SEATTLE, WA...September 4, 2009...In one week, BEC Recordings' artist Jeremy Camp will head out on his first headlining tour in two years with Natalie Grant and label-mate Bebo Norman. The "Speaking Louder Than Before" tour kicks off on Thursday, September 10th in Panama City, FL and will continue across the nation until November 21st.
Gospel Music Channel (GMC) is partnering with Camp and this Christian music powerhouse line-up as the official media sponsor of the tour. Gospel Music Channel will promote the tour and present exclusive updates both on-air and online at (http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com). Tune in weekdays from 8 AM to Noon Eastern to GMC's morning show Joyful Noise Café, for the latest news on the "Speaking Louder Than Before" Tour.
As part of a Gospel Music Channel special Labor Day promotion, tickets will be available for $15 beginning on Saturday, September 5th, through Jeremy Camp's website. The $15 tickets will run until Wednesday, September 9th, while supplies last. Fans who haven't yet purchased tickets or those that want to bring a friend can purchase their tickets on Jeremy's homepage.
The message behind this tour is clear: to start "Speaking Louder Than Before." To get fans excited about getting involved locally, there is a local ministry outlet in many of the tour markets with Camp's Speaking Louder Ministries. For example, at the first night of the tour, concert goers are asked to bring spaghetti sauce, noodles, canned fruit or soup to the show for Soaring Ministry Food Pantry. To learn about other opportunities to get involved during this tour, visit the ministry homepage (www.speakinglouderministries.com). This 30+ city tour will make a huge impact in each market and with Gospel Music Channel partnering along with tour sponsor Compassion International, the reach is even greater.
NEW YORK, February 18, 2009 – The Gospel Music Channel (GMC) will broadcast the world premiere of the 2009 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel special Sunday, February 22 at 8 p.m. EST as part of the channel’s celebration of Black History Month. Co-hosted by Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling star Kirk Franklin and BMI’s Catherine Brewton, the event honoring pacesetters Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence, and CeCe Winans features inspired live performances from a selection of contemporary stars and gospel powerhouses including Lalah Hathaway, Kim Burrell, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Donald Lawrence, LeJuene Thompson, Arnette Murrill Crooms, Israel Houghton, and Tommy Simms.
Each Trailblazers gala is an invitation-only luncheon, and GMC’s look inside offers the first public access to this must-see celebration of gospel music’s finest. Encores of the special will air Sunday 11:00 p.m. and Monday, February 23 at 10:30 p.m., EST.
Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark has enthralled listeners for decades, both through her acclaimed solo work and leadership of gospel’s royal family, The Clark Sisters. A skilled musician dubbed “Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ,” Clark also wields aerobatic vocals only matched by her sublime knack for composition. Clark boasts two Grammys, and in addition to penning staples for The Clark Sisters, she has composed songs for artists including Rev. James Cleveland, Al Green, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, Esther Smith, James Moss, Dave Hollister, Xscape, and Mary J. Blige. Legendary BMI gospel songwriter Twinkie Clark was recently recognized alongside her sisters at the 2007 Stellar Awards, where the influential group received the award for Most Noted Achievement.
As a producer, BMI songwriter, choir director, and singer, Donald Lawrence’s influence on contemporary gospel music is unparalleled. His starkly original work with the multiple award-winning Tri-City Singers first revealed a rare and innovative artist capable of musical brilliance and authentic Christian praise, while his work as a producer emboldened projects by gospel icons including fellow honoree Twinkie Clark, Kirk Franklin, and Karen Clark Sheard. The recipient of numerous BMI Christian and Stellar Awards, Lawrence has also penned songs for The Clark Sisters, the Tri-City Singers, his own well-received solo projects, and more. His growing catalog includes 2007 BMI Christian Award-winning “Blessing of Abraham” and “Encourage Yourself,” both recorded by Lawrence with the Tri-City Singers.
CeCe Winans’ career has generated a trove of top-shelf industry accolades comprising numerous Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Awards. Her work with her brother in duo BeBe & CeCe Winans expanded the boundaries of gospel music and welcomed new listeners into its fold, while her solo projects reintroduced an artist comfortable with evolution and the spotlight. A BMI songwriter for more than 20 years, Winans has created a thick catalog of compositions including BMI Christian Award-winning song “Say a Prayer,” “Addictive Love,” “Well Alright,” “Pray,” and many more. Gold- and platinum-selling albums bejewel her résumé, and her latest effort Thy Will Be Done promises more acclaim.
