Two of Christian music’s most innovative and talented artists are scheduled to launch their first tour together this fall. An Acoustic Evening With Jason Gray And Todd Agnew Tour marks the first time the pair has toured together and will bring their chart-topping music in an intimate stage performance. It’s a chance for audiences to hear the inspiration behind such songs as “God Undefeatable,” “Grace Like Rain,” “Remind Me Who I Am” and “More Like Falling in Love.” The tour kicks off on September 28th in Bend, OR and concludes November 12th in South Padre Island, TX.
“There are few people I’ve met who are as passionate about Jesus and His Kingdom than Todd Agnew,” says Gray. “His relentless pursuit of the heart of God is infectious and comes through everything he does: his artistry, his speech, and the way he conducts his life. I’m grateful to make music and tell our story together, but I’m most excited to pursue Jesus with Todd Agnew.”
“I've been a friend and a fan of Jason Gray for quite a few years now,” adds Agnew. “Both of his last two records have really impacted my life, so I'm really excited about sharing a stage with him this fall.”
Todd Agnew, the worship leader, musician and songwriter behind hits like “Grace Like Rain” and “My Jesus,” is unveiling his newest collection of music, How to be Loved, on March 6. In chronicling a new understanding of receiving God’s love, Todd Agnew’s powerful new album with Ardent Records and Fair Trade Services is a revelation of sorts.
Much of this understanding started when Agnew bought his first house, moved back to Texas and became husband, and stepfather all in the course of a weekend. “I came in wanting to do stuff for them, to take care of them,” Agnew recalls, “and my wife was asking me if I could receive from them, be loved by them. I really had to say, ‘I have no idea what you’re taking about.’ Then I finally translated that, and realized, ‘Oh, God, I see what You’re doing! I have to learn to receive that same love from You.’”
Agnew is well-known for his voice, and the gravitas it brings to his music. This time around, though, he brings a remarkable vibrancy born from his desire to collaborate with the likes of renowned producer Paul Ebersold (Third Day, 3 Doors Down) and fellow songwriters Andrew Osenga (Chris Tomlin, Andrew Peterson) and Jason Ingram (Brandon Heath, MercyMe) among others. “I think we have a much more cohesive record than I’ve done in a long time,” remarks Agnew. “My other records are kind of all over the map musically. I love music, all kinds of music, so I tend to just switch gears every 4½ minutes.”
How to be Loved is heralded by the radio single “God Undefeatable” impacting AC/INSPO now. The song was originally written by a gifted trio of two worship leaders and a pastor as an Easter song for Agnew’s church in Austin, Texas. “‘Undefeatable’ isn’t really even a word,” Agnew explains. “It isn’t a word because it’s never needed to be a word. Every empire, every dynasty, they all eventually lost. They faded. They were defeated. But God, His power, His might does not wane. It goes back to the idea we started with. God is the main player in the story. It’s not me fighting the battle, it’s Him.” To see the story behind the song, click here.
Todd is gearing up for an acoustic spring tour with Fair Trade artist Jonny Diaz. For a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit http://toddagnew.com/tour-dates.
Nashville, Tenn. Dec. 2, 2009… Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Todd Agnew is partnering with Rush of Fools and Meredith Andrews for the “Do You See What I See?” Christmas tour. The nine date tour will run from December 3 to December 17. Tour dates are listed below.
“Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year,” says Agnew. ”It’s a time we spend with family and friends. I’m very excited to spend this Christmas season celebrating the birth of Christ with Rush of Fools, Meredith Andrews and many of our friends across the country.”
The tour’s namesake comes from Agnew’s 2006 holiday album Do You See What I See? which tells the Christmas story from the personal perspectives of all the eyewitnesses of the birth of Christ. The Christmas show comes on the heels of Agnew’s 40 date “The Promise Remains” tour with Building 429 and Kimber Rising sponsored by Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. Agnew also released his fifth studio album titled Need in October.
Nashville, Tenn. October 7, 2009… Need, the fifth studio album from Ardent and INO Records’ artist Todd Agnew, is raking in acclaim across the board from media as the album released this week on October 6.
