Casting Crown Named 'Group of the Year' For Fifth Consecutive Year at Dove Awards
(4/27/2009)Christian music's leader in sales and touring, Casting Crowns picks up a monumental fifth consecutive win last night for the prestigious Group of the Year award at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards, broadcast live on the Gospel Music Channel from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Additionally, the band took home the Dove Award for Christmas Album of the Year for its 2008 chart-topping, first Christmas project Peace On Earth. The top-selling album reached No.1 on iTunes Christian albums chart, and No. 3 on iTunes overall Holiday albums chart in 2008, weekly topping seasonal releases from Faith Hill and Elvis Presley. Lead vocalist Mark Hall was also recognized as the project's producer. Hall said, "It's been an amazing year of ministry for Casting Crowns. We are proud to be a part of Christian music and we thank GMA for making the Dove Awards such a special event."
Casting Crowns received an additional Dove Award win in the Short Form Music Video category for its powerful music video "Slow Fade," appearing on the band's RIAA Gold-certified The Altar and The Door Live DVD/CD.
This week, the band returns from performing a second time in North Korea as a U.S. delegate in the nationally-televised "April Spring Arts Festival" in Pyongyang, D.P.R.K. Casting Crowns participated in 2007 as the only U.S. delegate. For more, visit www.providentpress.com for Global Resource Services' recent press release.
For more information on Casting Crowns and for concert listings, please visit www.castingcrowns.com.
News provided by
TFK Brings New Life To Taco Bell's Feedthebeat.com With New Single
(4/27/2009)Tooth & Nail Records' Thousand Foot Krutch is breathing new life to their fans with the freshly posted single "Bring Me To Life" as part of the Taco Bell's Feed The Beat music program. TFK partnered with familiar face, Aaron Sprinkle, to co-produce the single, and Randy Staub, to mix the single, which is available for a free download to fans previewing the Fall 2009 release. Fans can hear the single at the Feed the Beat site or go to the new studio album's site to receive a free download link. TFK is currently placing the finishing touches on their fifth studio album, "Welcome to the Masquerade." The full album is also co-produced by Sprinkle and Trevor McNevan along with Staub mixing. More details to follow soon on the forthcoming project.
"We're excited to have been chosen to be part of Feed the Beat and a big thank you to everyone who voted," shares McNevan, lead singer / songwriter of Thousand Foot Krutch. "'Bring Me to Life' is the song we chose to record and we are stoked to share it with you! Thanks to Taco Bell, we teamed up with producer Aaron Sprinkle (The Almost, Demon Hunter, MxPx) and mix engineer Randy Staub (Metallica "Black Album", Nickelback "Dark Horse") for this one, and it was a perfect match. BIG, crunchy, adrenaline rock...umm...yes please. Our new album is out later this fall, so please download this track as our free gift to you!"
Last fall, 100 bands participated in Taco Bell's "Best of the Beat" competition, where they competed for a chance to record, have Taco Bell produce a single and gain valuable marketing support for that single. More than 180,000 fans voted on Feed the Beat's Virtual Music Festival Web site (www.feedthebeat.com) and Thousand Foot Krutch was one of three bands win the bracket-style contest (others include Hit the Lights and Fireflight). Today the winners become the first ever bands to have singles promoted by Taco Bell's Feed the Beat program.
For more information on Thousand Foot Krutch, visit their MySpace, as well as follow the band on Twitter @officialtfk .
About Thousand Foot Krutch:
Thousand Foot Krutch, started by frontman/songwriter Trevor McNevan, have sold a half-million copies to date of their albums "Set It Off," "Phenomenon," "The Art Of Breaking," and "The Flame in All of Us." The band hit the musical scene with the "Phenomenon" album and branched into radio with songs "Rawkfist" (Phenomenon) and "Move" (The Art of Breaking). TFK has shared stages with a wide mix of headliners including Switchfoot, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, 311 and Sevendust.
The band most recent release, "The Flame In All of Us," has garnered such praise as "shows the passion and heart," "best album to date," and "bright new chapter for Thousand Foot Krutch." In addition, Thousand Foot Krutch's Active Rock/Alternative single "Falls Apart" debuted in the Top 40. The single climbed into the Top 30 marking the band's third Active Rock/Alternative single to break into the Top 30 on the charts following the hit songs "Rawkfist" and "Move."