Gospel Music Channel is the nation's first and only 24/7 television network devoted to Gospel/Christian music and can be seen in more than 40 million homes on various cable systems and nationwide on DIRECTV on channel 338.
For complete GMC's Black History Month schedule visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com/schedule <http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/schedule> .
December 17, 2008 - HearItFirst.com, host of the official Winter Jam site at www.HearItFirst.com/WinterJam and at www.jamtour.com, announces the Winter Jam 2009 artist roster and tour dates.
Winter Jam 2009’s updated roster is headlined by the “GMA Artist Of The Year 2008” tobyMac, with special guests Hawk Nelson “GMA New Artist Of The Year 2008” Brandon Heath, Francesca Battistelli, the Precious Girls Club Pre-Jam Party with pureNRG, and Gotee Recording artist, Stephanie Smith. Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning NewSong will host the high-energy event for the 14th consecutive year, with special guest speaker Tony Nolan. Family Force 5, The Afters and Barlow Girl will also play select dates.
HearItFirst.com, the definitive online destination for the Christian music fan, and Gospel Music Channel, television’s only 24 hour a day Christian Music Network, are excited to announce the Winter Jam 09 Tour Spectacular Spiff Your Space! contest. Co-sponsors of the contest include ConversantLife.com, Parable Christian Stores and Thomas Nelson Publishers.
The Grand Prize winner in the Spiff Your Space! contest will win a room full of the best electronics and gadgets on the market today. The Grand Prize package includes a MacBook 13” Computer, a Flat Panel 32” Television, an Xbox 360 and an iPod Touch 8GB. More detailed entry information, additional promotions and more prizes will be announced before Winter Jam hits the road in January 2009. To enter and obtain official rules check out www.hearitfirst.com/win starting January 6.
The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular 2009 runs from January 8th until March 15th, and is Christian music’s largest annual musical tour. Now in its 14th year, Winter Jam 2009 promises to be the biggest and brightest year ever, appearing in arena venues in 35 markets.
With the current economic environment, Winter Jam 2009 projects increased attendance as their recession-proof “no tickets” policy continues to allow consumers to simply pay $10 at the door for admission with no advance ticket sales.
This strategy resulted in sold out arenas in 2008, with total paid attendance of 311,836 with an average nightly attendance of 9,172. This accomplishment was not missed as Winter Jam was the fourth ranked tour on Pollstar’s 2008 First Quarter Ticket Sales Chart, topping other music tours including Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, The Police and Foo Fighters.
WINTER JAM TOUR SPECTACULAR 2009 TOUR DATES:
8-Jan Roanoke VA-Roanoke Civic Center
9-Jan Chattanooga TN - UTC McKenzie Arena
10-Jan Fayetteville NC-Crown Coliseum
11-Jan Charlotte NC-Time Warner Cable Arena
15-Jan Augusta, GA - James Brown Arena
16-Jan Tallahassee FL-Leon County Civic Center
17-Jan Tampa, FL - Sun Dome
18-Jan Macon GA - Macon Coliseum
23-Jan Peoria, IL - Peoria Civic Center
24-Jan Des Moines, IA - Veterans Memorial Auditorium
25-Jan St. Charles, MO - Family Arena
29-Jan Cincinnati, OH - Cincinnati Gardens
30-Jan Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center
31-Jan Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
5-Feb Southaven, MS - DeSoto Civic Center
6-Feb Little Rock, AR - ALLTEL Arena
7-Feb Birmingham, AL - BJCC Arena
8-Feb Duluth, GA - Arena at Gwinnett Center
13-Feb Greenville, SC - BI-LO Center
14-Feb Jacksonville, FL - Veterans Memorial Arena
15-Feb Mobile, AL - USA Mitchell Center
20-Feb Columbia, SC - Colonial Life Center
21-Feb Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum
22-Feb Norfolk, VA - Norfolk Scope Arena
26-Feb Oklahoma City, OK - Ford Center
27-Feb Tulsa, OK - Mabee Center
28-Feb Wichita, KS - Charles Koch Arena
1-Mar Council Bluffs, IA - Mid-America Center
6-Mar Knoxville, TN - Thompson-Boling Arena
7-Mar Lexington, KY - Rupp Arena
