Capping off a whirlwind year of new releases, national television appearances, and No. 1 hits, Mandisa plans to wrap up 2012 strong with an updated Christmas album, It’s Christmas: Christmas Angel Edition on October 9. The album features 3 new recordings including the new original cuts “It’s Christmas” and “Somebody’s Angel,” plus an all-new recording of the classic “What Child Is This.” It’s Christmas also boasts popular classics such as “What Christmas Means to Me,” “Silent Night,” and “Little Drummer Boy,” along with special duets with Matthew West and Michael W. Smith. The first single and new recording from the album, “Somebody’s Angel” will be featured in the original movie Christmas Angel debuting this December on GMCtv.
So far this year, Mandisa released a follow up to her most successful album yet, What If We Were Real, with a summer EP, Remixed: Get Movin’, a collection of some of her biggest tracks, remixed and redubbed. Mandisa spent a good portion of the year on her massively successful and almost entirely sold out tour, Girls Night Out, alongside fellow Dove Award nominee Britt Nicole and “Blessings” songstress Laura Story. Most recently, Mandisa performed her breakout single “Good Morning” on ABC’s Good Morning America, which the top-rated morning show has been using during its broadcasts as well, with many other local morning shows adopting the song as their theme song, including ABC New York. She will also be a special guest on The Doctors this fall. Mandisa's music and lifestyle change has earned her widespread media coverage from other media outlets as well including The Today Show, LIVE! With Regis and Kelly, E!, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, US Magazine, People Magazine and CNN.
It’s Christmas: Christmas Angel Edition Track Listing:
*New Song
**New Recording
1. Its Christmas*
2. What Christmas Means To Me
3. Somebody’s Angel*
4. Christmas Bell Medley (with Silent Night)
5. Feliz Navidad (With Joy to the World)
6. Angels We Have Heard on High
7. Christmas Makes Me Cry (feat. Matthew West)
8. Little Drummer Boy
9. Christmas Day (feat. Michael W. Smith)
10. What Child Is This**
11. Mary’s Little Boy Child
12. Children Go Where I Send Thee
Never expect the normal standard from the talented Jason Gray, as his first Christmas project presents a deeper story celebrating the birth of Christ. Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy offers a 14-song collection that includes 11 original songs that are interwoven with several carols, and tells the miraculous Christmas story through the eyes of the wisemen, the innkeeper, the shepherds and others in order to focus on the details inside the Christmas narrative. Produced by Cason Cooley (Andrew Peterson, Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones), Gray’s new project also features collaborations with Nicole Nordeman, Joel Hanson, Andy Gullahorn, and Randall Goodgame, that so effectively describe the joy that is encapsulated within a somber dramatic story.
“The real story of Christmas can get lost in the shuffle,” Jason explains. “But when I had the idea to create a collection of songs that tell the very human stories of the characters we’re so familiar with, I was instantly intrigued and excited, and maybe a little daunted, by the prospect. I wanted to bring them back from just being iconic story characters and to consider who they really were, what events were unfolding in their lives, and how they as human beings in extraordinary circumstances were responding.”
Gray’s first Christmas offering is already receiving strong support as the best-selling author and pastor, Max Lucado says, "I love Jason's voice, his songs, and most of all his heart. This Christmas release is a Christmas gift for us all!"
The album kicks-off with the Christmas standard, Oh Come All Ye Faithful and segues into Christmas Is Coming that launches the narrative into the lives and thoughts of the story’s characters. Other original songs include; Gloria (The Song Of The Shepherds), Rest(The Song Of The Innkeeper, and the story of the Magi, Easier. The most personal song for Gray on Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy is the song written with Nordeman, Christmas For Jesus. It features Jason’s older twin sons, Kipper and Jacob, providing background vocals and handclaps on the album, but it’s Gray’s youngest son, Gus, who takes the lead vocal.
“Someone in our church shared about their granddaughter,” Gray says, “and how she asked, ‘I know Christmas for us is when Jesus was born into our world. Is Christmas for Jesus when we’re born into his world?’ I loved that idea and I wrestled with it for months trying to turn it into a full blown song. Eventually I realized it might be better as a shorter little musical poem, sweet and simple, and it became the song, "Christmas For Jesus." It was such a childlike perspective that I, as a grown man, felt weird singing it. So I thought ‘Hey, what about Gus?’ He came into the studio and sang it with his feet up on the wall, playing around with the mic as he was singing, jumping up and down—but he got it! And it’s pretty beautiful, I think. My older boys, Kipper and Jacob, got to sing and do handclaps on the record too, so it was a really special thing to me to have all of them involved.”
Gray will headline The Christmas Stories Tour in December and the first single from Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy will be serviced to radio in October. But coming up first, Gray will hit the road for An Acoustic Evening With Jason Gray and Todd Agnew in September. Please visit Gray’s website, www.jasongraymusic.com <http://www.jasongraymusic.com> , for tour updates and Gray’s latest blogs, videos, and information.
GRAMMY-nominated and BEC Recordings’ artist Jeremy Camp will be releasing a Christmas project this holiday season titled Christmas: God With Us. This is Camp’s first full-length Christmas project in his 10-year career, and it will be available on September 25. Click here to view the album cover and official track listing. The album is produced by Brown Bannister and Ben Shive along with Camp.
Camp’s Christmas album is filled with holiday classics as well as the original title track “God With Us.” Fans will hear favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Joy To The World,” and “Mary Did You Know.” Although these are traditional songs, Jeremy takes a fresh approach to the arrangements on his album.
"I wanted to pick songs that I listened to growing up, and make them my own,” shares Camp on the song selection process. “I also selected Christmas carols that my family and I now love to sing each Christmas."
The original track “God With Us” was written after a night of reflection of what Jesus has done for mankind.
"It was amazing to think that our King actually came to this earth and walked among us as human flesh,” states Camp. “The lyrics came out as an expression of what I was thinking at that moment."
Camp will be touring this holiday season as a part of THE STORY tour featuring a full choir and orchestra along with Casting Crowns’ Mark Hall, Natalie Grant, Matthew West, Nichole Nordeman and Selah. This tour is a musical journey from Genesis to Revelation and is based off of the special project Camp was a part of that released in 2011. Camp sang “Paul (Move in Me)" on THE STORY CD. THE STORY tour will begin in November and conclude in December.
The Los Angeles Dream Center has launched a “Home for the Holidays” program which will provide fully furnished living spaces to 12 homeless mothers and their children by Christmas Eve as well as renovate 20 other rooms for families already living in the building. The center has converted the former "Queen of Angels Hospital" into dorm-style living spaces and will give each family a private room as well as a shared bathroom, family room and play room. They will also serve three meals a day at the campus cafeteria. Hundreds of mothers have been put on a waiting list, but The Dream Center’s goal is to build more living spaces so that in the future no family in need of a home will be waitlisted.
Last week, KKLA-FM partnered with The Dream Center to conduct a three hour telethon which aired on December 15th. Due to the show’s success, the station re-aired it on December 16th, 17th and 18th. The radio segments encouraged very generous donations after an anonymous donor offered to match every gift of $100 or more. The first six people to donate a one-time gift of $2,500, will join radio hosts Lara Scott, Frank Pastore and co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center, Pastor Matthew Barnett for a special lunch and tour of The Dream Center complex.
The 12 single mothers, who were chosen from a waitlist of over 200 applicants, each have children under the age of five. They were chosen according to the severity of their case and their immediate need for a home. Some of these women have newborn babies and have been sleeping in their cars. Many of these mothers and their children are escaping severe domestic violence and have no one to turn to for help. Some of these moms were working, but have been devastated by layoffs that have been effecting so many people this holiday season. The Dream Center hopes to provide a safe place for these women and their children to live and get back on their feet.
About the women who hope to live at The Dream Center
An entire floor of The Dream Center is devoted to housing single moms and their children but there are so many more families in need of a home. Here are a few stories of the women who hope to call The Dream Center their home.
Lily came to The Dream Center in 2006 to be a part of the Women's Dream Center Discipleship (DCD). That year she worked on breaking addictions and getting her life back on track. She successfully completed the program and began a new life for herself. She became pregnant and now has a 2 year old child. Because the economy is so difficult, her employers had to cut back her hours. This pay cut has not allowed her to pay for the basic things she needs for her and her family. She’s now on the wait-list for housing at The Dream Center.
Renee is a single mom of two children. After fleeing a domestic violent situation, she has been looking for safety and has not had time to find a stable job to support her kids. She hopes to come to The Dream Center because it will be a safe place for her children. She plans on finishing her last two years old of college and work in the field of criminal justice.
Rhonda has been on The Dream Center Family Housing waiting list since July of this year. She and her three children fled the state they were living in because of abuse. She came to Los Angeles in hopes that her aunt could house them until she found a stable place. Her aunt opened her home, but has not been able to help in the way she had hoped to. This left Rhonda and her three children with nowhere to go. It was at this time that she called The Dream Center.
About The Los Angeles Dream Center
Founded in 1994, The Dream Center is a round-the-clock sanctuary for homeless families, addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, and many others. Through its numerous outreach programs, The Dream Center feeds over 40,000 people per month and houses more than 500 people daily, meeting them with love and a helping hand at their greatest point of need. The Dream Center provides food, housing, clothing, life skills training, education, job training and numerous resources through its 273 programs and outreaches.
*To donate, please call (213) 273-7100 <tel:%28213%29%20273-7100> , or visit www.dreamcenter.org <http://www.dreamcenter.org> and click the “Home for the Holidays” banner at the top of the page*
Acclaimed modern hymn writers and recording artists Keith & Kristyn Getty will bring their “Joy – An Irish Christmas" Tour to 15 cities (18 concerts) around the U.S. this season, culminating with an already sold-out performance at Nashville’s prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center December 19.
The tour kicked-off November 27 at Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego and will also play to sellout crowds in Indianapolis and Kalamazoo, Michigan, in addition to stops in Washington, D.C.; Dallas; Memphis; and Oklahoma City; among other markets.
Joining the couple is their acclaimed Irish Christmas band, including noted musicians Fionan de Barra of Broadway’s Riverdance, Jeff Taylor (Vince Gill, The Chieftains), Uilleann piper Patrick D'Arcy, and Dave Cleveland (Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace), among others.
Keith & Kristyn Getty’s debut holiday recording, Joy – An Irish Christmas (Gettymusic), a collection of modern hymns, traditional carols, reels and jigs inspired by the couple’s homeland, released last month to critical acclaim and was recently named in USA Today's "Glisten Up For Sonic Gifts" feature among "Other Notable New Holiday Releases" (November 25). Produced by Grammy Award-winner Phil Naish (Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace), with orchestral arrangements by renowned composer J.A.C. Redford (Avatar, The Help), Crosswalk.com calls the recording “…a fresh perspective on the theological significance of the season,” while Worship Leader magazine says, “…Joy is a top pick for both personal and congregational worship.” The album's debut single, "Jesus, Joy Of The Highest Heaven (A Children's Carol)," is the most-added song on Billboard's Soft AC/Inspirational National Airplay chart, according to the publication's December 10 issue.
In Christ Alone, Keith & Kristyn Getty’s 2007 stateside debut, featured the Celtic-flavored title-cut co-penned by Keith Getty and acclaimed British songwriter Stuart Townend; an instant classic that has been recorded by numerous artists and quickly taken root in churches around the globe. Awaken The Dawn, the Gettys’ 2009 follow-up, further established their modern hymns to audiences both in the U.S. and abroad. They have shared their music at Franklin Graham crusades, the GMA Dove Awards, and performances at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, among other noted platforms and international tours.
For a complete “Joy – An Irish Christmas" Tour itinerary, visit www.gettymusic.com.
On Dec. 11, Dream Records and One Moment Productions will be combining their efforts to create their first highly anticipated end of the year party with some of their top bands leading the venue……it is going to be huge!
Performing at the event will be some of Dream Records’ most notable bands including Press Play, Marlene Brehm, Nicole Croteau, The Sanctuary and Jonathan Thulin. With Jonathan Thulin and Press Play albums already released and seeing critical acclaim, look out for big releases from Marlene Brehm (4/10), Nicole Croteau (3/13) and The Sanctuary (1/10). All of the bands will be playing their popular songs along with some never before heard songs for the audience and will also be performing your favorite classic Christmas tunes of the holiday season.
The Dream Records Christmas Party will start at 6:00pm PST at Dream’s venue,. Dream 118 in Simi Valley, Ca. where the venue will be sponsored by One Moment Productions, K-LIFE 89.5 FM, HearItFirst.com and NH1, which is New Hope Christian Fellowship’s Saturday night service in Simi Valley.
Tickets for the event will be $12 each and are now available online at http://onemomentproductions.eventbrite.com <http://onemomentproductions.eventbrite.com/> . Concert-goers are asked to bring donated canned goods and clothing that will go to help feed and clothe the homeless through New Hope Christian Fellowship’s food and clothing ministry.
This event will be one of the biggest end-of-the-year celebrations in Dream Records’ history and if you would like to be a part of this special occasion, buy your tickets as soon as you can because they will sell out fast!
Here’s the address to show: 2251 Ward Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93065
For more information about the sponsors go to:
K-LIFE 89.5 FM – www.klife.org <http://www.klife.org/>
NH1 – www.newhopewestcoast.org <http://www.newhopewestcoast.org/>
Hear It First – www.hearitfirst.com <http://www.hearitfirst.com/>
One Moment Productions – www.facebook.com/onemomentproductions <http://www.facebook.com/onemomentproductions>
GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-platinum selling artist Michael W. Smith is preparing to launch his highly-anticipated holiday event, It’s A Wonderful Christmas: The Symphony Tour. Featuring a full symphony orchestra each night, the tour will also introduce audiences to the infectious musical stylings of L’Angelus (Lawn-Jay-Loose), an incredible four-piece family band with Louisiana roots and Americana influences. This seasonal crowd favorite concert series kicks off Nov. 26, in Toledo, Ohio, and will span 13 performances in eight major markets including Dallas, Houston, St. Louis, Jacksonville and more.
Smith has inspired millions with his music, as evidenced by his 16 gold, seven platinum and two double-platinum albums, which contribute to career sales of 15 million. He draws hundreds of thousands to his concerts each year, and has in particular become one of the most popular holiday performers in the music industry today. The Associated Press calls Smith’s Christmas music “cinematic,” and his annual holiday concert series continues to sell out venue after venue. The year’s It’s A Wonderful Christmas: The Symphony Tour will again feature Smith with a full symphony orchestra, performing selections from his three acclaimed Christmas albums including It’s A Wonderful Christmas (2007), Christmastime (1998) and Christmas (1993), along with a few key titles from his brand new instrumental album and 23rd career record, Glory (Nov. 22). The symphony will be conducted each night by the tour’s musical director, producer/arranger David Hamilton, who has conducted numerous orchestras including the National Philharmonic and recently made his debut appearance at Carnegie Hall. Hamilton also worked closely with Smith on the Glory project.
A family of expert musicians, incredible singers and top-notch live entertainers, L’Angelus combines the best of Louisiana’s music traditions: Cajun fiddle tunes, saxophone-driven swamp-pop, and New Orleans-influenced R&B. The dynamic, high-energy four-piece band incorporates multiple instruments including guitar, bass, drums, fiddle, saxophone and harmonica. L’Angelus will perform selections from their holiday release, O Night Divine, as well as from their acclaimed indie projects, Ca C’est Bon and Sacred Hymns Collection.
Multi-talented and reigning Dove Award “Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year,” Chris August is adding holiday cheer to his hit debut album, No Far Away. Beginning today, November 21, a special Christmas edition of the Dove Award winning album will be available for purchase at all digital retailers. The album will include two new, original Christmas tracks, “Come Now Our King” and “Jesus, Savior,” both penned by August.
Fervent Records’ Chris August is quickly becoming a favorite in the CCM genre. With an impressive sweep at the 42nd Annual Dove Awards, he earned awards for “New Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year,” adding him to an elite group of only three artists in the history of the show who have received both awards. He also claimed the nod for “Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year” for his debut album No Far Away that he co-produced with acclaimed producer Ed Cash. The album delivered August’s debut single “Starry Night,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian/AC chart in September and stayed put for six weeks as well as the hit follow-up single “7x70,” launching this self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer as an artist in his own right. Featuring a resonant collection of soulful pop-rock sing-alongs, touching balladry, and heart-on-sleeve lyricism, No Far Away has become the best-selling New Artist project released in 2010. A native of Dallas, TX, August previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson and worked with Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight, and Jessica Simpson before shifting his focus to a solo career.
?Dove Award winning group for “Christmas Album of the Year,” Big Daddy Weave is bringing on the Holiday cheer with their first Christmas tour. The “Christ is Come” Christmas Tour, presented by World Vision will kick off in Elkhart, IN on December 8 and will include soulful new artist Dara Maclean. Tour details and ticket information are available now at www.BigDaddyWeave.com.
“We were guests on a Christmas tour two years ago and experienced an excitement and feeling that was different than playing at other times of the year,” said Big Daddy Weave’s Mike Weaver. “For our own tour, we’re excited about encouraging people with the Christmas message of Emmanuel, God With Us. Some people right now are feeling that no one is on their side. We want them to leave this concert knowing that they are not alone, that the feeling of ‘comfort and joy’ can be theirs all year long.”
Big Daddy Weave recently released The Ultimate Collection, which spans the group’s hit 10-year-career and includes their current Top 5 hit single “Love Come To Life.” The group formed when the band members were in college at the University of Mobile and stepped into the spotlight in 2002 with the release of their second album One and Only, which debuted in SoundScan’s Christian Top 5 — the highest debut for any new artist that year. Since then, the evolution of their career has been swift with Big Daddy Weave scoring three No. 1 singles and becoming a top draw at concerts across the country.
Dara Maclean grew up outside Fort Worth, Texas, in a family that encouraged her love for music and ministry from her earliest days. She began singing at age 8, then went on to lead worship and actively pursue youth ministry. Dara continues to serve with her family in their local church. Heavily influenced by Lauryn Hill and everything from the Motown era as well by contemporaries like Adele, Natasha Bedingfield, Marc Broussard and Ray LaMontagne, she incorporates the funk and soul she grew up loving into her music, bringing forth a uniquely fresh and pure new sound. For additional information on Dara Maclean, visit www.DaraMaclean.com.
GRAMMY ® recognized artists Matthew West and Mandisa will ring in the holiday season with a special evening of Christmas music as part of “The Heart of Christmas Tour.” The shows will hit around 12 markets in the month of December, a full list of events are listed below. The evening of music will include Christmas songs from both artists, including a duet of “Christmas Makes Me Cry,” found on both of their holiday projects.
GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West debuted his first, full-length holiday project on, October 4, titled The Heart of Christmas. The 12 song record features an equal mix of Christmas classics and original holiday tunes penned by West. In addition to Mandisa, fellow GRAMMY ® winners and nominees join West on the album including Vince Gill in “Leaving Heaven” and Amy Grant on “Give This Christmas Away.”
