands in attendance and multiple sold out shows.  The tour’s
second leg will open tonight in Altoona, Pa. with additional stops in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, among others.

“The Love In Between” tour was named for Maher’s latest label project, released Sept. 20, 2011.  The album debuted at No. 7 on the SoundScan Top Contemporary Christian Chart and graced the Billboard 200 at No. 97.  The Love In Between additionally experienced notable success at iTunes, breaking into the Top 5 on the Christian & Gospel Top Albums Chart.  Maher willplay a selection of songs from the current record on tour, including new radio single, “Rise Up.”

Visit www.mattmahermusic.com for an up-to-date tour itinerary or refer to the schedule following this release.

About Matt Maher
Matt Maher – worship leader, songwriter, singer and recording artist – has embraced his calling as a “musical missionary” to impact a global stage.

Maher is well known for writing moving worship anthems including “Your Grace Is Enough,” “As It Is In Heaven,” “I Will Rise,” “All To Us,” “Here For You,” “Hold Us Together” and “Christ Is Risen.”  His songs have appeared among the top 10 ranked songs on the CCLI chart, marking their popularity in church services worldwide, while also being recorded by artists including Chris Tomlin, Audrey Assad, Matt Redman, and the Passion movement.
Additionally “Alive Again” was selected by iTunes as the best Christian & Gospel song of 2009.  Such popularity has prompted more than 350,000 career sales.  National media exposure includes the covers of Breakaway and Christian Single, a live performance on “FOX & Friends,” and guest writer for Billboard magazine.

Maher sits on the board of directors for the Catholic youth organization, Life Teen, and is a staple writer with EMI CMG Publishing.  Amid busy touring and writing schedules, he hosts WorshipTogether’s “New Song Café” and is an active, bylined contributor to The Washington Post's "On Faith" section ( http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith), an interactive conversation on religion.

Maher is from St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada and currently resides in Mesa, Ariz. with his wife Kristin and son Conor.  For more information on Matt Maher, visit www.mattmahermusic.com. Also follow Matt on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mattmahermusic.

About Audrey Assad
28-year-old, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Audrey Assad propelled to the forefront of Christian music with her debut album on Sparrow Records titled The House You’re Building.  Produced by Marshall Altman (Brooke Fraser, Natasha Bedingfield, William Fitzsimmons, Marc Broussard), the record released in the summer of 2010 to much acclaim.  An avid reader, poems from Gerard Manley Hopkins and books were amongst Assad’s inspirations in her songwriting.  Her collaborations with everyone from Chris Tomlin to Jars of Clay have marked her songwriting and vocal talent.  Assad’s fresh sound was named among the best of 2010 from Relevant Magazine, Rhapsody.com, Gospel Music Channel online and more and was even profiled on CNN Online.  In addition, The House You’re Building was named Amazon.com’s “Best Christian Music of 2010” and iTunes ® Christian & Gospel “Breakthrough Album of the Year.”  Assad released an exclusive iTunes ® Live from SoHo album in August.  She will release her sophomore album, Heart, on February 14, 2012, also produced by Altman.

About Lindsay McCaul
There’s a phrase often heard in music industry circles: “It all begins with a song.”  That motto carries extra weight in Christian music where a great lyric transcends entertainment and becomes a vehicle to share the gospel.  Lindsay McCaul is an artist keenly aware of words and their value.  From her teen years pouring over the lyrics of her favorite music to her college days majoring in linguistics at Moody Bible Institute, McCaul’s gifts manifest themselves in vibrant, insightful songs crafted with thoughtful precision reflecting a compassionate heart and deep intellect. 

McCaul’s talent was brought to the attention of Reunion Records by five-time SESAC Christian
Songwriter of the Year and 2010 Gospel Music Association Producer of the Year, Jason Ingram, and she released her label debut, If It Leads Me Back, Jan. 17, 2012.  The up-and-comer has already received much national attention during her short time on the music scene, with TLC reality program “Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta” inviting McCaul to perform “Take My Hand,” from her new release, on the program.  Additionally, Mark Hall, frontman for platinum-selling band Casting Crowns, asked McCaul to open on the group’s “Come to the Well” tour last fall and this spring.

For more information on Lindsay McCaul and If It Leads Me Back, visit www.lindsaymccaul.com, www.facebook.com/lindsaymccaulmusic or www.providentpress.com.

“The Love In Between” Tour Itinerary *
 
1-20 - Altoona, PA (w/Audrey Assad)
1-21 - Silver Spring, MD (w/ Audrey Assad)
1-22 - Fairfax & Woodbridge, VA (am & pm events w/ Audrey Assad)
1-26 - Madison, LA (w/ Lindsay McCaul)
1-27 - Atlanta, GA (w/ Lindsay McCaul)
1-28 - Brandon, FL (w/ Lindsay McCaul)
2-1 - Gainesville, FL (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-3 - Lafayette, LA (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-4 - Mandeville, LA (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-10 - Ft. Wayne, IN (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-11 - Lexington, KY (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-12 - Zeeland, MI (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-15 - Aimes, IA (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-16 - St. Louis, MO (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-17 - Vancouver, BC
2-18 - Cincinnati, OH

Source: CMSpin

 

Breakout Urban sensation and Dove Award winning Group 1 Crew re-launches their third album, Outta Space Love: Bigger Love Edition on January 24. The album features more music along with the original 12 tracks. Outta Space Love: Bigger Love Edition will include eight additional tracks with remixes of their hit singles “Walking On The Stars” and “Live It Up” as well as four brand new songs. One of the new tracks on the album is “He Said,” which features multi-award winning artist, Chris August.

Group 1 Crew is currently featured on the 2012 Winter Jam Tour alongside headlining acts: Building 429, Peter Furler, Kari Jobe, Newsong, Sanctus Real and Skillet. For more information on tour dates, visit their website: www.Group1Crew.com.

Outta Space Love is Group 1 Crew’s third Fervent Records release and originally debuted at No.1 on the Soundscan Christian Digital Chart and No. 4 on the overall Christian Album Chart. This album delivered the Top 5 hit “Walking On The Stars” and “Please Don’t Let Me Go” as well as fan-favorite songs “Breakdown” and “Live It Up.”
Group 1 Crew has become one of the leading Hip-Hop focused acts in the Christian music scene, broadening the parameters of faith-based music with songs that percolate with energy and resonate with the truth of God’s grace. To date, the talented group has had three hit singles break into the Top 5 on Billboard’s Christian CHR Charts, including “Keys To The Kingdom” and “Movin’.” They have earned five Dove Awards; three for the Rap/Hip-Hop Album Of The Year category and two for the Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song with “Movin’ ” and “Walking on the Stars.” Group 1 Crew made their national TV performance debut on The Mo’Nique Show and their music has been featured in a variety of popular television shows, including NBC’s America’s Got Talent, FOX’s The Simple Life, Style Network’s Kimora Lee Simmons: Life in the Fab Lane, MTV’s Run’s House, and The CW’s One Tree Hill.

Outta Space Love: Bigger Love Edition Track Listing:
1. Live It Up
2. Need Your Love
3. Walking On The Stars
4. Let’s Go (Feat. TobyMac)
5. Lean On Me
6. Beautiful
7. Transcend
8. Outta Space Love
9. Please Don’t Let Me Go
10. Wait
11. Breakdown
12. Manipulation
13. Control
14. Digirock
15. Take It There
16. He Said
17. Walking On The Stars (Garcia Glam Mix)
18. Live It Up (Dance Floor Mix)

Source: CMSpin

 

With their latest radio single, "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)," Newsboys continue to take over the radio waves in a powerful way. The song, the debut from their brand new release God's Not Dead (Inpop Records), is being heard on hundreds of stations across the country as well as climbing up the Billboard radio charts.
 
The single is currently #3 on Billboard's Christian CHR Chart, and #17 on Billboard's Christian AC Indicator chart, moving up an astonishing 12 spots this week. The song is also #25 on Billboard's National Christian Audience Chart, closing in on almost 2 million impressions in just the first two weeks. The song also received an astounding 34 AC adds in 2 weeks on such key stations as KLOVE, Sirius/XM, Family Life Radio Network, WJQK / Grand Rapids, MI; WHPZ / South Bend, IN; WBSN / New Orleans, LA; and KSOS / Las Vegas, NV.
 
The music video for "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)" is also hot off the presses!  Making its debut on Vevo just this week, you can view the new music video here. Be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter to spread the news that "God's Not Dead!"
 
On the heels of releasing their highly acclaimed rock worship project, the band announced the news of their biggest tour yet, the “God’s Not Dead Tour.” Kicking off this week on Jan 12th and running through May 6th, the tour will run in 60+ markets across the U.S. The tour is presented by Compassion International, continuing their partnership with Newsboys to raise awareness for child sponsorships. A special VIP Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience will be held nightly with a portion of its proceeds going to support Compassion International's child trafficking initiatives. Other major sponsors supporting the tour are I Am Second and Interstate Batteries. Tour dates for the "God's Not Dead Tour" are listed below, with more dates being added daily.

Source: CMSpin

 

After a successful 2009 release that spawned the mega-hit single “What Faith Can Do,” Kutless will be releasing a new studio album titled Believer next month on February 28 (BEC Recordings). The album is produced by Grammy-nominated Chris Stevens as well as David Garcia (TobyMac, Mandisa, Carrie Underwood) and Dave Lubben (worship leader, Kutless). Click here to view the album cover and tracklisting.
 
The debut radio single from this album is already gaining traction out of the gate at K-LOVE, Air1 and Way-FM have already added the song, “Carry Me To The Cross.”  You can listen to the song here as well as hear the band perform it live on KLOVE here.
 
With over two million albums sold, a RIAA Gold-selling album, AC Song of the Year in 2010, and 11 No. 1 radio singles, Kutless has transformed from that new rock band from Oregon to the one new bands look up to, the band whose music is all over the radio in multiple formats and on major tours.
Believer finds Kutless using a decade of growth to deliver an expertly crafted set of songs with as much diversity in the music as there is consistency in the message.
 
Believer is poised to become a career highlight from Kutless. The title itself is particularly important. On this album, believers will find a deeply relevant message: What does it really mean to surrender to Christ? How does this relationship change you every day? How does it define you? It is only now, after all these years, that Kutless is able to explore these vital issues.
 
Frontman Jon Micah Sumrall declares, “We’ve made a huge leap in the quality of the songwriting. It’s diverse – there are things I love on the upbeat side (heavier rocking moments), and things I love about the intimate worshipful moments. I really feel like this newest record shows a real maturity from over the years of what we’ve learned, what we’ve brought together.”
 
It only takes one listen to realize that Kutless has really come of age musically. They’ve determined their style instead of chasing the latest trend, and it shows.
 
For more information, go to www.kutless.com or follow the band on Twitter @kutless and become their fan on Facebook: facebook.com/kutless.

Source: CMSpin

 

Having released the acclaimed instrumental project, GLORY (Nov. 21, 2011), celebrated artist, songwriter, composer, instrumentalist, performer, author and producer, Michael W. Smith delivers his latest musical offering, Decades of Worship, on Jan. 17.  Smith, a mainstay with a 29-year career, brings together the best of his beloved worship hymns on this, his 24th project.

Since his entrance onto the music scene in the early 80s, Smith has been a worship leader, writer and has recorded some of the church’s most popular worship anthems including “Great Is The Lord,” “Agnus Dei,” “A New Hallelujah” and “Healing Rain” to name a few.  These songs were released on three worship albums since 2001, including Worship, Worship Again, A New  Hallelujah, and  Healing Rain, which have collectively sold more than 3.7 million copies. 

Available for the first time, Smith’s top worship songs are all on one CD.  Decades Of Worship features 12 total tracks comprising such classics as “Agnus Dei” and “A New Hallelujah” mentioned above as well as “Above All,” “Mighty To Save,” and “Breathe,” among others.  A complete track listing is as follows:
Decades of Worship
1. Agnus Dei
2. Above All
3. Breathe
4. Awesome God
5. You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)
6. Here I Am To Worship
7. I See You
8. Mighty To Save
9. A New Hallelujah
10. Healing Rain
11. So Great (with Christy Nockels & Israel Houghton)
12. Take Me Over
BONUS CUT: Great Is The Lord (newly remastered)

“As long as I can remember, I have felt called to lead worship.  Each song on this collection is a reflection of my heart to see people draw closer to God.  I pray that these songs move people to encounter God in a new and deeper way,” shares Smith.
 
The new year ushers in a flurry of activity for Michael.  In addition to a Spring Tour in the U.S.,  concert dates have already been booked in Brazil, Australia, Europe and Canada.  July 7 – 14 will see Smith hosting his semi-annual Michael W. Smith and Friends Cruise; this trip touring Eastern Canada and New England.

For a list of current tour dates, visit: www.michaelwsmith.com.
 
About Michael W. Smith
 
Throughout his 29-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements.  His prior 22 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY ® Awards (from 13 nominations), 44 GMA Dove Awards and 33 No. 1 radio hits.  In addition, he holds 16 Gold, 7 Platinum and 2 Double-Platinum albums for career sales of 15 million.  GLORY, Smith’s 23rd career project and second full-length instrumental album, release Nov. 21, 2011. 

Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009, Smith has scored film projects, written 12 books and been featured by media outlets including “Hannity,” NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Larry King Live,” “FOX & Friends,” The Associated Press, Billboard, USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post,  Los Angeles Times, Newsweek and more.

Constantly giving back to the community, one of Smith’s current projects is Rocketown – a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. – which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He and wife of 30 years, Debbie, are the proud parents of five children.

Source: CMSpin

 

Atlantic recording group Skillet wrapped up an extraordinary year by being named among 2011’s biggest mainstream rock acts according to year-end charts published by Billboard and Mediabase.
 
The two-time Grammy-nominated band were among the highest ranking artists featured in Billboard’s annual “The Year In Music” issue, with their RIAA gold- certified album Awake approaching 900,000 in sales and included among the year’s Top 20 “Rock Albums,” Top 15 “Alternative Albums,” as well as the overall “Top Billboard 200.”  The album’s chart-topping single, “Awake and Alive,” came in at No. 3 on the “Active Rock Songs” tally, with Skillet also named among the Top 10 “Active Rock Artists.” The band was also listed in the upper half of the total “Billboard 200 Artists” ranking, having spent 120 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 chart with only a handful of other acts. In addition, Awake claimed the No. 4 spot in the tally for “Billboard Christian Albums,” while Skillet was came in at No. 3 among “Billboard Christian Artists.” Mediabase, which monitors radio activity in the U.S. and Canada, declared Skillet to be the past year’s eighth “Most Played Artist” at Active Rock outlets nationwide, with “Awake and Alive” coming in as the format’s No. 3 biggest hit.
 
Awake has proven a true sensation, with digital single sales from the album now exceeding 2.4 million. Produced by Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf), the collection reached the No. 1 spot on the iTunes “Top Albums” chart within 24 hours of its August 2009 release, while simultaneously exploding into the No. 2 spot on the SoundScan/Billboard 200 chart.  Fueled by three RIAA gold certified and four top 10 Active Rock hits in “Awake and Alive,” “It’s Not Me It’s You,” “Hero,” and “Monster,” Awake was among the top 10 on Billboard’s 2010 “Top Alternative Albums” chart, with Skillet coming in at the year’s No. 7 “Top Alternative Album Artist.” “Hero” has also been used by the NFL in their Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos, and a remix of the band’s No. 1 Active Rock hit “Awake & Alive," was featured on the TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon soundtrack.
 
One of America’s hardest working live acts, Skillet has consistently been ranked among Pollstar’s Concert Pulse “Top 50 Tours.”  The band spent much of the past two years on the road, touring alongside Atlantic labelmates Shinedown, as well as headlining their own sold-out “Alive & Awake Tour.” Having recently returned from a major European tour (including dates in Russia, Germany, Finland, Norway and the Ukraine), Skillet is now back on tour in the U.S.
 
In addition to cumulative album sales in excess of 2 million, Skillet has racked up a wide range of honors throughout their extraordinary career. Frontman John Cooper and producer Brian Howes received two BMI Music Awards for “The Last Night” and “The Older I Get,” both featured on 2006’s Grammy Award-nominated Comatose. That album proved Skillet’s popular breakthrough, achieving RIAA gold certification. Comatose followed the band’s 2003 label debut, Collide, which launched Skillet into the mainstream while also garnering their first Grammy Award nomination.

Source: CMSpin

He came in when the ministry was facing a pretty tough financial time and volunteered his incredible talent for our afternoon show.

Mike is going back to truck-driving, a love he has.  He loves the potential of ministering to other truckers, those he comes into contact with at the stops, and anyone he will encounter.

Join me in praying for Mike and God's working in his ministry as he is on the road.  Also pray for his family as they adjust to periods of seperation.

Mike-keep it between the lines, out of the ditches, and under the speed limit!!!

Know that every time I see a big red truck-I'm praying for you and your family!

Love you bro!

Big 10-4!!!

 

Multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY®, AMA and 2010 Dove Award-winning Artist of the Year Casting Crowns will extend its massive “Come To The Well” tour into the spring by adding an additional 44 dates across the U.S., this time featuring special guests, singer/songwriter Matthew West, pop-rockers Royal Tailor (both GRAMMY-nominated) and Christian music newcomer Lindsay McCaul who was also on the 2011 fall tour lineup.  Following a hugely successful fall run, which included a string of more than15 sell-out performances, playing before more than 155,000 people, the spring leg of the “Come To The Well” tour kicks off Feb. 9, in Florence, S.C.  Among its scheduled 44 shows, the tour will hit arenas in major markets like Grand Rapids, Orlando, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Birmingham, Oklahoma City, Minneapolis, Houston and many more. 