News provided by
Complete List of 40th Annual GMA Dove Award Winners
(4/24/2009)
40th Annual GMA Dove Award Recipients
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Steven Curtis Chapman
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Tenth Avenue North
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Steven Curtis Chapman
SONG OF THE YEAR song title; writer; publisher (award to the writer and publisher)
"Give Me Your Eyes"; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Sitka 6 Music/Essential Music Publishing (ASCAP), Peertunes Ltd. (SESAC), Grange Hill Music (SESAC), Windsor Way (SESAC)
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Brandon Heath
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Natalie Grant
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Casting Crowns
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Bernie Herms
RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG (song; album; artist; writer; label)
"Do Yo Thang"; The Yearbook; KJ-52; Jonah Sorrentino; BEC Recordings/Uprok
ROCK RECORDED SONG
"Lost"; End Of Silence; Red; Jasen Rauch, Rob Graves, Chad Cates; Essential Records
ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
"Washed By The Water"; The Heat; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; Atlantic Records
POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
"Give Me Your Eyes"; What If We; Brandon Heath; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Reunion Records
INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG
"A New Hallelujah"; A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith, Debbie Smith, Paul Baloche; Reunion Records
SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
"Reason Enough"; Dream On; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; Gaither Music Group
BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG
"They're Holding Up The Ladder"; We Are Family; Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Russell Easter, James Easter, Edd Easter; Daywind Records
COUNTRY RECORDED SONG
"I Wish"; How You Live Deluxe Edition; Point of Grace; Cindy Morgan, Phil Madeira; Word Records
URBAN RECORDED SONG
"Get Up"; The Sound; Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell, Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Eric Dawkins; Columbia Records, Integrity Music
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
"Free At Last"; Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Traditional; Time Life Music
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
"How Great Is Our God"; How Great Is Our God; LaRue Howard; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; EMI Gospel
WORSHIP SONG
"Mighty To Save"; Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan; Hillsong Publishing
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM (album; artist; producer; label)
Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Andy Anderson, Christopher Stevens, Sam Mizell; Fervent Records
ROCK ALBUM
Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Never Going Back To OK; The Afters; Dan Muckala; INO Records
POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Revelation; Third Day; Howard Benson; Essential Records
INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM
Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Ed Cash; INO Records
SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM
Lovin' Life; Ernie Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Guy Penrod, Marshall Hall, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group
BLUEGRASS ALBUM
We Are Family; Ricky Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Jeff Easter, Sheri Easter; Daywind Records
COUNTRY ALBUM
Around the Bend; Randy Travis; Kyle Lehning; Warner Bros. Records
URBAN ALBUM
The Fight of My Life; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin; Zomba Gospel
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM
Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Chris Goldsmith; Time Life Music, Integrity Music
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM
Change the World; Martha Munizzi; Aaron Lindsey, Israel Houghton; Martha Munizzi Music
INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian; Various; Harry Gregson-Williams; Walt Disney Records
CHILDREN'S MUSIC ALBUM
Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 4; Various; Chance Scoggins; Fervent Records
SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM
Rescatame; Seventh Day Slumber; Alejandro Allen, Susana Allen; BEC Recordings
SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM
Passion: God of This City; Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder*Band, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Fee, Matt Redman; Nathan Nockels; Sparrow Records, sixsteps Records
CHRISTMAS ALBUM
Peace on Earth; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Mark A. Miller; Beach Street
PRAISE & WORSHIP ALBUM
A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith; Reunion Records
MUSICAL (title; creator; publisher (award given to creator)
God Bless the USA; Sue C. Smith, Joel Lindsey, Russell Mauldin; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
YOUTH/CHILDREN'S MUSICAL
An Island Christmas; Wayne Haun, Shelby Haun, Joel Lindsey; Lillenas Publishing Company
CHORAL COLLECTION
I'll Say Yes; Carol Cymbala; Brooklyn Tabernacle Music
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING (product; art director; graphic artist; illustrator/photographer; label)
Revelation (Third Day); Tim Parker, Becka Blackburn; Tim Parker; David McClister, RW Sims; Essential Records
SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO (title; artist; director; producer; production company; label)
"Slow Fade"; Casting Crowns; John Erwin, Andy Erwin; Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures; Beach Street
LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO ( title; artist; director; producer; production company; label)
Alive and Transported; TobyMac; Eric Welch; Tameron Hedge, Dan Pitts; Broken Poet Productions; ForeFront Records
News provided by
Dove Awards Recap Shines Light On Chapman, Heath and Casting Crowns
(4/24/2009)Dove Awards were handed out last night in Nashville for the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards with singer/songwriter Brandon Heath and worship band Casting Crowns earning the most awards. Steven Curtis Chapman was honored as Artist of the Year and Tenth Avenue North received the Dove Award for New Artist which for the first time were voted on by both the gospel/Christian music industry and its fans.