The Heart of Christmas movie will premiere on gmc Sunday, December 4 at 7 p.m. ET. Inspired by the true story of the Locke family and West's hit song "One Last Christmas," THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS tells the story of one family's quest for their seriously ill son to experience an early and magical Christmas and how an entire community came together to make it possible. The Locke family's journey and desire to cherish every moment would change their lives as well as millions around the world forever.
Mandisa debuted her own full-length Christmas record in 2008 titled, It’s Christmas. The album features such Christmas classics as “It’s Christmas,” “Joy to the World” and “Little Drummer Boy,” along with special duets with West and Michael W. Smith.
World Vision will also serve as a sponsor for “The Heart of Christmas Tour.” 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. For more on World Vision, go to www.worldvision.org.
The first holiday music from Jamie Grace will debut digitally November 29. Just two months after the release of her successful, first album One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace will include four holiday songs in Christmas Together (e.p.): the original “Christmas Together,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and “What Child Is This?” The EP finds Jamie Grace working with a mix of talent, under the creative direction of tobyMac, including fellow Gotee Records’ act Abandon Kansas, producer David Garcia (Mandisa, Group 1 Crew) and even co-writing with producer Jamie Moore (tobyMac, Nicole C. Mullen).
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" will be a featured AmazonMp3.com during the month of December where the song will be only $0.69
After wrapping up dates with multiple GRAMMY ® winner tobyMac, Jamie Grace will join Newsong’s “Very Merry Christmas Tour” with Newsong, Chris August and Kutless. Stay tuned to www.JamieGrace.com for the latest tour information. Christmas Together (e.p.) will be bundled with One Song At A Time on the “Very Merry Christmas Tour.”
Jamie Grace's current radio single "You Lead" cracked the Top 10 this week at No. 8 on the Christian CHR chart. The song is also on sale at iTunes for only $0.69.
When the holiday season comes around, music superstars Amy Grant and Vince Gill will embark on their sixth Christmas tour. The Twelve Days Of Christmas – Amy Grant & Vince Gill kicks off Dec. 7 in Baltimore, MD and wraps with 2 shows in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. “Christmas audiences are special,” explains Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.” “These holiday tours have become our favorites,” Gill agrees.
In their two hour program, the Grammy-winning husband-and-wife team will present cherished standards and as well as newer seasonal fare.
Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Grant released her first live recording in 25 years with Time Again...Amy Grant Live in September 2006, and then announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered and released via a GREATEST HITS CD and made available for the first time digitally. In the fall of 2008 she released her first new Christmas music in 9 years, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, and this past March released her first new music in 6 years, with SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD featuring the Grammy nominated song "Better Than A Hallelujah.”
One of the most popular singers in modern country music, Vince Gill has a love for country music, top-notch songwriting, and world-class guitar playing, all wrapped in a warm tenor and a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough with “When I Call Your Name,” which won the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year award. Since then, he has won 17 more CMA honors, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has walked away with 20 Grammy Awards and has racked up sales in excess of 26 million. Gill co-hosted the CMA Awards for 12 consecutive years. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. After a long and musically productive spell of writing, touring and recording with other artists, he roars back on his own with “Threaten Me With Heaven,” his first single in four years. The song is the opening salvo from his MCA Records album, Guitar Slinger, released Oct. 24. Gill boasts three best-selling Christmas albums of his own: Let There Be Peace On Earth, Breath Of Heaven and Christmas Collection.
Complete list of dates:
December 7 Baltimore, MD Lyric Opera House
December 8 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center
December 9 Richmond, VA Richmond Landmark Theater
December 10 Augusta, GA Bell Auditorium
December 11 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theater
December 12 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
December 15 Louisville, KY Palace Theatre
December 16 Evansville, IN The Centre
December 17 Muncie, IN Emens Auditorium – Ball State
December 19 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
December 20-21 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
Multi-Grammy Award-winning My Block/Columbia recording artists Mary Mary have had an amazing whirlwind 2011 thus far. This year saw the release of their critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Something Big; they garnered the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a top BET Award, and were recently nominated for double Soul Train Awards for their chart topping single "Walking;" they completed a highly successful tour with co-headliners Bebe & CeCe Winans; and announced exciting new partnerships with The American Red Cross and Pillsbury; all in addition to several high-profile national television appearances. To add yet another dash of excitement to this year’s major successes, the inspirational duo has just announced their “Have a Mary Mary Christmas” Tour, kicking off December 8th in Austin, Texas. The opening act will be R&B acappella group Committed, the second-season winner of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” reality competition.
Something Big continues to receive critical acclaim garnering 6 top Stellar Award nominations. Something Big received nods for CD of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year; while their hit single,“Walking” was recognized in the Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. The ladies were also nominated for Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year.
The 27th Annual Stellar Awards, gospel music’s biggest night, will be held January 14, 2012 in Nashville, and is set to air in national syndication from January 21-February 26 2012 on The Gospel Music Channel and local markets around the country.
Mary Mary’s Christmas album, A Mary Mary Christmas, was released back in 2006 to rave reviews. The album boasts a beautiful blend of traditional Christmas classics along with original material, including songs highlighting the uniqueness of Christmas on the West Coast, such as “California Christmas.” The album quickly became a seasonal favorite, but fan appreciation will be taken to another level with the live performance element, showcasing how sisters Erica and Tina Campbell celebrate the Christmas season.
The “Have a Mary Mary Christmas” Tour will focus primarily on the Southwest and the West Coast, hitting major cities such as Austin, Houston, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle. The tour’s December 8th kick-off comes right on the heels of the Do Something Big initiative – a contest hosted by Mary Mary, encouraging churches across the U.S. to “do something big” in and for their communities. The contest winners will be announced on December 6th. The winners will be treated to a full Mary Mary concert at their church and a special breakfast for their community. The contest was created in conjunction with Mary Mary’s recent partnership with Pillsbury to launch new frozen breakfast products, and their new role as the voices behind the catchy Pillsbury jingle, “Rhythm of a New Morning.”
Mary Mary has many blessings to celebrate this holiday season. The duo just taped an incomparable performance of “Optimistic,” the Sounds of Blackness classic, for BET’s upcoming broadcast of ‘Black Girls Rock’ (airing November 6th). They also appeared on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ in early October, discussing the Pillsbury partnership and the Do Something Big contest. In addition to their professional accomplishments, Erica and her husband, producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell, are expecting their third child in the new year. This tour is sure to embody the joy, spirit and excitement that families all over the world experience during the Christmas season. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch Mary Mary singing classic holiday favorites and exciting new material live. The tour dates will range from December 8th - December 18th. For more information on the tour, please visit ilovemarymary.com.
On November 18, Sparrow Records’ artist Josh Wilson will embrace the true spirit of Christmas as he releases “Jesus Is Alive,” available on iTunes ®.
Wilson will be performing “Jesus Is Alive” on his Christmas tour this winter titled “Josh Wilson Presents Noel: A Unique Christmas Experience.” This 18-city tour will be unlike any he has done before, as he will showcase his diverse musical talents by operating over 20 different instruments throughout the evening. Inspired by the recording process of See You, where Wilson played over 15 various instruments one at a time, he will use computers and pedals to record all of the sounds from each tool in front of the audience. This allows every sound to be recorded as the night goes on. The end result is an extraordinary and magical holiday experience for the whole family. Watch and listen to Wilson as he demonstrates what fans can witness live this Christmas here.
“This is one of my favorite tours I've ever been on,” explains Wilson. “It's fun and unique because we're essentially bringing a recording studio to the stage. Throughout the night, we'll use over 20 instruments to record Christmas carols in front of the audience. I'm so excited to share these songs that remind us, as C.S. Lewis said, ‘The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.’”
While “Jesus Is Alive” will impact radio this holiday season, Wilson’s current single “Fall Apart” is continuing to climb the radio charts, presently at No. 12 at AC Indicator, No. 16 on the National Audience Chart and No. 18 on AC monitored.
For more information on Josh Wilson and the Christmas tour, please visit www.joshwilsonmusic.com.
Centricity Music’s high energy pop-rock band, Me In Motion, will be heading to Canada in December to join Peter Furler’s 2011 Christmas Tour. The 10-day tour launches December 1st and features Building 429 and Levi McGrath along with Me In Motion.
“I'm really honored for the opportunity to join Peter on the road this December,” says Me In Motion’s frontman, Seth Mosley. “It’s been a big blessing to get to know him, as the band worked on Peter’s debut solo record. And now to get the opportunity to share the stage with such an iconic figure in Christian music, who had a big impact on me growing up, is a dream come true. Peter is 100% genuine and lives what he sings. It's gonna be a good one."
Me In Motion just released their new single to radio, Yes We Can, and already the upbeat, catchy song has received eight radio adds out of the box. The song’s lyrics are based on the message from Phillipians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. As Mosley describes the single, “It’s difficult to live our faith in this world but when the world says we can’t make it we shout back….yes we can!”
Throughout the course of his extensive career, five-time GRAMMY ® award-winning artist TobyMac has yet to release a Christmas record. This week, that changed as the multi-platinum selling artist released Christmas in Diverse City (Forefront Records). Christmas in Diverse City is available wherever music is sold, including iTunes, Amazon MP3, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay, Parable, and Mardel.
The unique project showcases TobyMac at his best-mixing pop, rock, soul, hip-hop and urban flavors into irresistible songs with a distinctive Christmas spirit. Featuring memorable collaborations with the industry’s finest such as Owl City, Sixpence None the Richer’s Leigh Nash and rising star Jamie Grace, the album's track listing also spotlights performances and songs from TobyMac’s long-time touring band, Diverse City.
“I just tried to think outside the box,” commented TobyMac on the creative process behind the project. “It’s difficult at first to imagine some of these songs with a modern beat, but I think Christmas is about celebration and come on, on the inside everyone wants to dance. It has a bit of everything- six songs are my artistry: an eclectic blend of Christmas classics and originals. The other seven tracks are my amazing band’s (Diverse City) individual artistic efforts. I love it.”
Christmas in Diverse City also features the No. 1 radio hit "Christmas This Year," which was released as a single track last year and features the talents of Leigh Nash.
In addition to his holiday release, this fall TobyMac will embark on a tour unlike any he has done before. TobyMac will get personal with his fans and reveal a different side of his music on “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” tour. Joined by special guest Jamie Grace for this “storyteller’s night,” TobyMac will open up about the inspiration behind the songs of his 10 year solo career and more. See full list of tour dates below.
For more information on TobyMac, Christmas in Diverse City and “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” tour, please visit www.tobymac.com.
Christmas in Diverse City Track Listing:
1) Christmas This Year (Featuring Leigh Nash)-TobyMac
2) The First Noel (Featuring Owl City)-TobyMac
3) Mary’s Boy Child (Featuring Jamie Grace)-TobyMac
4) O Come All Ye Faithful-TobyMac
5) Little Drummer Boy-TobyMac
6) This Christmas (Father of the Fatherless)-TobyMac
7) Carol of the Kings (Featuring Gabe Real & Liquid) –Maj
8) Birthoflove-Superherose
9) What Child Is This? - Arch Nemesiz
10) It Snowed- Tim Rosenau
11) Angels We Have Heard on High- Nirva Ready
12) Santa’s Comin’ Back ‘Round- Toddie Funk
13) ChristmasTime- Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers
TobyMac “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” Tour Dates:
Nov. 3 – Huntsville, Alabama
Nov. 4 – Marietta, Georgia
Nov. 5 – Fayetteville, Georgia
Nov. 6 – Columbus, Indiana
Nov.10 – Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Nov.11 – Fayetteville, North Carolina
Nov.12 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Nov.13 – Evansville, Indiana
Nov.17 – Dothan, Alabama
Nov.18 – Tallahassee, Florida
Nov.19 – Aiken, South Carolina
Nov.20 – Mobile, AL
GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West is debuting his first, full-length holiday project today, October 4, titled The Heart of Christmas. The 12 song record features an equal mix of Christmas classics and original holiday tunes penned by West. Fellow GRAMMY ® winners and nominees join West on the album including Vince Gill in “Leaving Heaven,” Amy Grant on “Give This Christmas Away” and Mandisa for “Christmas Makes Me Cry.” The Heart of Christmas was produced by Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Kristin Chenoweth). To purchase The Heart of Christmas on iTunes ®, visit http://bit.ly/oixmMH.
“Since the beginning of my career, I've dreamed of making a Christmas album,” explains West, “and I'm so excited to finally get that chance this year! The Heart of Christmas is a collection of original songs I've written, and some of my favorite classics. I was honored to have iconic artists like Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Mandisa from American Idol join me on a few of the songs, and those are personal highlights for me.”
The Heart of Christmas movie will premiere on gmc Sunday, December 4 at 7 p.m. ET. This gmc World Premiere Movie was inspired by the true story of Dax Locke, the two year old from Washington, Illinois, whose struggle with Leukemia sparked a worldwide outpouring of support for his family and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The story inspired a “Decorate for Dax” campaign where thousands in the community of Central Illinois decorated their houses for Dax for Christmas- even though it was October. West wrote the hit song “One Last Christmas” as a tribute to Dax and his family. Candice Cameron Bure (Make It or Break It, Full House), George Newbern (Father of the Bride, Justice League) and Jeanne Neilson (Faith Like Potatoes) star. West also makes an appearance in the film as Mark Hurtgen.
In support of The Heart of Christmas, the album’s title track will be released to radio along with a music video, and West will embark on a Christmas tour with Mandisa in the month of December, details and tour dates will be announced soon.
Acclaimed hymn writers and recording artists Keith & Kristyn Getty return October 18 with Joy – An Irish Christmas, a collection of modern hymns, as well as traditional carols, reels and jigs inspired by the couple’s homeland.
Produced by Grammy Award-winner Phil Naish (Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace), with orchestral arrangements by renowned composer J.A.C. Redford (Avatar, The Help), the project features the Irish Film Orchestra; Anuna, Ireland’s National Choir; and Fionan de Barra and Eileen Ivers of Broadway’s Riverdance; among numerous acclaimed musicians.
With a range of international influences, including Eastern European, Basque and American bluegrass, Joy – An Irish Christmas includes the Getty co-penned hymns “Joy Has Dawned,” “How Suddenly A Baby Cries,” “Magnificat,” “Jesus Joy of the Highest Heaven (A Children’s Carol),” “Fullness of Grace,” and “An Irish Christmas Blessing.”
In addition, the album features “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “What Child Is This?” and “Joy To The World,” among other carols, as well as the newly adapted hymn “O Savior of Our Fallen Race” and the Irish-influenced “Miss Eliza’s Reel,” "The Greengrass Reel,” “Tom Innes Jig” and “Narnian Reel.”
“So much of what inspires us to write hymns actually finds its origin in carols even more than traditional hymns,” says Keith Getty. “There is such enjoyment and excitement in celebrating the most improbable thing that is the incarnation of God on earth. In this season, bringing the Good News in the form of music is also an opportunity to offer a glimpse of what Christmas in Ireland is like for us.”
“There has been a deepening in our understanding of Christmas since our daughter Eliza Joy was born earlier this year,” Kristyn Getty states. “We have been so struck by the vulnerability and helplessness of a little baby in a way that has grown our wonder in the humble coming of Christ. And our own love for our child has brought a fresh understanding to all the relationships involved in the Gospel narrative: Mary's love for her Son, God's love for His Son, and God's love for the world.”
The couple’s critically acclaimed 2007 stateside debut, In Christ Alone, featured the Celtic-flavored title-cut co-penned by Keith Getty and acclaimed British songwriter Stuart Townend; an instant classic that has been recorded by numerous artists and quickly taken root in churches around the globe. Awaken The Dawn, the Gettys’ 2009 follow-up, further established their modern hymns to audiences both in the U.S. and abroad. They have shared their music at Franklin Graham crusades, the GMA Dove Awards, and performances at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, among other noted platforms and international tours.
Just in time for the 2011 holiday season, EMI Christian Music Group, Provident Music Group, and Word Entertainment proudly announce their continued partnership in the WOW brand with the release of WOW Christmas (2011) available everywhere September 27. This 2-disc, 32-song collection marks the first WOW holiday offering in six years, since the release of WOW Christmas (Green), and features the biggest names in Christian music singing holiday classics as well as original fare. With over 26 million units sold—including the most recent installment, WOW Hits 2011—each WOW release continues to be a “must-have” for Christian music fans.
Featuring stand-out Christmas selections from a diverse line-up of fan favorites, WOW Christmas (2011) delivers songs including Casting Crowns’ “Joy to the World,” Francesca Battistelli’s “You’re Here,” Chris Tomlin’s “Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground),” Third Day’s “Born In Bethlehem,” Audrey Assad’s “Winter Snow” (featuring Chris Tomlin), Jeremy Camp’s “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and TobyMac’s “Christmas This Year” (featuring Leigh Nash), plus many more.
The new holiday collection also features three new songs: David Crowder*Band’s “The First Noel,” Matt Maher’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and Tenth Avenue North’s “Deck the Halls.”
WOW Christmas (2011) Track Listing:
Disc One
1. Casting Crowns — Joy To The World
2. TobyMac — Christmas This Year (Featuring Leigh Nash)
3. Steven Curtis Chapman — O Little Town of Bethlehem
4. Francesca Battistelli — You’re Here
5. Brandon Heath — The Night Before Christmas
6. Third Day — Born In Bethlehem
7. Chris Tomlin — Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)
8. Tenth Avenue North — Deck The Halls
9. MercyMe — Joseph’s Lullaby
10. Chris August — Come Now Our King
11. Natalie Grant — Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
12. David Crowder*Band — The First Noel
13. Sanctus Real — Silent Night
14. Mandisa — Angels We Have Heard On High
15. Mark Schultz — When Love Was Born
16. Building 429 — What Child Is This
Disc Two
1. Newsboys — Jingle Bell Rock
2. Jeremy Camp — O Come All Ye Faithful
3. Matt Maher — Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. NEEDTOBREATHE — Go Tell It On The Mountain
5. Amy Grant — I Need A Silent Night
6. Matthew West — One Last Christmas
7. Kerrie Roberts — O Holy Night
8. Sidewalk Prophets — Hope Was Born This Night
9. Kutless — Mary Did You Know
10. Big Daddy Weave — O Come, O Come Emmanuel
11. BarlowGirl — It’s the Most Wonderful Time of The Year
12. Britt Nicole — Last Christmas
13. Point of Grace — Little Drummer Boy
14. Jars of Clay — It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
15. Michael W. Smith — Gloria
16. Audrey Assad — Winter Snow (Featuring Chris Tomlin)
David Crowder*Band has announced that they will release their first ever Christmas record on Oct. 4, just months before the GRAMMY ® nominated band will debut their final album. Oh For Joy will include eight Christmas classics such as “Joy To The World,” “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night” and more, presented with the band’s distinct mark, final track listing below. The unique, nutcracker-themed cover was also revealed this week.
“Back in January we decided to start working on a record. It was to be a final masterpiece, our last statement, if you will. But we got sidetracked, and we made a Christmas album instead,” explains the band in a statement to their fans. “This is something that we are very excited about, something that we have wanted to do for years and years. Well, that Christmas album is now officially finished, and we are pleased to announce that on October 4th, Oh For Joy will release!”
