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In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the L.A. Dream Center recently hosted an event with American Idol’s Danny Gokey during which it was announced that the Dream Center’s Youth Outreach Center will be named after Gokey’s late wife, Sophia. The announcement recognizes Gokey’s commitment to the work of the inner-city relief organization through his recently formed foundation, Sophia’s Heart. The foundation was created in Sophia Gokey’s memory. She passed away in 2008, just months before Gokey, who had been a church worship leader, auditioned for American Idol. He finished in the Top 3, after his talent and story captured viewers’ hearts.
Big Daddy Weave’s Mike Weaver set out to lose 90 pounds in 2009. He started the journey at 363 pounds, and, as of his latest video blog in October, had lost 62 pounds, more than 2/3 of the way to his goal. If you’ve been joining him in the yearlong weight-loss quest, don’t give up! You’re doing great!
In other Big Daddy Weave news, the band has partnered with nationwide radio network KLOVE this Christmas season to help military families in need. Following selection of recipient families via a nomination process, KLOVE affiliate Amazon.com will host online gift registries for each chosen family. Word Entertainment, the parent company of Big Daddy Weave’s label Fervent, will coordinate efforts to help fulfill each registry. The campaign is centered around Big Daddy Weave’s holiday single, “I’ll Be Brave This Christmas.” To nominate a military family in need or for more information, visit the Big Daddy Weave Web site at www.bigdaddyweave.com.
Sonicflood guitarist Phil Baquie recently received his orders to report to Fort Benning, Ga., for deployment to Afghanistan for a one-year tour of duty. “To say I am in shock would be an understatement,” the Australian-born Baquie said in a letter to fans. “I was not anticipating this happening anytime soon as I’m in the Inactive Ready Reserve. Having said that, I will serve my country with honor (and) am grateful for all America has done for me.” Baquie became an American citizen in a private ceremony in November.
Nominations for the 25th Annual Stellar Awards are in and Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship, Kierra Sheard, and Vickie Winans were all nominated for Artist of the Year. Lawrence also received nominations for Song of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Urban/ Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year. Walker was also nominated for Song of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Sheard and Winans both were nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, and Winans also received a nomination for Song of the Year. One interesting note is the nomination of Hip Hop artist Da’ TRUTH for Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year. His nomination came days after Da’ TRUTH announced that he was taking a sabbatical from ministry due to what he said was a “moral indiscretion.” No word on if that will affect his nomination. The Stellar Awards will be handed on Jan. 16. The show will be hosted by Donnie McClurken, Kirk Franklin and Vickie Winans.
In a related story, 2010 Stellar Award nominee Christopher Page is using his platform to promote organ donation by joining forces with the National Office of Transplantation and Donate Life America to launch the “Giving Life Through Gospel Music” campaign. The initiative kicked off during National Donor Sabbath Day in November and will continue through National Minority Donor Awareness Day in August. Page was himself the recipient of a cornea transplant. As part of the partnership, he will donate a portion of his album sales to Donate Life America. He will also host workshops and conduct interviews across the country to address some of the myths, obstacles and fears associated with organ donation.
If you’re ready for a little Christmas music, here are some new projects out this holiday season:
What Christmas Means — Anthony Evans
Christmas Like This — Ayiesha Woods
Christ Is Come — Big Daddy Weave
A Christmas offering — featuring Kari Jobe, Lincoln Brewster, Vicky Beeching, Paul Baloche, Jared Anderson and more
Christmas with Bill and Gloria Gaither — Bill and Gloria Gaither and their Homecoming Friends
Glory in the Highest — Chris Tomlin
How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas — Downhere
Dream Christmas — featuring Dream Records artists Press Play, Tyler Logan, Coffey Anderson, Stephen Petree and more
Every Light That Shines at Christmas — Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
Christmas Pageant
Family Force Five — Handel’s Messiah Rocks
Hymns and Carols of Christmas — Jim Brickman
Going on Holiday — Ranlom
Man! It’s Christmas — The Rev. Jimmie Bratcher
The Spirit of Christmas — Northern Lights Orchestra
Welcome Inn — Phil Keaggy
Have A Fancy Yancy Christmas — Yancy (family entertainer and worship leader)
For more Christian music news, visit Joanne’s Gospel Soundcheck blog at Beliefnet.com www.blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck
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