Televised live on the Gospel Music Channel and held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, this year's Dove Awards spread the love around like never before, with more than 75 artists, songwriters and producers receiving Dove trophies, including 38 out of the 43 award categories featuring different recipients. A complete list of all winners is available here: Complete Dove Awards List
"Many different artists have obviously connected with people in powerful ways this year as evidenced by last night's impressive number of singular honorees. The list of Dove Award recipients is very culturally and musically diverse, yet together they reveal the unique ability for gospel and Christian music to reach across cultural, religious and generational divides to encourage and inspire with the good news of the Gospel," said John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the Dove Awards.
This year's Dove Awards show offered a powerful picture of Christian/gospel music's appreciation for the past and embrace of the future. While the voting process welcomed new technologies that allowed fans to vote for the first time, southern gospel music icon Bill Gaither earned a Dove Award in 2009, 40 years after he received his first at the inaugural Dove Awards ceremony in 1969. The show's musical performances continued the theme with moving tributes to legendary artists and performances from several New Artist of the Year nominees.
The Dove Award recipients in the overall categories were:
Artist of the Year – Steven Curtis Chapman
New Artist of the Year – Tenth Avenue North
Song of the Year -- "Give Me Your Eyes"; songwriters Brandon Heath and Jason Ingram
Songwriter of the Year -- Steven Curtis Chapman
Male Vocalist of the Year -- Brandon Heath
Female Vocalist of the Year -- Natalie Grant
Group of the Year -- Casting Crowns
For the first time, fans became stakeholders in the Dove Awards with an opportunity to vote for the winner of Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year, in a campaign coordinated by the Gospel Music Channel. In an unprecedented engagement of fans, 250,000 votes were cast on gospelmusicchannel.com and via text messaging, including through the first part of the live broadcast.
Steven Curtis Chapman, who is used to making Dove Awards history, having already received more Dove Awards than any other artist in the awards show's 40 years, was named Artist of the Year for the seventh time and Songwriter of the Year for the 10th time. His 2008-09 worldwide hit "Cinderella" not only brought Chapman praise for his always consummate songwriting skills, it became a worldwide hit and sentimental favorite because of the tragic loss he and his family experienced nearly a year ago, when five-year-old Maria, one of three Chinese-adopted daughters who inspired "Cinderella," died in an accident. Introduced by current tour mate Michael W. Smith and joined on stage in his band by sons Will Franklin and Caleb, Chapman's performance of "Cinderella" brought the audience to tears and to their feet.
Tenth Avenue North became the first New Artist of the Year to be voted on by fans. The melodic pop-rock group, currently on tour with MercyMe, became the best selling new Christian artist of 2008 with its debut CD Over and Underneath.
Heath, who was 2008's New Artist of the Year, proved he was no rookie by following that up with three Dove Awards this year, including Male Vocalist of the Year. Heath also received the prestigious Song of the Year Dove Award for co-writing with Jason Ingram "Give Me Your Eyes," from Heath's sophomore CD What If We. "Give Me Your Eyes," which spent 14 weeks at No.1 on Billboard's Hot Christian AC radio chart, and 27 weeks at No. 1 on iTunes Christian Song Chart also earned a trophy for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. Heath offered a compelling performance of "Give Me Your Eyes" during the live awards broadcast, that included a step/stomp dance routine that mirrored Heath's music video of the song.
Casting Crowns also earned three Dove Awards, including the band's fifth consecutive Group of the Year trophy, winning this award every year it has been nominated. The band also took home honors for Christmas Album of the Year for its 2008 chart-topping, first Christmas project Peace On Earth and a Dove Award for Short Form Music Video for the powerful music video "Slow Fade," which appears on the band's recent RIAA Gold-certified The Altar and The Door Live DVD/CD.
Grant extends her reign as Female Vocalist of the Year with her fourth consecutive trophy in that category. Only Sandi Patty has been honored as Female vocalist more times. Notably, Grant was not the only one in her family to be honored last night. Husband and songwriter/producer Bernie Herms was named Producer of the Year (He produced Grant's Relentless with Shaun Shankel). Grant shared the stage with hip/hop artist Group 1 Crew for an electric R&B-flavored performance of "Make it Matter."