The tour takes its name from the Casting Crowns’ newest studio project, Come To The Well, (released October 18, its first new studio album in two years), featuring the hit single “Courageous,” which was showcased in the recent Sherwood Pictures film by the same title.  The project is filled with songs that both challenge and encourage believers in their walk, including, “Just Another Birthday” which goes for radio adds today.  Frontman Mark Hall collaborated on several of the tracks with top songwriters including Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West and award-winning country songwriter Tom Douglas.

The week of its release, Come to the Well sold 99,138 copies, making it the highest debut on Billboard’s Top 200 at No. 2.  The album additionally topped the Billboard Contemporary Christian Overall chart, while also claiming No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart and No. 3 on its Overall Albums chart.  Lead radio single “Courageous” landed at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Songs chart and peaked at a No. 1 on the Billboard National Christian Audience
chart in just 10 weeks.  In addition, the band celebrated its second career American Music Award win, from six career AMA nominations, on Nov. 20.

The “Come To The Well” tour is partnering with Christian humanitarian organization World Vision ( www.worldvision.org).  World Vision provides assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.  Casting Crowns has helped to generate a total of 52,000 child sponsorships for World Vision to date.
 
About Casting Crowns:
All of Casting Crowns’ projects are RIAA certified, with a tally of three RIAA Platinum Albums, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, two RIAA Gold Albums, two Gold DVDs and two Gold digital singles, holding position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007.
The group also claims two American Music Awards, with six total nominations, three GRAMMY Awards and 14 GMA Dove Awards.
 
Despite an unprecedented eight-year career with Casting Crowns, the seven band members remain active in student ministry in the Atlanta area and tour part-time around their local church duties.  Serving his 18th year in youth ministry, lead singer/songwriter Mark Hall is the student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta.  As a testament to the band’s impact, Casting Crowns performed for a second time in North Korea in April 2009, in partnership with Global Resource Services, as the band continues to forge invaluable relationships with the people in the D.P.R.K.  For more information on Casting Crowns and Come to the Well, visit: www.castingcrowns.com or follow Mark Hall’s Twitter at twitter.com/markhallCC.
 
About Matthew West
Lauded by The New York Times as “a vivid and compelling songwriter with impressive approaches to the familiar,” two-time GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West’s discography includes acclaimed releases Happy (2003), History (2005) and Something to Say (2008).  His latest studio album, The Story of Your Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries.  The album released on October 5, 2010, and garnered attention from CNN Online, FOX News, Billboard Magazine, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more.  The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street-week debut of his career, selling over 10,000 units the first week, landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200.  In conjunction with Harvest House Publishers, West teamed up with bestselling author Angela Thomas for “The Story of Your Life” book.  The Heart of Christmas marks West’s first full-length Christmas project which also boasts the top 15 mainstream AC radio hit “The Heart of Christmas.”  A multiple ASCAP “Song of the Year” winner, West has had four No. 1 radio hits including his latest GRAMMY-nominated tune “Strong Enough.”  His songwriting credits include Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more.  For more information, visit www.MatthewWest.com.

CASTING CROWNS “COME TO THE WELL” SPRING TOUR 2012
*Dates, markets and venues subject to change without notice

FEBRUARY
2/9 (Thursday) - Florence, S.C. - Florence Civic Center
2/10 (Friday) - Virginia Beach, Va. - Rock Church
2/11 (Saturday) - Woodbridge, Va. - Hylton Memorial Chapel
2/16 (Thursday) - Grand Rapids, Mich. - Van Andel Arena
2/17 (Friday) - Troy, Ohio - Hobart Arena
2/18 (Saturday) - Lynchburg, Va. - Vines Center – Liberty University
2/23 (Thursday) - Coral Gables, Fla. - BankUnited Center
2/24 (Friday) - Orlando, Fla. - UCF Arena
2/25 (Saturday) - Tallahassee, Fla. - Leon County Civic Center
2/26 (Sunday) - Pensacola, Fla. - Pensacola Civic Center

MARCH
3/1 (Thursday) - Ft. Wayne, Ind. - Memorial Coliseum
3/2 (Friday) - Brookfield, Wis. - Elmbrook Church
3/3 (Saturday) - Toledo, Ohio - Huntington Center
3/8 (Thursday) - Johnson City, Tenn. - Freedom Hall
3/9 (Friday) - Raleigh, N.C. - RBC Center
3/10 (Saturday) - Charlotte, N.C. - Bojangles Coliseum
3/11 (Sunday) - Greenville, S.C. - Bi-Lo Center
3/15 (Thursday) - Lowell, Mass. - Lowell Memorial Auditorium
3/16 (Friday) - Newark, N.J. - Prudential Center
3/17 (Saturday) - Getzville, N.Y. - The Chapel at Crosspoint
3/18 (Sunday) - Baltimore, Md. - 1st Mariner Arena
3/22 (Thursday) - Independence, Mo. - Independence Event Center
3/23 (Friday) - Moline, Ill. - iWireless Center
3/24 (Saturday) - St. Charles, Md. - Family Arena
3/29 (Thursday) - Philadelphia, Pa. - The Liacouras Center
3/30 (Friday) - Hershey, Pa. - Giant Center
3/31 (Saturday) - Pittsburgh, Pa. - Console Energy Center

APRIL
4/5 (Thursday) - Bowling Green, Ky. - E.A. Diddle Arena
4/6 (Friday) - Chattanooga, Tenn. - UTC MacKenzie Arena
4/7 (Saturday) - Birmingham, Ala. - BJCC Arena
4/12 (Thursday) - Austin, Texas - Shoreline Church
4/13 (Friday) - Odessa, Texas - Ector County Coliseum
4/14 (Saturday) - Oklahoma City, Okla. - State Fair Arena (Private)
4/19 (Thursday) - Cedar Falls, Iowa - McLeod Center
4/20 (Friday) - Sioux Falls, S.D. - Sioux Falls Arena
4/21 (Saturday) - Minneapolis, Minn. - Target Center
4/22 (Sunday) - Fargo, N.D. - Fargo Dome
4/24 (Tuesday) - Springfield, Mo. - JQH Arena
4/26 (Thursday) - Louisville, Ky. - Broadbent Arena
4/27 (Friday) - Woodstock, Ga. - First Baptist Church
4/28 (Saturday) - Charleston, W.V. - Charleston Civic Center
 
MAY
5/3 (Thursday) - Tulsa, Okla. - Spirit Bank Event Center
5/4 (Friday) - Lubbock, Texas - United Spirit Arena
5/5 (Saturday) - The Woodlands, Texas - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Source: CMSpin

After her parents went home, and we had everything cleaned up, we sat down and began to look at the instruction manuel to see all of the really neat features this new camera had.

To our horror we learned that the first thing you had to do was "format the memory disc."  What that means in "non-computer talk" is that all of the pictures she had taken could not be retrieved.

After we got over the disappointment that all of those images were now lost she began shooting again...(after we formatted the disc!)

It reminds me of many people's lives.  We get so busy doing so many things that we fail to make sure the most important things are taken care of.

The most important thing for anyone is our Salvation in Jesus Christ.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this time of year because He had to be born so He could die for our sins.  We must make sure that we have accepted Jesus into our hearts and lives before anything else.  That acceptance of the gift God gave us is the most important thing.  Just like pictures on an unformatted disc if you don't have Jesus Christ in your heart-nothing else will matter.

Format your heart-give it to Jesus!   Then......smile and say "Cheese!"

I loved it when Snoopy and Woodstock would decorate his doghouse and then win the decorating contest.

I loved it when all of the needles would fall off the tree Charlie Brown bought.

But the part I loved the most is when Linus shared the true meaning of Christmas and recited Luke's account of the Birth of Jesus.

I never thought it was odd that they suddenly turned off the lights and cast the spotlight of the auditorium on him as he shared.  Because, you see, as a child, to me Christmas was all about a lot of things-presents, decorations, fun with family and the story of the Birth of Jesus.

Once I gave my life to Jesus, suddenly I knew why the spotlight was shown on Linus.....because that is what the spotlight should shine on each Christmas-the Birth of Jesus Christ.

We have one week left until Christmas Day.  Will you join me in shining the spotlight on the Birth of Jesus?

 

After twelve years of making music, including six studio projects, participation in over 21 compilations and additional recordings, two books and over 1.6 million albums sold, the GRAMMY ® recognized David Crowder*Band will unveil their seventh and last record, Give Us Rest or (a requiem mass in c [the happiest of all keys]) on January 10, 2012 (sixstepsrecords).
 
Announced initially to their fans, the celebrated band revealed their final plans earlier this year before their highly successful “The 7 Tour.” To read the original statement, click
here. Named among the “most thoughtful, progressive and exciting acts in contemporary Christian music” by The New
York Times, the popular yet unconventional David Crowder*Band finishes their career with an epic, triumphant collection of 34 songs that poetically illustrate that in death something new is reborn. The album showcases the band’s unique music style and touches on worship, pop, rock, bluegrass and electronic genres.
 
“Let Me Feel You Shine” is the first single from the Give Us Rest recording, and was the most added at AC Radio upon its release. About the track, Crowder remarks, “I don’t think I have written as personal of a song as this one (‘Let Me Feel You Shine’).  For me, all of the experience of closing this chapter, of looking ahead and trusting, is in this song. I know all of us are in these moments where life twists and turns, and you don’t see what’s coming, but you feel God’s leading and you have to jump out and take the risk and see what it means to be a person of faith.” To hear the full story behind “Let Me Feel You Shine,” click here.
 
David Crowder*Band’s final “The 7 Tour” was an overwhelming success this past fall with nearly 100% of the concerts selling out.  The GRAMMY ® nominees garnered a tremendous response in major markets including Dallas, New York City, Portland, Seattle, Atlanta and Philadelphia. The band will play their final show at the Passion 2012 Conference in January 2012 at the Georgia Dome.
 
www.davidcrowderband.com
www.facebook.com/davidcrowderband
www.twitter.com/crowderband

About David Crowder*Band:
Named among the “most thoughtful, progressive and exciting acts in contemporary Christian music” by The New York Times, the popular yet unconventional David Crowder*Band will unveil their final collection of new music on January 10 with the release of Give Us Rest or (a requiem mass in c [the happiest of all keys]). Give Us Rest follows their last GRAMMY ® nominated studio project Church Music which debuted at No. 1 on the Christian retail chart scanning over 35,000 units. This gave David Crowder*Band their largest street week to date ranking in at No. 11 on the Billboard Top 200. David Crowder*Band’s latest music video for “SMS (Shine)” nabbed coverage on NBC’s The Today Show, Fox & Friends, USA Today, Billboard and Paste Magazine online as well as a GMA Dove Award win for “Short Form Video of the Year.” The video was also recognized at the LA Film Festival in 2011. Along with the group’s 9 GMA Dove Awards and 22 nominations, the band was the first Christian artist to be named MSN.com’s Artist of the Year in 2006. The band is part of the Passion Movement, participating in university student gatherings in the US and around the world. The group’s leader David Crowder is further an acclaimed author, having penned two books, including his acclaimed, highly personal, Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die: Or (The Eschatology of Bluegrass). David Crowder*Band debuted their first Christmas album, Oh For Joy, in October of this year.

Source: CMSpin

 

On the heels of releasing their highly acclaimed rock worship project, God’s Not Dead (Nov. 15 on Inpop Records), Newsboys have announced they will embark this spring on their biggest tour yet, the “God’s Not Dead Tour.” Kicking off Jan 12th and running through May 5th, the tour will run in over 60 markets across the U.S. The tour is presented by Compassion International, continuing their partnership with Newsboys to raise awareness for child sponsorships. Additionally, a special VIP Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience will be held nightly with a portion of its proceeds going to support Compassion International's child trafficking initiatives. Other major sponsors supporting the tour are I Am Second and Interstate Batteries.
 
Joining Newsboys on the tour will be special guests The City Harmonic (winners of GMA Canada's New Artist of the Year award), the high-energy pop foursome Anthem Lights, and the rock-driven group Abandon. A special emphasis has been placed on outreach and evangelism, with youth evangelist Bob Lenz joining the tour to share a message of hope. Lenz's non-profit organization, Life Promotions, will be building a network of supporting churches throughout the tour to facilitate the post-concert evangelistic efforts of the tour, with additional support from I Am Second. I Am Second, a movement meant to inspire all people to live for God and for others, is designed to help people discover their purpose in life.
 
The “God’s Not Dead Tour” follows Newsboys’ current appearance on “The Story Tour” running through December 18th. Just last month the band wrapped up their west coast leg of the Winter Jam Tour.

Tour dates for the "God's Not Dead Tour" are listed below, with more dates being added daily. Be sure to visit Newsboys.com and the tour's official webpage at www.GodsNotDeadTour.com for the most updated schedule, as well as all the information about the tour sponsors and supporting acts. 
 
Newsboys' God's Not Dead Tour Dates:*
January 12 - Holland, MI
January 13 - Anderson, IN
January 19 - Sheboygan, WI
January 20 - Port Huron, MI
January 21 - Menominee, MI
February 02 - Amarillo, TX
February 03 - Longview, TX
February 04 - Abilene, TX
February 09 - Temple, TX
February 10 - Carlsbad, NM
February 11 - Phoenix, AZ
February 12 - Tuscon, AZ
February 17 - Oceanside, CA
February 18 - Brentwood, CA
Feburary 19 - Sacramento, CA
February 21 - Layton, UT
February 23 - Anaheim, CA
February 24 - Redlands, CA
February 25 - Fresco, CA
February 26 - Bakersfield, CA
March 02 - Farmington, NM
March 03 - Lubbock, TX
March 09 - New Bern, NC
March 16 - St. Charles, IL
March 17 - Quincy, IL
March 22 - Barre, VT
March 24 - Lynchburg, VA
March 28 - Yankton, SD
March 29 - Indianola, IA
March 31 - Spencer, IA
April 05 - Edna, TX
April 06 - McAllen, TX
April 14 - Valdosta, GA
April 21 - Springfield, OH
April 22 - Wabash, IN
April 26 - Knoxville, TN
April 27 - Evansville, IN
May 03 - Menasha, WI
May 04 - Oak Creek, WI
May 05 - Flint, MI

Source: CMSpin

 

Gotee newcomer Jamie Grace has earned her first GRAMMY ® nomination for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Song.” Her  nominated No. 1 hit “Hold Me” garnered the top spot across an unprecedented three different radio charts earlier this year. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
 
“Just two years ago I was sitting on the floor in my dorm room with a pen and paper writing the lines 'I love the way you hold me...' When I found out that those lyrics and that melody were nominated for a GRAMMY ®, I absolutely couldn't believe it,” explains the first time nominee. “Even so, knowing that God has surrounded me with such an amazing team (TobyMac, Gotee Records, Know Good Company, producer Chris Stevens), and a family who inspires and supports my music more everyday, I believe this is another way that God is holding me - and I am loving it."
 
Jamie Grace’s latest single “You Lead” has garnered the No. 2 spot on the CHR radio chart. Jamie Grace performed her GRAMMY ® nominated song “Hold Me” on The 700 Club earlier this week. To view the performance in support of her latest album One Song At A Time, click here.
 
Coinciding with the digital release of her Christmas Together e.p., Jamie Grace’s official music video for “Christmas Together” is being unveiled. Just two months after the release of her successful, first album One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace’s Christmas Together (e.p.) includes the original “Christmas Together,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and “What Child Is This?” "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" will be a featured AmazonMp3.com during the month of December where the song will be only $0.69.
 
Up next for Jamie Grace will be Newsong’s “Very Merry Christmas Tour” with Newsong, Chris August and Kutless.  Stay tuned to www.JamieGrace.com for the latest tour information.

Source: CMSpin

 

Wednesday night, the already five-time GRAMMY ® award-winning multi-platinum selling artist Steven Curtis Chapman garnered the 16th GRAMMY ® nomination of his prolific 20+ year career. His 46th No. 1 hit “Do Everything” is being recognized in the category for "Best Gospel/Christian Performance." Fans can watch the 54th Annual GRAMMY ® Awards LIVE February 12 on CBS at 8pm/7pm CST.

The chart-topping single is featured on Chapman’s latest Sparrow Records release re:creation. Chapman performed the GRAMMY ® nominated song in front of sold out crowds on his popular “Songs & Stories” tour this fall with critically acclaimed artists Andrew Peterson and Josh Wilson, and will continue to entertain audiences on the spring leg in 2012. Ticket buyers can grab these great Christmas gifts before December 25 and pay no ticketing fees. For a full list of tour dates, see below.

Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman also had much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. They are proud new grandparents! Join us in congratulating their daughter Emily and her husband Tanner on the arrival of the beautiful Eiley Eliza Richards.

"We're so thankful and thrilled to welcome Eiley!" exclaims Chapman. He jokes, "We are pretty sure we are the world's youngest grandparents."

Chapman is currently on "The Story Tour," which began last night with friends Max Lucado, Randy Frazee, Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Selah and Anthem Lights. This Christmas extravaganza is supporting The Story album project.

For more information on Chapman and to see a list of current tour dates, please visit www.stevencurtischapman.com.
 
###
 
“Songs & Stories” Tour Dates-more dates to be announced shortly
 (*Dates subject to change)
Feb. 2 Tulsa, OK
Feb. 3 Little Rock, AR
Feb. 4 Tupelo, MS
Feb. 7 Lexington, KY
Feb. 16 Nashville, TN
Feb. 17 Columbus, OH
Feb. 19 Cleveland, OH
Feb. 22 Paducah, KY
Feb. 23 Jackson, MS
Feb. 24 Huntsville, AL
March 1 Baton Rouge, LA
March 2 Dallas, TX
March 3 Jonesboro, AR
March 8 Aiken, SC
March 9 Clearwater, FL
March 10 Lakeland, FL
March 11 Ocala, FL

Source: CMSpin

 

Christian music’s two-time GMA Male Vocalist of the Year and multiple GRAMMY Award® nominee Brandon Heath was honored again with an impressive three nominations from The Recording Academy® during last night’s hour-long special broadcast, “The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's
Biggest Night®,” which aired live on CBS from Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE.