“ The music is great, and his vocals seem to be at the top of his game this time around.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“Some tracks will make you want to lift your hands in worship, and others will make you want to jump in row for a line dance.” – ChristianmusicToday.com (Christianity Today)
“Todd Agnew has always been known for his insightful and astute lyrics, as well as being famous for his deep, low baritone. And both shine out in this album: Need does not lack strong vocals or perceptive lines.“ - theChristianManifesto.com
“When it comes to beautiful worshipful music that doesn't fit the ‘modern worship’ pigeonhole, Todd Agnew's Need is as good as it gets.” - BeyondtheTurntable.com
“... a compelling new project that explores the perceptions of our true desires.” - NewReleaseTuesday.com
To hear Todd Agnew give a behind the scenes look into NEED and the stories of the songs that make up the record, check out the following EPK link: http://toddagnew.com/category/video/
“Joy Unspeakable” is Agnew’s current single at radio. To hear the story behind “Joy Unspeakable,” visit http://toddagnew.com/2009/07/01/behind-joy-unspeakable/.
Agnew is currently a part of the “Promise Remains” tour with Building 429 and Kimber Rising, sponsored by Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. The tour started in Sept. and will visit around 40 cities. Visit www.thepromiseremainstour.com for the most updated tour information.
Todd Agnew is a five-time Dove Award nominee, garnering numerous hit radio singles including two No. 1 hits, “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).” Agnew continues to perform over 150 dates per year and has currently sold over 500,000 units. His most recent release Better Questions entered Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 1.
TOUR SCHEDULE: (dates subject to change):
10/8/09 – Raleigh, NC
10/9/09 - Cedarville, OH
10/10/09 - Bidwell, OH
10/11/09 - S. Portsmouth, OH
10/15/09 - Alexandria, KY
10/16/09 - Mechanicsburg, PA (Harrisburg, PA)
10/17/09 - Wilmington, NC
10/18/09 - Anderson, SC
10/22/09 – Chillicothe, MO
10/23/09 – Wheat Ridge, OK
10/24/09 - Cheyenne, WY
10/25/09 - Salt Lake City, UT
10/26/09 - Missoula, MT
10/27/09 - Kalispell, MT
10/29/09 - Spokane, WA
10/30/09 – Kennewick, WA
10/31/09 - Twin Falls, ID
11/1/09 - Bend, OR
11/5/09 - Modesto, CA
11/6/09 - Rocklin, CA
11/7/09 - Las Vegas, NV
11/8/09 - Highland, CA (San Bernardino, CA)
11/9/09 - Murrieta, CA
11/10/09 - Gilbert, AZ (Phoenix, AZ)
11/11/09 – Sierra Vista, AZ
11/12/09 - Lubbock, TX
11/13/09 - Broken Arrow, OK (Tulsa, OK)
11/14/09 – Chandler, TX
11/20/09 - Roach, MO
11/21/09 - Cordova, TN (Memphis, TN)
11/22/09 - Milan, TN
Building 429 and singer/songwriter Todd Agnew will embark on the fall “Promise Remains Tour” sponsored by World Vision. In addition, new female trio Kimber Rising is slated to open the tour as they visit 40+ dates across the U.S. beginning September 17th.
Both Building 429 and Todd Agnew have been long-time partners with World Vision. In the past year, Building 429 and the organization paired up for the “Truth Hope and Love Tour” and the highly successful World Vision Summerfest tour.
“It's been over five years since Todd and Building have toured together,” explains Building 429 lead singer Jason Roy. “When we drew up a vision for the tour, the thought process was simple: God's promises remain true today, even with the economic hardships and the continuing wars that are being waged around the world. Our fans are sure to leave each night reminded of the fact that God is still in control and that all of His promises are guaranteed for those who know Him as King.”
Building 429 will be performing songs off their latest self-titled release including their current and powerful single “Always,” and upcoming single “Overcome” that will release to radio in October.
Preparing for his new studio release in October, Agnew will be playing fan favorites “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath”, as well as giving audiences a preview of new songs off his upcoming record NEED releasing Oct. 6. Included in the set list is the first radio single, “Joy Unspeakable” which went for adds July 17.