Among the Dove Awards other multiple artist winners were Smith (for Inspirational Recorded Song and Praise & Worship Album), Blind Boys of Alabama (Traditional Gospel Recorded Song and Album), Chris Tomlin (for his contributions to Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song and Special Event Album), Jeff & Sherri Easter and Lewis Family (Bluegrass Recorded Song and Bluegrass Album).
Last night's broadcast of the Dove Awards featured nothing but unforgettable performances, starting with urban gospel duo Mary Mary's high energy rendition of their Dove Award-winning Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song "Get Up." and culminating with GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame members and double Dove Award winners the Blind Boys of Alabama bringing a New Orleans jazz sound to "Free At Last," with special guest Mac Powell (of Third Day) who then introduced a final celebration of the 40th anniversary of "Oh Happy Day," the 18th century hymn which became gospel music's first mainstream crossover hit when it was arranged and recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Hawkins himself was joined onstage by a group of artists including Donnie McClurkin and American Idol finalists Mandisa and Phil Stacey and Gospel Dream Winner Melinda Watts.
Several other performances paid tribute to the past including an emotional multi-artist segment honoring Southern Gospel legend and GMA Gospel Music Hall of Famer Dottie Rambo who died in a tragic bus accident last year. Kim Hopper, Brian Free & Assurance, Ronnie Milsap, Jason Crabb and Rambo's daughter and family members Reba Rambo McGuire, Dony McGuire and Destiny McGuire and a reunion appearance of Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty performed some of Rambo's biggest hits. MercyMe, reflecting on a decade in Christian music, performed a stirring arrangement of their huge mainstream hit single from 2001 "I Can Only Imagine." The band was introduced by Miss California U.S.A. Carrie Prejean.
Also appearing in performances or presenting on the Dove Awards were Kierra Sheard, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Jonathan Nelson, Remedy Drive, Chris Sligh, Tenth Avenue North, Billy Baldwin, Chynna Vaughan, Sinbad, A.J. Styles, Fireflight, Kirk Franklin, Richie McDonald, Ronnie Milsap, Tye Tribbett, Jeremy Camp, Martha Munizzi, Mary Alessi, DecembeRadio, GRITS, Jason Crabb, Kim Hopper, The Afters, Canton Jones, Isaiah D. Thomas, Marty Magehee, Mark Harris, Wayne Watson, Rebecca St. James and Lisa Kimmey.
The Dove Awards pre-telecast featured the presentation of the majority of the evening's 43 Dove Awards as well as performances by Meredith Andrews, Downhere and J.R.
Also this evening, Jars of Clay was also recognized with Gospel Music Channel's annual Gospel Angels Award, which recognizes recording artists who activate and inspire others to positively change the lives of people. Jars of Clay was honored for its Blood:Water Mission project, a non-profit organization that empowers communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crisis founded by the members of the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning band. To find out more about the Blood:Water Mission, please visit http://www.bloodwatermission.com/.
Steve Gilreath, producer of the GMA Dove Awards for the 8th consecutive year, was joined by producer Rob Cowlyn to put on the live stage show and broadcast.
This is the second straight year that Gospel Music Channel has televised the Dove Awards live. In addition to the exclusive live broadcast, Gospel Music Channel will present back-to-back encore broadcasts that night and additional re-airings following. Gospel Music Channel's rapid growth has made it the fastest growing network in television for the past two years and GMC is now available in more than 45 million homes in all major markets on the major cable systems as well as on DIRECTV on Channel 338.
The American Bible Society (http://www.americanbible.org/) is the official charity for the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards.
About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more. The GMA community consists of more than 3,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Music Week and the GMA Academy. For more information, please visit http://www.gospelmusic.org/.
News provided by
Jars of Clay Honored At GMA Dove Awards
(4/24/2009)Jars of Clay, who launched its 10th project The Long Fall Back To Earth on Tuesday and performed at a fundraiser for the African Children's Choir with Big Kenny, Faith Hill, Third Day, Keith Urban and others last night, has long been known for its innovative, intellectual brand of rock music, but it's equally known and respected for its humanitarian efforts, specifically those that serve the continent and people of Africa. Tonight, live at Nashville's Opry House during the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards, the band was honored with the Gospel Music Channel's "Gospel Angels Award" for its tireless efforts.