Heath’s nominations were earned across three categories.  His eight-week No. 1 radio hit, “Your Love” (from his 1/18/2011 project, Leaving Eden) was honored in both Best Gospel / Contemporary Christian Music Performance and Best Contemporary Christian Music Song, an honor he shares with co-writer Jason Ingram.  Leaving Eden was recognized in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® ceremony will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sunday, February 12, 2012.

The acclaimed singer/songwriter will soon wrap a very successful touring year in support of the Leaving Eden.  Fans actively supported tour dates in 96 cities, including 45 headlining concerts with opener, Britt Nicole.  

A draw for Heath’s fans is his ability to connect on a personal level with his audience.  His album’s title track “Leaving Eden” developed into a campaign that’s taken on a life of its own.  Based on the “Leaving Eden” theme, Brandon has challenged himself, and those around him, to reflect on three questions: 1) What Is Your Eden? 2) What Is Your Apple? 3) What Is Your Heart?  Visit BrandonHeath.net to watch videos and read Brandon's thoughts on each topic.  Brandon also invites people to join him in the conversations on his site, where many have already shared their personal "Edens," "apples," and "hearts."

About Brandon Heath

Since Brandon Heath debuted on Reunion Records with Don’t Get Comfortable (2006) he has become one of Christian music’s most beloved and respected artists and songwriters having been twice honored with the GMA Male Vocalist of the Year (2009 and 2010), an Emmy Award, five GRAMMY nominations, an American Music Award nomination and has garnered multiple GMA Dove Awards and songwriting honors.  His award winning songs paired with his signature vocals reflect a soaring radio career that includes four No. 1 hits: “I’m Not Who I Was,” “Wait and See,” the 2009 GMA Dove Award winning Song of the Year, “Give Me Your Eyes,” and the eight-week chart topper, “Your Love.”

Heath, a Nashville native, first began writing at age 13 and credits his hometown’s legendary hotspot for songwriters, the Bluebird Café, as the place he first experienced music that moved him.  His artistry and ability to connect with audiences have compelled countless media outlets across the nation to platform his story and music.  Coverage includes Billboard magazine,
“CBS Evening News with Katie Couric,” Relevant magazine and a 2011 feature by the Wall Street Journal.

Other key spotlights include Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes” (What If We 8/19/2008) which was selected for The Discovery Channel’s “On The Case With Paula Zahn,” as well as a feature by the Sunday edition of The New York Times as a GRAMMY-nominated newcomer “that shouldn't be allowed to slip through the cracks.”

Heath’s third album, Leaving Eden (1/18/2011) debuted No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Sales chart and is supported by non-stop direct-support and headlining tours.  The hit maker’s most recent single “The Light In Me” released to radio on 4/29 and set in motion momentum driving his 45-city “Leaving Eden Fall Tour,” with special guest, Britt Nicole.

Source: CMSpin

 

GRAMMY-winning rock band SWITCHFOOT will perform their new hit single, “Dark Horses,” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” tonight.  The song, which is from the group’s new album, Vice Verses (Credential Recordings/lowercase people and Atlantic Records), is currently No. 6 on the Modern Rock chart.

Fresh off a successful European run that included stops in the UK, Holland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and sold-out shows in London, Birmingham, Amsterdam and Mannheim, SWITCHFOOT will resume their North American tour this Wednesday, November 30.  In addition to headline dates, the band will play numerous holiday radio shows in the next month, performing alongside such artists as Blink 182 and Social Distortion. (See below for itinerary.)

Living Social and SWITCHFOOT are teaming up to present two special shows at the intimate Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles on December 14. Each show will kick off with an hour-long Q&A with SWITCHFOOT, followed by an acoustic performance featuring songs from Vice Verses. Fans can choose from a 6:30 PM or 9:00 PM show. Tickets are available today and tomorrow exclusively through www.livingsocial.com. For further details, visit http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/4/deals/186614-one-general-admission-ticket-and-hour-long-q-a.

The following evening, December 15, vocalist/guitarist Jon Foreman will perform at the first of the two-night Invisible Children Holiday Benefit at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA. The first evening will be curated by Pete Wentz and Alternative Press, and will also feature Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids), Aaron Gillespie (The Almost), Aaron Weiss (mewithoutYou) and Ryan O'Neal (Sleeping At Last). Additional information about the benefit shows and Invisible Children, which is working to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity, is available at www.invisiblechildren.com/music.

SWITCHFOOT’S cross-country trek with Anberlin this past fall drew sold-out crowds and rave reviews in virtually every market. Local chapters of StandUp for Kids (www.standupforkids.org), a national nonprofit volunteer outreach organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless and street kids, collected backpacks at the shows. The backpacks will be used to distribute food and essentials to kids served by the organization.

In celebration of their ongoing partnership with StandUp For Kids, SWITCHFOOT invites fans to submit their most creative hoodie designs – inspired by Vice Verses – for the chance to have it printed and distributed by Jedidiah Clothing, with proceeds benefiting StandUp For Kids. For further details, visit http://www.talenthouse.com/switchfoot-jedidiah-clothing-design-a-hoodie-inspired-by-vice-versus.

Each year the band hosts the Switchfoot Bro-Am Presented By Hurley (http://www.switchfoot.com/c/bro-am), an annual concert/surf contest/silent auction. The event has raised more than $500,000 to date for San Diego-based children’s charities, including StandUp for Kids.
 
A vinyl edition of Vice Verses – limited to 1,000 copies – is available now for pre-order at http://www.switchfoot.com. Billboard praised Vice Verses’ “powerful, anthemic rockers” and Relevant Magazine called it SWITCHFOOT’S “most unique” album yet. “[The] gorgeous, swelling ‘Restless’ sounds plucked from U2’s Achtung Baby,” said Alternative Press. “But the real standout is ‘Souvenirs,’ a stunning ballad that, if there’s any justice, will go down as one of the band’s biggest hits to date.”

SWITCHFOOT – comprising Jon Foreman (vocals/guitar), Tim Foreman (bass), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (keys/guitar) and Drew Shirley (guitar) – recorded most of Vice Verses in the band’s San Diego, CA home studio, working with producer Neal Avron (Sara Bareilles, Weezer). Mike Elizondo (Eminem, Dr. Dre, Pink) who produced 2009’s Hello Hurricane, served as executive producer.

SWITCHFOOT - UPCOMING U.S. TOUR DATES

11/30   Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
12/1     Richmond, VA @ The National
12/2     Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater (SOLD OUT)
12/3     Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm
12/4     Jacksonville, FL @ Met Park
12/6     St. Louis, MO  @ The Pageant
12/7     Nashville, TN   @ Cannery Ballroom
12/11   San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center
12/16   Pharr, TX @ Pharr Events Center

Source: CMSpin

No strangers to television exposure, The Afters’ latest songs from their album Light Up the Sky have received placement on a slew of TV promotions including NBC’s popular “The Biggest Loser” and ABC’s new philanthropic “You Deserve It”.
 
“Light Up the Sky” will be played in the Dec. 6 finale of NBC’s mega hit “The Biggest Loser.” ABC’s new show “You Deserve It” has also been supportive of The Afters’ music using “Lift Me Up” in promotion for the program.
 
In addition to No. 1’s at both AC and CHR radio, both “Light Up the Sky” and “Lift Me Up” have been constant mainstays in the top 5 on the iTunes ® Christian and Gospel Songs Chart. “Lift Me Up” is still Top 10 at AC Indicator.
 
Texas-based band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.”  “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky has bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placement in “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters.

Source: CMSpin

Twice this week already, my wife and I have looked at each other and said, "Wow, it feels like it is 10 o'clock" when really it was only 5:30 or 6:00.

Oh well......in another couple of weeks the days will begin to get longer again.   Bring on the Spring!!!!

 

GRAMMY ® recognized artists Matthew West and Mandisa will ring in the holiday season with a special evening of Christmas music as part of “The Heart of Christmas Tour.” The shows will hit around 12 markets in the month of December, a full list of events are listed below. The evening of music will include Christmas songs from both artists, including a duet of “Christmas Makes Me Cry,” found on both of their holiday projects.
 
GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West debuted his first, full-length holiday project on, October 4, titled The Heart of Christmas. The 12 song record features an equal mix of Christmas classics and original holiday tunes penned by West. In addition to Mandisa, fellow GRAMMY ® winners and nominees join West on the album including Vince Gill in “Leaving Heaven” and Amy Grant on “Give This Christmas Away.”
 
The Heart of Christmas movie will premiere on gmc Sunday, December 4 at 7 p.m. ET. Inspired by the true story of the Locke family and West's hit song "One Last Christmas," THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS tells the story of one family's quest for their seriously ill son to experience an early and magical Christmas and how an entire community came together to make it possible.  The Locke family's journey and desire to cherish every moment would change their lives as well as millions around the world forever.
 
Mandisa debuted her own full-length Christmas record in 2008 titled, It’s Christmas. The album features such Christmas classics as “It’s Christmas,” “Joy to the World” and “Little Drummer Boy,” along with special duets with West and Michael W. Smith. 
 
World Vision will also serve as a sponsor for “The Heart of Christmas Tour.” World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. For more on World Vision, go to www.worldvision.org.

Source: CMSpin

Salvation, my wife-Amy, my three kids-Lauren, Trevor and Chipper, my ministry here at J103, all of the luxuries God provides-a nice house, vehicles to drive, clothes to wear, food to eat, great friends and coworkers, my church family, our pets, (yes-I am thankful for our menagire of animals-just don't tell my wife!), good health, great memories of fun times, a great Christian heritage that was left for me and I am trying to pass on to my kids....I could go on for ever.

Tomorrow before you dive into the turkey and dressing, and before you head out to face the Black Friday/Thursday sales-stop and be thankful.  Write a list-I think you will be surprised at how much you really do have to be thankful and once you begin to be thankful-you will often forget what you don't have.

Happy Thanks-giving!

Ted

Our J103 listeners bless us each and every year and we always hope to surpass the 1000 mark.  We always start off trying to keep an accuate count so we know how many we are taking, but it never ends up that way.

We pull into the LifeCare Center drop off and the volunteers unload and carefully count how many we brought.

This year YOU gave 1,248 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child!!!  You are so awesome.

Keep praying for each one of the over 42,000 kids that will receive a shoebox from the TN Valley.  Pray that God will speak to each of them and they will accept the ultimate gift-Jesus!

Thank you for once again being the best listeners in the world!!!

 

It’s big news for Newsboys! God’s Not Dead, their brand new CD, just released yesterday November 15th and is receiving huge accolades from the fans and critics alike.
 
God’s Not Dead showcases the best music yet from front man Michael Tait and band mates Jeff Frankenstein (keys), Duncan Phillips (drums), and Jody Davis (guitars), as the project offers today’s most embraced modern worship anthems. Putting that special Newsboys touch on seven tunes that have recently topped the Church Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) chart, such as the first radio single “God’s Not Dead (Like A Lion)” along with “Forever Reign” and “Revelation Song,” five originals round out the project (“The King is Coming,” "I Am Second," “Here We Stand").
 
Not skipping a beat since their critically acclaimed 2010 release, Born Again, the band continues to receive tremendous support for God's Not Dead from retail, radio stations, media outlets, and dedicated fans across the nation and world.
 
RADIO -
The lead single from the project, title track "God's Not Dead," is gathering momentum at CHR radio and is poised to be the first major hit of 2012. The single will release to the AC format in January. Early markets on the song include Grand Rapids, MI; Tampa, FL; Green Bay, WI; Spartanburg, SC; Farmington, NM; Anchorage, AK; Ponca City, OK; San Luis Obispo, CA; Wausaw, WI; and Jackson, MS. Numerous radio stations love the single, and a couple of them are sharing these words:
 
"The Newsboys have been 'reborn' for our audience and they are loving the new music. God's Not Dead is a hit! Great to hear Kevin Max again!"
- Brian McIntyre, PD at WONU FM in Bourbonnais, IL

"Why on earth does one need to come up with a clever quote for a song so strong in message, and quality, that it would blow me away to think a station would have to even think twice about playing it? ‘God’s Not Dead’ is GREAT!" 
-Jim "The Kid" Raider of WORQ in Green Bay

MEDIA -
What does the media think about God's Not Dead? Popular outlets such as HearItFirst.com, NewReleaseTuesday.com, JesusFreakHideout.com, Rhapsody,  gmc, CCM, to name just a few and so many more have heavily promoted God’s Not Dead. Here's what some of them are saying:
 
“The group has come together to create what is their finest worship record to date, and quite possibly, one of the best Newsboys albums ever….There is no doubt about it, if you’re going to walk away with one message from this album, it’s this: God is alive… and He is absolutely worthy to be praised.”
- NewReleaseTuesday.com
 
“There is a liveliness to God's Not Dead that puts pep in your step and joy in your heart...Bottom Line - seven covers and five original songs add up to almost 50 minutes of amazing music that will lift your spirit while lifting the name of our Lord.” - About.com

“…the best product from the latest incarnation of the Newsboys…” and from an early JFH review, “God’s Not Dead is looking to be the accomplished worship album this November, as well as a record Newsboys fans will be pleased to sink their teeth into…”
- JesusFreakHideout.com
 
This new album from the Newsboys is definitely ear catching and worship ready...very impressive and won’t let you leave without feeling inspired..."
- Breathecast.com

“There’s a decidedly global rock sound on Newsboys’ latest worship release. The collection…should appeal to longtime Newsboys fans as well as those looking for an up-tempo worship release.”
- CCM digital magazine
 
“Newsboys at their best.” - The Front Row Report
 
ABOUT GOD'S NOT DEAD:
At the album’s core, God’s Not Dead sings of victory over a century’s worth of philosophers who thought otherwise. Friedrich Nietzsche once proclaimed, “God is dead.” But as Newsboys’ friend and pastor Rice Broocks likes to say, “A funny thing happened on the way to the funeral.” The belief that God is indeed alive is the truth Newsboys are amplifying. “God’s not dead, let’s worship Him,” says Michael Tait. “We serve a living God!”
 
Tait’s outspoken message is carried by Newsboys’ signature sound that Frankenstein, Phillips, and Davis have shaped together for nearly two decades now. The band is currently on tour headlining the west coast leg of the Winter Jam tour, then joining The Story tour next month, which runs through December 18th. At the start of 2012, Newsboys will embark on their “God’s Not Dead Tour.” A press announcement about the tour will be distributed soon.

Source: CMSpin

 

Grammy®-nominated Christian music mainstay NewSong is slated to bring their annual “Very Merry Christmas Tour” to 14 cities next month.  A holiday highlight for fans and artists alike, this year’s tour will also feature top rock/worship band Kutless, reigning GMA Male Vocalist of the Year Chris August, and breakout singer/songwriter Jamie Grace.   
 
Kicking-off December 1 in Marietta, Georgia, “NewSong’s Very Merry Christmas Tour” will stop in Cincinnati; Charlotte, North Carolina; Beckley, West Virginia; Marion, Illinois; and Pascagoula, Mississippi, among other cities, before concluding December 19 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
 
NewSong will perform selections from their best-selling recordings The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Hope, including the group’s emotion-packed #1 mainstream radio hit, “The Christmas Shoes,” which has become the biggest song of their career and one of America’s most beloved Christmas standards. “The Christmas Shoes” also spawned a series of New York Times best-selling novels by Donna VanLiere and two top-rated CBS television movies based on the books and featuring music from NewSong (CBS’ “The Christmas Blessing” was television’s most-watched movie in 2005).
 
Celebrating 30 years in Christian music, NewSong has recorded 17 albums, garnering 20 #1 Christian radio singles and a Grammy® Award nomination, in addition to being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, among numerous other achievements.  Founders of The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, Christian music's largest annual tour and Pollstar’s #1 tour in attendance for the first quarter of this year, NewSong has hosted many of the genre’s top artists on the tour since its inception in 1995. One True God, the latest recording from NewSong, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart earlier this year and features the new single, “The Same God.” 
 
Portland, Oregon-based Kutless has emerged as one of the premiere rock, worship bands. The band has been awarded RIAA Gold Certification for their worship-based album Strong Tower in addition to Gold Certification for Long-Form video Live From Portland. Since the 2009 release of their hit worship album, It Is Well, BEC Recordings’ Kutless has catapulted to the top of the charts with their mega-hit song “What Faith Can Do.”  Already a hit single in 2009, the success carried into 2010 as this single topped the 2010 Mediabase Christian AC Song of the Year.  In addition to Mediabase, “What Faith Can Do” was the No. 2 Billboard Hot Christian Song of the Year.  Kutless was also named the No. 7 Billboard Christian Artist of the Year, and It Is Well was the No. 10 Billboard Christian Album of the Year.  Kutless has just finished recording their new studio album that will be releasing in early 2012.
 
Fervent Records’ Chris August is quickly becoming a favorite in the CCM genre making a mark with his debut single, “Starry Night” which claimed the No. 1 spot for five consecutive weeks on the chart and landed at No. 15 on the Billboard year end chart for “Hot Christian Songs” of 2010. With an impressive sweep at this year’s 42nd Annual Dove Awards, August earned awards for “New Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year.” He also claimed the nod for "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year” for his debut album No Far Away that he co-produced with acclaimed producer Ed Cash. No Far Away was the best-selling New Artist project released in 2010. August is a self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer who previously worked with artists such as Ashlee Simpson, Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight and Jessica Simpson before shifting his focus to a solo career.

Hailing from Lithonia, Georgia, Jamie Grace is a 19-year-old-college student who aside from her career and touring as a singer-songwriter, is also studying children’s ministry. At age 11, Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome, and has since traveled the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking.  Though just releasing her first, full length record, One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace has been a part of the well-known Revolve tour, had a No. 1 radio hit and a highly successful EP. Her holiday EP, Christmas Together, will debut digitally November 29.