“We are really excited about getting back on the road this fall,” states Agnew. “We look forward to sharing some songs from the new record and are really glad to be back with some dear friends, Building 429. We’re also happy to have Kimber Rising back with us after touring together last Christmas. It should be a great tour and we are excited to see what God will do this fall!”
Log on to www.thepromiseremainstour.com to see if the tour is coming to a city near you.
World Vision
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. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of poor children and families. In 2007, 86 percent of World Vision's total revenue was designated for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need.
Building 429
Building 429 has had a history of success with the release of three albums and now the rock band has joined forces with INO Records for their fourth studio record which became available in stores last fall. In 2005 “Glory Defined” was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, they were named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year and nominated that same year for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year. They have toured with artists such as TobyMac, Family Force 5, Casting Crowns and Thousand Foot Krutch. Jason, Michael and Jesse are excited for their fans to hear a record that reflects where they are as individuals and artists.
Todd Agnew
Todd Agnew is a five-time Dove Award nominee, garnering numerous top ranked radio singles including two No. 1 hits, “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).” Agnew continues to perform over 150 dates per year and has currently sold over 500,000 units. His most recent release Better Questions entered Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 1. Inspired by our need for grace and for God, Agnew is prepping to release his newest album NEED on Oct. 6.
TOUR SCHEDULE: (dates subject to change)
9/17/09 - St. Charles, MO – Church of The Shepherd
9/18/09 - TBA
9/19/09 - Elmhurst, IL – Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
9/20/09 - Mequon, WI – Crossroads Church
9/21/09 - N. Mankato, MN – Crossview Covenant Church
9/24/09 - Cleveland, GA – Truett McConnell College
9/25/09 - Columbus, GA – Calvary Baptist Church
9/26/09 - Myrtle Beach, SC – Ground Zero
9/27/09 - Spindale, NC – The Foundation
10/1/09 - Graceville, FL – The Baptist College of Florida
10/2/09 - Brandon, FL – St. Andrews UMC
10/3/09 - TBA
10/4/09 - Orlando, FL – The Plaza Theatre
10/8/09 - Raleigh, NC – Hope Community Church
10/9/09 - Cedarville, OH – Cedarville University – Dixon Ministry Center
10/10/09 - Bidwell, OH – Fellowship of Faith Church
10/11/09 - S. Portsmouth, KY – South Portsmouth Church of God
10/15/09 - Alexandria, KY – Main Street Baptist Church
10/16/09 - Mechanicsburg, PA – West Shore Evangelical Free Church
10/17/09 - Wilmington, NC – Myrtle Grove Baptist Church
10/18/09 - Anderson, SC – Concord Baptist Church
10/22/09 - Chillicothe, MO – Cornerstone Church
10/23/09 - Aurora, CO – Southeast Christian Center
10/24/09 – Cheyenne, WY – Destiny Church
10/25/09 - Layton, UT – Calvary Chapel Church
10/26/09 - Missoula, MT – South Hills Evangelical Church
10/27/09 - Kalispell, MT – Christian Center Church
10/29/09 - Spokane, WA – Faith Bible Church
10/30/09 - Kennewick, WA – Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities
10/31/09 - Twin Falls, ID – Lighthouse Christian Fellowship
11/1/09 - Bend, OR – Christian Life Center
11/3/09 - Redding, CA – Little Country Church
11/5/09 - Manteca, CA – Christian Worship Center
11/6/09 - Rocklin, CA – Sunset Christian Center
11/7/09 - Las Vegas, NV – Calvary Chapel Spring Valley
11/8/09 - Highland, CA – Immanuel Baptist Church
11/9/09 - Murrieta, CA – Calvary Chapel Murrieta
11/10/09 - Gilbert, AZ – Sun Valley Community Church
11/11/09 - Sierra Vista, AZ – Buena High School
11/12/09 - Lubbock, TX – First United Methodist Church
11/13/09 - Broken Arrow, OK – Cedar Ridge Christian Church
11/14/09 - Chandler, TX – Faith Baptist Church
11/20/09 - Roach, MO – Missouri State Youth Conference (private event)
11/21/09 - Cordova, TN – Hope Church
11/22/09 - Milan, TN – Chapel Hill Baptist Church
Nashville, Tenn. Jul. 15, 2009… Inspired by recent life changes and learning experiences, Todd Agnew will release his fifth studio project Need Oct. 6 on Ardent/INO Records.