Founders of the Blood:Water Mission, the non-profit organization launched in 2001, Jars of Clay has
funded more than 650 water projects, along with hygiene and sanitation training, in 11 African countries. These projects have impacted more than 500,000 people with clean water since its inception and the band is on track to build its 1000th clean water well, in early 2010.
"Gospel Music Channel brings the wonderful music and talents of Jars of Clay to millions of people across the country every day," shares Charley Humbard, President & CEO of Gospel Music Channel. "We are proud to honor Jars with our annual Gospel Angels Award for using their platform to activate and inspire others to positively change the lives of people. We commend them for the transformative and sustainable impact they are achieving with Blood:Water Mission."
"We're humbled, and surprised, by this honor – we had no idea we'd be getting this tonight," shares Jars of Clay's lead singer, Dan Haseltine. "We appreciate Gospel Music Channel for recognizing the work of the Blood:Water Mission, and drawing attention to those who most need our help. We would like to thank Blood:Water Mission's executive director, Jena Nardella and our fantastic teams, both in the US and in Africa, and to the countless donors who have helped change lives, half a world away."
Immediately following the GMA Dove Awards, Jars of Clay hit the road to kick off its 23-city spring 2009 "Two Hands Tour" on Friday in Lincoln, Neb. (The run of dates will conclude in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. on June 19.) The "Two Hands Tour" also features special guests Seabird, the emerging Credential Records rock act recently honored by its hometown as the "2008 Artist of the Year" at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The "Two Hands Tour" itinerary and ticket information is posted on www.JarsofClay.com.
Co-produced by Jars of Clay and veteran helmsman Ron Aniello (Guster, Lifehouse, Leigh Nash), The Long Fall Back To Earth expands on the musical palette developed for Jars' last project, Good Monsters: driving songs with more synth, beats and loops, but keeping the band's hard-won appreciation for rock guitars intact. The effect is a sweeping musical landscape full of detail, contrast and richness.
About Jars Of Clay
Jars of Clay launched its breakout career with its multi-format hit, "Flood," in 1995. Since then, it's amassed more than six million in career sales (4 Gold, 2 platinum and 1 double platinum certification), an American Music Award nod, 17 No.1 radio hits, and numerous film credits and BMI honors for songwriting and performing.
While celebrated for its music and writing, Jars of Clay is most concerned with the needs in Africa. Compelled to make a difference, members Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark and Charlie Lowell founded the Blood:Water Mission in early 2002. The first effort of this non-profit was the "1000 Wells Project" with a goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This year Jars of Clay will celebrate the building of the 1000th well which will help bring clean water to more than 450,000 people. (www.bloodwatermission.com)
Earlier this month, the Joy FM network's WJIS in Sarasota, which broadcasts across central and southwest Florida, surprised Jars of Clay with a $1,000 check for Blood:Water Mission. The donation came from the station's morning show--The Morning Cruise with Dave, Bill and Carmen--via its participation in 40 Days of Water, a grass-roots campaign to divert money normally spent on beverages, into a donation pool.
News provided by
Show Hope, Orphan Ministry Of Steven Curtis Chapman Makes Changes
(4/23/2009)The orphan ministry of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, a movement caring for the millions of orphans around the world, has officially changed its name to Show HopeTM. Beginning in 2001 as Shaohannah's Hope, the ministry was originally named after the Chapman's now 9-year old daughter Shaohannah Hope, whom they adopted from China in 2000.
Explaining the name change, the Executive Director of Show HopeTM, Scott Hasenbalg, shares, "Show HopeTM is not just a name, but rather it represents a philosophy of ministry that truly challenges all of us to respond by demonstrating our belief in what God mandates of us in Scripture in caring for the orphan." The ministry continues its lifelong mission to show hope by caring for orphans around the world through engaging the church, raising awareness about the worldwide plight of orphans, and helping Christian families reduce the financial barrier to adoption.
SHOWHOPE.ORG
The newly designed website showcases the ministry's new logo (seen above) as well as offering a plethora of information on how to help make a difference in the life of an orphan. Visitors to the site can learn how to make monetary donations to the ministry, how to get involved to help in the life of an orphan, how to apply for an adoption grant, as well as view the resources page offering inspirational tools for individuals and church communities alike.