Announced first to their the fans, David Crowder*Band will additionally be unveiling their final studio record on January 10, 2012. The album title is forthcoming, and the band is at work on the final project in their Texas recording studio. To read the original statement from the band, visit http://www.davidcrowderband.com/.
Up next for the band will be headlining the highly anticipated “The 7 Tour” with acclaimed artists Gungor, who is doing an acoustic set, Chris August and John Mark McMillan. This will mark the final tour for the GRAMMY ® nominees. The shows will span from September through November and hit over 30 clubs and theaters across the U.S. including key markets such as: Dallas, Texas, Los Angeles, Calif., Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., Chicago, Ill., New York, N.Y., Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fla. Already, several dates including Dallas have sold out with many other markets being close to capacity. Tour dates listed below, all subject to change, visit http://www.davidcrowderband.com for the most up to date information.
Fervent Records’ hot debut artist Chris August’s Christmas wish list is coming true with his smash No. 1 single “Starry Night” illuminating the 2010 Best Of lists. Named one of the Best Christian Songs of the year by both Amazon and iTunes, “Starry Night” is also shinning bright on the Billboard year end charts landing in at #15 on the “Hot Christian Songs” list and #13 on “Hot Christian Songs” AC. This spirited up-tempo record topped the Christian AC Chart for five consecutive weeks, making it the longest running No. 1 for a new artist in 2010. “Starry Night” is from August’s debut album No Far Away that was recently named Amazon’s No. 2 Best Christian Album and touted by iTunes as one of the Top 15 Best Christian and Gospel Albums of 2010.
And if that wasn’t enough to get August in the yuletide spirit, his new Christmas song “Come Now Our King” hit the No. 12 spot last week on the Christian AC Monitored Chart. Co-written by August and the critically acclaimed Dave Barnes, this song captures the glorious essence of the season and is from the Come Now Our King EP featuring various artists, now available on iTunes.
"I loved working with Dave, not only is he hilarious, but he is an incredible songwriter,” says August. “In writing ‘Come Now Our King’, it was our desire to draw people's hearts towards the birth and coming of Christ."
August recently wrapped a 12-city Christmas tour opening for multi-platinum selling group Point of Grace. After ringing in the New Year, August will hit the road again on the highly anticipated 45-city tour, “Winter Jam 2011” (Francesca Battistelli, David Crowder Band, Newsboys, Newsong and others).
While he may be considered a "new" artist, Fervent Records' newly signed singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry. The self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson and worked with Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight and Jessica Simpson before shifting his focus to his solo career. Chris, a native of Dallas, Texas, put his refined skill set to work when he co-produced his debut record with acclaimed producer Ed Cash. While he is not one to shy away from writing about his faith, Chris isn't afraid to embrace relationships and heartache in his songwriting. Chris cites influences such as Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and Gavin DeGraw who all contributed to the polished pop/rock sound that is sure to resonate with all who listen.
For additional information, please log on to: www.chrisaugustmusic.com, www.myspace.com/chrisaugustmusic or www.twitter.com/ChrisAugust
The official music video for “One Last Christmas,” the latest in a series of story inspired songs from GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West, is resonating with viewers online where it has received over half a million views on YouTube and over 140,000 shares on Facebook. The video and song tells the story of a two year-old Leukemia patient named Dax Locke who inspired people all over the country to decorate early for Christmas before he passed away in Dec. of 2009. With the video and song, West is uniting with the Locke family to raise enough money to fund St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, where Dax received care, for one day in his honor.
In addition to all of the proceeds from the sale of the “One Last Christmas” video on www.matthewwest.com, the singer/songwriter is also announcing a benefit concert in Dax’s hometown of Washington, IL on Dec. 30. The show will be held at Five Points Washington, and will begin at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. Gold circle seating is $20, and general admission will be $10 at the door. For the latest information on the benefit concert, stay tuned to www.matthewwest.com.
To view the video for “One Last Christmas,” visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E
The story also garnered the attention of Lifetime Television who will be featuring Dax’s mother, Julie Locke, as the “Lifetime Remarkable Woman of the Month” as well as posting the video on their website, www.mylifetime.com.
West released The Story of Your Life in Oct. of this year. The album was inspired by 10,000 stories he received from listeners nationwide and 20 countries internationally. He then spent two months in a cabin reading the letters, and writing songs based on the stories.
Each week iTunes ® picks a song from an artist or band to feature as their highlighted “Single of the Week.” This week they have chosen the new holiday hit "Christmas This Year," the latest single by multi-platinum selling recording artist TobyMac. Fans can download the song for free here until Monday, December 20th.
“Christmas This Year” recently impacted radio and is No. 1 this week at AC Monitored, with over 90 stations playing the single.
The song highlights the female vocals of Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash, and it is the recent GRAMMY ® Award nominee’s first Christmas recording in eight years.
iTunes® has also announced their “Best Of 2010” releases and among them is TobyMac’s GRAMMY ® nominated album Tonight taking the title for “Best Christian Album of 2010.” The album is currently available at a discounted price for $7.99 ($10.99 deluxe edition) exclusively at iTunes®.
For more information on TobyMac please visit www.tobymac.com.
Dave Barnes' holiday CD, Very Merry Christmas, continues to receive major acclaim since it released less than a month ago. Last week was a huge success when Barnes' offered his song "Very Merry Christmas" as iTunes' free Discovery Download. He continues to spread the holiday cheer as Very Merry Christmas is now available at Amazon for only $5 through Christmas. To download your copy, click here now.
Additionally, Barnes' single "Christmas Tonight" made its debut on R&R's Mainstream AC chart, hitting at No. 29. Five other Barnes' holiday tracks picked up significant adds at Christian AC radio last week.
As previously reported, "Christmas Tonight" features guest vocals from Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott and its accompanying music video stars actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. The video has obtained much attention since it posted on Barnes' YouTube page, appearing on Variety's website, Perez Hilton, Huffington Post's entertainment front page and OK! Magazine's website. In addition, "Christmas Tonight" was just added to rotation on CMT, CMT Pure and CMT online.
This week Barnes, joined by opener Drew Holcomb, kicked off the Very Merry Neighborly Christmas Tour in North Carolina to sold out crowds, with this weekend's shows sold out as well. The tour has partnered with Mocha Club (Mochaclub.org) and their Clean Water project area to help fund the building of wells in the Sudan for refugess of the Darfur genocide.
A Very Merry Neighborly Christmas 2010 Tour Dates:
Dec. 3 - The Loft, Atlanta, GA
Dec. 4 - Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL
Dec. 5 - Bijou Theater Center, Knoxville, TN
Dec. 8 - Tipitina's, New Orleans, LA
Dec. 9 - The Parish, Austin, TX
Dec. 10 - The Door, Dallas, TX
Dec. 11 - Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
Dec. 13 - Headliner's Music Hall, Louisville, KY
Dec. 14 - Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL
Dec. 17 - Minglewood Hall, Memphis, TN
Dec. 18 - Polk Theatre, Nashville, TN
And do you want even more holiday cheer, courtesy of Dave Barnes? Be sure to watch the teaser for his upcoming Christmas Spectacular video here. This is sure to get you in the holiday mood! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-24NU4guwT0&feature=channel
Grammy ® nominee Matthew West is continuing to give voices to the stories of thousands with his latest Christmas single “One Last Christmas” out now at digital retailers.
The song was inspired by the story of Dax Locke who passed away from Leukemia at the age of two just last year. However, his love of all things Christmas and desire to live to see the holiday, caused St. Jude’s Hospital, his hometown of Washington, Ill. and literally people all over the world to “decorate for Dax” earlier in the year so that he could enjoy an early Christmas. People put up their Christmas trees, hung Christmas lights and even made sign’s for Dax and then submitted the photos to www.decoratefordax.com. Dax did make it to see one last Christmas, he passed away on Dec. 30 2009. Just a few weeks ago, Dax’s parents gave birth to a baby girl. To purchase the song, visit http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=4/vCXFlBozU&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fone-last-christmas-single%252Fid402946269%253Fuo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30. “One Last Christmas” is also being released to Christian radio for Christmas airplay.
“We are so incredibly touched and honored by the song,” remarks the Locke family. “We both cried and hugged each other while watching the video. We miss Dax more than words can express. His memory will shine on thanks to Matthew! We feel so blessed!”
West is also releasing a viral video with information on how people can support the Locke family and their donations to fund St. Jude’s Hospital for one day. To view the video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E.
Five-time Grammy ® Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac is embracing the holiday season with his first Christmas song in 8 years in the brand new track “Christmas This Year.”
Available now and exclusively at iTunes®, “Christmas This Year” features one of TobyMac’s favorite vocalists, Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash, and hit Christian AC and CHR radio this week with a phenomenal response:
Carmen Brown of Tampa’s JoyFM remarked, "Already a listener favorite, you don't lose new Toby when you play ‘Christmas This Year!’ It is the best of all worlds; Toby and a Toby-esque Christmas song."
Talking about the season and what it was like making the song, TobyMac said, "Christmas is the most celebrated time of the year for my family. While we were recording the song , we had a week-long Christmas party at my house...in JULY!!! I wanted to write a song that captured that pure delight without missing the spirit of the season... when love came down to let us live.”
For more information on TobyMac please visit http://www.tobymac.com/.
Centricity Music’s Jason Gray has rapidly earned the reputation as one of the hardest working artists in the Christian music industry. He has just completed his opening act gig with World Vision’s Make A Difference Tour 2010, which featured Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac and Third Day. Gray also served as a “behind the scenes” reporter for the tour and the video aired exclusively on Hearitfirst.com.
Next up for Gray will be a radio promo tour on the east coast in support of his new single, “I Am New.” The song is generating strong support from radio with new adds from KLOVE, WPOZ/Orlando, FL, WBFJ/Winston-Salem, NC and Family Life Network. The single is currently #20 at AC Indicator, New & Active (#33) on the AC Monitored Chart and #20 on the Inspo chart. The video world premiered on HearitFirst.com and has just been added at Gospel Music Channel. “I Am New” is the follow up to Gray’s hit single, “More Like Falling In Love,” that peaked at #4. Both songs are from Gray’s current album, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue.
On November 30 and December 1, Gray will begin rehearsals for Andrew Peterson’s Behold The Lamb Of God Christmas tour. The 15-city holiday tour launches December 2 in Durham, NC and includes a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium on the 16th. Joining Peterson and Gray on the tour will be Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Ben Shive and Andrew Osenga. In January, Gray will be embark on the Winter Blast Tour with Building 429 and 33 Miles Beginning in February, Gray will start recording his next studio project that will release in fall 2011 and will join Mark Schultz on his upcoming tour in March.
Nashville, TN (November 17, 2010)- One of Christian music’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters and platinum-selling artist Mark Schultz is hitting the road this winter to headline a Christmas tour with featured artist DOWNHERE. The “How Many Kings” Christmas Tour is sponsored by World Vision and will also feature CCM artist Alli Rogers. The 16-city tour begins in Hastings, Nebraska on December 2, running through the 19th in Greenford, OH.
“I'm looking forward to spending my favorite season with Downhere and Alli Rogers, a group of talented musicians and artists, as we celebrate the incredible gift of Christ's birth with our favorite Christmas songs, original music and great stories,” says Schultz. “It should be a wonderful time!”
Schultz has been playing dates all across the country in support of his latest release Come Alive that delivered the back-to-back Top 10 hit singles “He Is” and “Love Has Come,” as reported on the R&R Christian AC Chart. His forthcoming single "What It Means To Be Loved" will be released to Christian radio this spring.
Lauded at No. 1 on Billboard’s “Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Songwriters” list and with nine No. 1 radio hits to date, Schultz’s celebrated career highlights include being named Christian Music Today’s Male Vocalist in 2003, his song “Back in His Arms Again” being recognized as BMI’s Christian Song of the Year in 2003, his 2005 release, Mark Schultz Live…A Night of Stories & Songs, selling RIAA certified Platinum and garnering him his first GMA Dove Award, and being featured on the national TV programs 48 Hours, CNN, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and more.
“How Many Kings” Christmas Tour Dates:
12/02 – Hastings, NB
12/03 – Madison, WI
12/04 – Zeeland, MI
12/05 – Waukesha, WI
12/07 – East Minot, ND
12/08 – Edgerton, MN
12/09 – Shawnee, KS
12/10 – Cedar Falls, IA
12/11 – Circleville, OH
12/12 – Pikeville, KY
12/14 – Elizabethtown, KY
12/15 – Greeneville, TN
12/16 – Kernersville, NC
12/17 – Evans, GA
12/18 – Accident, MD
12/19 – Greenford, OH
On the heels of releasing their third studio album, Today, 33Miles will be releasing their first, full-length Christmas record titled Believe. The Christmas CD will be sold separately at all digital retailers, and will also be available in stores with purchase of their latest recording Today.
"Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year,” explains 33Miles’ Jason Barton. “Chris and I have both wanted to make a Christmas record since childhood."
The ten track album features holiday classics such as “Joy to the World” and “O Holy Night” alongside original tunes including “Finally Christmas.” Believe was available last year exclusively at Family Christian Stores during the holiday season. “O Come All Ye Faithful (Sing to the King)” and “I Believe In Christmas” will be released to radio for the Christmas season.
“’O Come All Ye Faithful’ is such a glorious reminder to Christians that this season is a celebration of Christ. It’s not about presents, music, holiday movies, or anything else,” says 33Miles’ Chris Lockwood. “It's about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. More than ever, Christians need to rally and show the true meaning of Christmas, which is the selfless love of our Savior.”
"'I Believe In Christmas' is a declaration/prayer for those who have lost hope due to the hard circumstances that life throws at us,” adds Barton. “Christmas is hope and that hope is Jesus Christ!”
33Miles will also be embarking on a tour throughout the holiday season. “The Believe Tour” will partner with local churches to allow choirs and worship teams to open the show. The tour is slated to visit 10-12 cities in December. Visit 33Milesonline.com for a full list of tour dates and details.
33Miles’ Today released on Oct. 5 and was produced by Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Stellar Kart) and Nathan Nockels (Passion, Phillips, Craig & Dean). Today features 10 new songs with an overarching theme of encouraging listeners to make the most of their present time. The band is currently on the “Today Tour” through mid-November with JJ Heller.
33Miles is comprised of Jason Barton and Chris Lockwood. The band has received multiple GMA Dove Award nominations, including one for “New Artist of the Year” for their self-titled debut. They have released three albums with INO Records to date: a self-titled debut, One Life and their most recent, Today. The band also unveiled a Christmas project which released nationally this fall. 33Miles’ aggressive touring schedule includes nearly 150 dates a year, many with long time sponsors and ministry partners Food for the Hungry.
ADVENT CHRISTMAS, VOLUME 2 by Future of Forestry, releases today, November 2, 2010, through iTunes and on the www.futureofforestry.com website. Over the coming weeks the EP will appear on additional online music sites and at live events during the band’s holiday tour.
The EP features the holiday classics Joy To The World, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Angels We Have Heard On High, and Pie Jesu, as well the original song The Earth Stood Still, and an instrumental interlude.
Early reviews for the project are coming in:
• “…a stunning album. 8.5 out of 10.” – Soul Audio
• “This will certainly be a Christmas goodie that has one original song, as well as an instrumental interlude, along with four covers that amazingly don’t sound like the re-treads that we’re so used to ’round these parts. Grade: A” – Christian Music Zine
• “With plenty of influence from across the board and enough unexpected turns to keep one's interest throughout, Advent Christmas EP, Volume 2 is yet another winning project from Owyoung and his rotating set of musicians. Four and a half stars. “ – Jesus Freak Hideout
Advent Christmas 2 is designed to be a cohesive piece that merges effortlessly with the original Advent Christmas EP. After touring on the first EP, the band realized that these Advent CDs had become a large part of the makeup of the band, and the desire for a second was evident. With it’s epic sound, creative instrumentation and traditional values, the Advent EPs hope to honor and enhance this most holy of seasons.
Future of Forestry Christmas tour dates to be announced in the upcoming weeks. Current schedule can be viewed at http://events.myspace.com/72475801/Events/1 or at
www.futureofforestry.com
GRAMMY Award-nominated and Dove Award-winning recording artist NewSong will ring in the holiday season with “NewSong’s Very Merry Christmas Tour,” featuring renowned Christian pop-rockers Newsboys and special guest, debut artist Kerrie Roberts. The tour launches Nov. 27 in Whiteville, N.C. and is slated to hit 19 cities, including stops in Frederick, Md.; St. Cloud, Minn.; Quincy, Ill.; Destin, Fla.; and Beaumont, Texas, before concluding Dec. 19 in Fort Pierce, Florida.
NewSong will perform selections from their best-selling recordings The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Hope, including the group’s emotion-packed #1 mainstream radio hit, “The Christmas Shoes,” which has become the biggest song of their career and one of America’s most beloved Christmas standards. “The Christmas Shoes” also spawned a series of New York Times best-selling novels by Donna VanLiere and two top-rated CBS television movies based on the books and featuring music from NewSong (CBS’ “The Christmas Blessing” was television’s most-watched movie in 2005).
Capping off a momentous year which included the release of a top-selling new album (Born Again) featuring new lead vocalist Michael Tait, the Newsboys join "NewSong’s Very Merry Christmas Tour" on the heels of their very first Christmas release, Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday (Oct. 12, Inpop Records). Newsboys will perform favorites from their six-song CD, which includes holiday classics like “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “O Holy Night,” “The Christmas Song” and more.
New Reunion Records songstress Kerrie Roberts also joins the tour following the release of her self-titled debut album (Aug. 24), which includes the hit radio single, “No Matter What.” A southern Florida native, Roberts has been performing since the age of 5, developing her huge, soulful-pop voice while growing up in church choirs and studying music at the University of Miami before landing a record deal a few years later.
Tickets for "NewSong’s Very Merry Christmas Tour" are available now. For more information, visit www.newsongonline.com.
NEWSONG’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TOUR
* All dates are subject to change without notice.
Nov. 27 - Whiteville, NC - Northwood Assembly of God
Nov. 28 - Kinston, NC - Kinston High Performing Arts Center
Nov. 29 - Frederick, MD - Weinburg Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 2 - Norfolk, NE - DeVent Center
Dec. 3 - Schofield, WI - Mount Olive Lutheran Church
Dec. 4 - St. Cloud, MN - Calvary Community Church
Dec. 5 - Brookings, SD - Swiftel Center
Dec. 6 - Quincy, IL - Morrison Theater
Dec. 7 - Portage, MI - Kalamazoo First Assembly
Dec. 8 - Valparaiso, IN - Valparaiso Nazarene Church
Dec. 9-10 - Marion, IL - Marion Civic and Cultural Center
Dec. 11 - Franklin, NC - Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 12 - Destin, FL - Village Baptist Church
Dec. 14 - Beaumont, TX - Montagne Center
Dec. 15 - Bentonville, AR - First Baptist Church
Dec. 16 - Athens, AL - Clements Baptist Church
Dec. 17 - Pascagoula, MS - First Baptist Church
Dec. 18 - Albany, GA - Life Christian Center International
Dec. 19 - Fort Pierce, FL - Westside Baptist Church
Seabird is releasing a seven-song Christmas EP Over the Hills and Everywhere. The EP is available now exclusively with iTunes ®.