Source: CMSpin

Everyone was excited and there were several underclassmen playing for RHS (because the football team is still playing in the playoffs and several of the varsity players play both sports.)  The referee brought the two centers in to midcourt for the opening tip-off.

The ball went up, one of the players tipped the ball to their teammate who dribbled down court, around a couple of the opposing players, layed it up (beautifully I might add), and scored two points just like that in less than 5 seconds..........the only problem..........it was in the wrong basket.    Great shot!  Wrong Goal!  The opposing team started with 2 unearned points.

Watching my kids play soccer for years I have seen several "own goals" where inadvertently you score in your own goal for the other team.  It is embarrassing when it happens.

In the gym, everyone laughed (including the player who made the shot).

In life-I have ran the wrong way on the court and then managed to stop and look back to realize I was doing something good, just not what I was supposed to be doing.

A youth ministry friend of mine once said, "If the Devil can't make you bad-he will make you busy."  I have been, to many times, to busy to see what God wanted me to accomplish.

Great Shot!  Wrong Goal!

 

The 21st Anniversary Covenant House Candlelight Vigil in Times Square, sponsored by Aviva USA life and annuity company, also will feature the first-ever Covenant House CEO Solidarity Sleepout. Following the Nov. 17 vigil in Times Square, more than 40 influential leaders will be sleeping out in the shadow of the Covenant House New York Crisis Shelter in solidarity with homeless youth.

“On Nov. 17 and 18, we are going to transform Times Square and our crisis shelter into centers of hope and solidarity for homeless youth,” said Covenant House President Kevin Ryan. “Natalie Grant will light up Times Square with an inspirational performance. After the vigil, we will march back to our crisis shelter with 300 of our homeless kids and a generous group of CEOs and business leaders will sleep in cardboard boxes outside our crisis shelter.

“These leaders have selflessly decided they want to walk in our kids’ shoes and experience, if only for one night, some of what our kids go through,” said Ryan. “We will sleep out to show our support and to raise awareness that thousands of young people are struggling to survive every night on our streets.”

The vigil in Times Square begins at 6 p.m. and will feature Grant, Gospel Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year for four consecutive years (2006-2009) and the top-selling adult contemporary female solo artist in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Grant is also an outspoken advocate for victims of human trafficking. Abolition International, which Grant created in 2005, has raised a significant amount of funds and awareness to fight the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

“We are honored to have Natalie share her incredible talent with us in Times Square,” said Ryan. “Her songs are inspirational, and she has dedicated her life to raising money and awareness for child victims of trafficking around the world.” The vigil also will feature homeless youth from Covenant House, who will share stories of their journey through homelessness to independence.

Following the vigil, Covenant House will host the CEO Solidarity Sleepout on the concrete near the shelter at 460 West 41st St. with high-ranking executives hoping to improve this corner of the world. Among those planning to sleep out are: Philip Andryc of Berens Capital Management; Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees; Bill Donahoe of Allegiance Retail Services/Foodtown; Gary Dubois of Crum & Forster/Seneca; Dave Eklund of Aeolus Reinsurance; Tom Glocer of Thomson Reuters; Jeff Kaplan of Deerfield Management; Geraldine Laybourne, co-founder of the Oxygen Network and chairman of Alloy Entertainment; Julio Alfonso Portalatin of Chartis Growth Economies; George P. Reeth of Companion Property and Casualty; Adam Silver of the NBA; and Strauss Zelnick of Zelnick Media.

“No one can do this work alone, so we appreciate Aviva USA sponsoring this vigil, which will help thousands of kids in the years to come,” said Ryan. “Our friends at ABC, NASDAQ, Reuters, and Toshiba are donating their screens for the evening in Times Square to shine a light on the problems our kids face. And, of course, the business leaders who are leaving their homes to sleep in solidarity with our kids are showing a commitment and love for our kids that will make a tremendous impact. It is all of us working together that will save more lives and give a voice to the thousands of homeless kids who are alone on the streets.”
Covenant House provides 24/7 crisis care and on-going support for homeless young people in need of a safe haven.

Source: CMSpin

 

The first holiday music from Jamie Grace will debut digitally November 29. Just two months after the release of her successful, first album One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace will include four holiday songs in Christmas Together (e.p.): the original “Christmas Together,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and “What Child Is This?” The EP finds Jamie Grace working with a mix of talent, under the creative direction of tobyMac, including fellow Gotee Records’ act Abandon Kansas, producer David Garcia (Mandisa, Group 1 Crew) and even co-writing with producer Jamie Moore (tobyMac, Nicole C. Mullen).
 
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" will be a featured AmazonMp3.com during the month of December where the song will be only $0.69
 
After wrapping up dates with multiple GRAMMY ® winner tobyMac, Jamie Grace will join Newsong’s “Very Merry Christmas Tour” with Newsong, Chris August and Kutless.  Stay tuned to www.JamieGrace.com for the latest tour information. Christmas Together (e.p.) will be bundled with One Song At A Time on the “Very Merry Christmas Tour.”
 
Jamie Grace's current radio single "You Lead" cracked the Top 10 this week at No. 8 on the Christian CHR chart. The song is also on sale at iTunes  for only $0.69.

Source: CMSpin

 

GRAMMY Award-winning, Multi-Platinum-selling band Jars of Clay re-joins MercyMe, Matt Maher, Disciple, Group 1 Crew and others on the fall leg of “The Rock & Worship Roadshow” this month.  In keeping with tour tradition, Jars of Clay is offering fans an exclusive “Sing & Tell” VIP event prior to each show.

Kicking off last Thursday, Nov. 3, in Saginaw, Mich., the tour reconvenes after a successful initial run last spring.  This month it will visit 12 additional markets, including major cities Cleveland, Atlanta and Oklahoma City before wrapping Nov. 20 in Memphis, Tenn.  Admission prices will be $10 at-the-door, making it an affordable event for the whole family.  Compassion International, a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty, will once again serve as a tour sponsor.

Jars of Clay will reprise its “Sing & Tell” pre-show gathering, a time for fans to interact face-to-face with the band.  Those who purchase VIP tickets will have access to a private meet and greet, which includes an acoustic set and a Question & Answers session with the group.  Participants are invited to request songs ahead of time when they purchase VIP tickets.  This special offer additionally includes admission to the Roadshow as well as a VIP laminate and signed copy of Jars of Clay’s new acoustic EP, Reinvent, Remember, Replay, only available on the tour.
 
VIP tickets are limited.  To reserve your ticket, visit www.JarsofClay.com/tour.  For additional information on the "Rock & Worship Roadshow" tour and a current list of tour dates, visit: www.rockandworshiproadshow.com.

About Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay, made up of members Dan Haseltine (vocals), Charlie Lowell (keyboards), Steve Mason (guitars), and Matt Odmark (guitars), launched its career with the multi-format hit “Flood” in 1995.  Since then, it has amassed more than six million in career sales (five Gold, two Platinum and one Multi-Platinum certification), three GRAMMY Awards (from eight nominations), an American Music Award nod, three GMA Dove Awards (12 GMA Dove Award
Nominations), and BMI honors for songwriting as well as performing.  The group also claims 17 No. 1 radio hits, numerous film credits, and has headlined thousands of sold-out shows and
festivals.  The band’s GRAMMY-nominated tenth album, The Long Fall Back to Earth, was recently followed by its compelling, community-minded project, Jars of Clay Presents
The Shelter.

While celebrated for its music and writing, Jars of Clay is most concerned with the needs in Africa.  Compelled to make a difference, the group successfully launched the Blood: Water
Mission, a non-profit organization promoting clean blood and water in Africa.  Since the band’s debut, Jars of Clay has built an extraordinary career based on the uncompromising integrity of its music, worldview and humanitarianism.

For more information on Jars of Clay and The Shelter, please visit: www.jarsofclay.com, www.facebook.com/jarsofclay or www.providentpress.com.

Source: CMSpin

Since I turned 18 I have missed very few opportunities to vote.  When you look at countries where the public opinion is not respected yet alone allowed to be shared it humbles me to think God has given us these freedoms.

Then there are those who have stood up and given their lives so I can have the freedoms we have because of our democracy.

Yesterday afternoon, after leaving the station and getting home, Amy and I went to vote.   Our polling place was closed.  We went to the downtown Ringgold Courthouse Annex and learned that we had nothing to vote on.  It was only the city of Ringgold and the city of Fort Oglethorpe and not Catoosa County that had an election yesterday.  Since we don't live in either of those cities limits we had nothing to vote on.

If you don't vote.....then you shouldn't criticize the decisions that are made.

This story is really cool for me becasue.....Yuri plays soccer with my daughter Lauren at Bryan College.  She is a little in size but has an incredible smile and heart.

Get your boxes for Operation Christmas Child from us here at J103, take your family and pack them, and then return them to us here at the studio no later than 12 noon on November 21.  There is a Yuri waiting on you!

 

On the heels of its recent American Music Award® nomination, multi-platinum, award-winning artist Casting Crowns is this week’s highest debut on the Billboard’s Top 200 at No. 2.

Come to the Well additionally topped the Billboard Contemporary Christian Overall
chart, while also claiming No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart and No. 3 on its Overall Albums chart.  Lead single “Courageous,” landed at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Songs chart as well.

Casting Crowns’ fourth studio release, Come to the Well sold an extraordinary 99,138 copies this week.  Such a showing earned Come to the Well the highest charting position for a debut album on the Billboard Top 200.  Furthermore, the project dominated the Billboard Contemporary Christian Overall chart, where Casting Crowns’ Nov. 3, 2009 release, Until the Whole World Hears, also charted at No. 4.

In addition, Casting Crowns celebrates a No. 1 on the Billboard National Christian Audience
chart with hit radio single “Courageous,” added only 10 weeks ago.  The occasion marks Casting Crowns’ second No. 1 song in six months, following “Glorious Day” which was No. 1 at AC in April 2011.

Other factors driving Casting Crowns’ momentum are multiple sold out tour dates, Mark Hall’s recent book release, high profile media coverage including a lead feature in Billboard Magazine, an American Music Award® nomination – the band’s sixth - and the support of its more than TWO MILLION Facebook fans.

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was impressed by early buzz anticipating the album’s strong debut.  In his Oct. 20 blog post he singled out the band saying, “Congrats guys! You’re
quite blessed!” Read the post in its entirety here: http://perezhilton.com/2011-10-20-christian-rockers-casting-crowns-billboard.

Produced by Mark A. Miller, Come to the Well is Casting Crowns’ first new studio album in two years.  As with previous records this one draws inspiration from the band’s ministry efforts at
its home church, Eagles Landing Baptist Church, outside of Atlanta, where frontman
Mark Hall serves as youth pastor.  The project is filled with songs that both challenge and encourage believers in their walk. Hall collaborated on several of the tracks with top songwriters including Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West and award-winning country songwriter
Tom Douglas.

About Casting Crowns

Atlanta-based Casting Crowns released its fourth studio album, Come To The Well, on Oct. 18, 2011.  The album sold 99,138 copies its first week making it the highest charting debut on the Billboard Top 200, with an overall chart position of No. 2. It also garnered the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Contemporary Christian Overall chart, followed closely by its November 2009 release, Until The Whole World Hears, at No. 4.

Come To The Well additionally climbed to No. 1 on iTunes Christian Albums chart and No. 3 on its Overall Albums chart.  The record’s lead single, “Courageous,” was the No. 1 Christian single on iTunes while hitting No. 1 on the Billboard National Audience Chart after just 10 weeks.  All of Casting Crowns’ projects are RIAA certified, with a tally of three RIAA Platinum Albums, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, two RIAA Gold Albums, two Gold DVDs and two Gold digital singles. The group also claims an American Music Award®, with six total nominations, three GRAMMY Awards, and 14 GMA Dove Awards.

Despite an unprecedented eight-year career with Casting Crowns, the seven band members remain active in student ministry in the Atlanta area and tour part-time around their local church duties.  Serving his 18th year in youth ministry, lead singer/songwriter Mark Hall is the student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta.  As a testament to the band’s impact, Casting Crowns performed for a second time in North Korea in April 2009, in partnership with Global Resource Services, as the band continues to forge invaluable relationships with the people in the D.P.R.K.

For more information on Casting Crowns and Come to the Well, visit: www.castingcrowns.com or follow Mark Hall’s  Twitter at twitter.com/markhallCC.

Source: CMSpin

 

Joined by Andrew Peterson & Josh Wilson
 
Tonight wraps up the multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY ® award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman's first "Songs & Stories" tour with friends Andrew Peterson and Josh Wilson. After performing in front of sold out crowds across the country, the Show HOPE sponsored tour continues to be in high demand and as a result Chapman will launch a spring leg of the intimate tour.
 
During this unique writer’s night, Chapman performs songs from his latest album re:creation and more, including his most recent No. 1 hit “Do Everything.” Chapman also opens up about the stories that inspired him to write the songs that have impacted lives around the world.
 
“What a night!  Having been in the business for 18 years, I’ve come to appreciate a well-crafted evening of music,” exclaims CAA Agent Bryan Myers. “Hit songs, superb musicianship, tasteful instrumentation (not to mention instruments you’ve never seen before), and artist collaboration from beginning to end.  This is what music, community, and storytelling is all about.  Would see it again in a heartbeat!” 
 
“Steven’s show was one of the most creative and fun evenings of worship I have experienced in a long time,” says Lowell MacGregor from the Lowell MacGregor Group. “This show combined an amazing musical history of one of the most prolific musicians in CCM with a healthy helping of his new material interspersed with fun forays into up and coming musical talents and fresh musical perspectives.”
 
Dan Fife with Awakening Events agrees, “Watching these world class musicians collaborate from the first note to the last has been an incredible treat. Steven, Andrew and Josh come at you right away to let you know it's going to be a special and unique evening. With the guys playing for each other all night long and the ‘music store’ of instruments up on stage, the band trades off on ukuleles, banjos, guitars, pump organ, hammer dulcimer, upright bass and others constantly.  It's such a fun night and really captures the audience.”
 
Additionally, Chapman, Peterson and Wilson showcase their diverse musical talents by playing an extensive variety of instruments (over 47 on stage) making it a night of nonstop musicianship and entertainment.
 
Fans are also invited to a special pre-show event, “Soundcheck and Stories.” Two hours prior to each show, Chapman connects with his fans in a personal Q&A, performs an exclusive acoustic song or two and gives each fan a collector's edition autographed poster.
 
For more date and ticket information about Steven Curtis Chapman and the upcoming “Songs & Stories” tour, please visit http://stevencurtischapman.com/.

Source: CMSpin

The way we both feel right now, I believe we are well on our way.  I can barely lift my arms above my shoulders.  I am having a hard time reaching around and grabbing the ink pen out of my back pocket.

After training for and competing in the Body Building Contest 3 years ago, I am familiar with this pain, but it still aches and constantly reminds you that you are crazy for putting your body through that.

Even though we are sore-we don't stop.  Anything that is worth something will always cost you something.  If that means the two of us reaching our fitness goals-bring on the pain.......and the tylenol!

Source: CMSpin

I parked the vehicle, and got out.  Amy took Oakley for a little potty break and I put my iphone in my sweatshirt pocket and hooked my headphones up.

Amy walked back over after Oakley was "finished," and we started walking, with me holding the dogs leash.  Before I could reach into my pocket and turn my music on-Amy reached over and grabbed my hand.  There we were walking along hand in hand, both of us with our earbuds in our ears, only I wasn't listening to any music!

It felt so good holding my wifes hand that I didn't want to let go and turn on my music.  So I just walked for about a mile and a half with my earbuds on and no music....well.....except the music in my heart!

Earlier this week, Fair Trade Services' critically acclaimed artist Sara Groves released her 10th album Invisible Empires. Produced by Steve Hindalong (Sixpence None The Richer, Leeland, The Choir, City On A Hill) the landmark album is following in the acclaimed footsteps of her nine previous recordings, receiving stunning reviews from Christianity Today, Rhapsody.com, NewReleaseTuesday and more:
 
“Groves gives voice to both the struggle of living as a Christian and the unshakeable peace that comes from surrender and trust. In Sara Groves' capable hands, they expand and fill to take in all our lives, and Invisible Empires is another musical triumph.”
-Christianity Today
 
“On her 10th album, Invisible Empires, Sara Groves continues her habit of laying bare her most intimate feelings and fears in hopes that her warts-and-all truth will inspire the rest of us to live more examined, thoughtful lives…this underrated singer/songwriter sifts through the layers of life that pile up on us all to get to what’s really important.” –Rhapsody.com
 
“A collection of songs this deep and resonant are rare in any genre, and are truly ‘art’ in the truest sense of the word. Invisible Empires attempts to speak to that place in the heart that so rarely gets spoken to. Sara Groves has opened up yet another great conversation with the world." -JesusFreakhideout.com
 
“Sara’s excellent songwriting and captivating piano-based singer-songwriter style have made her my favorite female artist in any genre of music. Sara has now once again released her ‘best’ album topping all of her previous excellent work.  Invisible Empires by Sara Groves is the top album of 2011.” -NewReleaseTuesday.com
 
 "Each track on Invisible Empires has a quiet power and conviction.  Sara Groves’ amazing ministry is packed within her exceptional songwriting.  With her smooth folksy voice and warm piano, she proceeds to sweetly convict and convert listeners with each song." -The Fish
  
Featured on what-already-appears to be another hit project for the gifted artist is the first single “Eyes on the Prize,” which was originally adapted during the Civil Rights Movement and also features the young voices of a youth choir based in Jersey City, NJ: the New City Kids. While the message is universal, Groves had International Justice Mission (IJM) specifically in mind when recording this song, knowing that this social-justice organization, like many do, has reached its point of the “long haul.” IJM is currently featuring a unique video of Groves sharing her message behind the song on their website.  Please click here to view. The powerful anthem is being played on major radio networks such as WBSN/New Orleans, WCIE/Tampa, Family Life Network, American Family Radio, and KNLB/Phoenix among others.
 