SHOW HOPE SPONSOR
A new program facilitated through the ministry is becoming a Show HopeTM sponsor. Committing to a monthly $35 donation addresses an orphan's need for food, care, shelter and spiritual nourishment, as well as helping to address the root issue for an orphan: the lack of a forever family. The monthly donation provides adoption assistance grants to help lead orphans into loving families, and provides love, care, and hope to special needs orphans, specifically at Maria's Big House of Hope in Luoyang, China. Since its inception, the Show HopeTM ministry has helped over 2,000 orphans from 40 countries, including the U.S., into forever homes, resulting in a truly worldwide impact. Yet, still so much assistance is needed.
TOUR SPONSOR
Show HopeTM was named the tour sponsor for the United Tour's 2009 spring leg, a nationwide tour co-headlined by Chapman and Michael W. Smith, which runs through April 30th. Concert attendees are offered information about Show HopeTM through a presentation from special guest, recording artist and close personal friend to the Chapman family, Geoff Moore. Moore, an adoption advocate and adoptive father himself, educates the audience how they can each make a difference in the life of an orphan, specifically by becoming a Show HopeTM sponsor.
"Show HopeTM fits so well in the context of the tour being called 'The United Tour' because both Steven and Michael have lived a life of demonstrating their faith by being doers of the Word," exclaims Hasenbalg. "Not only is it an incredible evening of inspiration through music, but one of partnership as well as everyone working together as one body to show hope to our world's most vulnerable children."
SHOW HOPE'S MISSION AND BEYOND
Show Hope's mission is to come alongside the church in the body of Christ to share the message of the importance of caring for roughly 100 million of orphans around the world who have yet to be adopted or may not be eligible for adoption. As a result, Show Hope continues to engage in orphan care projects in addition to the work promoting adoption. The ministry uses the acronym P.R.A.Y. as a guide to ensure that the child comes first in their ministry:
P- Preservation of the birth family
R- Reunification with birth parents or kin
A- Adoption
Y- Youth services for all orphans who have not been adopted
Please visit www.ShowHope.org to find out more about this ministry and what you can do.
www.ShowHope.org
News provided by
Jars of Clay Launches Landmark Release Week
(4/19/2009)Riding high on the success of its new multi-format radio hit, "Two Hands," three-time GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-Platinum band Jars of Clay begins a landmark album release week today with a headlining performance at the Creative Artists Agency showcase in Nashville.
The band will follow its CAA showcase for concert promoters with an all day media fest of interviews tomorrow (Monday). The centerpiece of the week arrives Tuesday with the release of Jars of Clay's widely-anticipated new album, The Long Fall Back to Earth (Gray Matters/Essential). The band will begin the big day by hosting a GMA Week media breakfast and then embark on another series of interviews.
Big Kenny (Big & Rich) booked Jars of Clay to perform the next day, Wednesday, as part of a star-studded lineup at the inaugural Nashville4Africa benefit at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The other artists on the bill are Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Big Kenny, Third Day, Dierks Bentley, Brad Arnold (3 Doors Down), Ashley Cleveland, Damien Horne, The Steeldrivers, Brandon Young, Michael Rhodes and very special guests the African Children's Choir. Proceeds from benefit will support the building of two schools and funding additional educational efforts in Africa. Tickets for the event start at $30.00 and are on sale at www.nashvillesymphony.org or by calling the Symphony Center box office at 615-687-6400.
"Just when we thought the set-up for The Long Fall Back to Earth couldn't get any better, Big Kenny invited us to perform at this high-profile event on behalf of Africa," says Jars of Clay front man Dan Haseltine. "Having your album launched with a hit single, a coast-to-coast tour and, most importantly, a loyal fanbase is one thing, but this is an unexpected honor and opportunity to serve."
After attending The GMA Dove Awards the next night, Jars of Clay kicks off its 23-city spring 2009 "Two Hands Tour" on Friday in Lincoln, Neb. (The run of dates will conclude in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. on June 19.) The "Two Hands Tour" also features special guests Seabird, the emerging Credential Records rock act recently honored by its hometown as the "2008 Artist of the Year" at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The "Two Hands Tour" itinerary and ticket information is posted on www.JarsofClay.com.
As the lead single from The Long Fall Back To Earth, Jars of Clay's "Two Hands" is generating a faster response from Christian radio than any of its hits in recent history. The track is not only a Top 10 hit among reporting CHR stations, it was also the most added song at AC radio this week as it entered the Top 20 on that chart.
"It's great to hear the sweet sounds of Jars back on the air here in SoCal," says Fish-Los Angeles Program Director Chuck Tyler. "'Two Hands' is awesome..." Scott Valentine, the Program Director at KCMS in Seattle echoes the song's broad and immediate appeal. "We wanted something Spring-like and fresh on our rotation and Jars did it again with 'Two Hands'," he says. "The talent, arrangement, and lyrics of this song affirm once again why this band is so multidimensionally stellar!"