Over the Hills and Everywhere comes as a follow-up to the band’s release of the song “Joy to the World” which was featured on an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” during last year’s holiday season. Songs included on the direct to iTunes ® EP include “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” “What Child Is This?” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.”
“I remember taking Aaron to see the Nut Cracker ballet one year when we were in our late teens. We both got dressed up in suits, headed down to Music Hall and lost ourselves in this magical classic,” admits Ryan Morgan. "We wanted to record the classics the way we would any other of our songs. After all, the lyrics are quite good and worthy of creative and inspiring music. I think it's worked for us. We did two last year (‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Silent Night’), and our fans seemed to love them when we performed them in our set on our headlining tour last Dec. So we did five more this year that we are really pumped about.”
Seabird will take their Christmas tunes to the road from the end of Nov. to mid Dec. on the “Over The Hills and Everywhere Tour” with opener Ben Rector. For more information on the tour, visit www.myspace.com/seabird.
Cincinnati-based Seabird comprises brothers Aaron (vocals/keys) and Ryan (guitar) Morgan as well as Preston Lane (drums) and Brandon Weaver (bass). The band signed with Credential Recordings in late 2007 and released its debut label project, ‘Til We See The Shore, June 24, 2008. A collaborative effort with producers Jacquire King (Modest Mouse, Kings Of Leon, Tom Waits, Switchfoot) and Allen Salmon (Mute Math, This Beautiful Republic), the album received phenomenal national publicity, featured on episodes of “Numb3rs,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and promos for ABC’s 12-time Emmy-nominated series, “Pushing Daisies.” Their latest, Rocks Into Rivers, was produced by Paul Moak at the Smoakstack in Nashville, and Matt Hales at Ocean Studios in Los Angeles. Tunes from Seabird’s latest recording also garnered pick up from NBC’s “Losing it With Jillian,” and a music video premiere on Seventeen Magazine online. The band was also recognized by its hometown as “Artist of the Year” at the 2008 Cincinnati Entertainment. For more information on Seabird, visit: www.seabirdmusic.com or www.myspace.com/seabird.
With a nod to the classics, Dave Barnes’ first-ever holiday project, Very Merry Christmas, evokes the traditional soul of the Christmas season while adding splashes of his well-known signature contemporary flair and lively persona. At once familiar and cozy, Very Merry Christmas features four yuletide staples meshed with six originals penned by Barnes himself. Very Merry Christmas will be available both physically and digitally November 9th.
Very Merry Christmas showcases the quintessential Dave Barnes – classy, romantic, and hip with traces of his traditional Southern upbringing. The album's highlight, “Christmas Tonight,” features Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott joining Barnes for a special Christmas duet. The additional original tunes include more guest appearances, such as Thad Cockrell on “Mary and Joseph” and Grammy-award winning singer-songwriters Shannon Sanders and Drew Ramsey who appear alongside Barnes with Scat Springs on “Very Merry Christmas.”
Barnes adds his own classic touch to the cover songs, including Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Bing Crosby’s classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” A special version of “O Come Emmanuel” will be available exclusively to those who purchase the album through iTunes.
“Many of the best pop songwriters come out of Nashville, and Dave Barnes is one such singer/scribe now building momentum," Billboard Magazine said. After the April release of his second full length album for Razor and Tie, What We Want, What We Get, Barnes has steadily created awareness surrounding himself and his music. He also joined the world of soap operas in June, playing himself in a special two episode story arc on ABC’s hit All My Children. Barnes’ hit single, “God Gave Me You,” quickly became a radio favorite, peaking at #3 on Christian CHR and #9 on the Christian AC charts.
Dave Barnes has previously toured with notable acts including John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Bonnie Raitt, and One Republic. He continues touring throughout 2010 in support of What We Want, What We Get (dates listed below) and the dates for his Christmas tour with Drew Holcomb will be announced shortly.
VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Track Listing:
1. Very Merry Christmas *
2. Christmas Tonight * (with Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum)
3. All I Want For Christmas Is You
4. Meet Me At the Mistletoe *
5. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
6. I Pray On Christmas *
7. Family Tree
8. Holiday Made For Two *
9. The Christmas Song
10. Mary and Joseph *
*Dave Barnes original
Dave Barnes Tour Dates
Sept 28 – Baton Rouge, LA – Varsity Theater
Oct 1 – Lexington, KY – Busters Billiards
Oct 2 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome Theater *
Oct 21 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center *
Oct 22 – Tupelo, MS – Bancorp South Arena
Oct 23 – Mountain Home, AR – Arkansas State University *
Oct 24 – Lincoln, NE – LIED Center *
Oct 25 – Denver, CO – Soiled Dove Underground
Nov 5 – Jackson, TN – GM Savage Chapel
Nov 20 – Athens, GA – Melting Point
*touring with MercyMe
For Word/Warner Bros. Recordings artists and Platinum-Selling trio Point Of Grace (Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones), it is never too soon to break out the Christmas music, and with their new collection entitled Home For The Holidays available everywhere today, fans can get in the yuletide spirit early as well. This album encompasses a broad range of styles including pop, jazz and country that bring a fresh, yet familiar sound to the season’s favorite tunes.
Produced by 2010 GRAMMY-winner Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift) and Stephanie Chapman, the 10-song collection features new takes on tried-and-true Christmas classics such as the title cut, “Joy To The World” and “Little Drummer Boy” as well as newer offerings, “Labor Of Love,” “Candy Cane Lane,” and “Immanuel.” The diversity of songs and sounds, along with the signature harmonies that set this two-time GRAMMY nominated group apart, is sure to make Home For The Holidays a household favorite and part of family traditions for years to come.
In support of the album, Point Of Grace will be featured on the cover of the February issue of Susie Magazine along with features in Country Weekly, Christianity Today, Nashville Parent, SoulAudio.com and Roughstock.com. The talented trio will also be appearing on WSMV NBC Affiliate’s “More At Midday” show with host Holly Thompson and WSMV’s “Better Nashville.”
Point Of Grace will also take ‘caroling’ to the next level this winter with their headlining “Home For The Holidays” Christmas tour, which kicks off on December 2 in Eden Prairie, MN. Opening for Point Of Grace will be Fervent Records artist Chris August.
Since forming at Ouachita Baptist University 19 years ago, the two-time GRAMMY nominees have sold more than 6 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total including radio staples “Steady On”, “The Great Divide” and “Circle of Friends”), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They’ve won 10 prestigious Dove Awards, including Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2008 for “How You Live” and Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2009 for “I Wish.”
For more information about Point Of Grace, visit www.pointofgrace.net or www.wordlabelgroup.com.
Joining the immensely successful Passion Talk Series (PTS) is the lines’ first Christmas talk with Passion Movement founder Louie Giglio, “The Twelve Words of Christmas,” available now on DVD from sixstepsrecords.
Recorded live during Chris Tomlin’s “Glory in the Highest” 2009 Christmas tour “The Twelve Words of Christmas” shares a special message of Christmas, that God is with us, full of grace and truth, and that no one on earth is too far from His love or beyond His reach. In the full length talk, Giglio reminds us that God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of the chaos, and promises to bring us through. Giglio will also be speaking on Tomlin’s 2010 “Glory in the Highest” Christmas tour (dates below).
PTS features hours of compelling content, each telling a meaningful story of God's goodness, grace & love. Used by small groups, life groups, churches and among friends and family members around the world, the messages found in PTS have impacted the lives of millions of people around the globe. With sales of nearly one million worldwide, PTS has also garnered over 4.8 million YouTube hits. For more information please visit http://www.passiontalkseries.com.
New from sixstepsrecords in 2011 will be the new Passion City Church Resources line, a series of church talks from Giglio taken from services at the Atlanta-based Passion City Church which he pastors and also founded in February 2008.
On January 11, 2011 the line will debut with a collection of three different talks: “New Year” (2 talks), “Grace [The One and Only]” (5 talks) and “Prayer: Remix” (3 talks). sixsteps plans to add new talks to the ongoing series throughout the year.
“Louie Giglio’s gift to communicate the truth of the Gospel as well as motivate and inspire the global church to a deeper understanding of who God really is to each of us personally and throughout the world is unmatched in my opinion,” says Peter York, President, EMI CMG Label Group. “This series of talks from Louie are vital for our time and should be a staple in every church, home and small group in the country. They have impacted me, my family, my staff and countless friends throughout the body of Christ who have engaged with them.”
Gotee Records rings in the holiday with ‘Tis The Season To Be Gotee Christmas compilation, releasing today as a digital and CBA exclusive. Each song on this project has never before been available to retail, and features Gotee Records’ favorites Relient K, House of Heroes, Ayiesha Woods, Stephanie Smith and Abandon Kansas performing a variety of favorites. At the low suggested retail price of $7.99, ‘Tis The Season To Be Gotee promises to become an instant seasonal favorite.
One favorite on the project is Stephanie Smith’s newly recorded version of the Relient K song “I Celebrate the Day”, which she started performing last year on TobyMac’s Winter Wonder Slam tour. This song, produced by Mark Lee Townsend (who also produced the original Relient K version) will be the debut single from the project.
Gotee has long been known for their past Christmas projects, including Christmas releases by artists like Relient K, House of Heroes and Abandon Kansas, however ‘Tis The Season To Be Gotee is the first holiday compilation that the label has created.
‘Tis The Season To Be Gotee
1. Relient K - Silver Bells
2. House of Heroes - All I Want For Christmas Is You
3. Ayiesha Woods - Jingle Bells
4. Abandon Kansas - O Come All Ye Faithful
5. House of Heroes - Silent Night
6. Stephanie Smith - I Celebrate the Day
7. Ayiesha Woods - Merry Christmas Baby
8. Stephanie Smith - Jingle Bell Rock
9. Relient K - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. House of Heroes - O Come, O Come Emmanuel
11. Relient K - O Holy Night
Thousand Oaks, CA - ADVENT CHRISTMAS, VOLUME 2, by Future of Forestry, is set to release to digital outlets November 2, 2010 and in select stores nationwide. The EP will feature 6 songs, including 4 traditional holiday classics, one original song, and an instrumental interlude.
“The Advent series started as a side project, but after hearing the first EP and touring on the project, it was evident that this music was becoming an important part of the band,” explains Eric Owyoung, the driving force behind Future of Forestry. “When we started hearing a similar response from our friends and fans, we couldn’t wait to get in the studio and continue the series.”
This project is in a very similar style Future of Forestry fans are familiar with: epic in sound, using a wide pallet of instrumentation, while managing to keep a sentimental feel that honors the season it celebrates.
“We really wanted these two Christmas albums to be cohesive, so you can listen to the EPs together and have it seem like one experience,” continues Owyoung.
Much like the other Future of Forestry projects, the make up of the band is more about the music, than the band itself. Owyoung enlisted a community of musicians to play on the project, including longtime bandmate TJ Hill, cellist Elizabeth Lee, and vocalist Olga Yagolnikov from the band Paper Rings.
Future of Forestry Christmas tour dates to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Track listing:
Joy to the World
Do You Hear What I Hear
The Earth Stood Still
Angels We Have Heard On High
Instrumental
Pie Jesu
Nashville, TN – Word/Warner Bros. Records Artists and Platinum-Selling Group Point Of Grace (Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones) is ready to spread some holiday cheer with their new Christmas collection entitled Home For The Holidays. The album is set for release on Tuesday, October 5. Ironically, this two-time Grammy nominated, talented trio have historically spent the majority of their Decembers on a tour bus or stage miles from home, enjoying the spirit of the season wherever they are. But there are no laments on this collection of songs that encompasses a broad range of styles including pop, jazz and country.
Produced by 2010 Grammy-winner Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift) and Stephanie Chapman, the 10-song album features fresh takes on tried-and-true Christmas classics such as the title cut, “Joy To The World,” and “Little Drummer Boy” as well as newer offerings, “Labor Of Love,” “Candy Cane Lane” and “Immanuel.” The diversity of songs and sounds, along with the signature harmonies that set this group apart is sure to make Home For The Holidays a household favorite and part of family traditions for years to come.
“One of my favorite traditions as a child was the STOCKING,” says Cappillino. “Mom and Dad took pride in all the ‘little things’ that went inside … from nail polish to Mr. Goodbar’s (my favorite candy bar at the time) – you never knew what the next thing would be, you just knew it was going to be great. One year, me and my two sisters got these really thick socks – at first we were a bit confused then we read the note attached saying ‘you will need these socks because Santa brought you a trampoline!’ It was the best Christmas ever. Now my little girl loves this tradition…who knows, maybe this will be the year SHE will need some thick socks… Ho! Ho! Ho!”
In keeping with the group’s winter traditions, Point Of Grace will be headlining the 2010 “Home For The Holidays” Christmas tour with Fervent Records recording artist Chris August opening.
Home For The Holidays Track Listing:
1. White Christmas
2. Candy Cane Lane
3. Labor of Love
4. Home for the Holidays / Silver Bells
5. Immanuel
6. Little Drummer Boy
7. Holly Jolly Christmas
8. Joy To The World
9. Not So Silent Night
10. The Giver and the Gift
Since forming at Ouachita Baptist University 19 years ago, the two-time GRAMMY® nominees have sold more than 6 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total including radio staples “Steady On”, “The Great Divide” and “Circle of Friends”), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They’ve won 10 prestigious Dove Awards, including Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2008 for “How You Live” and Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2009 for “I Wish.”
For more information about Point Of Grace, visit www.pointofgrace.net or www.wordlabelgroup.com.
One of the most highly anticipated Christmas concerts of the holiday season, Behold The Lamb Of God, will launch in December for its eleventh annual run. Christian music’s most prolific singer/songwriter, Andrew Peterson, announced the tour today that will also spotlight this year’s featured guests, singer/songwriters Jason Gray, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Ben Shive and Andrew Osenga. The tour kicks-off December 2nd in Durham, NC and will visit fifteen cities before ending in Corsicana, TX on the 19th. A complete listing of the tour dates is available below and at www.andrew-peterson.com. Tickets will be available at local venues and online at www.itickets.com.
Peterson launched the Christmas tour in 1999 to present a musical rendition of the Christmas story and to reinforce the true meaning of the season. It was immediately embraced by fans nationwide because of the powerful performances, entertaining stories and the sense of community between Peterson and his guest artists. The result was multiple sold-out venues and yearly return engagements, which includes Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. In 2004, fan support led Peterson to record his first Christmas album, Behold The Lamb Of God: The True Tall Tale Of The Coming Of Christ, and the project won the 2004 Best Album of the Year, World Christian Music Editor’s Award. In 2009, Peterson released a 2-disc 10th Anniversary Edition of the project that includes a remastered version of the original CD and a live recording of the Christmas concert from 2008.
It’s been a whirlwind of activity for Peterson with gearing up for the Christmas tour and recently releasing his latest studio project, Counting Stars. The project is Peterson’s highest selling CD to date, as it entered at #6 on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart and debuted at #1 on iTunes Christian Albums Chart for three straight days. The album received rave reviews from Christian and mainstream critics with JesusFreakHideout.com saying, “Counting Stars is another success for Andrew Peterson, and the last five songs prove the artist can stretch beyond his comfort zone.” Blogcritics.org and Seattle Post-Intelligencer exclaim, “Counting Stars is an all-embracing music any lover of Christian folk gospel and contemporary music would warm to.” The second single from the project, “Dancing In The Minefields,” went for adds at radio last Friday and the video is in heavy rotation on the Gospel Music Channel and has become a YouTube favorite.
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Behold The Lamb Of God Tour Dates: (Tentative)
12/2 - Durham, NC
12/3 - Richmond, VA
12/4 - Milford, OH
12/5 - Milford, OH
12/7 - Huntsville, AL
12/8 - Jackson, TN
12/9 - Topeka, KS
12/10 - Lincoln, NE
12/12 - Knoxville, TN
12/14 - Montgomery, AL
12/15 - Charlotte, NC
12/16 - Nashville, TN
12/17 - Houston, TX
12/18 - Wichita Falls, TX
12/19 - Corsicana, TX
On Oct 19, the joy and wonder of the Christmas season will be available in the new “The Essential Christmas Collection,” a vibrant 12-song project featuring many of Christian music’s most admired artists, with holiday songs from Third Day, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay, Rebecca St. James, Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North, Building 429 and Matt Maher along with newcomers, Revive, Kerrie Roberts and Anthem Lights. The collection includes stunning versions of Christmas classics as well as two original tunes---Heath’s poignant “The Night Before Christmas” and Smith’s original “All is Well.”
The set opens with Third Day’s powerful rendition of “Angels We Have Heard on High” as lead vocalist Mac Powell breathes new life into this seasonal classic and its familiar, joyous chorus, putting the Third Day creative stamp on this holiday favorite. The musically influential singer-songwriter/worship leader Matt Maher delivers a warm and prayerful version of “Silent Night,” evoking the tender spirit of the season, and “The First Noel” shines as reinvented by Aussie imports Revive.
Over the years, Jars of Clay has become known for putting its creative spin on Christmas music and they do that again with, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” delivering a gentle, understated version of one of the season’s most beloved classics. Rebecca St. James lends her distinctive voice to “O Little Town of Bethlehem” while Building 429 serves up the timeless “What Child Is This?” and Casting Crowns delivers the buoyant, “Joy to the World.”
Newcomer Kerrie Roberts lends her soulful, soaring vocals to “O’ Holy Night” in one of the most memorable tracks on the album and never has the good news of Jesus’ birth sounded more heartfelt and compelling than on Tenth Avenue North’s “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
Michael W. Smith’s iconic “All is Well,” written for his very first Christmas album and now featured on this collection, is one of his favorite songs ever recorded. Smith notes, “There was just something special about it. I’ll never forget when I wrote it. It was such an emotional moment. To this day, I still get really moved when I hear it. It’s one of my favorite things I’ve written.”
Leading into Christmas, Kerrie Roberts and Michael W. Smith are among the artists who will be on tour during the 2010 holiday season, affording fans a chance to experience a few of the songs from this new collection, live.
With its powerhouse lineup and timeless holiday favorites, The Essential Christmas Collection will quickly become this season’s soundtrack and the premiere Christmas collection music lovers will enjoy for decades to come.
With the continuous momentum of Newsboys' current CD release Born Again, a No. 1 radio hit and an extensive touring schedule, they continue their whirlwind year with the announcement of their first-ever Christmas project. Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday will release October 12th, courtesy of Inpop Records.
The new CD was produced by Dustin Burnett, Michael Tait, and Juan Otero of The Write Bros, half of the production team of Born Again. Comprised of six holiday classics, Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday includes "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bell Rock," "All I Want for Christmas is You," "O Holy Night," "The Christmas Song," and "Mary Did You Know."