Additionally, in-depth interviews with Groves can be found on Beliefnet.com  and the November issue of CCM as well as upcoming interviews with USA Radio, American Family Radio, Campus Crusade for Christ Radio and more. Always eloquent and honest, Groves recently took time to film a video where she shares what the album means to her and more here.
 
Groves is currently on the “Reason to Gather” Tour with this year’s GMA Dove Award “Female Vocalist” and “Best New Artist” nominee Audrey Assad and indie singer/songwriter duo Jenny & Tyler.
 
For more information on Sara Groves and Invisible Empires, please visit www.saragroves.com.

Source: CMSpin

 

Legendary Christian recording artist and world-renowned guitar maestro Phil Keaggy is set to release Live From Kegworth Studio through Strobie Records on October 18. The new CD features his most popular live arrangements, including "Salvation Army Band," "The True Believers" and "Here Comes the Sun."

The latest project from the Gospel Music Hall of Famer is in response to fan requests through the years following Keaggy's concerts.

"When I finish a show, people are always asking me if I have a CD with all the songs I played live at the concert. Regrettably, I didn't have one CD with many of the songs I played on a given night. So I took it upon myself to record live in my home studio many of the songs I do in concert," says Keaggy.

"With an audience of one," Keaggy says, "I played and sang my heart out and chose the best takes of each song presented in the collection."

In true Keaggy fashion, the new project features the musician's amazing vocals coupled with his brilliant guitar playing and looping magic, using no overdubs.
Live From Kegworth Studio includes elements of all the musical stylings for which Keaggy is famous. He cuts loose with a wailing rendition of the classic "Salvation Army Band," allows the mood and tempo to take center stage on the Keith Green-penned "Your Love Broke Through," pays homage to George Harrison with a spot-on rendition of the Beatles' hit "Here Comes the Sun," and settles into some intricate and reflective acoustic guitar strumming on the contemplative instrumental "Chalice."

Live From Kegworth Studio is available to pre-order through October 15 at philkeaggy.com. On October 18, the CD will be available to purchase at Keaggy's website, with digital downloads at iTunes and Amazon coming later in October.

About Phil Keaggy:
One of the world's most beloved musicians, Keaggy's solo career has spanned 40+ years and has included more than 50 solo albums, both vocal and instrumental, as well as eight releases with his band, Glass Harp.
Widely recognized for his phenomenal guitar playing as well as his vocal and songwriting prowess, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his music, including seven Dove Awards and a Grammy nomination. Keaggy was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and was named one of the Top 10 best rock singers in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com in 2009. He has been named one of the "25 Most Underrated Guitarists" by Rolling Stone Magazine alongside Prince, The Beatles' George Harrison, Kurt Cobain, Neil Young and Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham.
An accomplished record producer and one of the most sought-after studio guitarists on the planet, Keaggy also continues to sell out concerts all over the United States with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock & roll to fully-orchestrated instrumental compositions.

The Phil Keaggy Trio's current release, Inter-Dimensional Traveler, is available from Strobie Records. Also available is Numen, Keaggy's new CD with Kyle Jones, a creative collaboration of exotic guitars and percussion. For more information on Keaggy, Inter-Dimensional Traveler, Numen and Live From Kegworth Studio, visit philkeaggy.com.

Source: CMSpin

 

Also Features Building 429 And Levi McGrath

Centricity Music’s high energy pop-rock band, Me In Motion, will be heading to Canada in December to join Peter Furler’s 2011 Christmas Tour.  The 10-day tour launches December 1st and features Building 429 and Levi McGrath along with Me In Motion. 

“I'm really honored for the opportunity to join Peter on the road this December,” says Me In Motion’s frontman, Seth Mosley.  “It’s been a big blessing to get to know him, as the band worked on Peter’s debut solo record.  And now to get the opportunity to share the stage with such an iconic figure in Christian music, who had a big impact on me growing up, is a dream come true.  Peter is 100% genuine and lives what he sings. It's gonna be a good one."

Me In Motion just released their new single to radio, Yes We Can, and already the upbeat, catchy song has received eight radio adds out of the box.  The song’s lyrics are based on the message from Phillipians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  As Mosley describes the single, “It’s difficult to live our faith in this world but when the world says we can’t make it we shout back….yes we can!”

Source: CMSpin

 

Known for such worldwide worship anthems as “Mighty To Save,” “From the Inside Out,” “My Hope,” “Shout To The Lord,” “Hosanna,” “The Stand” and many more, Hillsong returns to the US to launch its “God Is Able” tour November 18 in Minneapolis, MN.  The tour travels to 13 cities for worship nights in churches, theaters and arenas before wrapping up December 6 in San Diego, CA (full tour schedule is listed below).

In addition to its worship favorites, Hillsong will debut songs from God Is Able that were birthed out of a year that has received its fair share of turmoil, both in Australia and around the world, with tsunamis, earthquakes, nuclear disasters, tornadoes and war. The songs are about seeing people connect in a real and personal way with the Living God in control of the universe, encouraging hope, even in the midst of our present circumstances.

“We are continually reminded just how true those words are: God is able - able to save, able to heal, able to rescue from the fiercest storms and highest floods,” says Hillsong’s Reuben Morgan, co-writer of the song “Mighty To Save,” sung by an estimated 40 million people in church each week.  “There are so many times when we are in situations beyond our control, and there’s something revolutionary about being able to say or sing, our God is able, In His name we overcome, for the Lord our God is able.”

Recorded with thousands of worshippers gathered together at Sydney Entertainment Centre in Australia, God Is Able is a global expression of praise and worship from Hillsong Church.  The acclaimed album, which released in July, shares the simple, yet profound message that God’s ability is infinite in capacity and yet entirely intimate in focus.

While on tour in the US, Hillsong will also share new music from its Christmas EP, Born Is The King, releasing November 8.  This studio recording includes two new songs, “Born Is The King (It’s Christmas),” written by Matt Crocker and Scott Ligertwood, and “Emmanuel,” written by Reuben Morgan.  The full track listing follows:
 
1.  The Westward Procession
2. Joy To The World
3. Born Is The King (It’s Christmas)
4.  Emmanuel
5.  We Three Kings
6.  Come Let Us Adore Him
7.  Holy Night
8.  Silent Night

About Hillsong Church:
Based in Sydney, Australia, Hillsong Church is one of the world’s fastest-growing ministries, with a 25,000-plus strong congregation in Australia, as well as one of the largest evangelical churches in London, Cape Town and Kiev. Hillsong also has churches in Stockholm and Paris, and is establishing a new church in New York City.

Hillsong 2011 “God Is Able” US Tour:

NOVEMBER   
 18 Minneapolis, MN
Grace Church
 19 Chicago, IL
Rosemont Theatre
 20 Springfield, MO
James River Assembly
 21 Louisville, KY
Southeast Christian Church
 22 Little Rock, AR
Church at Rock Creek
  26 Orlando, FL
University of Central Florida Arena
 28 Jackson, MS
Pinelake Church - Reservoir Campus
 29 Houston, TX
Berry Center
DECEMBER   
 1 Dallas, TX
Verizon Theatre
 2 El Paso, TX
Abundant Living Faith Center
 3 Tucson, AZ
Casas Church
 5 Los Angeles, CA
Nokia Theatre
 6 San Diego, CA
The Rock
* Dates subject to change

For all the latest information on the tour, and Hillsong, please visit: http://live.hillsong.com/, http://www.facebook.com/HillsongLive, http://twitter.com/hillsonglive.

Source: CMSpin

 

Vice Verses (Credential Recordings/lowercase people and Atlantic Records), the new album from GRAMMY-winning rock band SWITCHFOOT, debuts at No.8 on The Billboard 200.  It also debuted at No.5 at iTunes Album chart and No.3 on iTunes Alternative chart. The band will perform “Dark Horses,” their new Top 15 Modern Rock hit, on “Conan” on October 25th. The track was just added by Clear Channel Alternative Premium Choice, WTCL (Denver), WRFF (Philadelphia), KNDD (Seattle), WRXL (Richmond) and 98.7 (Los Angeles).

SWITCHFOOT’s co-headlining tour with ANBERLIN is currently underway. (See below for itinerary.) After performing for a packed house at New York City’s Best Buy Theatre last week, lead singer/guitarist Jon Foreman took the show outside, performing atop a newspaper stand for thousands of people in Times Square. Along the tour route, local chapters of StandUp for Kids (www.standupforkids.org), a national nonprofit volunteer outreach organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless and street kids, will be collecting new and used backpacks at the concerts. The backpacks will be used to distribute food and essentials to kids served by the organization.

“The War Inside,” another track from Vice Verses, can be heard in the trailer for In Time, an upcoming 20th Century Fox film starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. SWITCHFOOT has contributed an exclusive new song, “Out of Control,” to the just-released Hawaii Five-0 soundtrack. The track was heard in this week’s episode of the hit CBS show. You can also check out SWITCHFOOT’S recent performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” at:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/280337/jimmy-kimmel-live-switchfoot-dark-horses

SWITCHFOOT waged a Game Day takeover of ABC, with Vice Verses tapped as the exclusive music for the Oklahoma vs. Florida State football game. ESPN hosted an exclusive stream of Vice Verses and partnered with the band to give away a trip for two to the 2012 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Hurley selected SWITCHFOOT as the exclusive music for the Hurley Pro, held last month in Trestles, CA and the band performed at a recent San Diego Padres game.
 
Vice Verses, the eighth studio record from the multi-platinum rock band, explores the polarity of what it means to be human. “Between the dialectic of life and death we are pulled tight, stretched out like the strings of my guitar,” Jon Foreman explains in his latest Huffington Post piece, which you can read at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/vice-verses-making-art-ou_b_974302.html. “We are the notes dancing from the strings of time, held firm between life and death. This is the polarity of our existence, pulled tight between despair and hope, belief and doubt. We are strung tight between our birth and the grave. Humanity is dancing on the fretboard in-between. Death will one day cut the string. Until then, we live in the tension.”

It’s an adventurous collection that builds on the harder-edged sound of 2009’s Hello Hurricane and puts the rhythm section upfront, with hip-hop influenced tracks like  “Selling the News,” “The Original” and “Blinding Light.”

“[The] gorgeous, swelling ‘Restless’ sounds plucked from U2’s Achtung Baby,” said Alternative Press. “But the real standout is ‘Souvenirs,’ a stunning ballad that, if there’s any justice, will go down as one of the band’s biggest hits to date.” Billboard praised Vice Verses’ “powerful, anthemic rockers” and Relevant Magazine called it SWITCHFOOT’S “most unique” album yet.

SWITCHFOOT – comprising Jon Foreman (vocals/guitar), Tim Foreman (bass), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (keys/guitar) and Drew Shirley (guitar) – recorded most of Vice Verses in the band’s San Diego, CA home studio, working with producer Neal Avron (Sara Bareilles, Weezer). Mike Elizondo (Eminem, Dr. Dre, Pink) who produced 2009’s Hello Hurricane, served as executive producer. Hello Hurricane entered The Billboard 200 at No. 13 and contained the Modern Rock hits “The Sound (John M. Perkins’ Blues)” and “Mess of Me.”

The band took home “Artist of the Year” honors at the San Diego Music Awards earlier this year and remains very connected to their hometown. Each year they host the Switchfoot Bro-Am Presented By Hurley (http://www.switchfoot.com/c/bro-am), an annual concert/surf contest/silent auction. The event has raised more than $500,000 to date for San Diego-based children’s charities, including StandUp for Kids.

SWITCHFOOT/ANBERLIN FALL 2011 U.S. TOUR

10/5 Bowling Green, OH Bowling Green State University - Stroh Center
10/7 Boulder, CO  Boulder Theatre
10/8 Salt Lake City, UT Gallivan Center – X96 concert
10/10 San Francisco, CA The Warfield Theatre
10/11 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
10/13 Amarillo, TX  Azteca Music Hall
10/14 Siloam Springs, AR John Brown University – Bill George Arena
10/15 Longview, TX  Le Tourneau University – Belcher Center
10/17 Dallas, TX  House of Blues
10/18 Austin, TX  Stubbs Waller Creek
10/20 Albuquerque, NM Kiva Auditorium
10/21 Phoenix, AZ  Grand Canyon University Arena     (SWITCHFOOT ONLY)

More Switchfoot information can be found at www.switchfoot.com, www.facebook.com/switchfoot and  www.twitter.com/switchfoot.

Source: CMSpin

 

Casting Crowns has been nominated for a 2011 American Music Award®, as announced today at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. The nod sets up a busy season for the best-selling group, who will release its latest studio project, Come to Well, next week, and whose current radio single, “Courageous” is on its way to topping the Christian AC radio charts.
 
Casting Crowns’ sixth career AMA nomination, winning in 2007, the band receives recognition as “Favorite Artist” in the Contemporary Inspirational category. Winners will be determined by online voting from now through Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. Fans can vote at the Coca-Cola AMA voting website, amavote.com, as well as http://is.gd/U2P4uY.  The live broadcast of the 39th annual AMAs will take place at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on Sunday, Nov. 20 (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC.
 
Also forthcoming for Casting Crowns is the release of its first new studio album in two years.  Come to the Well, available Oct. 18, draws inspiration from the band’s ministry efforts at its home church, Eagles Landing Baptist Church outside of Atlanta, where frontman Mark Hall
serves as youth pastor.  The band is currently touring new music from Come to the Well on a fall tour visiting 40 cities through early December. Visit www.castingcrowns.com for a list of tour dates.
 
Adding to Casting Crowns’ momentum moving toward street week, the debut single from Come to the Well, “Courageous,” climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart and No. 2 on the AC Indicator chart this week. Featured in the current Sherwood Pictures film Courageous, the song has seen close to 40,000,000 audience impressions to date.
 
For more information on Casting Crowns and Come to the Well, visit: www.castingcrowns.com
or follow Mark Hall’s Twitter at twitter.com/markhallCC.
 
About Casting Crowns:
All of Atlanta-based Casting Crowns’ projects are RIAA certified, with a tally of three RIAA Platinum Albums, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, two RIAA Gold Albums, two Gold DVDs and two Gold singles, holding position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007. Despite an unprecedented eight-year career with Casting Crowns, the seven band members remain active in student ministry in the Atlanta area and tour part-time around their local church duties. Serving his 18th year in youth ministry, lead singer/songwriter Mark Hall is the student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta. As a testament to the band’s impact, Casting Crowns performed for a second time in North Korea in April 2009, in partnership with Global Resource Services, as the band continues to forge invaluable relationships with the people in the D.P.R.K.
 
For more information on Casting Crowns and Come to the Well, visit: www.castingcrowns.com
or follow Mark Hall’s  Twitter at twitter.com/markhallCC.

Source: CMSpin

 

Rush Of Fools released their highly anticipated record, We Once Were on September 27th and the project has been embraced by radio, media and retail.  The album debuted at #6 on iTunes Christian/Gospel Chart and #24 on the Christian AC Sales Chart.  The first single from the record, Grace Found Me, is New & Active on the Single Charts.  The project, produced by Dennis Herring (Mute Math, Modest Mouse, Jars of Clay) has delivered what everyone has known all along: that Rush Of Fools is an extremely gifted group whose talent keeps growing and expanding. 

“We’re very excited for Rush Of Fools, as the band has put their heart and soul into this record and it’s a tremendous step for their career,” says Bob Morrison, Vice President, eOne Christian Music.  “This album will become a landmark project for them.”

"We’re so happy that our friends and the music industry are connecting with the self-penned songs that have helped to sustain us over the last three years,” explains Rush Of Fools.  “A lot of energy and effort have gone into the making of this project, and our goal was to present music that delivers God’s truth with lyrics that inspire and move people.  We remain humble and thankful for this wonderful opportunity for our music ministry and look forward to all of the upcoming opportunities to perform the new music live for our fans.”

This long-awaited third studio project reflects the rocky three-year sojourn of the Alabama based band that included their label closing and a resulting lawsuit that Rush Of Fools won in 2010.  During this period, all of the band members continually wrote new songs about God’s grace, staying faithful in their Christian walk no matter what the circumstances, and a message of hope with a restoring of faith.

The songs have resonated with fans and media has hailed We Once Were as Rush Of Fools strongest release to date.  Outstanding reviews have been placed with such outlets as; CCM, On Course Magazine, Cross Point Magazine, and features in Billboard Magazine, Essential Connection and All Access. 

NewReleaseTuesday.com - This is the best overall album by Rush of Fools and is one of my top albums of the year.

JesusFreakHideout.com  - A new sound, new label, good production, and solid lyrical content all spell out a solid third release for this group from Alabama.

CMAddict.com - Their third album is a hit from the get go with driving rhythms and heavy guitars.

Christian Music Review - How can you possibly pick a favorite from a rocking heart-felt album that hits home, addressing the topic of trusting in God and having faith in Him despite feeling like you’re in your lowest valley?

The band is launching We Once Were with an aggressive touring schedule including the recently completed college FreeFall Tour, sold out street week concerts with Christian radio, and upcoming select tour dates on the Rock & Worship Roadshow 2011 and will share the stage with such high-profile artists as MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Hawk Nelson and Matt Maher. 

For updates on Rush Of Fools please visit www.rushoffools.com. 

Source: CMSpin

 

Her Powerful Debut Album, You Got My Attention is Available Everywhere Now

Fervent Records’ soulful new artist Dara Maclean is gearing up for her first ever tour run with Newsong on their “One True God Tour” beginning this Friday, September 30. Dara will join the group along with Kutless and Anthem Lights on the entire tour which runs until the end of October. The new breakout artist will showcase her powerful new music, which includes her Top 20 hit debut “Suitcases,” an up-beat tune written by Dara and producer Ian Eskelin about the daily “baggage” that can easily weigh you down.