8-Mar Tupelo, MS - BancorpSouth Center
12-Mar Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
13-Mar Ft. Wayne, IN - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
14-Mar Ypsilanti, MI - EMU Convocation Center
15-Mar Nashville, TN - Sommet Center
ABOUT HEARITFIRST.COM
HearItFirst.com is the best in class, definitive online destination for the Christian music fan. Filled with rich content covering the entire Christian music industry, HIF boasts a membership of over 1872,000 users, and hosts an array of features on the site, including Exclusive Content Rich Media – videos, photos & audio streams, Genre Sections, Artist Pages, News, New Releases, Store, Tour Information, Community and Blogs. HearItFirst.com is THE destination for Christian music enthusiasts to connect within a fan community to enjoy the newest and most exclusive content and information about their favorite
*Grammy®-nominated and Dove-Award winning band Skillet has a lot to be grateful for this holiday season as they have been named R&R’s Top CHR Artist of the Year for 2008. On top of that, since R&R began publishing Christian Radio charts, Skillet has garnered more #1 songs from one recording (COMATOSE/Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO) than any other artist in the industry, with their 6 consecutive hits, “Rebirthing,” “The Last Night,” “Comatose,” “Older,” “Those Nights” and “Whispers in the Dark.”
*This weekend also finds Gospel Music Channel world premiering an exclusive version of Skillet’s new, critically-acclaimed live CD/DVD project, COMATOSE COMES ALIVE. The show will air tomorrow, December 5th, at 10pm ET nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel. For a sneak peak at the spot, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZTe7Jf7jkU
TOBYMAC
Alive & Transported Television premiere
Gospel Music Channel
Friday, December 5th 9PM EST / 8pm CST / 6pm PST
Tune in to the Gospel Music Channel this Friday, December 5th at 9pm ET / 6pm
PT to see Tobymac’s Alive and Transported concert video. Don’t miss this
explosive live concert and hear all of Toby’s biggest hits including “Made to
Love”, “Lose My Soul”, “Boomin” and many more!
More details:
http://gospelmusicchannel.com/shows/frontrowlive
NASHVILLE (October 21, 2008) – The Gospel Music Channel television network will become the exclusive first-run cable home for The Stellar Awards, the premier Gospel event that recognizes and honors Gospel artists, as part of a new multi-year licensing agreement with Central City Productions (CCP) and Don Jackson, CCP CEO and Stellar Awards executive producer.
Beginning in 2009, Gospel Music Channel will premiere The Stellar Awards on Sunday, March 1 after it’s first broadcast syndication window run. Under the new agreement, Gospel Music Channel also will debut a new, CCP-produced series “The Best of the Stellars.” The GMC-exclusive 10-episode series will spotlight the most memorable moments, performances and interviews from the first 23 years of The Stellar Awards. Hosted by gospel great Vickie Winans, “The Best of the Stellars” will begin production this fall and premiere on GMC in April 2009.
“Gospel Music Channel is now the home for the most prestigious award shows in Gospel/Christian music: The Stellar Awards and The GMA Dove Awards,” commented GMC vice chairman Brad Siegel. “We’re thrilled to have The Stellars and the ‘Best of’ series and we look forward to being a television partner with Don and CCP for many years to come.”
“Gospel Music Channel has become the number one television destination for gospel music fans so it is fitting that The Stellars will now be seen on GMC,” commented Jackson. “Gospel Music Channel’s amazing growth will help make The Stellar Awards more accessible to more viewers around the country. We look forward to the Stellars’ presence on GMC year round, starting with today’s announcement.”
Gospel Music Channel (http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com) is the nation’s first and only all music television network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is Gospel/Christian music. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems and nationwide on DIRECTV.
The Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. (CCP) produces the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. It has been 23 years since the first awards show was taped at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. The Stellar Awards has now become the premier Gospel event that recognizes and honors African American artists. This one of a kind show has showcased top Gospel artists as well as many television and film stars. The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is produced by Barbara Wilson for Central City Productions. Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions is a Producer, Syndicator and Distributor of original programming on television and cable networks
(Nashville, Tenn.) June 20, 2008 - Gospel Music Channel’s premiere Listen Up artist, Fireflight, rocks out, up close and personal, Saturday night at 9:00pm EST on the network’s primetime full-hour concert series “Front Row Live.” The program will feature the Orlando-based rock band’s high-energy live show with songs from its sophomore album Unbreakable, plus a rare acoustic set including the current AC radio single “Brand New Day” and “Wrapped In Your Arms.” “Front Row Live” gives the viewer a front-row seat at some of the biggest concerts in the world from the comfort of your living room.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) June 4, 2008 –Newworldson’s debut music video “Working Man” is currently No. 1 on the Gospel Music Channel Top 30 video chart for a second consecutive week. Newworldson is also the network’s current LISTEN UP! artist, receiving extensive promotion both on-air and online.
The Top 30 chart ranks Gospel Music Channel’s most played videos across all formats, including rock, pop, country, and soul. Newworldson’s versatile sound has made “Working Man” a multi-format hit, receiving the most overall airplay. The complete chart can be viewed online at www.gospelmusicchannel.com/artists/charts.
Jerry Williams, director of programming, scheduling and acquisitions for Gospel Music Channel, comments, “I haven’t been this excited about a new act in more than 10 years. Newworldson wears you out live, and they have captured that energy in the video ‘Working Man.’ We’re thrilled that the video has reached No. 1 and look for more great things from them in the months to come.”
Newworldson was additionally chosen by Gospel Music Channel as its current LISTEN UP! artist, an aggressive promotional campaign that features the best in new and emerging talent. Newworldson’s music is being highlighted through a heavy mix of on-air and online content, including graphics and tags; dedicated on-line destinations and information; VOD features; and other strategic exposure. Most recently, the band was a featured musical guest on the network’s hour-long, weekly variety program “The Kitchen Sink,” which aired May 17 @ 8:00 pm EST.
Featuring an energetic blend of pop, soul, and gospel, Newworldson, comprising singer-songwriter Joel Parisien, drummer Mark Rogers, bassist Rich Moore and guitarist/vocalist Josh Toal, released its national label debut, Salvation Station, on Feb. 12, 2008. The album received high marks from Christian music critics, including industry trade publication Christian Retailing which wrote “If this album isn’t at least nominated for a GRAMMY next year, it will be a shocking omission—it’s just that good” and ChristianityToday.com who gave the record its first five-star review of 2008.
In addition to rave reviews, the band earned a spot on newsboys fall 2007/spring 2008 “GO” tour, and Newworldson has been invited to perform at countless high-profile events such as Munce Marketing’s eastern regional sales conference, Compassion International’s leadership summit, and the CBA International Christian Retail Show’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony in July. This summer Newworldson will also make appearances at Cornerstone, Spirit West Coast and Kingdom Bound, among other festivals. For more information, visit www.newworldson.com or www.myspace.com/newworldson.
Tune in to Gospel Music Channel’s “Kitchen Sink” this Saturday at 7:00PM CST/ 8:00PM EST for an inside look at the upcoming “Music Builds” tour featuring Third Day, Switchfoot, Robert Randolph and Jars of Clay. For more information on the tour, please visit: www.musicbuildstour.com.
Orlando-based rock band Fireflight has been named Gospel Music Channel’s first Listen Up artist of the month, adding to the recent flurry of media activity surrounding the launch of the band’s highly-acclaimed sophomore album Unbreakable. Throughout April on GMC, fans will experience 360 degrees of access to Fireflight through customized on-air spots, a world premiere of the anticipated “Unbreakable” music video this weekend on March 29, plus online exclusive interviews, performances and special features. Other appearances include a performance on the network’s weekly series “The Kitchen Sink,” and Fireflight will rock its own Front Row Live installment of GMC’s nightly concert series airing early summer. Also amplifying Fireflight’s profile this week is the Billboard magazine feature story titled “Big Breaks for Fireflight,” on stands now (March 29 issue). The album debuted at No. 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and No. 15 on Top Christian Albums, while the title track, which initially debuted in promos for NBC’s “Bionic Woman,” is No. 23 this week on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart. The hit also jumps up to No. 5 this week on R&R’s CHR chart.