To help promote Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday, Newsboys will join Newsong the weekend after Thanksgiving to kick off the "Very Merry Christmas Tour 2010." This 20+city nationwide tour kicks off in North Carolina and will finish up in Georgia on December 20th. Check out the tour dates listed below to see if can help ring in the Christmas season with Newsboys at a city near you.
There is no question the momentum keeps continuing to escalate for Newsboys and their July 13th release of Born Again. The current single and No. 1 hit "Born Again" continues to stay high up on the charts, having a total of 7.1 million impressions to date. Following the largest street week of their careers by selling an astounding 45,311 units and hitting #4 on Billboard's overall chart, Born Again continues to keep its place on the Billboard Top 200 chart and is No. 3 on the Christian Soundscan chart, scanning more than 72,000 units in the first month of release.
Newsong's Very Merry Christmas Tour 2010*:
11/27 Whiteville, NC
11/28 Charleston, NC
11/30 High Point, NC
12/2 Norfolk, VA
12/3 Schofield, WI
12/4 St. Cloud, MN
12/5 Brookings, SD
12/7 Portage, MI
12/8 Valparaiso, IN
12/9 Marion, IL
12/10 Marion, IL
12/11 Franklin, NC
12/12 Destin, FL
12/15 Saint Peters, MO
12/16 Athens, AL
12/17 Pascagoula, MS
12/18 Albany, GA
*Dates subject to change
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (December 22, 2009)—Fervent Records’ rock trio BarlowGirl and the Air 1 radio network partnered together for Air 1’s Home for Christmas with BarlowGirl contest. Air 1 recently announced the winner of the promotion that gave listeners the chance to win a trip for 4 to Chicago to site see and go Christmas shopping on the famous Michigan Avenue with BarlowGirl. The winner and family’s trip also included some highlight experiences including visiting the Water Tower Place, seeing the city’s beautiful evening lights from the John Hancock Observatory, enjoying Chicago-style pizza, and sitting front row at BarlowGirl’s Apple Store performance.
The three-piece band played a special acoustic set at the Michigan Avenue Apple Store on Saturday, December 12 to kick off the Christmas season. BarlowGirl will be booking similar shows throughout 2010 allowing the band to minister to various groups or organizations. During these events, BarlowGirl will share the stories behind their songs as well as engage with the audience through a Question and Answer session. For any further questions, contact Greg Oliver Booking Agency at 615-790-5540 or visit http://www.goa-inc.com.
Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin will perform on Fox & Friends’ Primetime Christmas Special scheduled to air Christmas Eve at 8PM (EST) as well as on Christmas Day on The Fox News Channel. For airtimes please visit www.foxnews.com/foxfriends.
Tomlin was interviewed by host Steve Doocey and accompanied by special guests The Watoto Children’s Choir, who were also featured on Tomlin’s 2008 release Hello Love on the song “Love.” The Watoto Children’s Choir is an organization that rescues child soldiers, ministers to orphans, and provides a safe haven for abandoned infants (www.watoto.com).
About the special relationship he has developed with the choir, Tomlin says, “To sing with orphan children who have had the most challenging lives and to support the work of Watoto has been one of my greatest joys in recent years.”
Other celebrity guests appearing on the holiday special include Amy Grant, Andrea Bocelli, Kristin Chenoweth and more.
Tomlin was also recently seen on the 700 Club as he shared about Glory in the Highest and he will be making an additional appearance on their Christmas Eve Special, which will air at 10am (EST). Hosted by Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen and Gordon Robertson with news anchor Lee Webb, The 700 Club is a live television program that airs weekdays before a live studio audience and can be seen in more than 200 countries. For a list of The 700 Club viewing times, please visit http://www.cbn.com/700club/ShowInfo/Schedule/program_air_times.pdf.
In other news, Tomlin’s first Christmas tour Glory In The Highest wrapped on Dec. 19 after a successful run this winter. Tomlin, Louie Giglio and Christy Nockels performed in front of sold out crowds across the U.S. in major markets such as Orlando, Birmingham, Tampa, Washington DC, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
For more information on Chris Tomlin, please visit www.christomlin.com.
Baloche will be singing the title track to Glorious, his acclaimed new modern worship album released last month on Integrity Music, on the TBN Christmas Special. He will also sing his song “Offering” featured on Worship and Adore: A Christmas Offering, also from Integrity Music.
In addition to Baloche and McClurkin, the TBN special will feature FOX News anchor Kelly Wright, actress Sherri Sheppard and artists Ayiesha Woods and Sherri Jones Moffett. The special is scheduled to debut Dec. 19 at 5:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm PT. (Schedule subject to change, check your local listings.)
Baloche’s peers, including Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton and Martin Smith (Delirious?/CompassionArt), as well as Worship Leader, Christianity Today, New Release Tuesday and others, continue to share their enthusiasm for Baloche and Glorious:
“Filled with songs of hope, praise and adoration, Glorious affirms Baloche's legacy as one of today's premiere worship artists and songwriters.” – Charisma
“…congregational worship in pop/rock form with direct lyrics of devotion to God that enrich the believer as they uplift the name of Christ.” – Worship Musician
“Paul Baloche is one of today’s most influential worship songwriters. He has written songs that are shaping worship services all over the world…Paul has crafted some of the most inspiring songs in church culture today.” – Amazon.com
“Glorious contains songs of faith, hope, commitment, trust, and praise that will encourage your church, be a joy to listen to, and stir up a love for the risen Savior who came to purchase our forgiveness and rescue us from our sins.” – WorshipMatters.com
“This songwriter, musician, and worship leader has helped define the sound that has come to represent the mainstream of worship music in recent years.” – Soul-Audio.com
For more information on Paul Baloche’s Glorious, check out the e-card at www.integritymusic.com/ecard/glorious.
Additional information can be found at www.paulbaloche.com, www.leadworship.com and www.integritymusic.com.
The popular nationally syndicated “Total Axxess” radio show premieres its first-ever “Acoustic Christmas” this week, featuring intimate, in-studio performances with a high-profile artist lineup, kicking off today, Dec. 14, with GMA’s “New Artist of the Year,” Tenth Avenue North. GRAMMY-winning, progressive band Jars of Clay performs Tuesday, followed by GRAMMY-nominated, modern rockers Red on Wednesday, and wrapping Thursday with GMA’s “Male Vocalist of the Year,” Brandon Heath.
*Check local listings for air times.
Award-winning singer/songwriter Matthew West sets out to spread some holiday cheer this month with the “Give This Christmas Away Tour,” kicking off tonight in Indianapolis. Additionally, West will perform his current radio single, “Give This Christmas Away,” on Fox News programs “Huckabee” and “FOX & Friends.”
The “Give This Christmas Away Tour,” West’s first Christmas tour, will visit 10+ cities through Dec. 19 and feature Christmas classics, new Christmas songs as well as career favorites. The tour will additionally include a special pre-show screening of the brand new VeggieTales Christmas movie, Saint Nicholas – A Story Of Joyful Giving, for which West wrote and recorded “Give This Christmas Away.” VeggieTales’ signature characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber will also be on hand to greet attendees. A tentative tour itinerary follows this release.
In the true spirit of giving, the “Give This Christmas Away Tour” will help to raise funds for Operation Christmas Child, a division of the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse. The tour will donate to Operation Christmas Child’s “beyond-the-box” discipleship program, seeking to provide children in developing countries with a New Testament Bible in their local language.
“I am so excited to begin the ‘Give This Christmas Away Tour,” says West. “So many amazing doors have opened this season for me to share the message of what I believe Christmas is about: Giving! True joy is found at Christmas when we choose not to get caught up in the chaos, and instead look beyond our own needs to see the needs of others. That is why we are teaming up again with Operation Christmas Child, and a portion of every ticket purchased will be donated to help OCC purchase bibles for children.”
In conjunction with the tour and radio single, “most added” this week at Christian radio, West will perform “Give This Christmas Away” live with Amy Grant on the Fox News Channel’s “Huckabee” Saturday, Dec. 5, re-airing Sunday, Dec. 6. West and Grant will give an encore performance of the song Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 on the network’s “Fox and Friends” Christmas special additionally featuring Andrea Bocelli and Kristin Chenoweth. Check your local listings for air times.
In keeping with the “Give This Christmas Away” theme, West released a gift book this holiday through Tyndale Publishers, aptly titled 101 Ways to Give This Christmas Away. The book, along with the Something to Say Christmas Edition album featuring “Give This Christmas Away” and three new acoustic recordings, are now available in stores.
West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, “More,” which was the most played Christian AC song of 2003. The multi-Dove Award nominee and sought-after songwriter released two critically-acclaimed recordings, Happy (2003) and History (2005); has been a mainstay at Christian radio with memorable hits like “Only Grace,” “History” and “Next Thing You Know”; and has toured with such artists as tobyMac and Jeremy Camp on the wildly popular 2008 “Boomin’ Beyond Measure” tour. In addition, West has penned songs for Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Natalie Grant and Mandisa, among others. West’s third studio recording, Something To Say, released January 15, 2008 and produced the No. 1 AC radio hit “You Are Everything,” which was also the most played Christian song of 2008, as well as “Something to Say,” which climbed to No. 7 at AC radio. His most recent single, Grammy Award nominated “The Motions,” was No. 1 on Radio & Records’ Christian AC Monitored chart and the Billboard Christian chart for 14 weeks as well as the most downloaded Christian digital track 15 weeks running, according to SoundScan. For more information on Matthew West, visit www.matthewwest.com or www.myspace.com/matthewwest.
(NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) December 4, 2009— Fervent Records’ band Sidewalk Prophets and the KLOVE Radio Network are partnering together to bring listeners the “Home for Christmas” giveaway. Radio listeners can submit a letter to KLOVE that they would write to a family member or loved one. From the entries, one grand prize winner will be selected to win a roundtrip airfare for four to fly home for Christmas. Five additional winners will be chosen daily to win an acoustic guitar with the lyrics to “The Words I Would Say” handwritten by the band. The contest begins today, December 4 with the grand prize winner being announced next week on Friday, December 11. For more information or to submit your letter, visit http://www.klove.com.
Sidewalk Prophets debut single, “The Words I Would Say”, was a #1 AC/I hit for five consecutive weeks and was the most added song two weeks in a row. With their album These Simple Truths scanning more than 10,000 copies and sales of more than 25,000 digital tracks during the first month of release, Sidewalk Prophets was one of the best-selling new artists in 2009. The band is preparing to hit the road on the 2010 Winter Jam Tour starting in January followed by the Rock and Worship Tour in April, playing more than 60 shows.
K-LOVE is a listener supported radio network, heard by 4 million listeners each week on 412 signals in 44 states. K-LOVE, and its sister network Air1, are ministries of Educational Media Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, headquarted in Rocklin, CA. For more information, please visit http://www.klove.com.
The release of Big Daddy Weave’s first Christmas CD, Christ Is Come, is earning the renowned band additional acclaim this holiday season.
As the five-member group embarked Sunday eve on an eastern U.S. Christmas tour with fellow industry veterans Newsong, Big Daddy Weave’s Christ Is Come is garnering nationwide attention among music critics. Comments from sources include:
Worship Leader magazine:
Beautifully produced Southern rock worship songs with the addition of original bridges and songs for you to use in your service of worship… Christ Is Come is high-quality acoustic rock backed by string sections and a bit of a Southern spice to mull on during this season.
About.com:
Touching delivery of tradition tunes and amazing original songs make Big Daddy Weave's Christmas project a winner in every category.
Christianity Today:
If ever Dave Matthews Band was to record a Christmas album, it might sound a bit like Christ Is Come—well, maybe minus the gospel-specific title track… These guys know how to make tight pop records with a little extra treat, and apparently, Christmastime is no exception.
Iowa City Press-Citizen:
Mike Weaver is charismatic and convincing, and this bedrock Christian quintet's unbroken 11 years on the road are evidenced in skin-tight arrangements, powerhouse chops (esp. hot-shot guitarist/producer/do-it-all Jeremy Redmon) and majestic, near-U2-worthy anthems.
StereoTruth.net:
Expanding your Christmas music collections just got a little simpler with the release of “Christ is Come”. In a time when many band’s new releases sound like re-treads of older releases, Big Daddy Weave puts forth a fresh reverent project that will help keep Christmas 2009 fresh in our hearts.
Big Daddy Weave’s single, “I’ll Be Brave This Christmas,” is additionally garnering attention for Christ Is Come as stations across the U.S. begin their holiday rotations. The song honors military families with deployed loved ones and is the influential song behind the national “Be Brave This Christmas” campaign to celebrate and thank American soldiers.
For more information on Christ Is Come , the current tour and “Be Brave This Christmas” campaign, visit www.bigdaddyweave.com.
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.
He already has three studio records under his belt. His fourth, titled Undisguised, is set to release January 26th. And just this holiday season he added What Christmas Means, his first ever 10-song Christmas recording, to the mix. Now, Anthony Evans is headlining his own Christmas tour to promote the release with his 12-city "What Christmas Means Tour," hitting churches across the nation. Even better is that Evans is already in front of sell-out crowds. The tour's first show, which kicked off last night in Florida, filled up the 900-seat church!
"Having my very own Christmas tour gives me the opportunity to say thanks and to continue to cultivate relationships with churches who have been continually supportive to my ministry over the years," explains Evans. "I'm thrilled to be able to offer audiences different versions of some old and new Christmas music, as well as offer a unique concert experience each night."
The CD What Christmas Means, co-produced by Evans and Brandon Hood, released October 6th and offers a unique twist to timeless holiday classics such as "Little Drummer Boy," "O Holy Night," and "Do You Hear What I Hear," along with the original song "Immanuel," penned by Chad Cates and Tony Wood. Evans also covers contemporary tunes of today such as "This Christmas" and Grown Up Christmas List." This collection offers holiday joy like most seasonal projects, yet with Evans' vocals and unique touch, each song is tied to his own family holiday memories along with his signature penchant for looking deeper.
Helping to promote the project and the tour, Evans has appeared on outlets such as Life Today, DayStar, TBN, and Moody Broadcasting. In addition, a music video was filmed for the CD's first radio release, "Immanuel," which is already in rotation on Gospel Music Channel and will be featured on the homepage of www.NewReleaseTuesday.com this week. Check out the video by visiting www.anthony-evans.com.
What Christmas Means Tour
Nov. 30 - Church By The Glades, Coral Springs, FL
Dec. 6 - Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, TX
Dec. 9 - Calvary Life Family Worship Center, Chesire, CT
Dec. 11 - Community Fellowship Church, West Chicago, IL
Dec. 12 - Oak Hills, San Antonio, TX
Dec. 13 - Willow Park Baptist Church, Aledo, TX
Dec. 15 & 17 - Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, TN
Dec. 18 - Christ Community Church, Leawood, TX (with special guest Melinda Doolittle)
Dec. 19 - Fellowship Dallas Church, Dallas, TX
Dec. 20 - Paulann Baptist, San Angelo, TX
Dec. 24 - Crossroads Baptist Church, The Woodlands, TX
Nashville, Tenn.. November 19, 2009… 33Miles will launch their second annual “Believe“ tour this December with the help of Food for the Hungry and INO Records’ label mate Jonny Diaz.
Church worship teams and choirs will join the band on each of the eleven tour stops and take part in the musical line up for the evening.
The tour will feature music from 33Miles’ debut Christmas release titled Believe that is available exclusively at Family Christian Stores this holiday season. The band’s third studio album was produced by Nathan Nockels (Passion, Point of Grace, Phillips, Craig & Dean) and includes traditional favorites like “O Holy Night,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” along with several original songs including “Finally Christmas” and “I Could Not Come To You.” In addition, “Finally Christmas” and the classic “Joy to the World” will be released to radio during the holidays.
“Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year,” says 33Miles’ Jason Barton. “There’s something so beautiful about how the God of the universe stepped off of His throne and came to earth in the form of a baby. The King of all Kings became a servant. It’s humbling to know that God loves us that much. We’re excited and privileged to share that message of love this Christmas season on the ‘Believe’ tour with our friend Jonny Diaz.”
The “Believe” concerts arrive directly after the band’s first headlining tour, which included multiple sold out shows. The “One Life” tour visited 20 cities earlier this fall. For a full list of tour dates, visit www.33milesonline.com/tour
Big Daddy Weave and Contemporary Christian radio network KLOVE are introducing a campaign this week to honor military families across the nation during Christmastime.
Influenced by “I’ll Be Brave This Christmas,” the band’s forthcoming radio single from their recently released and first Christmas album, Christ Is Come, Big Daddy Weave and KLOVE wish to celebrate and thank American soldiers by helping military families in need.
Launching from www.bigdaddyweave.com/klove and KLOVE’s Wall of Prayer, an Internet location where listeners post a prayer or note of encouragement for the men and women serving the United States, a nomination form will be posted to begin the process for naming military families across the nation that will benefit from the campaign.
Following selection of recipients, KLOVE affiliate Amazon.com will host online gift registries for each chosen family and Fervent’s parent company, Word Entertainment (a Warner/Curb company), will coordinate efforts to help fulfill each registry.
Before KLOVE kicks off their on-air promotion the week of Dec. 14, Big Daddy Weave will push the initiative via their mailing list and Facebook and MySpace pages, in addition to promoting during their upcoming Christmas tour with Newsong.
Celebrating 11 years with all original members intact, four No. 1 singles and an impressive amount of Top 5 hits, Big Daddy Weave released their first inspirational Christmas record, Christ Is Come, this 2009 holiday season. Produced by the band’s own Jeremy Redmon, the 10-song CD provides holiday classics and original songs, all glorifying when God became man and gave the earth the greatest gift it would ever receive. For the complete tour itinerary and more Christ Is Come CD information, visit www.bigdaddyweave.com.
K-LOVE is a listener supported radio network, heard by 4 million listeners each week on 412 radio signals in 44 states. K-LOVE, and its sister network Air 1, are ministries of Educational Media Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization headquartered in Rocklin, CA.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Nov. 17, 2009--Award-winning singer/songwriter Matthew West heads toward the holidays with a mission to remind others of the true reason for the season.
West was inspired by the song “Give This Christmas Away,” to be serviced to radio Nov. 27, which he wrote and recorded in conjunction with VeggieTales for its new DVD release, Saint Nicholas—A Story of Joyful Giving. The campaign calls attention to practical ways we can reach out to those in need around us.
West explains, “What it means to me to ‘give this Christmas away’ is to pause long enough to look at the world from a perspective of ‘How can I help? How can I give? How can God use me to help meet the needs of somebody else this Christmas instead of just checking off the list of everything I want?’”
In keeping with that sentiment, West, spokesperson for Operation Christmas Child, a division of the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse, is asking fans who attend his fall tour to donate shoe box gifts for children in need this holiday season. The collection will continue on West’s “Give This Christmas Away” Christmas tour, kicking off late November.
Furthermore, West offers additional ideas for living out the Christmas spirit via a book release, 101 Ways to Give This Christmas Away, to be published by Tyndale Publishers. The book, along with a Something to Say Christmas Edition featuring “Give This Christmas Away” and three new acoustic recordings, will be available in retail stores this month. Finally, West will also have his own Christmas special on the Gospel Music Channel centered on the “Give This Christmas Away” theme, airing Saturday, December 12, at 9:30 pm EST. “The inspiration for the song and the book came from this question: What if December looked different this year?” says Matthew. “My hope is to encourage an attitude of giving this Christmas that can change the world with God’s love.”