Dara grew up outside Fort Worth, Texas, in a family that encouraged her love for music and ministry from her earliest days. She began singing at age 8, then went on to lead worship and actively pursue youth ministry. Dara continues to serve with her family in their local church. Heavily influenced by Lauryn Hill and everything from the Motown era as well by contemporaries like Adele, Natasha Bedingfield, Marc Broussard and Ray LaMontagne, she incorporates the funk and soul she grew up loving into her music, bringing forth a uniquely fresh and pure new sound.

Dara’s Tour Dates on “One True God Tour”:
9/30  Adrian, MI
10/1  Clarks Summit, PA
10/6  McMurray, PA
10/7  Wabash, IN
10/9  Rainsville, AL
10/15  Decaturville, TN
10/16  Branson, MO
10/22  Tabor City, NC
10/23  Gaffney, SC
10/29  Whitesburg, KY
10/30  Port Huron, MI

For additional information on Dara Maclean, please visit DaraMaclean.com.

Facebook: Facebook.com/DaraMaclean
Twitter: Twitter.com/DaraMaclean
YouTube: YouTube.com/DaraMaclean

Source: CMSpin

 

ONE Campaign Announced as Partners of Band’s Final Tour

Highly anticipated, “The 7 Tour” will begin this evening in David Crowder*Band’s home state of Texas in front of a sold out crowd. Nearly half of the shows sold out months before the tour began. Spanning September through November, “The 7 Tour” will hit over 30 clubs and theaters across the U.S. including key markets such as: Dallas, Texas, Los Angeles, Calif., Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., Chicago, Ill., New York, N.Y., Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fla.  Joined by Gungor, Chris August and John Mark McMillan, “The 7 Tour” will mark the final nationwide tour for David Crowder*Band. Visit http://www.davidcrowderband.com for the most up to date information.
 
ONE, the anti-poverty advocacy group co-founded by U2’s Bono, will also be on the road with the David Crowder*Band to recruit fans to use their voices in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease. Volunteers will be signing up ONE members and educating concert-goers about America’s vital work that has saved more than 15 million kids lives and put more than 46 million kids in school over the last decade.
 
David Crowder*Band has announced that they will release their first ever Christmas record on Oct. 4, just months before the GRAMMY ® nominated band will debut their final album. Oh For Joy will include eight Christmas classics such as “Joy To The World,” “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night” and more, presented with the band’s distinct sound and a unique, nutcracker-themed album cover.

www.davidcrowderband.com
www.myspace.com/davidcrowderband
www.twitter.com/crowderband

Source: CMSpin

 

Full Length Debut Sparks Critical Support as “Hold Me” Continues its Reign at No. 1 on the iTunes ®
Christian & Gospel Song Chart
 
Jamie Grace to Tour with Multiple GRAMMY ® Winner tobyMac this Fall
 
The newest signee to Gotee Records, Jamie Grace, is releasing her first, full-length debut today titled One Song At A Time. Critics are praising the unique sound found on the new record.
 
“The production is cutting edge and the songwriting sunny. Overall, Grace has the stuff of stardom, and a compelling back story adds to her appeal.”
– Christianity Today
 
"One of 'Fall's Best & Brightest New Music' releases"
– gmc  
 
"Her musical and lyrical combination is a pleasing one, and one in which many listeners will have little problem engaging.” – Jesus Freak Hideout
 
“One Song At a Time is one of the strongest debut albums of the year and one to which men and women alike will be able to listen and relate. Jamie Grace has a VERY bright career ahead of her in this industry, and it will not only be a treat to watch her grow as a musician and songwriter, but also as someone who has made herself a confidant to her listeners. There is no doubt about it: this album is beautiful start to a very beautiful future. “
– New Release Tuesday
 
“Jamie-Grace’s debut full-length on Gotee Records is certainly a good one! She isn’t afraid to use her creativity on average acoustic pop to turn it into a catchy track with a positive message, all the while making for tracks that will be hard to get out of your head!”
– Christian Music Review
 
 
“Hold Me” has garnered Jamie Grace her first radio and digital mega-hit as the track reached No. 1 across three radio formats, and continues its No. 1 reign on the iTunes ® Christian & Gospel Song chart. Upon its release, One Song At A Time was already ranked in the top 5 on the iTunes ® Christian and Gospel Albums chart.
 
In support of One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace will hit the road this fall with tobyMac in October while he tours Canada, and in November as a special guest on the “tobyMac Unplugged: A Night of Stories & Songs” tour hitting the U.S. Jamie Grace will also take part in “Newsong's Very Merry Christmas Tour” featuring NewSong, Kutless and Chris August. Dates for the tour will be announced soon and available here. Additionally, Jamie Grace has been announced as a performer on the Revolve 2012 tour.
 
About Jamie Grace:
Hailing from outside of Atlanta in Lithonia, Georgia, Jamie Grace is a 19-year-old-college student who aside from her career and touring as a singer-songwriter, is also studying children’s ministry. At age 11, Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome, and has since traveled the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking. Upon signing Jamie Grace, multiple GRAMMY ® winner tobyMac remarked “I have not been this excited to work with an artist in a long, long time.” Though just releasing her first, full length record, Jamie Grace has been a part of the well-known Revolve tour, had a No. 1 radio hit and a highly successful EP.
 
http://www.jamiegrace.com/          
http://www.twitter.com/jamiegraceh/
http://www.gotee.com

Source: CMSpin

Multiple GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award winning Sanctus Real lead vocalist Matt Hammitt released his first solo album, Every Falling Tear, this week amidst wide acclaim.  This week only, the lead track from the album, “All of Me,” is offered as a free download from iTunes® at http://bit.ly/kkqQrG.  The song was initially heard on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer – see the story at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoeGKOXeO-s. 

This week also coincidentally marked the year anniversary of Matt Hammitt’s son Bowen’s first open heart surgery.  Bowen, “small victorious one,” was born with a severe congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and has now gone through two heart surgeries, an infection and other complications since being born.

Bowen, who turned one last Friday, first heard his dad sing “All of Me” in concert at a sold out Sanctus Real event last month at Bowling Green State University’s new Stroh Center.  Matt will continue to sing the song with Sanctus Real on the major market tour with Casting Crowns that begins next week.

Organically sparked by the rich joy and pain of life over the last year that strengthened Hammitt’s faith and solidified his resolve to lead his family well, these new songs on Every Falling Tear are his most deeply personal to date.  Born out of the heart of a father, Hammitt's main impetus for writing the songs on Every Falling Tear was to play them at Bowen’s bedside in the hospital, with the hope that they would be a source of comfort for his family, as well as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the midst of their uncertainty.  A link to a video of Hammitt reflecting on the journey to Every Falling Tear can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCl9DSgw-JI. 

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Every Falling Tear benefits a new non-profit Matt and Sarah Hammitt set up to help families going through similar challenges as themselves; providing assistance for families of children affected by congenital heart defects. The album can be purchased through iTunes (http://bit.ly/pdjJ8u), Amazon.com (http://amzn.to/pd1X6z) and other digital and physical retail stores.

For all the latest information on Bowen and Every Falling Tear, go to www.bowensheart.com.  For the latest Sanctus Real news and tour dates, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.

Source: CMSpin

Eight-time GMA Dove Award nominee Matt Maher heads out on a coast-to-coast fall headlining tour, visiting more than 25 cities through late October. “The Love In Between” tour is named after Maher’s forthcoming Sept. 20 studio release, whose debut single, “Turn Around,” is currently impacting Christian radio.

Kicking off Sept. 15 in Longview, Texas, the first half of Maher’s tour will be sponsored by his own non-profit, Comm+Unity, and feature guest artists Essential Worship’s One Sonic Society as well as recent Integrity Music signing All Sons & Daughters.  Compassion International will present the remaining tour dates, joined by award-winning singer/songwriter Laura Story and new Essential Records artist, labelmate Andy Cherry.  Information about the tour can be found at http://mattmahermusic.com/tour/.

Among the tour’s key dates are a The Love In Between CD release show in Phoenix on Sept. 20 and a concert at The City National Grove of Anaheim (Anaheim, Calif.), host to several sell-out concerts including Ray Charles, Morrissey, Jill Scott, Cyndi Lauper, George Lopez, Merle Haggard, Jamie Foxx, Dropkick Murphys and Seal, among others, on Sept. 22.

Maher comments, “My hope for this tour is to bring together believers of all ages and denominations and provide a night where we can reconnect with God and each other; that we’d leave with a greater desire to see, in concrete ways, how connected we are meant to be.”

Interconnectedness is also a theme on Maher’s new album, along with the ideas of suffering, grace, redemption and hope.  These concepts are neatly swaddled in a new folk-Americana “blue collar gospel’ sound, fusing rootsy, hook-laden tracks with compelling stories and undeniable truths.  The project’s debut radio single “Turn Around,” is already connecting with listeners nationwide, climbing its way to No. 11 this week on the National Billboard Christian Audience chart and No. 10 on the Billboard AC Indicator chart.  WONU-FM radio listener Jen comments, “The song is awesome.  I think it has potential to reach non-Christians because it is realistic in its lyrics. Definitely play this one on the air.”

Greg Cassidy, JOY-FM music director and morning show host, also comments, “St. Louis is lovin’ the new Matt Maher tune!  It’s hitting real people where they really are.  From the 51-year-old woman in her seventh day of sobriety to the couple that have been pondering divorce...that simple reminder to 'turn around" has made its point! Home run for Matt!”

To sample an audio stream of “Turn Around” and for an up-to-date tour itinerary visit www.mattmahermusic.com.  Also follow Matt on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mattmahermusic.

ESPN and multiplatinum rock band Switchfoot have teamed up to celebrate with millions of college football fans for the debut of five songs from Switchfoot’s new album, Vice Verses.  ESPN will debut the songs from new album during this Saturday’s Oklahoma at Florida State game on ABC’s Saturday Night Football at 8 p.m. ET.  The telecast will also feature Switchfoot’s new video of the first single “Dark Horses.”

In conjunction with the premiere, ESPN will host an exclusive stream for fans to be the first to hear the entire Vice Verses album on ESPN.com, which includes a link to a contest for winners to attend the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena to watch the game with Switchfoot on January 2, 2012. Check out the stream at the link below:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/thelife/music/news/story?id=6944961

“To have our new album debuted during college football is something we never thought possible.  There’s no greater thrill than to watch a college football game with one of our songs supporting the action.  We’re all honored to partner with the great people at ESPN sharing our combined passion for sports and music,” says Jon Foreman, Switchfoot.

Billboard Magazine Heralds Williams As A “Best Bet of 2011”

Fair Trade Services’ songstress Heather Williams will debut her first, full-length studio album on September 27 titled This Time Around. Early acclaim has followed Williams since the release of her debut EP last fall. In addition to the radio success of "Hallelujah," Williams was named amongst the "Best Bets of 2011" by Billboard Magazine, one of only two Christian artists to receive this title.  

Her songs and her character speak of the strength of a woman well beyond her years. Williams grew up in extreme poverty with her mom and stepfather. Throughout her early childhood, she suffered intense abuse. Her mother gave her away at age 11, and Williams went to live with her grandfather in Michigan and later with her aunt and uncle who eventually adopted her and are now her legal parents. Living with little guidance and the pain of past abuse and rejection, Williams turned to drugs and alcohol as a way to numb the realities of life. As things began to spiral out of control, the young teenager began to have thoughts of suicide and was even homeless at one point. At age 18, however, the dangerous road Williams was on took a U-turn when she gave her life to Christ.

“When I was 18, I was going through a whole series of events where I was really rejecting God and blaming Him for everything that had taken place in my childhood,” says Williams. “I came to this place where it was either, OK, I’m going to give my life to God, or I just don’t know if I’m going to live. So, I walked up that aisle at that church, and I gave my life to God.” Having grown up with a love of music, after becoming a Christian, Williams says she began to write songs from a “perspective of radical change.”Another wave of tragedy struck the budding singer/songwriter when her first child passed away shortly after he was born. This tragedy led to William’s Top 10 AC  and Top 5 INSPO  debut, “Hallelujah.” To hear more of Williams’ story visit, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7cnMDwdm3k.

“God Is Still God” is the second song from Williams to hit radio. “It’s a song that speaks so clearly into an insecurity that we can get when life just comes at us  at full speed,” admits Williams. To hear more about “God Is Still God” from Williams, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLgjuMxV4qk&feature=related. 

For Williams, she describes her songs as “conversations,” sometimes joyful, sometimes angry, sometimes a mix of both. “This album is you getting to peek in on me sometimes having it out with God, sometimes crying to God, sometimes laughing,” she says. “But it’s always going to be a transparent look at what’s going on in my heart, because that’s who I want to be before Him. If I want Him to use me, then I have to be willing to share everything.” 

http://heatherwilliamsmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/heatherwilliamsmusic    
http://twitter.com/#!/HWmusictweets

Newsboys' Michael Tait Teams Up With Music Executives Wes Campbell and Bernard Porter for New Venture

Music industry veterans Michael Tait, Wes Campbell and Bernard Porter have formed Contemporary Christian Music Development Institute (CCMDi), an innovative program dedicated to assisting Christian music artists in achieving success in their careers.

"It is no secret that the music industry is a highly competitive market laced with tremendous highs and cavernous lows. The only guarantee that can be made is that it will take hard work and unwavering passion to obtain success in this industry," says Tait, a multi-Grammy winner and lead singer for Newsboys. "However, with the establishment of CCMDi, today's Christian artist will now have a tremendous advantage."

CCMDi's mission is to customize comprehensive plans and a competitive marketing strategy for creative and personal growth in both seasoned performers and beginning artists alike. The program is based on an education curriculum that includes A&R, performance coaching, personal style and media training, as well as a writing mentorship program.

CCMDi was created to provide experienced guidance to today's Christian artists with the goal of helping them become the best they can be at their craft while avoiding common pitfalls, both personally and professionally.

Tait, Campbell and Porter, collectively, have succeeded in every facet of the music industry, including entertainer, manager, producer, A&R executive and booking agent. Musicians who aspire to a career in the Christian music field are encouraged to schedule a consultation to determine if they qualify for CCMDi by contacting the office at 615-815-1414 or via the website at ccmdi.com.

For more information on CCMDi, visit ccmdi.com.

Source: CMspin

 

Matthew West's hit song "More" was played as part of a wake up call for the Atlantis space shuttle crew on the 5th day of their mission. The song was played for Mission Specialist Rex Walheim from NASA’s Mission Control Center who said “(‘More’) is a great description of the beauty of this earth, and a wonderful reminder of God’s love for us." To view the wake up call, visit http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=100925731. Atlantis marks the final mission of America’s 30-year shuttle program.

"I was honored to hear that 'More' was played on space shuttle Atlantis," comments West. "Of all the places my music has traveled in my career, this is both the farthest, AND the coolest!"

West's latest single "Strong Enough" is continuing to do well at radio placing in the top 10 on both the AC-Indicator and National Christian Audience charts as well No. 15 on AC-Monitored.

Up next for West will be a headlining jaunt on "The Story of Your Life" tour this fall along with the release of The Story of Your Life, Inspiring Stories of God at Work in People Just Like You book with Angela Thomas and Harvest House Publishers this September. He is also in the studio working on his first, full length Christmas project due out later this year with Sparrow.

www.matthewwest.com
www.myspace.com/matthewwest
www.facebook.com/matthewwest
www.twitter.com/matthew_west

Source: Cmspin

 

Award-winning singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp’s story has inspired thousands since his debut in 2002. He has now penned this story along with co-writer Phil Newman and will release the book to retail in September 2011. Camp’s book, I Still Believe: Discovering Hope and Healing in the Midst of Life’s Deepest Valleys, is a personal reflection on his story of the passing of his first wife, Melissa, to cancer just months after marrying, and how he has grown in his relationship with God through the past ten years. This touching book portrays a full-circle account of Camp’s story that has impacted his music.

“I’ve wanted to put this story in book form for many years, but it just hasn't been the right time until now,” states Jeremy Camp about the timing of the book. “God was and is still working in my life, but this book is a result of the last ten years of pain, healing, restoration and new beginnings.”

Within each page of I Still Believe, Camp opens his heart and soul as he shares with the reader about responding to life’s most difficult hardships. He tackles how to turn earthly sorrow straight to God when faced with the passing of a loved one.

“As clear as things are now compared to the way I felt during Melissa’s illness and after her passing, I still see only partially, imperfectly, and incompletely,” shares Camp in the book. “I have tasted and seen the goodness of the Lord in the form of one life after another life changed because of the testimony of God’s faithfulness, even in the midst of pain and sadness. There will be a day, however, when everything truly becomes crystal clear.”

Fans have heard Jeremy share his story on stage and in interviews.  Many do not know and will no doubt be touched by the complete story and details of his testimony and his heartbreaking story about his first wife, Melissa.  Readers will also learn more about Jeremy’s modest life growing up in Indiana, his struggles growing into adolescence and how the start of his music ministry began to open more doors than he ever thought possible. The book also shares of his unexpected friendship with Adrienne Liesching, which eventually brought about healing and restoration as well as a new life together.