Speaking into the title Need, Agnew says, “Once we finished recording this record, I looked back at it trying to find the theme running throughout. I started to realize how much of this project is about need. My need to be loved. My need for answers. My need for assurance. Our need to worship. Our need to be rescued, redeemed, restored. I noticed that God has been teaching me all year that all of my needs are met in Jesus.”
Much has happened since listeners last heard from Agnew as the singer/songwriter married early last year. Produced by Agnew along with Curry Weber, Scott Hardin and James Joseph, Need is the follow-up to Agnew’s 2007 release Better Questions. Among the twelve tunes on the album, the record includes tracks showcasing Agnew’s worshipful tones and signature sound in songs such as “Gloria,” “I Need No Other,” “Breakable” and more.
As for the first single “Joy Unspeakable,” which is impacting AC, CHR and INSPO formats on Jul. 17, Agnew says, “I got married in Feb. of 2008, so there was a great deal of joy added to my life through this amazing gift God had given me. Now, being over a year into it, I know that it’s not all easy and fun; some of life is still quite difficult. But what I have found is that joy runs through it all, and that is God’s plan for His bride as well. The strength, the comfort and the joy that comes from our relationship with Him is ever present, even in our troubled times. That is a joy that I do not have words to describe.” To hear the story behind “Joy Unspeakable,” visit http://toddagnew.com/2009/07/01/behind-joy-unspeakable/.
Agnew will join forces this fall with Building 429 and newcomers Kimber Rising for the “Promise Remains” tour sponsored by Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. The tour will visit around 40 cities starting in Sept. Visit www.thepromiseremainstour.com for the most updated tour information.
Todd Agnew is a five-time Dove Award nominee, garnering numerous hit radio singles including two No. 1 hits, “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).” Agnew continues to perform over 150 dates per year and has currently sold over 500,000 units. His most recent release Better Questions entered Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 1.
# # #
www.toddagnew.com
www.myspace.com/toddagnew
TOUR SCHEDULE: (dates subject to change):
9/17/09 - St. Charles, MO (St. Louis, MO)
9/18/09 - Morhead, KY
9/19/09 - Elmhurst, IL (Chicago, IL)
9/20/09 - Mequon, WI (Milwaukee, WI)
9/25/09 - Columbus, GA
9/26/09 - Myrtle Beach, SC
9/27/09 - Spinedale, NC
10/2/09 - Brandon, FL (Tampa, FL)
10/8/09 - TBA
10/9/09 - Cedarville, OH
10/10/09 - Bidwell, OH
10/11/09 - S. Portsmouth, OH
10/15/09 - Alexandria, KY
10/16/09 - Mechanicsburg, PA (Harrisburg, PA)
10/17/09 - Wilmington, NC
10/18/09 - Anderson, SC
10/24/09 - Cheyenne, WY
10/25/09 - Salt Lake City, UT
10/26/09 - Missoula, MT
10/27/09 - Kalispell, MT
10/29/09 - Spokane, WA
10/31/09 - Twin Falls, ID
11/1/09 - Bend, OR
11/3/09 - Redding, CA
11/5/09 - Modesto, CA
11/6/09 - Rocklin, CA
11/7/09 - Las Vegas, NV
11/8/09 - Highland, CA (San Bernardino, CA)
11/9/09 - Murrieta, CA
11/10/09 - Gilbert, AZ (Phoenix, AZ)
11/12/09 - Lubbock, TX
11/13/09 - Broken Arrow, OK (Tulsa, OK)
11/20/09 - Roach, MO
11/21/09 - Cordova, TN (Memphis, TN)
11/22/09 - Milan, TN