West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, “More,” which was the most played Christian AC song of 2003. The multi-Dove Award nominee and sought-after songwriter released two critically-acclaimed recordings, Happy (2003) and History (2005); has been a mainstay at Christian radio with memorable hits like “Only Grace,” “History” and “Next Thing You Know”; and has toured with such artists as tobyMac and Jeremy Camp on the wildly popular 2008 “Boomin’ Beyond Measure” tour. In addition, West has penned songs for Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Natalie Grant and Mandisa, among others. West’s third studio recording, Something To Say, released January 15, 2008 and produced the No. 1 AC radio hit “You Are Everything,” which was also the most played Christian song of 2008, as well as “Something to Say,” which climbed to No. 7 at AC radio. His most recent single, “The Motions,” was No. 1 on Radio & Records’ Christian AC Monitored chart and the Billboard Christian chart for 14 weeks as well as the most downloaded Christian digital track 15 weeks running, according to SoundScan. For more information on Matthew West, visit www.matthewwest.com or www.myspace.com/matthewwest.
Gifted bluesman, the Rev. Jimmie Bratcher, releases his Christmas CD, Man! It's Christmas, today on Ain't Skeert Tunes. With the purchase of each CD, consumers will also receive a bonus live Man! It's Christmas DVD.
According to ChristianityToday.com, Bratcher has "a voice like Lyle Lovett and the guitar chops of B.B. King." He puts his talents to good use on this funky and vibrant holiday offering.
Produced by Rev. Jimmie Bratcher, Man! It's Christmas hits the ground running with a jubilant classic jazz rendition of the Bratcher-penned title track, which expresses the joy of the season while referencing just about every holiday symbol there is. A smokin' jazz funk version of "What Child Is This" follows, leading into a down-home dobro-driven country blues arrangement of "Go Tell It On The Mountain." Patriotic Christmas song "1941," another original Bratcher tune, recalls the WWII events of December 1941 and expresses appreciation for those who have served our country and laid down their lives for our freedom. Backing Bratcher on the project are some world-class players, including Rick Yord (Suzy Bogguss, Lee Roy Parnell) on bass, Daron Tapscott (Joe Diffie) on fiddle and Kansas City's Brandon Draper on drums and percussion. Bratcher is joined by Lester Estelle, Jr. (Pillar) on drums and Craig Kew (Proto-Kaw with Kerry Livgren) on bass on the live bonus DVD. Produced by Isaac Alongi ("Love, Marriage & Stinking Thinking"), the DVD gives the audience a front-row view of this lively holiday jam session.
Pastor, evangelist, author, singer, songwriter and guitarist, "The Rev" preaches in churches every Sunday, but on Saturday nights you'll find him sharing his amazing testimony and blistering guitar licks onstage in blues clubs and at music festivals, prisons and even biker rallies.
Bratcher's brand of the blues has been embraced by the Christian market and the mainstream blues industry alike, allowing him to perform at both Christian music festivals such as Creation East, Creation West Coast and Rock the Light, and at blues festivals such as Blues on the Hill, Simply the Blues Festival and Boxcar Full of Blues. He has appeared at venues along with Christian artists including Mercy Me, newsboys and Third Day, and with blues greats including Grammy and NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award winner David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Blues Music Award winners Zac Harmon and Otis Taylor, and Livin' Blues Gold Award winner Hubert Sumlin, one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."
Bratcher, who serves as the bandleader and frequent commentator for the new Sky Angel/TBN television show "Love, Marriage and Stinking Thinking," is driven by the desire to point as many people as possible to the reality of the love that God has for them. "The blues is my most effective way to communicate," says Bratcher.
GRAMMY- nominated singer Ayiesha Woods' classic holiday offering Christmas Like This streets today November 10th. The album is available as a physical CD product exclusively through MusiChristian.com with the digital album being available at all other online retailers. Woods will join Natalie Grant on the "Believe" Christmas tour the entire month of December. Dates and tickets can be found at her newly redesigned myspace site www.myspace.com/ayieshawoods
Brash Music has announced the release of Aaron Shust’s Christmas EP. The digital project, Shust’s first for the holidays, is available exclusively at major online retailers including iTunes and Amazon.com. The Christmas EP’s three songs include “God Has Come To Earth” and “Silent Night.” The third, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” is already a Top 5 radio hit that has become a staple of Christian radio airplay during the Christmas season.
The release follows a busy year for Shust. In August, he released his third CD, Take Over, to rave reviews. The New York Times called the project, “Mr. Shust’s third and best album, and one of this year’s most impressive Christian records.” Worship Leader Magazine stated, “Take Over is built on songs. When you have a set of 12 songs that stand solidly on their own, you have a great release. And Take Over is that.”
Shust recently wrapped a headline tour with former American Idol Chris Sligh and worship artist Meredith Andrews. The tour hit more than 20 cities throughout the fall and included several sold-out shows.
Coming off an amazing fall tour with House of Heroes and The Wedding, Abandon Kansas has just recorded their own version of the Christmas classic, O Come All Ye Faithful, available exclusively as a digital download on November 17.
The band has also released a video of the recording session for the song, which can be found on the Abandon Kansas YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBprVNp6XWU
True to their road warrior reputation, Abandon Kansas has opted to immediately head back on the road in support of their EP We’re All Going Somewhere in November with Owl City side-project Swimming with Dolphins.
We’re All Going Somewhere continues to receive rave reviews, such as:
The Album Project – “melodic rock songs which are so pure and inviting”
The Lexington Music Press - Abandon Kansas have released an addictive, sweet, and melodic EP with We’re All Going Somewhere. 4 ½ stars.
Indie Vision Music - Their debut EP, We’re All Going Somewhere, is six songs of modern pop/indie rock that doesn't forsake the much-needed intelligent and insightful lyrics.
CCM - this six-song offering leaves listeners wanting much more, building anticipation for a full-length offering that will hopefully follow in rapid order.
Stereotruth - a great mix of instruments, melodies and emotion filled vocals. If you are looking for something new to listen to then I recommend picking up their EP.
Oh Come All Ye Faithful will be available digitally on November 17.
Upcoming tour dates:
Nov 4 – Overland Park, KS
Nov 5 – Ames, IA
Nov 6 – Wausau, WI
Nov 7 – Burnsville, MN
Nov 8 – Cedar Falls, IA
Nov 9 – Chicago, IL
Nov 10 – St Louis, MO
Nov 11 – Rolla, MO
Nov 12 – Springfield, MO
Nov 13 – Carthage, MO
Nov 15 – Ft Smith, AR
Nov 16 – Texarkana, AR
Nov 17 – Pensacola, FL
Nov 18 – Hattiesburg, MS
Nov 19 – Houma, LA
Nov 20 – Irving, TX
Nov 21 – Wichita Falls, TX
Nov 22 – Muskogee, OK
Kansas City, MO (October 28, 2009) - Gifted bluesman, the Rev. Jimmie Bratcher, is set to release his first Christmas CD, Man! It's Christmas, on November 10, 2009 on Ain't Skeert Tunes. With the purchase of each CD, consumers will also receive a bonus live Man! It's Christmas DVD.
Produced by Rev. Jimmie Bratcher, Man! It's Christmas hits the ground running with a jubilant classic jazz rendition of the Bratcher-penned title track, which expresses the joy of the season while referencing just about every holiday symbol there is. A smokin' jazz funk version of "What Child Is This" follows, leading into a down-home dobro-driven country blues arrangement of "Go Tell It On The Mountain." Patriotic Christmas song "1941," another original Bratcher tune, recalls the WWII events of December 1941 and expresses appreciation for those who have served our country and laid down their lives for our freedom. Backing Bratcher on the project are some world-class players, including Rick Yord (Suzy Bogguss, Lee Roy Parnell) on bass, Daron Tapscott (Joe Diffie) on fiddle and Kansas City's Brandon Draper on drums and percussion. Bratcher is joined by Lester Estelle, Jr. (Pillar) on drums and Craig Kew (Proto-Kaw with Kerry Livgren) on bass on the live bonus DVD. Produced by Isaac Alongi ("Love, Marriage & Stinking Thinking"), the DVD gives the audience a front-row view of this lively holiday jam session.
Pastor, evangelist, author, singer, songwriter and guitarist, "The Rev" preaches in churches every Sunday, but on Saturday nights you'll find him sharing his amazing testimony and blistering guitar licks onstage in blues clubs and at music festivals, prisons and even biker rallies.
Bratcher's brand of the blues has been embraced by the Christian market and the mainstream blues industry alike, allowing him to perform at both Christian music festivals such as Creation East, Creation West Coast and Rock the Light, and at blues festivals such as Blues on the Hill, Simply the Blues Festival and Boxcar Full of Blues. He has appeared at venues along with Christian artists including Mercy Me, newsboys and Third Day, and with blues greats including Grammy and NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award winner David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Blues Music Award winners Zac Harmon and Otis Taylor, and Livin' Blues Gold Award winner Hubert Sumlin, one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."
Bratcher, who serves as the bandleader and frequent commentator for the new Sky Angel/TBN television show "Love, Marriage and Stinking Thinking," is driven by the desire to point as many people as possible to the reality of the love that God has for them. "The blues is my most effective way to communicate," says Bratcher.
Jimmie Bratcher's Man! It's Christmas will be available on Ain't Skeert Tunes and distributed by New Day Distribution. For more information on Jimmie Bratcher, Man! It's Christmas and his latest album, The Electric Rev, visit jimmiebratcher.com.
(Nashville, Tenn.) October 23rd, 2009 – With her first-ever holiday offering Christmas Like This releasing November 10th, Ayiesha Woods is now slated to join Natalie Grant on the “Believe” Christmas tour during the month of December.
The "Believe" tour kicks off December 1st in Montgomery, AL and goes on to Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Kansas, with the final show in Missouri on December 18th. Additional shows will be added in the upcoming weeks. Full tour details and ticket information can be found at http://nataliegrant.com/tour-dates/ .
"You know, Christmas time is my favorite time of the year,” exclaims Woods. “To be able to spend some of it on the road with one of my favorite persons in Christian music is nothing less than a great honor and a Christmas present from God to me!"
Woods' Christmas Like This offers up nine holiday classics from the GRAMMY-nominated songstress. The album will be available as a physical CD product exclusively through MusiChristian.com with the digital album being available at all other online retailers. In support of the album, Woods will be making guest appearances on various national TV media outlets including Life Today With James Robison, TBN, and the Daystar network among others.
With her 2006 debut Introducing Ayiesha Woods and 2008 sophomore release Love Like This, Woods has garnered both critical and mass acclaim. The debut earned Woods a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album”, as well as an additional nod in the Dove Awards “New Artist of the Year” category. CCM Magazine also followed Woods’ career as one of three emerging musical talents for 2006 in their “Band Wagon” column, and MTVU.com’s URGE service (www.urge.com) picked Introducing Ayiesha Woods in their 2006 TOP 10 year-end list for Inspirational music. Woods, a favorite on the Women of Faith touring circuit, continues to perform throughout this year and 2010 at festivals and on dates nationwide.
(NASHVILLE, TN) OCTOBER 7, 2009--Celebrated singer/songwriter and author Andrew Peterson
recently announced dates for his highly anticipated and critically acclaimed Christmas tour, which
features special guests and friends Brandon Heath, Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn. In addition, the
band will consist of Matt Slocum, Ben Shive, Andrew Osenga, Cason Cooley, Todd Bragg, and Gabe
Scott. This euphonic event features Peterson’s acclaimed Christmas song cycle, Behold The Lamb
Of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ. The tour begins December 3rd in Elmhurst, IL,
which will mark the 10th year that Peterson and friends have taken their Christmas concert on the
road. A complete list of cities and dates can be found at www.andrew-peterson.com.
Ten years ago, Peterson composed his musical rendition of the Christmas story to remind people of
the holiday’s true significance. Since then, he and a remarkable band have performed the songs
each holiday season to sold-out crowds nationwide, as well as a highlighted performance in
Peterson’s hometown of Nashville, TN at the famed Ryman Auditorium. Past events have featured
such artists as Alison Krauss, Buddy Miller, David Wilcox, Phil Keaggy, Mindy Smith, Pierce Pettis,
Matt Slocum and members of Nickel Creek, who have joined Peterson for an in-the-round segment
of original material before gathering on stage to perform his musical, Behold the Lamb of God: The
True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ.
Responding to demand from fans of his Christmas concert, in 2004, Peterson recorded the songs on
an album titled Behold the Lamb of God. The album received the 2004 Best Album of the Year,
World Christian Music’s Editors Choice Award.
Peterson has long been known for his intricate songwriting and transparent candor on stage, often
drawing comparisons to predecessor Rich Mullins. While signed to Watershed/Essential Records
from 1999 to early 2004, Peterson recorded three national releases including his award-winning
Carried Along, which featured the top ten radio single, “Nothing to Say,” and a Dove Award
nomination for his song “Family Man” from his 2003 release Love & Thunder. Peterson signed on
with Centricity Music in 2008 and released his critically and commercially acclaimed album
Resurrection Letters Vol. 2 that same year. He garnered fantastic reviews for his Resurrection Letters
Vol. 2 from such respected media outlets as USA Today, Lifeway.com, Billboard magazine, Worship
Leader, magazine, JesusFreakHideout.com, Christian Single magazine, ChristianMusicToday.com,
Christian Retailing magazine, Soul-Audio.com, CCM.com to name a few. Peterson has also
appeared on Family Net TV's "EveryDay With Marcus & Lisa, LeSea Broadcasting's "Harvest Show,"
"Atlanta Live," Moody's national radio shows, "Midday Connection" and Prime Time America, and
Gospel Music Channel's upcoming Christmas special.
Peterson also released his first novel in 2008 entitled On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
through WaterBrook Press. Full of fast-paced storytelling, fanciful songs and poems, hilarious asides,
and characters rich in heart, courage, and smarts, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness,
launches a highly- anticipated series of fantasy novels that readers of all ages will treasure, enjoy
reading aloud, and use in stirring book group discussion. He released the second of the series,
North! Or Be Eaten: Wild escapes. A desperate journey. And the ghastly Fangs of Dang in August
2009. Peterson also released his first children’s book entitled The Ballad of Matthew's Begats in
October 2007 through Thomas Nelson. Full of fast-paced storytelling, fanciful songs and poems,
hilarious asides, and characters rich in heart, courage, and smarts, North! Or Be Eaten combines
adventure, humor and sheer imaginative force. Library Journal, reviewing North! Or Be Eaten, calls it
“a delightful tale.” The first book of the Wingfeather Saga, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness,
received positive marks from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and over a hundred of Peterson’s fans who
blogged about the book.
MOBILE, Ala.—Integrity Music presents Worship and Adore: A Christmas Offering, an inspiring collection of seasonal songs recently released through Provident-Integrity Distribution. The album features 10 of Integrity’s premiere artists and worship leaders: Paul Baloche, Kari Jobe, Lincoln Brewster, Jared Anderson, Joel Augé, Kathryn Scott, Don Poythress, Glenn Packiam, Christy Johnson (Worth Dying For), and Integrity newcomer Vicky Beeching.
The 11-song Christmas album, produced by Jeff Quimby and crafted by award-winning writers Baloche, Poythress, Augé, Anderson, Chris Eaton, and Tony Wood, begins with a special version of “Offering.” Penned and performed by Dove Award-winning songwriter Baloche, the song also includes vocals from Brewster and Jobe.
Jobe, this year’s breakout worship artist, delivers “Adore Him,” a fresh take on a Christmas classic, while Poythress, an industry veteran and award-winning songwriter for artists such as Tim McGraw and Clint Black, presents his original composition “Joseph,” a look at the Christmas story through the eyes of an unsung hero.
“Worship permeates the fabric of the entire Christmas story,” Poythress says. “And what is worship, but our giving to God all that we are because He first so graciously gave to us a baby, a Savior, Christ the King. Hallelujah!”
Other highlights of Worship and Adore: A Christmas Offering include Beeching’s performance of “He Made A Way In A Manger;” Brewster’s rendition of “Glory To God;” and “The Beautiful Body And Blood,” featuring Packiam. The album also showcases “He Is Wonderful,” sung by Scott, and “Messiah’s Song,” performed by Anderson.
A companion CD-ROM digital songbook, which releases simultaneously with the CD, is fully transposable and offers printable sheet music, chord charts and lyric text files.
Sparrow Records award-winning singer/songwriter Matthew West distributes shoe box gifts with Operation Christmas Child in Bogota Columbia August 24-27, 2009. West is the official spokesperson for Operation Christmas Child, a division of the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse, and will also be collecting shoe boxes on "The Motions Tour" this fall. Additonal tour details are forthcoming. For more information about Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/.
September 1, 2009…Nashville, TN… GMA Dove award winning, GRAMMY® nominated and platinum selling artist and worship leader Chris Tomlin will release his first Christmas record, Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship with sixstepsrecords on October 6.
Produced by Ed Cash, Glory In The Highest features familiar classics including "Angels We Have Heard On High," "O, Holy Night," "Joy to the World [Unspeakable Joy]," to which Tomlin wrote a new refrain, and four new songs that will be Christmas favorites for years to come. With special guests Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and singer/songwriter, Audrey Assad, the album succeeds in its purpose of transforming familiar carols into songs of worship. Recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN, Tomlin filled the small room, formerly a church, with some of his closest friends, worship leaders and industry leaders including radio programmers and retailers from across the country.
“Christmas is a time when people who may not have sung a song the whole year, or their entire life, begin to sing,” says Tomlin. “There is something about a Christmas song, whether it’s sung at church or heard by carolers on the street, that gets people to join in song. They sing these timeless songs proclaiming that God has come, has entered this world and made a way for us.”
To kick off the holidays, three songs from the album will be released to radio the day after Thanksgiving: “Emmanuel [Hallowed Manger Ground],” “Joy to the World [Unspeakable Joy]” and Audrey Assad’s “Winter Snow” which features Tomlin.
Taken from the singer/songwriter’s fifth album, See the Morning (2006) the title-track, Glory In The Highest reflects the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest,” announcing the birth of Christ. Today, thousands of years later, Tomlin wants to join in the celebration as people around the globe continue to proclaim the good news.
Tomlin believes it is the power of God that makes Christmas the one holiday that seems to join the whole world together. “It is the greatest story that has ever existed: the grace of God coming. And no matter where people fall on their views, everybody can come around the idea that something special has happened here, and that is worth singing about.”
Casting
Crowns performs its anthemic single, "I Heard the Bells on
Christmas Day" from the group's No.1 Christmas album Peace On Earth for the First
Lady, Vice President Dick Cheney and other Washington VIPs, tonight on the TNT
Premiere of "CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON." This concert is a holiday
music celebration benefiting the National Children’s Medical Center.