KFIS in Portland rounded out the song's major West Coast adds recently as "Two Hands'" appeal stretched across the country with high profile adds in Dallas (KLTY), Atlanta (WFSH), Houston (KSBJ), Orlando (WPOZ) and Grand Rapids (WCSG), among many others.
With the "Two Hands" single increasing anticipation for The Long Fall Back To Earth, music retailers will also benefit from repeated airings this month of Jars of Clay's appearance on the new Gospel Music Channel program "Revealed." Each episode of the GMC original series features never-before-heard stories behind the songs and exclusive live performances "up close and personal."
Known for its ground-breaking, intelligent music and humanitarian work worldwide, Jars of Clay artfully explores matters of relationship and community through the songs on The Long Fall Back To Earth, which will be the band's 10th studio album. The musically sophisticated 14-track project can be pre-ordered now via a special promotion at iTunes.
Co-produced by Jars of Clay and veteran helmsman Ron Aniello (Guster, Lifehouse, Leigh Nash), The Long Fall Back To Earth expands on the musical palette developed for Jars' last project, Good Monsters: driving songs with more synth, beats and loops, but keeping the band's hard-won appreciation for rock guitars intact. The effect is a sweeping musical landscape full of detail, contrast and richness.
News provided by
MercyMe's '10' Enters Billboards Top 200 Chart at No. 18
(4/15/2009)MercyMe's latest release "10" sold almost 30,000 units its first week of release. The "best of" disc enters Billboards Top 200 Chart at No. 18 while topping the Christian Soundscan Chart at No. 1. "10" includes a new recording of the band's multi-format career hit I Can Only Imagine, featuring the London Session Orchestra.
"10" also includes their current hit single, "Finally Home," which remains No. 1 at Christian AC radio (*Mediabase & CRW), spent over a month at Soft/AC #1 and recently entered mediabases' Top 20 mainstream AC Chart and climbed four positions to 21 at R&R's mainstream AC chart.
The Rock & Worship Roadshow headlined by MercyMe continues to build, bringing tens of thousands of concert-goers to venues across the U.S. The Roadshow recently visited Denver, CO, Wichita, KS and Springfield, MO and has sold out shows across the U.S., including venues seating up to 18,000. The Roadshow wraps up next week on April 19 in Springfield, IL. MercyMe has been broadcasting the tour on MercyMeTV at www.mogulus.com/mercymetv. Since the beginning of the tour, the concert has been broadcast to over 37,000 unique viewers resulting in over 50,000 total views. For more details about the tour please visit www.therockandworshiproadshow.com.
For more information on MercyMe please visit www.mercyme.org
News provided by
MercyMe Release Career Milestone '10' Recording
(4/7/2009)MercyMe releases their latest project "10," celebrating the 10th anniversary of the band's career hit, "I Can Only Imagine," penned by frontman Bart Millard in memory of his father. The single sold nearly 3 million units, and became a multi format smash at Top 40, AC, Country and Christian charts alike.
The new album features 12 of MercyMe's number one radio hits that span their five studio releases, from 2001's Almost There to their 2007 release All That Is Within Me. The disc also features three bonus tracks including a new recording of "I Can Only Imagine" with the famed London Session Orchestra, "10" also includes a companion DVD, featuring a diverse mix of concept videos and live performances showcasing the bands unique brand of music. In addition, fans can view an inside glimpse of the story behind "I Can Only Imagine" and get up close and personal with the band through their appearance on Gospel Music Channel's "Faith & Fame" feature.
"10" releases amid yet another successful tour for MercyMe. The Rock & Worship Roadshow, sponsored by Compassion International in partnership with Imagine A Cure, is averaging crowds of 10,000 per date, playing major markets across the U.S., including Portland, OR, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, and Baton Rouge, LA. In their hometown of Dallas, TX, the band filled American Airlines Center's 18,000 seats, while thousands of other concert-goers were not able to enter, because the venue had reached maximum capacity.
Joining headliner MercyMe on the Roadshow are Gold-selling artist and reigning GMA Male Vocalist of the Year Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, as well as burgeoning bands Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road.
"The response to the Rock and Worship Roadshow has been incredible," said Cliff Reiser, concert promoter at Rush Concerts. "Over 120,000 people have come to shows in 13 cities so far, including 18,000 in Dallas on April 3. This a great testament to MercyMe's continued ability to impact our culture in a positive way."
