|
Celebrated Irish worship singer/songwriter Robin Mark debuts his latest album, Year of Grace, July 14. This will be his first live project recorded in the U.S. Mark, who is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is known for blending traditional Celtic sounds with his passion for modern praise music. He has recorded 13 albums, including the most recent East of the River (2008) and his landmark 1999 recording of Revival in Belfast, which remains on the worship charts a decade after its release. His signature song, “Days of Elijah,” has become one of the most sung worship songs ever.
The fourth season of “Gospel Dream” kicked off June 24 on the Gospel Music Channel. The Idol-esque singing competition started out with 37 contestants between 16 and 40 years of age, from all genres of Gospel/Christian music styles, including traditional, rock, pop, country and soul. Ten finalists where chosen June 24 and they will now vie for the chance to receive record and music video exposure, among other prizes. Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams, artist and producer J. Moss, and industry professional Mitchell Solarek serve as guest judges. American Idol runner up Kimberly Locke and radio personality Mike Kasem serve as show co-hosts. Two major musical artists are surprise coaches during the season. The theme for the show’s fourth season is “The Greatest Inspirational Songs of All Time.” For more information, visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com/press/gospeldream09.
New artist Joy Whitlock is headlining the Testify Tour, which kicks off June 28 at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Ill. The acoustic tour will also introduce audiences to indie husband and wife duo, Carolina Story. Whitlock’s debut “God and a Girl” received rave reviews when it released last fall. This is her first headlining tour after going out on the road several times with mentor Todd Agnew. For complete tour dates, visit www.joywhitlock.com.
“Fireproof: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” releases July 14. The movie “Fireproof” grossed more than $33 million when it released last September. Six tracks from the movie skyrocketed into the Top 100 chart on iTunes, and churches and couples nationwide used the film as a tool for contemplating the state of relationships. The CD features the six-artist tracks from the film, including songs from Leeland, Third Day and Casting Crowns, along with 10 orchestral songs from the original score. Plus, as a bonus, the album offers a special “Fireproof” remix of John Waller’s “While I’m Waiting,” with poignant movie clips interspersed throughout the song.
Platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter and worship leader Don Moen recently launched a new radio show, “Don Moen & Friends,” a syndicated three-hour Sunday morning drive time radio show. The show launched in more than 150 U.S. markets and internationally in 20-plus nations. The program features new and classic worship music, interviews with leading musical artists, pastors and Christian leaders, and noted personalities, as well as testimonies of how God is working around the globe. This program’s core themes are hope, comfort and encouragement. To find out when the show airs in your market, visit www.DonMoen.com.
Ayiesha Woods’ hit song “Happy” was recently used in the movie “My Life in Ruins.” The romantic comedy stars Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, Alexis Georgoulis, Rachel Dratch, Harland Williams and British comedy actor and impressionist Alistair McGowan. The film is set among the ruins of ancient Greece and tells the story of a tour guide whose life takes a personal detour while her group gets entangled in comic situations among the ruins.
In their continuing efforts to help those in need, Hawk Nelson has committed to providing 5,000 pair of shoes to children in Haiti through Toms Shoes and the company’s “One for One” philosophy. For every pair of shoes purchased, Toms Shoes donates a pair of shoes to a child in need in a developing country. To help reach their goal, Hawk Nelson will be hosting six “Style Your Sole” events with Toms Shoes in July, doing live in-store appearances in cities where the band is playing this summer. The guys are encouraging fans to be one of the first 100 fans to buy a pair of Toms Shoes and personally meet the band and get autographs. During “Style your Sole” fans can purchase a pair of Toms Shoes and decorate them to create a customized pair of shoes. To see the list of dates where Hawk Nelson will be appearing, visit www.hawknelson.com. For more about Toms Shoes, visit www.tomsshoes.com.
GMA in the Rockies, one of the Gospel Music Association’s premiere events for aspiring songwriters, worship leaders and Christian music artists, has moved to Nashville and changed its name to Immerse. The event is scheduled for July 29 to Aug. 2 on the campus of Belmont University, and will feature training, professional and personal feedback, one-of-a-kind concerts and a sense of community designed to uniquely equip creative Christians to impact culture through music both in and out of the church. Professionals scheduled to participate include Mitchell Solarek (manager/Natalie Grant); Laurie Anderson (manager/TobyMac); Brad O’Donnell (A&R, EMI CMG); Chris Blaney (booking agent, Third Coast Artists Agency); Leigh Holt (VP of Branding & Merchandising, Word Records) and author David Nasser. Artists scheduled to perform and/or teach include Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Aaron Shust, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Martha Munizzi and Travis Cottrell. For more information, visit www.experienceimmerse.com.
The first-ever Branson Gospel Music Convention will be held July 14 to 17 at the new Branson Convention Center in Branson, Mo. The inaugural event will celebrate the legends and legacy of Southern Gospel music and feature appearances by national and regional artists. The venue will feature 240 exhibit booths for artists and a 1,650-seat auditorium for showcase and main event concerts. For a complete list of artists scheduled to appear, as well as ticket information, visit the Web site at www.bransongmc.com.
For more Christian music news, visit Joanne’s Gospel Soundcheck blog at www.blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck.
|
|