Nashville, TN -- (December 17, 2008) -- As recently reported, BarlowGirl has delivered the "must-have Christmas album" of the year with Home For Christmas (Fervent). With stellar reviews stating BarlowGirl's first holiday project as "timeless," "beautiful" and "classic," raving comments are continuing to pour in, most recently from USA Today as well as New York Times.
"...this Christian trio focuses on their harmonies with...delightful results."
- USA Today
"...the sisters Barlow are crisp, especially on the stunning "Carol of the Bells/Sing We Now of Christmas" and a sharp version of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."- New York Times
Home For Christmas' singles are hitting high marks as well. "Carol of the Bells" is quickly becoming the most popular digital song of the season, claiming over 24,840 downloads since the project released in September, with 7,340 downloads this week alone. "Carol of the Bells" reached #18 on the Holiday Songs Chart at iTunes and is currently #4 on the Christian/Gospel Digital Tracks charts.
BarlowGirl is also the featured artist for the special "Heroes Of Rock!" Christmas episode from Ignite Your Faith, Christianity Today International's magazine for teens. Be sure to check out the Barlow sisters - Becca, Alyssa and Lauren - animated (see below) as this month's Heroes Of Rock! in "BarlowGirl's Excellent Adventure" at: www.igniteyourfaith.com/go/cartoons.
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Nashville, Tenn. Dec. 8, 2008… Amy Grant will be making many stops in New York to promote her most recent Christmas release The Christmas Collection including a performance on the “CBS Early Show” on Dec. 9. Her newest Christmas release in nine years, The Christmas Collection features four new songs plus many of Grant’s classic Christmas favorites.
Grant will perform “Baby It’s Christmas” with husband Vince Gill, a song they co-wrote, on the CBS “Early Show” tomorrow, Dec. 9. The program airs from 7-9am EST on weekdays, and they are scheduled to appear in the last hour of the program.
“Fox & Friends” will also be taping a performance and interview with Grant to talk about her most recent Christmas project, with an airdate TBD.
TV Guide Network also included an interview with Grant in their “Gifts, Games & Gadgets” program. The show covers everything from the most recent gadgets to celebrity news, and this episode will focus on Christmas. The episode will premiere Sunday, Dec. 7 at 8:00pm EST, more airing times can be found on TVGuide.com.
Among her other media stops, Grant is doing interviews with “Fox News Radio” and “ABC Radio’s Entertainment News” as well as “Oprah & Friends Radio with Dr. Robin.”
The current single from the album, “I Need A Silent Night” was the second most added song at AC Christian Radio last week and has been added to mainstream AC radio. Resonating with fans, the single is Grant’s most downloaded song in recent months at iTunes and other digital providers.
Additionally, Grant will be taking over Hearitfirst.com’s website tomorrow. With over 186,000 members, HearItFirst.com is the premiere destination for exclusive content that connects fans with the artists they love. The site takeover features exclusive interviews, contest, previews of music and more. www.HearItFirst.com/AmyGrant.
Grant is currently on the Christmas With Amy & Vince Tour. The 15-date tour debuted Dec. 4, in Manchester, NH, and will finish in Nashville Dec. 22 and 23 at the Ryman Auditorium. The two-hour show will feature the two Grammy winners backed by a 12-piece band. “Christmas audiences are special,” says Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.”
For more information on Grant, The Christmas Collection and her tour, please go to http://www.amygrant.com.
Nashville, TN -- (December 4, 2008) - Fresh off their "Million Voices Tour" and just a few weeks after the release of their first-ever holiday CD, BarlowGirl is relishing in the theme of their project as they are now truly Home For Christmas. Being on the road this summer and fall non-stop, the talented sister-trio of Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow, are enjoying time at home during the holiday season. Yet, the girls can't sit still for too long as they're also excitedly working on their next studio record, slated to release in July of next year. Further details will be announced in the coming months.
I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.....
Making a Christmas record has been a dream of the girls since their youth, so the recent release of Home For Christmas has definitely had BarlowGirl ready for the holiday season for quite some time. The acclaimed CD, produced by long-time friend Otto Price (GRITS, dcTalk) and arranged by Price and BarlowGirl, has quickly proven it is ideal for ushering in the holiday season not only for this year but for years to come.
Stellar reviews have come in from the media, calling this album "Timeless!" "Beautiful!" "Amazing!" "The must have Christmas album of 2008!" Read on....
"Home for Christmas does everything right with perfect harmony, a jazzy pop, big band, classical mix type of style that...glows and a sense of passion that sadly, many Christmas releases lack. Bottom line - BarlowGirl delivers the must have Christmas album of 2008."
- About.com
"In a word, beautiful. BarlowGirl has clearly put more thought and effort into this album than most of the Christmas offerings from their peers. As a result, it's one of the year's most pleasant surprises." - Christian Music Today
"Home For Christmas is an amazing piece of work. It is easily going to become one of my favorite Christmas offerings. The Barlow sisters have shown great maturity and vocal virtuosity....How lucky we are to share in such a lovely gift."
- AlphaOmegaNews.org
"The latest release from BarlowGirl makes me wish Christmas came more than once a year...at least if I could get albums like this. With a hint of wonder, a lot of Christmas spirit, and overflowing with praise for God, Home For Christmas is a splendid holiday treat."
- BackseatWriter.com
"If you want something a little more modern...listen to Barlow Girl's Home for Christmas. The ladies do a spectacular job of breathing new life into classics."
- Beliefnet.com
"Beautiful. Classic. Timeless. All three of these words perfectly describe Home for Christmas. From beginning to end...a whirlwind adventure with all the bells and whistles any seasonal project should have. Keep Home for Christmas close by this holiday!"
- JesusFreakHideout.com
MILLION VOICES AND MERCY MINISTRIES
BarlowGirl spent two solid months this fall on the road promoting their "Million Voices Tour," hitting 33 markets across the nation from California all the way to New Jersey. This unique tour was a huge success as the girls reached thousands of fans with their music and ministry. The "Million Voices Tour" also supported Mercy Ministries, an organization close to the hearts of Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren. The ministry provides hope and healing to young women who are seeking freedom from life-controlling issues such as addictions, depression, eating disorders, and abuse, and BarlowGirl took every opportunity to share with their audiences about the organization, encouraging them to get involved.
ETC...
The girls have also been able to share their music and ministry with the readers of Brio Magazine, as they are featured on the cover of the December issue (cover below).
For more information about BarlowGirl and for the most recent happenings and future tour dates, please visit BarlowGirl.com or Myspace.com/barlowgirl. For further inquiries about Mercy Ministries, visit MercyMinistries.org.
New holiday music off Casting Crowns' first Christmas album Peace On Earth debuts Friday, November 28, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) on the TBN network during a 1-hour TV special featuring a front-row seat to "Casting Crowns Christmas Celebration Tour." The program includes special guest, Max Lucado, and performances by Natalie Grant, Avalon, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Michael English and pureNRG. The network will re-air Casting Crowns' Christmas special through the end of the year. Check local listings for air times. Peace On Earth is currently the No.1 album on Billboard's Top Christian/Gospel albums chart. For more information on Casting Crowns please visit: www.castingcrowns.com.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) – Slanted Records’ recording artists DecembeRadio are bringing in the Christmas season with a new three-song digital EP entitled Comfort & Joy, which will be available at online outlets on November 25th. The release includes a unique rendition of the classic “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” which has been serviced to Christian AC and CHR radio, as well as a cover of the rollicking “Run Run Rudolph,” made popular originally by the legendary Chuck Berry. “Run Run Rudolph” has been serviced to Christian CHR and rock formats.
“We hit the road pretty much ongoing the year round,” stated lead guitarist Brian Bunn. "But we take off much of December to be with our families, which is a very special time for us. Getting this time to be at home and rest in the Lord just adds to our Christmas celebration. We enjoyed celebrating it this year in song as a band and hope fans will enjoy these Christmas classics.” Bunn added with a laugh, “We really wanted to record ‘What Child Is This?’ but MercyMe did it recently, so we figured we’d better pick something else!”
Christianity Today (ChristianityToday.com), known for their detailed Christian music reviews, has just released their Best of Christian Albums of 2008 list which honors DecembeRadio's Satisfied release coming in at #10.
"This is a rock lover's album clearly descended from Southern-flavored bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Crowes, as well as the classic pop-metal of Petra,” stated the reviewers. “Time together on the road has only tightened their rhythm section and blistering guitars, and it's refreshing to hear unadorned rock instrumentation without flashy effects or studio enhancement. There's also something to be said for a band such as this being so forthright with their beliefs. Regardless of which DecembeRadio album you prefer, this one lives up to its title, if not more so.”
DecembeRadio’s current CHR single, “Believer,” from their latest acclaimed release Satisfied, has just hit the Top 20 R&R chart this week, garnering four new adds and over 172,000 impressions. The first rock single from the new release, “Better Man,” received the #2 most increased plays this week nationwide and was #1 on the New & Active chart for the week. “Better Man” has been on the New & Active chart for seven weeks.
"’Better Man’ is a great song - one of the better rocking tracks this year,” stated Bob Felberg, music director/program director of New Creation Radio in Myrtle Beach, SC, "It stampedes out of the speakers with a message of encouragement and strength!”
DecembeRadio is currently headlining a tour that also features bands Ruth (Tooth & Nail Records) and Sevenglory (7 Spin Music) as well as speaker Billy Wayne. The tour runs through North Carolina, New York, Maine, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa and South Carolina.
** Teaming up with Flicker Records’ Nevertheless and Word Entertainments’ Remedy Drive, INO Records’ The Afters are bringing music and Christmas cheer as the headliner for the 12 Days of Christmas tour. The tour will make stops in nine cities starting Dec. 2. Tour dates listed below, subject to change.
** Adding to an already impressive list of TV exposure, The Afters’ “Keeping Me Alive” was recently used in promotion for FOX’s “The Secret Millionaire.” The new inspirational show sends millionaires undercover into the most impoverished neighborhoods in America and documents their investment in those less fortunate. “Keeping Me Alive” is off of The Afters’ sophomore project Never Going Back to Ok.
** The Afters’ new music video for “Never Going Back to Ok” will have its world premiere on Gospel Music Channel on Dec. 9. Get a sneak preview of the new video at, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onUWK9kTfAo
“Never Going Back to Ok” entered the Billboard Top 200 at #41 and the Contemporary Christian SoundScan charts at #1 selling 15,856 units. In digital sales, the project entered at #1 for Christian SoundScan album and track sales plus hit as high as #14 on the iTunes® overall digital chart and #4 on their digital Rock chart. “We Are The Sound” from the new record was also used in promotion for last season’s American Idol with the viral video for “MySpace Girl” being featured on E! News, Seventeen.com and TV Guide Channel’s website. Songs from “Never Going Back to Ok” were also used on the Rachael Ray show and Grey’s Anatomy as well as on Dr. Phil. Releasing their debut project “I Wish We All Could Win” in 2005, the hit single from that project “Beautiful Love” was awarded with an mtvU Award for Best Streaming that Video in 2005. The Afters were awarded the Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” (2006). The foursome composed of Josh Havens, Matt Fuqua, Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, met while working at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas.
# # #
www.theafters.com
myspace.com/theafters
* All Below tour dates, subject to change, for most updated dates go to www.theafters.com or myspace.com/theafters
Dec. 2 Indianapolis, IN Ransburg Auditorium
Dec. 3 Dallas City, IL Dallas City High School
Dec. 4 Columbus, OH Brown Road Community Church
Dec. 5 Orion, MI The District
Dec. 6 Richmond, IN First Assembly of God
Dec. 7 Bourbonnais,IL College Church of the Nazarene
Dec. 10 Decatur, AL Wesley Memorial United Methodist
Dec. 12 Lafeyette, LA Café Chi Alpha
Dec. 13 Dallas, TX Live at Moka
GRAMMY-nominated,
progressive rock band Leeland will be hitting the road with
Jars of Clay for the LOVE CAME DOWN: A CHRISTMAS PAGEANT tour.
The bands will be joined by the recently reunited Sixpence None The Richer,
along with Sara Groves as they embark on a 13-city tour filled with holiday
songs and stories in celebration of the Christmas season.
Catch LOVE CAME DOWN: A
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT on the following dates:
Dec
4
Montgomery, AL @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center
Dec
5
Longwood, FL @ Northland Church
Dec
6
Pompano Beach, FL @ Pompano Beach Amphitheatre
Dec
7
Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Echerd Hall
Dec
13
Grand Rapids, MI @ Sunshine Church
Dec
14
Merrillville, IN @ Star Plaza Theatre
Dec
17
Glenside, PA @Keswick Theatre
Dec
18
Plymouth, MA @ Memorial Hall
Dec
19
Lewiston, ME @ Androscoggin Bank Coliseum
Dec
20 Long
Island City, NY @ Evangel Church
Dec
21
Harrisburg, PA @ Whitaker Center for the Science and Arts
(Nashville, Tenn.) October 27th, 2008 – Relient K and House of Heroes bring their musical festive tidings to this year’s Christmas season on November 18th via digital music stores with three brand new holiday songs and an animated music video from Relient K, as well as label mates House of Heroes offering up their rendition of the classic “Silent Night”.
The three songs from Relient K will include “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Holy Night,” and “Silver Bells,” with an animated music video for the song “Sleigh Ride” coming as well. The Christmas anthems will be added to the platinum-selling band’s 2007 album, Let It Snow, Baby…Let It Reindeer, and upon purchasing online the customer will given a unique code and directions to download the additional three tunes. Fans can also anticipate extra gifts from Relient K upon purchase, including exclusive photos, downloadable wrapping paper, and a few other bonuses.
House of Heroes brings their powerhouse pop sound to “Silent Night” which is also available at all online music outlets on November 18th. The band, whose most recent album The End Is Not The End was delivered via digital stores, has seen an incredible response with the release making it to the #6 spot on the iTunes rock chart and #42 on the overall chart, with a #1 radio hit single and over 1 million plays on their MySpace page.
Relient K, who has toured with the likes of Switchfoot and Good Charlotte, has a GRAMMY nod, and three RIAA-certified Gold albums to their credit. The pop-punk band has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” with their video for “Must Have Done Something Right” receiving airplay on mtvU, MTV Hits, FUSE's "Steven's Untitled Rock Show," Nickelodeon's The N, IMF and Music Choice. Relient K is comprised of lead singer/guitarist/pianist Matt Thiessen, lead guitarist Matt Hoopes, drummer Ethan Luck, bassist John Warne and guitarist Jon Schneck.
House of Heroes’ discography includes a 2005 self-titled debut and the re-release Say No More in 2006. Prior to signing a record deal with Mono Vs Stereo/Gotee, the band released an indie project What You Want Is Now (2002) to much critical acclaim and a large grassroots following. On the tour front, House of Heroes has opened up for the likes of Filter, Silverchair, Relient K, and MxPx, as well as full-blown tours with acts including Spoken, The Evan Anthem, Last Tuesday, Dropping Daylight, Love Arcade, and Kids In The Way. The band is Columbus-Ohio natives Tim Skipper (guitar/lead vocals), A.J Babcock (bass/vocals), Colin Rigsby (drums/vocals), and Jared Rigsby (guitar/vocals).
(NASHVILLE, TN) OCTOBER 3, 2008 -- Celebrated singer/songwriter and author Andrew Peterson recently announced dates for his highly anticipated and critically acclaimed Christmas tour, which features special guests and friends Bebo Norman, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Andrew Osenga, Todd Bragg, Garett Buell, Cason Cooley, Gabe Scott and Ben Shive. This euphonic event features Peterson’s acclaimed Christmas song cycle, Behold The Lamb Of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ. The tour begins December 2nd in Elkhorn, NE, which will mark the 9th year that Peterson and friends have taken their Christmas concert on the road. A complete list of cities and dates can be found at www.andrew-peterson.com.
Nine years ago, Peterson composed his musical rendition of the Christmas story to remind people of the holiday’s true significance. Since then, he and a remarkable band have performed the songs each holiday season to sold-out crowds nationwide, as well as a highlighted performance in Peterson’s hometown of Nashville, TN at the famed Ryman Auditorium. Past events have featured such artists as Alison Krauss, Buddy Miller, David Wilcox, Phil Keaggy, Mindy Smith, Pierce Pettis, Matt Slocum and members of Nickel Creek, who have joined Peterson for an in-the-round segment of original material before gathering on stage to perform his musical, Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ.
Responding to demand from fans of his Christmas concert, in 2004, Peterson recorded the songs on an album titled Behold the Lamb of God. The album received the 2004 Best Album of the Year, World Christian Music’s Editors Choice Award.
Peterson has long been known for his intricate songwriting and transparent candor on stage, often drawing comparisons to predecessor Rich Mullins. While signed to Watershed/Essential Records from 1999 to early 2004, Peterson recorded three national releases including his award-winning Carried Along, which featured the top ten radio single, “Nothing to Say,” and a Dove Award nomination for his song “Family Man” from his 2003 release Love & Thunder. Since completing his last album, The Far Country, independently, Peterson recently signed on with Centricity Music for the Resurrection Letters, Volume II release, which will be available on October 21st.
Peterson also released his ?rst novel in 2008 entitled On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness through WaterBrook Press. Full of fast-paced storytelling, fanciful songs and poems, hilarious asides, and characters rich in heart, courage, and smarts, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, launches a highly- anticipated series of fantasy novels that readers of all ages will treasure, enjoy reading aloud, and use in stirring book group discussion. Peterson also released his ?rst children's book entitled The Ballad of Matthew's Begats in October 2007 through Thomas Nelson.
For more information on Peterson, his tour, music and books, please visit www.andrew-peterson.com or www.myspace.com/andrewpetersonmusic.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 6, 2008 – GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-Platinum selling artist Michael W. Smith will celebrate this holiday season with the 16-show “It’s A Wonderful Christmas Tour.” Featuring “American Idol” alum Melinda Doolittle as special guest, the tour kicks off Nov. 29, in Youngstown, Ohio and will hit major markets like Dallas, St. Paul, Spokane, Portland and more before it concludes in Phoenix on Dec. 19.
The Associated Press calls Smith’s Christmas music “cinematic,” and this tour will showcase exactly why he has become one of the most popular holiday performers in the music industry today. Each tour date will feature Smith with a full symphony orchestra, performing selections from his three Christmas albums including his acclaimed 2007 release, It’s A Wonderful Christmas.
“There is no greater thrill for me, as an artist, than to play with a symphony orchestra,” Smith explains. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I love Christmas music. My goal every night is to make sure everyone leaves in the Christmas spirit. Having Melinda Doolittle there certainly helps. Her voice is amazing. The Christmas shows really are special and I can’t wait to take the stage every night.”
“This is my second year to have the honor of being with Michael W. Smith on tour,” Doolittle adds. “I am head over heels with excitement. I can't even describe how amazing it is to sing with a full orchestra each night and to share the stage with Smitty. And to top it all off, it’s Christmas music that will pull on your heart strings, lighten your spirit and remind you of why we really celebrate this wonderful holiday!”