Watch MercyMe's frontman Bart Millard's response after their sold out show of more than13,000 people in Fresno, CA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZwI9wys_oA.
In addition, MercyMe's current single, "Finally Home" is No. 1 at Christian AC and Soft AC radio and is climbing the mainstream AC chart presently at No. 24. "Finally Home" has entered the iTunes ® top 10 Christian singles chart at No. 8 today.
For more information on MercyMe and the tour please visit www.mercyme.org or www.rockandworshiproadshow.com .
News provided by
Third Day's 'Revelation' Tour and Album Defy Market Trends
(3/28/2009)The renowned band kicked off its spring "Revelation Tour" this month and has already seen its dates in Green Bay, WI, Pittsburgh, PA, Worcester, MA, Shreveport, LA and the forthcoming show in Macon, GA sell out. While other major acts are starting to bow to the current economic climate by slashing general admission ticket prices, Third Day's fan support remains as vibrant as ever. A prime example was the recent stop in Jonesboro where 4,600 of the band's fans converged on Arkansas State University's Convention Center.
"We're humbled by the overwhelming response of our fans to this tour," says Third Day guitarist Mark Lee. "And I don't just mean the attendance. While there's a lot of talk these days about concerts and movies being a chance for people to escape from reality, we consider it an honor to help them confront their anxiety head-on. We want our concerts to be about finding hope in the midst of difficulty."
The "Revelation Tour," which also features reigning "New Artist of the Year" and recent double-GRAMMY nominee, Brandon Heath, and new four-piece pop/rock band, Revive, launched March 5 in Champagne, IL and will conclude in Abbotsford, BC on May 9.
While Third Day is on top of the proverbial world right now, there is bitter-sweet fallout that comes with a run of dates as successful as the "Revelation Tour." Dan Fife, of Dan Fife Communications & Marketing for Awakening Events, explains. "We have heard from so many people telling us how remarkable the Revelation Tour was last weekend. We have had three sold out shows with Third Day since Revelation hit the shelves, and I have another show this weekend that looks like it will make it to capacity! We really appreciate the support we get from the band, CAA and their management to help pull these shows off... there is a real team effort here. Obviously, when you put over 4,000 people into a venue in this environment, there is something special happening, and we are excited to be a part of it."
These days, Third Day is celebrating more than their fantastic tour. The band's latest, No. 1-debuting album, Revelation (7/29), is approaching 350,000 units sold as the record continues to move more than 5,000 copies each week. After eight months out, the album remains in the Top 15 of the Christian Nielsen SoundScan sales chart. Meanwhile, the record's current single, "Revelation," holds the No. 1 spot at Christian radio for the sixth consecutive week.
All this momentum is creating a sort of perfect storm as Third Day gears up for the April 7 release of its latest project, a DVD/CD titled Live Revelations: On Stage, Off Stage, Backstage. The 75-minute documentary seamlessly blends Third Day's engaging live concert experience with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments as only an "all access" pass can offer. Fans will get a personal glimpse of the band living day-to-day with family and friends during the previous tour. Live Revelations also features the moving music video for the hit song "Revelation." The accompanying audio disc places the listener in the front row as it features nine tracks drawn from Third Day's summer and fall 2008 tour dates, showcasing
songs including, "This Is Who I Am," "Otherside" and "I Will Always Be True." A highlight of the CD is the live collaboration with Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Robert Randolph & The Family Band for a cover of the U2/B.B. King classic "When Love Comes To Town," captured on last year's "Music Builds Tour."
In support of the "Revelation Tour," Third Day has already been interviewed by more than twenty newspapers including the Green Bay Gazette & Post Cresent, Pittsburgh's Observer Reporter, The Bangor Daily News, The San Antonio Express News and The Shreveport Times. The tour continues Third Day's tradition of "paying it forward" by donating $1 per ticket sold to charitable organizations through its "Come Together Fund." Through this fund, Third Day has been able to serve charities such as Habitat For Humanity, Blood:Water Mission, World Vision's Hope Child Initiative and is responsible for more than a million dollars in donations over the last 4 years to disaster relief in and outside of the U.S.
A complete list of the "Revelation Tour's" remaining dates is posted on www.ThirdDay.com. (The direct link to purchase tickets is: http://www.ThirdDay.com/touring.htm)
News provided by