Camp’s deep heart for ministry and his desire to see the next generation become truly alive is so vivid within the pages of I Still Believe. Here are what others are saying about I Still Believe:

“We have choices when life hits us with tragedy or despair, crisis or loss. That’s the message of Jeremy Camp’s books, and it’s the reason you will find hope and healing by journeying through the pages of his story.”
- Karen Kingsbury, Bestselling author

“Jeremy Camp is an extremely talented artist. But what many do not know is that he has suffered greatly in life.  Out of this suffering many of the songs we have come to love have been born and have brought encouragement and comfort to untold thousands around the world.  Now, for the first time, Jeremy Camp tells his whole story.  I heartily endorse it.” 
- Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California

“Jeremy’s music has always had a powerful impact on me, and now I know why.  Behind his voice is a heart that’s uniquely connected with God.  Through his pain, grief, sorrow, and loss, his life has become a crucible where the Lord’s love and mercy are real revelations.  Reading Jeremy’s story has reinforced my faith in He who is able and alive!”
– Bob Coy, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel in Ft. Lauderdale

JEREMY CAMP: GRAMMY® and two-time American Music Award nominated artist Jeremy Camp marks his inspirational return to worship with the release of his sixth studio project on BEC Recordings, We Cry Out: The Worship Project.  Over his stellar 9 year career, Camp has established himself with these landmark accolades: Four RIAA Gold-selling studio albums including his debut album; One RIAA Multi-Platinum long-form video; 22 No. 1 Radio Hits across all formats; GRAMMY® nominated project for his last studio album Speaking Louder Than Before; Billboard’s No. 3 Christian Artist of the Decade including five songs in the Top 50 Billboard Christian Songs of the Decade; Four ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards; ASCAP Song of the Year award; Five Dove awards including two-time Male Vocalist of the Year. Jeremy is a Compassion International artist. Jeremy and his wife Adie reside in Franklin, TN with their two daughters and a soon-to-be-born son.  Additional information available at http://www.jeremycamp.com

Source: Cmpin

It’s not unusual for the lead singer in a successful rock band to step outside the group and record a solo album, usually as a way to satisfy a creative impulse not possible within the confines of a band.  For Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt, writing and recording his solo debut, Every Falling Tear, wasn’t an exercise in artistic freedom, it was a process that helped the young father deal with every parent’s worst nightmare.

Encouraged by his Sanctus Real band mates to release these songs and to share his story through the songs that are meant to provide hope for people that are in crisis, Hammitt’s journey to the new album started with the prophetic glimpse offered by the current, best-selling Sanctus Real album, Pieces of a Real Heart.  “The bridge lyric in ‘The Redeemer’ says, I don’t have every answer in life / But I’m trusting You one day at a time / ‘Cause You can make a weak heart stay alive forever,” reflects Hammitt regarding the hit radio single from Pieces of a Real Heart.  “Those lyrics, along with songs like ‘Keep My Heart Alive,’ ‘Dear Heart,’ and then the album with a broken heart on the cover, came out on March 9 of 2010.”

One month later, on April 12, 2010, Matt and his wife, Sarah, took their four-year-old daughter with them to a doctor’s appointment where they were looking forward to an ultrasound that would reveal if she would be getting a baby brother or sister. “We found out it was a boy and we were all celebrating,” Matt recalls, “but the ultrasound tech isn’t allowed to tell you if something is wrong, so the doctor came in and told our family that things weren’t right, that half of his heart wasn’t developed. It was pretty grim news.  They didn’t even think he would survive.”

Diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Little Bowen, whose name means “Small Victorious One,” defied the odds and survived, but it hasn’t been an easy road for Matt and his family. “When we found out that Bowen was going to be born with half a heart, it started stirring up a lot of questions in me,” Matt admits. “I know there are some mysteries and questions that aren’t even meant for our minds to comprehend, but I just really started praying more, reading more and honestly seeking God for comfort in that time - and for as many answers as I could get.  I started expressing all my questions, emotions and feelings through song almost right away.” 

Those songs became the poignant, compelling collection heard on Every Falling Tear, set to release on September 13, exactly one year after Bowen had his first heart surgery.  Matt poured everything into his music--all the questions, fear and frustration along with a greater understanding of God’s comfort, grace and love.  Though he originally recorded the songs as a cathartic experience and a tool to encourage himself and his family, Matt soon began to feel they had a broader purpose. “From April on through September when Bowen was born, I had been pouring myself into communicating and releasing all these feelings and emotions through song,” Matt says. “The more I began writing, the more I began realizing that these weren’t songs just for us or Bowen. I really started to feel like I was supposed to make an album and share them with other people.”

The songs reflect the heartbreaking challenges the Hammitt family has faced as Bowen endured two surgeries and prepares for a third. Yet though the songs were written in response to his circumstance, they are universal in their ability to uplift, heal and encourage all those who hear them. “Let it Bring You Praise” is a beautiful worship song.  “Let Go” and “Holding You” are songs about surrender. The latter tune reminds the listener “It’s not in what you hold on to. It’s in the One who’s holding you tonight.”

Matt says “All of Me” was probably the hardest to write. “At that point I didn’t know what was going to happen. Bowen wasn’t born yet,” he says of writing the tune with Bernie Herms. “It’s about recklessly loving in spite of our fears, even if it means we’re going to bleed or we’re going to be broken.”

“Trust” is a song that captures this whirlwind of emotion. “I was struggling to believe that any good could come from that painful moment when I handed my son over for that first surgery,” he says.  Matt remembers thinking: “ ‘If things don’t work out the way that I pray they are going to work out, no matter what we go through, I still know and trust that God is faithful.’ That was really the cry of my heart--to be so invested in the truth that my emotions don’t steal me away from standing on the truth that He’s faithful. ‘I will trust you Lord with all my heart and I won’t forget how good you are.’ I just think that was pretty much the guttural cry of my heart throughout that whole time on September 13th.”

Matt co-wrote “Trust,” along with “You are My Treasure,” “This is Grace” and “Let it Bring You Praise,” with friend and frequent collaborator Jason Ingram. He and Joy Williams of the Civil Wars co-wrote “Let Go,” and he co-wrote “Without You” with Audrey Assad. “I just wanted them to be everything they could be,” he says of the songs, giving props to his co-writers.

Matt has already been sharing this new music with others going through difficult circumstances, including Russell, who has been awaiting a heart transplant.  “He told me that those songs had meant a lot to him and that they were comforting to him,” says Matt, who understands first hand the power music can have to soothe and encourage. Matt and his family felt it that terrible day they left the doctor’s office after first hearing news of Bowen’s condition. “We tried to turn a CD on and--this actually never happened to us before--our CD player wouldn’t work. The CD kept spinning and skipping, so we turned off the CD player and turned on the radio.  Right as we turned it on, the first song that we heard on the KLOVE Christian radio network was ‘Hold My Heart’ by Tenth Avenue North. That was a huge comfort to us. If you listen to that song, you’d be blown away by the lyrics of that song and how it pertained to us that day.”

Hearing that song at that moment not only provided comfort, but also somewhat of an epiphany.  “We’ve always heard the stories about how our songs affect people, and that day, I was on the other side at the moment that I needed it,” says Matt.  “This is what inspired me to begin writing more music out of this circumstance.”

In addition to providing spiritual and emotional support, the music on Every Falling Tear will have further impact on families as Matt and his wife have started the Whole Hearts Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to helping families of children dealing with illness. “In addition to retail sales, we are selling the album at our [Sanctus Real] concerts and 100% of everything we make off that album is going to go directly to help families with children with life-threatening heart defects and disease,” Matt says. “We have this huge vision for the foundation.”

Though Bowen is doing well now, and Matt has met young people in their 20s who have had surgeries, survived and are leading normal lives, he is still fragile and anything could happen. That knowledge, and the experiences of the past year, has paradoxically strengthened Matt’s faith and given him a zeal for all of life.  “The biggest change in my life is just my ability now to be grateful for every day that God has given us,” he says. “All of those experiences kind of burnt away my reliance on anything but Christ.  I no longer put my faith in what I see here, but in what’s to come.  If things don’t go well for us in this life, if we lose Bowen. . .if we don’t have Christ or the hope of what’s to come, then it’s a sad story. If we have that hope of what’s to come, it’s not so sad at all, it’s actually really incredible.” 

Source: Cmspin

The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards Garnered Unprecedented Viewers On gmc television network And Quickly Sold Out The Fabulous Fox Theatre As Atlanta Welcomed This Year’s Honors To The City

THE GMA Dove Awards offer recognition in a variety of genres making it the most comprehensive awards show celebrating Christian music will again air on gmc 

THE GMA Board of Directors and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will again take place in Atlanta, Georgia in 2012 and will be aired on gmc.  The awards, slated to take place in April 2012 offer the most comprehensive platform of music celebrating Christian and Gospel music. 

The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards quickly sold out this past April at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre garnered its highest ratings on gmc.  With over 1.5 million viewers turning in to catch host Sherri Shepherd and such artists as Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris August and other superstars Third Day,  Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant , Chris Tomlin, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Kenny Rogers and many others perform unique collaborations and take home honors at the annual awards show.

“We’re excited for the Dove Awards to return to Atlanta,” says William Pete, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO.  “There was a buzz throughout the city surrounding the show and the excitement was contagious.  We look forward to making the 43rd Annual Dove Awards another success.” 

This year’s awards marked many firsts for the iconic awards.  With its move to the culturally diverse city of Atlanta, the gmc airing, numerous promotions with radio, TV and area churches, coupled with the location being home to so many of the genres artists and the international TV star and comedian Sherri Shepherd bringing her uniquely apropos hosting duties to the show made for a complete facelift for “Gospel Music’s Biggest Night.”

Mitchell Solarek, chairman of the GMA board states, “Our experience this past year in Atlanta exceeded our expectations. How exciting to have the Governor of Georgia personally there to welcome our artists, and guests of the show. The City of Atlanta made us feel so welcomed from the city and state leaders to the multitude of local and international media that covered the awards.  We are thrilled with the results of the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards and are looking forward to another amazing outcome in 2012.”

Charley Humbard, gmc CEO adds, “The GMA Dove Awards is one of the preeminent events in the world of Christian, Gospel and Inspirational music.  Our relationship with the GMA and the Dove Awards is an important part of our strategy.  We are pleased with the increasing numbers we are garnering with awards show.  And, having the awards in Atlanta, the home of gmc, makes it doubly sweet.”

About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community consists of membe


rs including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Dove Week and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376.

About gmc:
gmc ( www.watchgmctv.com) is America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. In 2010, The Parents Television Council™ awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to gmc for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” gmc was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor last year.

gmc can be seen in nearly 48 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

Source: Cmspin

After releasing his acclaimed worship album, We Cry Out: The Worship Project, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Jeremy Camp announces his fall headlining “We Cry Out Tour” beginning September 29th in Georgia and concluding on November 20th in Texas.  The 29-city tour will feature reigning GMA Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli as well as special guest Adam Cappa.  Tour dates are below and ticket information can be found online at http://jeremycamp.com/tour.

“The past year has been an incredible journey sharing the worship project as well as the international tour dates we’ve been blessed to do recently," shares Jeremy Camp. "I’m so excited to bring this tour to our fans and share the stage with the amazing artists Francesca Battistelli and newcomer and my friend Adam Cappa. It is going to be a great night of music and worship.”

The “We Cry Out Tour” will also feature a limited number of VIP tickets at select dates. The VIP package includes a Q&A with the artists, a signed tour poster and early entry into the show. Information on all tickets is available at JeremyCamp.com

This tour announcement follows the exciting news of Jeremy Camp’s latest radio single, “The Way,” hitting No. 1 at AC Indicator for the second week in a row.  This marks his 22nd No. 1 radio single across all formats, currently climbing at AC Monitored and CHR in the Top 5 and Top 20 respectively. The official music video for “The Way” can be viewed here.

JEREMY CAMP: GRAMMY® and two-time American Music Award nominated artist Jeremy Camp marks his inspirational return to worship with the release of his sixth studio project on BEC Recordings, We Cry Out: The Worship Project.  Over his stellar 9 year career, Camp has established himself with these landmark accolades: Four RIAA Gold-selling studio albums including his debut album; One RIAA Multi-Platinum long-form video; 22 No. 1 Radio Hits across all formats; GRAMMY® nominated project for his last studio album Speaking Louder Than Before; Billboard’s No. 3 Christian Artist of the Decade including five songs in the Top 50 Billboard Christian Songs of the Decade; Four ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards; ASCAP Song of the Year award; Five Dove awards including two-time Male Vocalist of the Year. Jeremy is a Compassion International artist. Additional information available at http://www.jeremycamp.com.

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI: Fervent Records’ Francesca Battistelli is the Dove Award reigning “Artist Of The Year” and “Female Vocalist Of The Year.” These accolades come on the heels of the successful release of Battistelli’s sophomore album Hundred More Years, which debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Album Chart and No. 16 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart. Hundred More Years released to rave reviews and is the follow-up to her debut My Paper Heart, which delivered the smash No. 1 single “Free To Be Me” and hit singles “It’s Your Life,” “I’m Letting Go” and “Beautiful, Beautiful.” With over 430,000 albums sold to date, Battistelli has become the best-selling new artist in the genre in the past eight years. To date Battist


elli has earned a GRAMMY® nomination ("Best Gospel Song Performance"), five Dove Awards and 15 Dove Award nominations. For additional information on Francesca Battistelli, please visit http://www.FrancescaMusic.com.

ADAM CAPPA: A vocalist, guitarist, performer, young songwriter and communicator through and through, Adam Cappa - a 25-year-old young man who has just finished his third album along with mentor and labelmate Jeremy Camp - is ready to share his story. It all started when Adam, reared Catholic with no knowledge of Christian music, got involved with Young Life after accepting Christ as a sophomore in high school. Fast-forward a few years and two independent records, Cappa has now teamed up with BEC Recordings to release his label debut. His fall release is a full-on Christian pop album with  a "Top 40" feel complete with loops and back tracking, which was produced by Camp and Andy Dodd. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/Adamcappa.

“WE CRY OUT TOUR” Dates (all dates subject to change)

09/29/11 Dalton, GA
09/30/11 Nashville, TN
10/01/11 Meridian, MS
10/02/11 Niceville, FL
10/06/11 Morgantown, WV
10/07/11 Lynchburg, VA
10/08/11 Greensburg, PA
10/09/11 Reading, PA
10/13/11 Lansing, MI
10/14/11 Ft. Wayne, IN
10/15/11 Elida, OH
10/16/11 Grove City, OH
10/27/11 Salina, KS
10/28/11 Rapid City, SD
10/29/11 Billings, MT
10/30/11 Idaho Falls, ID
11/03/11 Tri Cities (Kennewick), WA
11/04/11 Tualatin (Portland), OR
11/05/11 Redmond, WA
11/06/11 Abbotsford, BC
11/08/11 Spokane, WA
11/10/11 Salt Lake City, UT
11/11/11 Albuquerque, NM
11/12/11 Roswell, NM
11/16/11 Abilene, TX
11/17/11 McAllen, TX
11/18/11 Austin, TX
11/19/11 Houston, TX
11/20/11 Lufkin, TX

Source: Cmspin

 

GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West along with best selling author Angela Thomas (Do You Think I’m Beautiful, My Single Mom Life and more) are uniting to release The Story of Your Life, Inspiring Stories of God at Work in People Just Like You with Harvest House Publishers this September.

The book from West comes as a follow-up to his best-selling, latest CD The Story of Your Life where he received 10,000 personal stories from individuals in every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. Upon its release, The Story of Your Life garnered attention from CNN, Fox News, Billboard Magazine, Country Weekly, AOL’s TheBoot.com and more.

West received such an overwhelming response that he could not include all of the stories in the album, and the idea of a book was born to create an opportunity to expose even more meaningful stories. The letters covering topics such as bullying, divorce and adoption have now been turned into redemptive and hopeful devotions in this latest book. This devotional journey inspires readers to discover God as the author of their unique lives and to share the power of their story.

“As stories began to pour in by the thousands, I quickly sensed that not only was something special taking place, but that my life was about to change,” explains West. “During those months, my eyes were opened to see the world outside my door like I had never witnessed before.”

Also following in January 2012 will be What’s Your Story? book and companion DVD.  The book, and interactive standalone guide, allows readers to personalize and explore more deeply the messages of God’s hope and redemption in their stories.

West will headline “The Story of Your Life” tour with Jonny Diaz this fall, and release his first, full-length Christmas album, The Heart of Christmas, this October with Sparrow Records/EMI CMG.

Full information on The Story of Your Life, including pricing and ISBN visit http://harvesthousepublishers.com/book/the-story-of-your-life-2011/.

Source: CMSpin

 

Sparrow Records’ critically acclaimed artist Josh Wilson has a history of penning riveting songs that tug at the heartstrings of listeners. As with his captivating chart topper “Before the Morning” (Life is Not a Snapshot, 2009) and now his latest single “Fall Apart” (See You, 2011) testimonials from fans are pouring in explaining how the song has touched their lives and how God has pulled them through when they too had “fallen apart.”  Due to the influx of responses, Wilson has launched http://www.whenifallapart.com/, where listeners can watch a touching video from Wilson and hear personal accounts of how their faith pulled them through tough times. Wilson’s hope is that the website can serve as an outlet and resource for those who want to share their story or be encouraged.

Wilson was moved to write “Fall Apart” after he witnessed a friend endure a difficult divorce. 

 “Right in the middle of it, we had this really amazing conversation, and he said that even though everything was falling apart, he felt God’s presence more than he ever had,” says Wilson.  “He saw how much he needed God. Hard times are a magnifying glass on how much we need him. That’s when we feel God’s presence the most.”

After just being release to radio “Fall Apart” is off to a strong start as it was the most added song at AC out of the gate and made its debut to the National Audience Chart just two weeks after its launch.  “Fall Apart” is also the follow-up to two consecutive Top 5 AC singles including his debut hit from See You, “I Refuse.” The song continues to hold its place on the charts, currently placing in the Top 3 at AC and the National Audience Chart.

This fall, Wilson will continue to perform the single in addition to other songs from See You, as he shares the stage with GRAMMY ® award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman and Andrew Peterson. For a full list of tour dates please visit www.joshwilsonmusic.com.

Source: CMSpin

GRAMMY®, AMA and 2010 Dove Award-winning Artist of the Year Casting Crowns is announcing plans for a massive 40-city fall concert tour, titled the “Come To The Well” Tour, taking its name from the bands highly-anticipated new studio project, Come To The Well, releasing Oct. 18. The tour kicks off Sept. 22, in El Paso, Texas, featuring premier modern rock bands Sanctus Real and The Afters, and introducing Christian music newcomer Lindsay McCaul.