Smith’s holiday tour will come on the heels of a whirlwind fall, during which he has teamed up for the first time with fellow artist Steven Curtis Chapman for the highly-successful “United Tour” and prepares to release his 21st album, A New Hallelujah (Oct. 28). The anticipated new worship project was recorded live before more than 12,000 in attendance, with a 250-voice choir.
Tickets for “It’s A Wonderful Christmas Tour” are on sale now. For more information on that tour and “The United Tour,” go to www.michaelwsmith.com.
NASHVILLE, TN-- Sept. 29, 2008 --Amy Grant and Vince Gill will embark on a 15-date Christmas With Amy & Vince Tour Dec. 4, in Manchester, NH, and bring it home Dec. 22 and 23 with two shows in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium.
“The job of spreading Christmas cheer has simply gotten too big for Santa and Rudolph to do alone,” Gill explains. “So Amy and I are pitching in. Besides, these holiday tours have become our favorites.”
Grant agrees: “Christmas audiences are special. They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.”
In their two hour program of cherished standards and newer seasonal fare, the Grammy-winning husband-and-wife team will be backed by a 12-piece band that features a horn section and two harmony singers, one of whom is Gill’s daughter, Jenny. “Some of our earlier Christmas tours were with a symphony orchestra,” Gill notes. “This time, though, we wanted to create more of an intimate, living room feel.” Plans are underway to work with local charities in order to give back to these communities.
On Sept. 30, Grant will release her first new Christmas album in nine years. Called The Christmas Collection, it is made up of selections from her three earlier Christmas CDs—plus four new tunes, including “Baby It’s Christmas,” a song Grant and Gill wrote together. Keeping with the festive mood, Grant will tape on Nov. 11 an NBC-TV special, Holiday Celebration On Ice. It co-stars Michael W. Smith and a corps of world-famous skating champions and will air Nov. 30.
One of the most beloved and respected performers in American music, Gill was inducted last year into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He is a long-time member of the Grand Ole Opry and winner of 19 Grammy awards. Gill boasts three best-selling Christmas albums of his own: Let There Be Peace On Earth, Breath Of Heaven and Christmas Collection.
Here are the dates, cities and venues for Christmas With Amy & Vince:
Dec. 4 Manchester, NH/Verizon Wireless Arena
Dec. 5 Augusta, ME/Augusta Civic Center
Dec. 6 West Point, NY/Eisenhower Hall Theatre
Dec. 7 Mashantucket, CT/MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods
Dec. 10 Baltimore, MD/Lyric Opera House
Dec. 11 Albany, NY/Times Union Center
Dec. 12 Worcester, MA/DCU Center
Dec. 13 Elmira, NY/First Arena
Dec. 15 Atlanta, GA/Fox Theatre
Dec. 16 Charlotte, NC/Ovens Auditorium
Dec. 18 Grand Rapids, MI/Van Andel Arena
Dec. 19 St. Louis, MO/Scottrade Center
Dec. 20 Bloomington, IL/US Cellular Colliseum
Dec. 22 & 23 Nashville, TN/Ryman Auditorium
(Nashville, Tenn.) September 2, 2008 – GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum artist Casting Crowns announces the forthcoming release of its first Christmas album titled Peace on Earth on Oct. 7. The top-selling artist’s premiere Christmas project follows up the last 12 months of landmark touring, radio and album sales success surrounding it’s RIAA certified Gold The Altar and The Door studio project, including last week’s debut of The Altar and The Door Live which exceeded both debut sales weeks for the band’s previous RIAA Platinum live projects Live From Atlanta (2004) and Lifesong Live (2006).
For Peace on Earth, Casting Crowns selects a song list pointing audiences towards rediscovering the worship in Christmas songs and encouraging listeners to connect with the original meaning in world-renowned classics that are truly worshipful in nature.
Mark Hall, frontman/ principal songwriter, says, “I want to see people rediscover the worship that Christmas songs have in them. A lot of times, when we sing carols, we sort of shift into Christmas carol mode—singing songs that we’ve been singing for so long, we might not be hearing what they’re really saying.”
Peace on Earth’s featured single “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” which features a Chattanooga, Tenn.-based boys choir personifying the bells, was originally penned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poetic lyrics document how hope emerged from a crisis of faith the writer experienced after he lost his wife in a house fire and soon saw his son crippled in the Civil War.
“He wrote about how every year when these Christmas bells ring, it reminds him that there’s peace on earth, good will toward men,” explains Hall. “But this time around, the reality of the world he lives in at that moment rushes in. The verses change, and suddenly he’s saying, ‘But there is no peace. There’s war, and there’s hate. And this hate mocks the song of the bells.’ He’s working through his understanding of Christmas. And as the bells keep ringing, he just has this moment when he realizes God is not dead, nor does He sleep. Good will prevail. God is going to save the day.” Hall adds, “This generation needs to hear this song. My kids need to hear this song.”
Peace on Earth also boasts moving renditions of “Silent Night” (Hall’s all-time favorite), “Joy to the World,” the Paul Baloche-penned “Christmas Offering,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” and “Away in a Manger” (as it originally appeared on 2005’s WOW Christmas). The album also includes the Amy Grant classic “God is With Us,” featuring shared lead vocal duties with keyboardist Megan Garrett and violinist Melodee DeVevo, and an instrumental in the form of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” highlighting DeVevo’s musical arrangements and entrancing violin.
In addition to the beloved Christmas faves on Peace on Earth, fans will also experience a popular Casting Crowns song in a new light. Unbeknownst to most, Hall originally wrote “While You Were Sleeping” as a Christmas song when he was in college. Thematically inspired by “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” the composition’s lyrics were eventually changed to make the song less “seasonal” before including it on Casting Crowns’ second platinum album, Lifesong. Now, to Hall’s delight, fans will hear the original version.
The aptly titled album emphasizes the relentless hope pervading Casting Crowns’ Christmas album. “How do you know there’s peace on earth?” asks Hall. “Jesus said, ‘They will know that you love Me by the way you love each other.’ And at one point, He even said, ‘They will know that I come from God by the way you love each other.’ As long as the people of God are here, there’s hope.”
Casting Crowns, who headlined the top-grossing Christian music tour of the ’07/’08 season selling 450,000 tickets in more than 80 cities, will headline the 14-city “Casting Crowns Christmas Celebration” with full orchestra and choir in November and December. The tour will also feature Natalie Grant, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, Avalon, Michael English, and pureNRG.
Casting Crowns with lead singer Mark Hall led the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards with seven wins including Group of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, and Song of the Year for its No. 1 hit “East to West.” The group’s third studio recording The Altar and The Door achieved an historical debut at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 chart with 130,000 first-week copies sold, making it the highest debut in America that week. The album sailed to RIAA Gold status in 10 weeks, securing Casting Crowns as the No.1 selling artist of 2007 on Billboard’s Christian/Gospel year-end chart.
Lead singer Mark Hall is a full-time youth pastor, serving his 17th year in youth ministry as a student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta. All seven band members remain active in student ministry in the Atlanta area and tour part-time around their local church duties. For more information on Casting Crowns and for concert listings, please visit www.castingcrowns.com.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Sept. 11, 2008—Christian music’s favorite songwriting duo, Shane & Shane releases its first-ever Christmas project, Glory In The Highest (A Christmas Record) on Oct. 14. The twosome will perform songs from its new album on a special holiday tour to select cities beginning early December.
Recorded at their own Spaceway Studios, the album, produced by Jason Hoard (Fee), also marks Shane Everett and Shane Barnard’s mix and engineering debut. Containing 11 total songs with a jazzy country/gospel flare, the disc includes eight classic Christmas favorites like “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” and “O Holy Night,” which will be serviced to radio, as well as three original songs including the title track and “Born To Die.” The complete track listing is as follows:
1. O Holy Night
2. O Come O Come Emmanuel
3. Away In A Manger
4. It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas
5. Born To Die *
6. Silent Night
7. White Christmas
8. Holiday *
9. Glory In The Highest *
10. O Come Let Us Adore Him
* Original recordings
“It really is the BEST time of the year,” says Shane Everett. “Shane and I are finally ready, after a decade of singing together, to take the Christmas carol plunge. We had a blast recording this project, and we hope our fans will enjoy it!”
Kicking off Dec. 3, Shane & Shane’s Christmas tour will visit 10 markets, including several dates in the duo’s native Texas. Joining Shane & Shane will be special guests Bethany Dillon, who accompanied Shane & Shane in studio to record background vocals on the song “It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas,” and Phil Wickham. For a complete list of tour dates, visit www.shaneandshane.com.
Shane Everett and Shane Barnard formed the duo, Shane & Shane, after meeting at Central Baptist Church in Killeen, Texas in the late 90’s. In December 2001, Shane & Shane signed with Inpop Records, home to such notable acts as newsboys, Superchick, Mat Kearney and others. Since then, the acoustic-guitar wielding pair has become a college-circuit favorite with six label releases to its credit, and countless hours logged on the road, including tours alongside Bethany Dillon, David Crowder Band and Robbie Seay Band, among others. In total, the band’s career sales exceed 420,00 units. For more information on Shane & Shane visit: www.shaneandshane.com or www.inpop.com.
(Nashville, TN) September 3, 2008 - Fervent Records' talented trio BarlowGirl is ready to spend this Christmas season with you, and many more to come, with their first holiday project, Home For Christmas. The CD is slated to release September 23rd, 2008.
Produced by long-time friend Otto Price (GRITS, dcTalk) and arranged by Price and BarlowGirl, Home For Christmas is a timeless recording of songs ideal for ushering in the holiday season. The eleven tracks, finely showcasing BarlowGirl's well-known seamless harmonies, offer full orchestral arrangements of Christmas favorites along with an original recording, "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)."
Before they even formed BarlowGirl, the rock trio - Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow - have dreamt of making an album of their favorite Christmas songs since their youth. Blessed with joyous family holiday memories from singing carols to baking cookies for neighbors, BarlowGirl knows firsthand Christmas is a special time of year to bring joy to others, to reach out and help provide for those in need. With each of the tracks found on Home For Christmas, there is no doubt they uniquely capture what the holiday season is all about, making this a classic compilation to enjoy for years to come.
Home For Christmas song listing:
1. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
2. Carol Of The Bells/Sing We Now Of Christmas
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas"
4. Hallelujah (Light Has Come)
5. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
6. What Child Is This?
7. Panis Angelicus
8. Angelic Proclamation (O Come All Ye Faithful/Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)
9. Go, Tell It On The Mountain
10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
In addition to their upcoming holiday release, BarlowGirl announced in July they are headlining their Million Voices Tour this fall, a unique 16+ market nationwide tour that will be sure to encourage concert-goers to speak hope, truth and love to others. Also continuing their partnership with Mercy Ministries - a program that provides young women hope and healing who are seeking freedom from life-controlling issues such as addictions, depression, eating disorders, and abuse - BarlowGirl will share with their audiences about the organization and encourage them to get involved. With the help of their fans, BarlowGirl has set a goal to raise $1,000,000 to build a new home for Mercy Ministries, whose waiting list is in the hundreds.
The Million Voices Tour starts September 10th and will run through mid-November. Joining the sisters on the tour is Jimmy Needham along with Brooke Barrettsmith. Tour dates are listed below and for the most updated tour information, please visit www.barlowgirl.com or www.myspace.com/barlowgirl. For more information about Mercy Ministries, visit www.mercyministries.org.
The Million Voices tour dates*:
9/12 The Woodlands, TX
9/13 Cleburne, TX
9/14 Waco, TX
9/16 Midland, TX
9/17 Los Cruces, NM
9/19 Parker, CO
9/20 Albuquerque, NM
9/21 Mesa, AZ
9/24 Oceanside, CA
9/25 Riverside, CA
9/26 Camarillo, CA
9/27 Bakersfield, CA
9/28 San Jose, CA
9/30 Redding, CA
10/2 Vancouver, WA
10/3 Wenatchee, WA
10/4 Spokane, WA
10/5 Kennewick, WA
10/7 Salt Lake City, UT
10/8 Casper, WY
10/9 Kearney, NE
10/11 Duluth, MN
10/12 Elgin, IL
10/23 Clarksville, TN
10/24 St. Louis, MO
10/25 Jonesboro, AR
10/26 Madison, AL
10/30 Sioux Falls, SD
10/31 Jamestown, ND
11/1 Minneapolis, MN
11/2 Iowa City, IA
11/6 Springfield, MO
11/7 Cincinnati, OH
11/8 Shippensburg, PA
11/9 Vineland, NJ
*Schedule subject to change. Please visit www.barlowgirl.com for the most updated tour schedule
(Nashville, Tenn.) September 2, 2008 – GRAMMY-winning,
multi-platinum artist Casting Crowns announces the forthcoming
release of its first Christmas album titled Peace on Earth on
Oct. 7. The top-selling artist’s premiere Christmas project follows up the
last 12 months of landmark touring, radio and album sales success surrounding
it’s RIAA certified Gold The Altar and The Door studio project,
including last week’s debut of The Altar and The Door Live which exceeded both debut sales weeks for
the band’s previous RIAA Platinum live projects Live From Atlanta
(2004) and Lifesong Live (2006).
For Peace on Earth, Casting Crowns selects a song list pointing
audiences towards rediscovering the worship in Christmas songs and encouraging
listeners to connect with the original meaning in world-renowned classics that
are truly worshipful in nature.
Mark Hall,
frontman/ principal songwriter, says, “I want
to see people rediscover the worship that Christmas songs have in them. A
lot of times, when we sing carols, we sort of shift into Christmas carol
mode—singing songs that we’ve been singing for so long, we might not be hearing
what they’re really saying.”
Peace on Earth’s featured single “I
Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” which features a Chattanooga, Tenn.-based
boys choir personifying the bells, was originally penned by Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow. The poetic lyrics document how hope emerged from a crisis of
faith the writer experienced after he lost his wife in a house fire and soon
saw his son crippled in the Civil War.
“He
wrote about how every year when these Christmas bells ring, it reminds him that
there’s peace on earth, good will toward men,” explains Hall. “But this time
around, the reality of the world he lives in at that moment rushes in. The
verses change, and suddenly he’s saying, ‘But there is no peace. There’s war,
and there’s hate. And this hate mocks the song of the bells.’ He’s working
through his understanding of Christmas. And as the bells keep ringing, he just
has this moment when he realizes God is not dead, nor does He sleep. Good will
prevail. God is going to save the day.” Hall adds, “This generation needs
to hear this song. My kids need to hear this song.”
Peace on Earth also boasts moving renditions of
“Silent Night” (Hall’s all-time favorite), “Joy to the World,” the Paul
Baloche-penned “Christmas Offering,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Sweet Little
Jesus Boy,” and “Away in a Manger” (as it originally appeared on 2005’s WOW
Christmas). The album also includes the Amy Grant classic “God is With
Us,” featuring shared lead vocal duties with keyboardist Megan Garrett and
violinist Melodee DeVevo, and an instrumental in the form of “O Come, O Come
Emmanuel” highlighting DeVevo’s musical arrangements and entrancing violin.
In addition to the beloved Christmas faves on Peace
on Earth, fans will also experience a popular
Casting Crowns song in a new light. Unbeknownst to most, Hall
originally wrote “While You Were Sleeping” as a Christmas song when he was in
college. Thematically inspired by “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” the
composition’s lyrics were eventually changed to make the song less “seasonal”
before including it on Casting Crowns’ second platinum album, Lifesong.
Now, to Hall’s delight, fans will hear the original version.
The aptly titled album emphasizes the relentless hope pervading Casting Crowns’
Christmas album. “How do you know there’s peace on earth?” asks Hall. “Jesus
said, ‘They will know that you love Me by the way you love each other.’ And at
one point, He even said, ‘They will know that I come from God by the way you
love each other.’ As long as the people of God are here, there’s hope.”
Casting
Crowns, who headlined the top-grossing Christian music tour of the ’07/’08
season selling 450,000 tickets in more than 80 cities, will headline the
14-city “Casting Crowns Christmas Celebration” with full orchestra and choir in
November and December. The tour will also feature Natalie Grant, Denver &
the Mile High Orchestra, Avalon, Michael English, and pureNRG.
Casting Crowns with
lead singer Mark Hall led the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards with seven
wins including Group of the Year for the fourth consecutive
year, and Song of the Year for its No. 1 hit “East to
West.” The group’s third studio recording The Altar and The
Door achieved an historical debut at No. 2 on The Billboard
200 chart with 130,000 first-week copies sold, making it the highest debut
in America that week. The album sailed to RIAA Gold status in 10 weeks,
securing Casting Crowns as the No.1 selling artist of 2007 on Billboard’s
Christian/Gospel year-end chart.
Lead
singer Mark Hall is a full-time youth pastor, serving his 17th year
in youth ministry as a student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church
in Atlanta. All seven band members remain active in student ministry in the
Atlanta area and tour part-time around their local church duties. For more
information on Casting Crowns and for concert listings, please visit www.castingcrowns.com.
(Nashville,
Tenn.) August 21, 2008 – Multi-platinum and GRAMMY winning Third Day
is set to release its Christmas Offerings DVD October 7, 2008,
a fourth work in its acclaimed Offerings worship series, which has
scanned numbers approaching the 2.5 million unit mark, to date. Recorded live
during the band’s 2007 “Christmas Offerings” Tour, the live concert Christmas
Offerings DVD features a unique blend of Christmas classics, originals and
some of Third Day’s most well known worship songs. The live concert DVD is sure
to bring the spirit of the Christmas season, as seen and heard through the live
experience of the remarkable Third Day, into homes everywhere.
Third
Day’s lead singer Mac Powell shares, “We are so excited to have this
opportunity to share the special and intimate moments of a Christmas-centered
Third Day concert performance with our fans everywhere. The Offerings
series has become such a special part of who we are as a band, and with the Christmas
Offerings DVD, we really hope to reflect the hope of Christmas, one of the
most special times of the year to all of us in Third Day.”
The Christmas
Offerings DVD includes the following live performances (subject to
change): “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “King of Glory,”
“Born In Bethlehem,” “What Child Is This?,” “Christmas Like A Child,” “Show Me
Your Glory,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “Your Love Oh Lord,” “Merry
Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Jesus, Light of Wonder,” “God of Wonders” and
“Creed.”
Third
Day’s Offerings series comprises the following four projects: Offerings
I, Offerings II, Christmas Offerings and the soon-to-be-released Christmas
Offerings DVD (10/7/08).
MikesChair is offering a free download on their
myspace page of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
The countdown is on. The Christmas Tour with Steven Curtis Chapman and Mercy Me kicks off the day after Thanksgiving. Steven’s new Christmas album release ALL I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS is in stores now. And now also available, the general public can secure tickets to SCC's first ever Christmas concerts, The Christmas Tour with Steven and Mercy Me. Don't miss this very special evening of Christmas classics and new holiday memories. Check the tour page at StevenCurtisChapman.com site for all the latest tour information.
Spreading the word about the tour. Click here to enjoy an e-card on the tour, and send it on to friends to invite them to join you. It’s the first Christmas show for each of these incredible artists... and this may be your only chance to see Steven Curtis Chapman and Mercy Me together.
