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The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit the nation of Haiti Jan. 12 caused widespread damage not only to the capital of Port-au-Prince, but as far away as the town of Jacmel on the South Coast, where the Hands and Feet Project is located. The orphanage, which was founded by the members of Audio Adrenaline and run by Mark Stuart’s parents, suffered some cracks in their walls, but withstood the quake and aftershocks. The homes of neighbors around them, however, were devastated. You might remember that the orphanage suffered extensive damage from 2008’s hurricanes Gustav and Hanna. To learn how you can help the Hands and Feet Project, visit www.handsandfeetproject.org/home.php.
Third Day has donated $20,000 from their own Come Together Fund to World Vision’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund and has challenged fans to donate to the Haiti relief effort as well. Fans interested in donating to the World Vision’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund can do so through the band’s Web site at www.ThirdDay.com or through World Vision at www.worldvision.org.
The ministry GlobalTribe is set to launch a new project in Baja, Mexico, building a village which will include 350 homes, a church, a clinic and a system to purify water. GlobalTribe founder Anthony Walton is the long- time pastor for the band Newsboys. The band has long been active in Baja, and has been touring in support of the ministry, asking fans to donate $1 a day to help fund the new village and homes. You can learn more about GlobalTribe at www.globaltribe.com/v3.
“How Great Thou Art” is one of the world’s most recognized hymns, sung by everyone from churchgoers to Elvis. But have you ever thought about who owns the rights to the song? I hadn’t, until the Stuart Hine Trust—named for the missionary who penned the song in 1949—asked EMI CMG Publishing and Hope Publishing to take over publishing and administration for the hymn in the United States. (Manna Music Inc. and Kingsway Communications Ltd. continue to handle those responsibilities outside of the U.S.). What I found most fascinating is that income received by the Stuart Hine Trust from the use of this hymn “is given to support translation work through Wycliffe Bible Translators, retired missionaries, and a number of individuals and organizations, some who were supported by Stuart during his lifetime.” Now, every time I hear that song being performed or recorded, I’ll remember that the royalties are actually going to help someone learn more about Jesus.
Roots band Newworldson releases its self-titled sophomore project Feb. 23. The record reflects the band’s experiences and growth since its debut national release, Salvation Station, nearly two years ago. “We went from playing local churches and bars to arenas and other major venues within months,” says Newworldson frontman Joel Parisien in a news release. “All those new experiences prompted us to grow as a band rather quickly, and we took that growth into the studio on our latest project.” The band will tour this spring and summer in new territories, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Scandinavia, and will revisit major venues across North America.
Guy Penrod, who left the Gaither Vocal Band last year after 14 years with the group, will release his new solo project Breathe Deep, in February. The album is released through Gaither Music Group and will feature 13 country selections focusing on faith and family. “I will be forever grateful to the Gaither Vocal Band and the fans around the world who have loyally supported me all these years,” said Penrod in a news release. “Their encouragement has given me wings to fly solo, and I couldn’t be more excited about my new music.”
The line up has been announced for the “2nd Annual Rock and Worship Roadshow.” The stellar cast includes MercyMe, David Crowder Band, Family Force 5, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Remedy Drive and Sidewalk Prophets. Tickets are once again just $10. The tour kicks off March 18 in Indianapolis, Ind. and ends April in Columbia, S.C. For complete tour dates, visit www.rockandworshiproadshow.com.
Sparrow Records singer-songwriter Josh Wilson and his wife were on the way to India for a mission trip in January when their terminal was shut down after a man breached the security line at Newark International Airport, delaying flights for hours. Wilson picked up his guitar and lifted the spirits of inconvenienced passengers with a round of “Hey Jude.” His impromptu sing-along was noted by national news sources, including The Huffington Post and NBC in New York. Wilson and his wife are now back safe and sound from India.
Most music fans know Seattle-based Aaron Sprinkle as the producer with an all-star rock resume, including Anberlin, Copeland, Demon Hunter, Kutless and Jeremy Camp. But throughout his illustrious career he has also been a leader of Poor Old Lu and Rose Blossom Punch and, more recently, Fair, who released their debut album The Best Worst-Case Scenario in 2006. The band, which also includes Erick Newbill (guitar), Joey Sanchez (drums, percussion) and Nick Barber (bass), are set to release their sophomore project, Disappearing World, on Feb. 9. “Musically I wanted to really tap into my influences, which are mostly ’60s and ’70s and lot of ’80s too,” says Sprinkle in a news release. “And that’s really the feel of this record—a lot of very retro moments wearing those influences on our sleeve.”
Southern gospel singer Mark Trammel has announced the formation of his new project, The Mark Trammel Quartet. Trammel, who has sung with some of Southern gospel music’s most noted groups—The Kingsmen, The Cathedrals, Greater Vision and Gold City—says that his new mission is to focus on evangelism by integrating Gospel music and preaching.
And, if you haven’t already heard, Season 9 of American Idol kicked off in January. The Hollywood Round begins Feb. 9, with new judge Ellen DeGeneres joining Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi. DeGeneres replaces Paula Abdul, who left the show after failing to come to a contract agreement. As of press time, there are already a few contestants this season with ties to Christian music, including a finalist from the 2007 season of BET's Gospel Competition “Sunday Best.”
Jeremy and Adie Camp will set out on tour together this month with the “Jeremy Camp Live Unplugged Tour.” The tour, which featured Adie as a special guest, will provide an intimate night of worship and fellowship with both Jeremy and Adie, who is releasing her latest album in March. The tour is again sponsored by Compassion International and will feature Speaking Louder Ministries, which involves Jeremy and team reaching out locally to a set outreach in each market.
For more Christian music news, visit Joanne’s Gospel Soundcheck blog at Beliefnet.com www.blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck.
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