The tour will coincide with the release of Come To The Well (the band’s first new studio album in two years), featuring the hit single “Courageous,” which will also be showcased in the upcoming Sherwood Pictures film by the same title, in theaters on Sept. 30. The “Come To The Well” Tour also follows the band’s recent Dove Award win in the Long Form Music Video category for the hugely successful Until The Whole World Hears Live DVD/CD release, which captured the unforgettable 2009/2010 “Until The Whole World Hears” national concert tour, which saw more than 350,000 fans in 82 cities.

The “Come To The Well” Tour is partnering with Christian humanitarian organization World Vision ( www.worldvision.org). World Vision provides assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Casting Crowns has helped to generate a total of 52,000 child sponsorships for World Vision to date.

About Casting Crowns
All of Atlanta-based Casting Crowns’ projects are RIAA certified, with a tally of three RIAA Platinum Albums, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, two RIAA Gold Albums and a Gold DVD, holding position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007. Despite an unprecedented six-year career with Casting Crowns, the seven band members remain active in student ministry in the Atlanta area and tour part-time around their local church duties. Serving his 18th year in youth ministry, lead singer/songwriter Mark Hall is the student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta. As a testament to the band’s impact, Casting Crowns performed for a second time in North Korea in April 2009, in partnership with Global Resource Services, as the band continues to forge invaluable relationships with the people in the D.P.R.K.

For more information, visit www.castingcrowns.com or follow the band on Mark Hall’s Twitter at http://twitter.com/markhallCC. 

About Sanctus Real
Sanctus Real’s fastest-selling GRAMMY and Dove-nominated, fifth studio album Pieces Of A Real Heart continues to sell over 130% ahead of the band’s last GRAMMY-nominated album.  The album has also sparked two No. 1 songs, “Forgiven” and “Lead Me,” the latter having been heard by well over 100,000,000 people at radio and receiving the first-ever song endorsements from Focus on the Family and FamilyLife, as well as gathering two “Song of the Year” Dove nominations.  The success of the singles helped pave the way for the band to become Billboard’s No. 4 most played Christian band of 2010 at radio. In all, Sanctus Real has gathered 14 No. 1 and


Top 5 radio hits so far. For more information, visitwww.sanctusreal.com.

About The Afters
Texas-based band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.”  “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky bolstered the No. 1 hit “Light Up the Sky.” A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters. For more information, visit www.theafters.com.

CASTING CROWNS “COME TO THE WELL” FALL TOUR 2011
*Dates, markets and venues subject to change without notice

SEPTEMBER
9/22 (Thursday) - El Paso, TX - Abundant Living Faith Center
9/23 (Friday) - Phoenix, AZ - Grand Canyon University
9/24 (Saturday) - Corona, CA - Crossroads Christian Church
9/25 (Sunday) - Henderson, NV - Henderson Pavilion
9/27 (Tuesday) - Universal City, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre
9/29 (Thursday) - Roseville, CA - Adventure Christian Church
9/30 (Friday) - Salem, OR - OSF Pavilion

OCTOBER
10/1 (Saturday) - Redmond, WA - Overlake Christian Church
10/2 (Sunday) - Langley, BC - Langley Events Centre
10/4 (Tuesday) - Kennewick, WA - Toyota Center
10/6 (Thursday) - Salt Lake City, UT - Abravanel Hall
10/7 (Friday) - Rio Rancho, NM - Santa Ana Star Center
10/8 (Saturday) - Amarillo, TX - Amarillo Civic Center
10/13 (Thursday) - Cordova, TN - Bellevue Baptist Church
10/14 (Friday) - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
10/15 (Saturday) - Savannah, GA - Savannah Civic Center Arena
10/20 (Thursday) - Auburn, AL - Auburn University Arena
10/21 (Friday) - Lexington, KY - Rupp Arena
10/22 (Saturday) - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum
10/23 (Sunday) - Macon, GA - Macon Coliseum
10/27 (Thursday) - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center
10/28 (Friday) - Hoffman Estates, IL - Life Changers International Church
10/29 (Saturday) - Peoria, IL - Peoria Civic Center

NOVEMBER
11/3 (Thursday) - Grove City, OH - Grove City Church of the Nazarene
11/4 (Friday) - Akron, OH - Akron Baptist Temple
11/5 (Saturday) - Highland Heights, KY - Bank of Kentucky Center
11/10 (Thursday) - Murray, KY - CFSB @ Murray State University
11/11 (Friday) - Tupelo, MS - BancorpSouth Arena
11/12 (Saturday) - Dothan, AL - Dothan Civic Center
11/15 (Tuesday) - Asheville, NC - Kimmel Center
11/17 (Thursday) - Jacksonville, FL - First Baptist Church
11/18 (Friday) - TBA - TBA
11/19 (Saturday) - West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre
11/20 (Sunday) - Estero, FL - Germain Arena
11/25 (Friday) - Aiken, SC - USC Aiken Convocation Center
11/26 (Saturday) - Knoxville, TN - Knoxville Coliseum

DECEMBER
12/1 (Thursday) - San Antonio, TX - Freeman Coliseum
12/2 (Friday) - Belton, TX - Bell County Expo
12/3 (Saturday) - Bossier City, LA - CenturyTel Center Arena
12/4 (Sunday) - Jackson, MS - Mississippi Coliseum

 

Fervent Records’ contemporary pop group, Sidewalk Prophets, will release a deluxe edition of their breakthrough debut album, These Simple Truths, on July 12. Originally released on August 25, 2009, These Simple Truths, features their current hit single “You Love Me Anyway” which landed in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s AC/Indicator Chart this week. The deluxe edition features one new song, “Know That You Are Loved” and two acoustic versions of fan favorites, “You Love Me Anyway” and “The Words I Would Say.”

Written by Sidewalk Prophets’ Dave Frey and Ben McDonald with Mark DeLavergne, “You Love Me Anyway” is a song that embodies what the band is all about, loving God despite our fears and questions, and loving him because He first loved us. 

“We wrote this song in the basement of Ben’s house in the middle of a thunderstorm,” shares Sidewalk Prophets’ Dave Frey.  “I remember thinking how incredibly safe I felt. The storm raged all around and shook the walls, but safe inside we sat. That’s just like our God, a shelter in the storm. I then started to remember all the things I had done not to deserve such a shelter, such a loving God.” 

Sidewalk Prophets have made an impressive debut on the CCM scene, winning “New Artist of the Year” in 2010 and garnering four Dove Nominations to date, including “Pop Contemporary Song of the Year” and “Group of the Year.” Produced by Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli), These Simple Truths has sold more than 100,000 units and 322,000 digital tracks making Sidewalk Prophets one of the top-selling new artists. The album delivered the smash No. 1 single “The Words I Would Say,” which topped Billboard’s AC/Indicator Chart for five consecutive weeks as well as the hit “You Can Have Me.” 

Sidewalk Prophets has toured with artists such as Francesca Battistelli, David Crowder Band, Fireflight, Kutless, Mercy Me, Newsboys, Red, Tenth Avenue North and Third Day and will be hitting the road this summer to play shows all across the country.

TRACK LISTING for These Simple Truths (Deluxe Edition):
1. Just Might Change Your Life
2. Show Me How To Love
3. You Can Have Me
4. The Words I Would Say
5. Moving All The While
6. For What It’s Worth
7. You Love Me Anyway
8. All Things New
9. You Will Never Leave Me
10. Give It All Away
11. Lay Down My Life
12. Know That You Are Loved (NEW Song)
13. You Love Me Anyway (Lealand House Sessions)
14. The Words I Would Say (Lealand House Sessions)

For more information about Sidewalk Prophets and upcoming tour dates, visit www.sidewalkprohets.com.

Source: CMSpin

 

Pop/rock band Royal Tailor (Essential Records) has been hard charging toward last week’s release of its national debut project, Black & White (5/31).  The band continues to promote the album by launching a music video for “Make A Move,” while the record itself is making an impact on multiple sales charts.

The “Make A Move” video, which debuted on www.RoyalTailor.com last week, was directed by Ry Cox along with director of photography Joseph Anthony Baker.  The video showcases Royal Tailor’s potent mix of music and message, featuring choreography by Nick Bass, whose credits include work with Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Madonna.

Adding to the album’s momentum are early sales numbers, with Black & White debuting at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Albums chart.  The record also reached No. 21 on iTunes Top Albums chart, which includes projects of all genres.  Black & White landed at No. 6 on SoundScan’s Current Contemporary Christian Overall Chart as well.

The disc’s title track, “Black & White,” was selected as iTunes “Discovery Download” from May 31 to June 7, a coveted spot that highlights new music from up-and-coming artists by offering a free single to listeners.

Produced by Aaron Lindsey, Chuck Butler, and Daniel Kinner, Black & White showcases Royal Tailor’s distinctive musical blend, highlighting influences that range from Bruno Mars to Maroon 5 to Michael Jackson.  The result is 11 high-energy tracks that make audiences want to dance, pray, shout and sing along.  Royal Tailor is currently debuting new music from Black & White on the road, having just wrapped up the 20-city “The Overcome Tour,” which also featured Fireflight, After Edmund and Hyland.

About Royal Tailor
With a contagious blend of pop, R&B, hip hop and rock, Royal Tailor is a high-energy band and music ministry reaching out to a new generation of students suffering from symptoms of a visionless life.  The four-member band - made up of Tauren (lead singer), DJ (guitar), Blake (bass) and Jarrod (drums) -- met while in school in Indianapolis and began to hone its sound while playing for churches and youth groups around the country.  In just under two years, Royal Tailor has performed more than 300 shows, most recently playing at the Nashville GRAMMY Chapter’s Block Party stage alongside artists including Old Crow Medicine Show and The Civil Wars. 

For more information on the band and its forthcoming project, visit www.RoyalTailor.com, myspace.com/royaltailor.com or follow the band on Twitter at twitter.com/royaltailor.

Source: CMSpin

Between the four of them they have over 85 Number One Songs!  Collectively they’ve recorded over 100 albums, have over 30 Grammy’s and 30 Dove awards and between the four of them have sold millions of albums!

We’ll be broadcasting The Weekend Rewind, live from Abba’s House this Sunday from 4 to 7pm, just prior to the concert.  We’d love to have you stop by and say hello.  But MORE importantly….DON’T MISS THIS EVENING!

Get your tickets now at Abba’s House bookstore or online at www.christianclassictour.com.

 

Four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning band Third Day will be joined by an all-star lineup of musicians and Alabama radio/TV personalities for the “Make Your Move Alabama Tornado Relief Benefit,” which will take place on Sunday, May 15, at Birmingham’s BJCC Arena, beginning at 6 pm CT (doors open at 5 pm). Spearheaded by Third Day, the concert will also feature performances by Tenth Avenue North, Trevor Morgan and Rush of Fools, along with appearances by special guest radio personalities Rick & Bubba, Alabama’s ABC-TV 33/40 meteorologist James Spann and author/speaker David Nasser. Additional performers will be announced in the coming days.
 
The “Make Your Move Alabama Tornado Relief Benefit” concert will aid Alabama victims of the devastating band of tornadoes that tore through the South on April 27. Proceeds will be distributed statewide through the Come Together Fund to several chosen relief agencies, including: The Birmingham Dream Center, Alabama Baptist Tornado Relief, Samaritan’s Purse and World Vision. All of these agencies are already on the ground working to meet the immediate needs of Alabama tornado victims.
 
“When we heard about the devastation caused by the storms and tornadoes in Alabama and our home state of Georgia, we, just like everyone else, wanted to do something to help,” said Third Day’s Mac Powell, an Alabama native.  “We are so excited that so many of our friends agreed to stand beside us as we attempt to have a night that will not only raise money and supplies for many people that so desperately need it, but raise hope and build faith through this great night of music and encouragement.”
 
“As a local pastor in Alabama, I have seen first-hand the devastation caused by these tornadoes,” said Nasser, whose Christ City Church and David Nasser Outreach ministry are both based in Birmingham. “This benefit will usher in great aid to those who need it most. This is more than a concert, this is ministry. Pure, raw, real ministry.”

General admission tickets will be $10 at the door. A limited number of $100 VIP packages are available, which include a premium concert seat, a Q&A session with all artists, an exclusive autographed VIP event poster, and an autographed copy of David Nasser’s book, Glory Revealed. VIP packages may be purchased via the event’s website: www.makeyourmovebenefit.com.
 
Third Day is in the midst of headlining the 35-city “Make Your Move” Tour across the U.S. with fellow tour mates Tenth Avenue North and Trevor Morgan. The tour’s spring leg, which wraps up May 21, in West Palm Beach, Fla., follows the successful release of multi-platinum Third Day’s 11th studio album, Move, which debuted inside the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart and at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Current Contemporary Christian chart. 
 
About Third Day:
Over the past decade, the Atlanta-based, multi-Platinum rock band Third Day (made up of members Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, David Carr and Mark Lee) has racked up 27 No. 1 radio singles and sold more than 7 million albums which reflect an impressive 2 RIAA Platinum and 8 Gold Certifications.
 
A Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee (2009), Third Day has garnered 27 career GMA Dove Awards from 47 nominations, 4 GRAMMY Awards (with 11 career nominations), an American Music Award (with 3 American Music Award nominations) and multiple ASCAP honors for songwriting including the coveted Vanguard Award.  As a credit to its songwriting, Third Day’s memorable “Call My Name,” off its Revelation (07/29/2008) project, was selected by country star Keith Urban as a bonus track on his Defying Gravity project.
 
As one of the highest-ranked touring bands in any market, according to Pollstar magazine, Third Day earned its reputation by performing before audiences into the millions. Third Day’s recent mega-tours include the 2010 Make A Difference Tour, one of that year’s highest selling Christian concert tours, co-headlining with fellow artists Michael W. Smith, TobyMac and author Max Lucado followed by its own 40-city “Make Your Move” tour which kicked off Feb. 18, 2011 in Mercedes, Texas and has seen nearly 75 percent of its dates sold out.
 
Due to its mass appeal on the road, on radio and at retail, Third Day has garnered coverage  by media outlets including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (NBC), “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” (CBS), “60 Minutes” (CBS), ABC’s “Nightline,” USA Today, The New York Times and even graced the cover of Billboard magazine, which called Third Day “one of the best rock bands.” For additional information about Third Day please visit www.ThirdDay.com.

Source: CMSpin

 

Chapman to give Commencement Speech on May 7
 
Tomorrow, music icon and five-time GRAMMY ® Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman will help close out the academic year for Anderson University’s Class of 2011 at their graduation ceremony held on campus in the Ward Fieldhouse of the Kardatzke Wellness Center.

Chapman will deliver his commencement speech during the afternoon engagement that is set to begin at 3PM EST. In addition, the multi-platinum selling artist and former student of the university, will also receive an honorary doctorate along with other speakers including Rev. Charles Myricks, chief operating development officer for the National Association of the Church of God, and Dr. Beverley Pitts, president of the University of Indianapolis. The event is free and open to the public. Anderson University will offer a live webcast during Commencement starting at 2:45 p.m. EDT. For more information on the graduation event please click here.

For more information on Steven Curtis Chapman, please visit http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/.
 
About Steven Curtis Chapman:
Steven Curtis Chapman has sold over ten million records including two RIAA certified platinum albums and eight RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his five GRAMMY awards, Chapman has won an American Music Award, has recorded 45 No. 1 US radio hits and been awarded 56 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date. Since his recording career began in 1987, Chapman has recorded seventeen projects with Sparrow Records. He has performed at the White House and has appeared on multiple national programs via CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CMT, FOX News, the Hallmark Channel and E!, including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Fox&Friends, Huckabee, CBS Sunday Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and more. Chapman and his wife Mary Beth created Show HOPE in 2001 after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 2,000 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

Source: CMSpin   

 

For the Dove Awards darling Francesca Battistelli, her fans are ‘the stuff.’ And to say thank you, Battistelli is unveiling a fan-directed music video for her smash No 1 hit “This Is The Stuff.” The video features a compilation of footage shot by fans during the Winter Jam tour. To see which fans’ films made the final cut, tune in to Francesca’s website – http://www.francescamusic.com/ or click here: http://www.francescamusic.com/news/stuff-live-music-video

“I have the best fans and feel so blessed,” shares Battistelli. “It was so fun to have them be my directors and stand right up on the stage with me every night of Winter Jam!”

“This Is The Stuff” is from her sophomore album Hundred More Years, which debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Album Chart and No. 16 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart. The album is available everywhere now.

Battistelli recently made Dove Awards history when she won the award for “Artist of the Year” making her the first female vocalist in 19 years to claim the elite title and also took home the honors “Female Vocalist Of The Year” and “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song Of The Year” for the smash hit "Beautiful Beautiful."

Hundred More Years released to rave reviews and is the follow-up to her debut My Paper Heart which delivered the smash No. 1 single “Free To Be Me” and hit singles “It’s Your Life,” “I’m Letting Go” and “Beautiful, Beautiful.” With over 430,000 albums sold and well over 900,000 downloads to date, Battistelli has become the best-selling new artist in the genre in the past eight years. Battistelli has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Song Performance), 5 Dove Awards and 15 Dove Award nominations and was recently featured in Associated Press, USA Today, M Magazine, and Atlanta Journal Constitution. Her music has also been featured on TLC’s Jon & Kate Plus 8, ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NBC’s The Biggest Loser, FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, and several other television and movie outlets.

For additional information on Francesca Battistelli, please visit www.FrancescaMusic.com.

About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Group 1 Crew, Point Of Grace, Mark Schultz, Sidewalk Prophets and Chris Sligh and is home to 25 LIVE, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records and Fervent Records.

Source: CMSpin