(Nashville, Tenn.) March 25, 2008—Orlando-based rock band Fireflight has been named Gospel Music Channel’s first Listen Up artist of the month, adding to the recent flurry of media activity surrounding the launch of the band’s highly-acclaimed sophomore album Unbreakable. Throughout April on GMC, fans will experience 360 degrees of access to Fireflight through customized on-air spots, a world premiere of the anticipated “Unbreakable” music video on March 29, plus online exclusive interviews, performances and special features. Other appearances include a performance on the network’s weekly series “The Kitchen Sink,” and Fireflight will rock its own Front Row Live installment of GMC’s nightly concert series airing early summer.
Paul E. Butler, Vice President of Business Development for GMC, states, “We’re so excited to be launching this campaign with Fireflight, and its label Flicker Records. Fireflight is an emerging artist, with great label support, an active and passionate fan-base, making great records. These are the types of artists we want to support through Listen Up and introduce to our viewers.”
Also amplifying Fireflight’s profile this week is the Billboard magazine feature story titled “Big Breaks for Fireflight,” on stands now (March 29 issue). The album debuted at No. 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and No. 15 on Top Christian Albums, while the title track, which initially debuted in promos for NBC’s “Bionic Woman,” is No. 23 this week on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart. The hit also jumps up to No. 5 this week on R&R’s CHR chart.
Gospel Music Channel (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) is the nation’s first and only 24/7 all music television network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is gospel/Christian music. Gospel Music Channel can be seen in nearly 40 million homes around the country on various cable systems and on DIRECTV. GMC’s Listen Up— mirrored after successful programs such as VH1’s “You Oughta Know” and MTV’s “Buzzworthy”— showcases emerging artists extensively across the network’s television and on-line platforms, as well as at key industry and network events.
Fireflight debuted nationally with 2006’s The Healing of Harms (Flicker Records) which delivered two No. 1 rock singles “You Decide” and “Waiting.” The band’s break-out follow up album Unbreakable released March 4 to stellar 5-star reviews and the title track secured the No. 1 spot at Christian rock radio for 4 weeks. Fireflight’s music has been featured on NBC’s “Bionic Woman,” E! Entertainment’s “Style Network” and in music-video reels at both American Eagle and Journey’s stores across the country. For more than eight years, Fireflight has remained tireless road warriors on the concert circuit averaging 140 shows a year. Fireflight is: Dawn Richardson, lead vocals; Justin Cox, guitar; Glenn Drennen, guitar; Wendy Drennen, bass; and Phee Shorb, drums.
To join Fireflight’s new interactive online Unbreakable community, visit www.iamunbreakable.com; and for more information on Fireflight, please visit www.myspace.com/fireflight, www.fireflightrock.com and GMC’s Listen Up page http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/ListenUp.
The Gospel Music Channel will have the exclusive national broadcast of the 2007 GMA Dove Awards, which were held earlier this year in Nashville. The Doves is gospel music’s biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the Gospel Music Association (GMA) bestows gospel’s highest honor -- the Dove Award.
The 38th GMA Annual Dove Awards on Gospel Music Channel will premiere on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) and on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 12 p.m. (ET). The Doves will have multiple re-broadcasts throughout the month of November. Check
www.gospelmusicchannel.com for schedule.
The more than 30 artists who received Dove Awards reflect the rich and colorful tapestry of gospel/Christian music’s unique embrace of all styles of music. The celebration extended to newcomers and veterans and included Chris Tomlin, Aaron Shust, Alan Jackson, Jars of Clay, Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, The Crabb Family, The Oak Ridge Boys, and even Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from VeggieTales.
And, while the awards are the reason for the show, music performances definitely take center stage at the Dove Awards. During the two-hour show hosted by Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell, Female Artist of the Year Natalie Grant and gospel great Donnie McClurkin, some of gospel music’s hottest and most diverse artists perform at Music City’s famed Grand Ole Opry House.
Fifteen music performances featuring 25 different artists including the evenings’ top Dove recipients Chris Tomlin and Aaron Shust, along with tobyMac, Mandisa, Kirk Franklin, Take 6, the Caravans, The Crabb Family with Jonathan Butler, MercyMe, Stellar Kart, Kirk Whalum, Brian Littrell, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mac Powell (of Third Day), Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns), DecembeRadio, Family Force 5, Leeland, Red and Brian Free & Assurance. Some of the presenters included Brenda Lee, Michael W. Smith, KJ-52, Ayiesha Woods, Nichole Nordeman, Nicole C. Mullen, Rebecca St. James, child actor Grayson Russell, and Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts punter Hunter Smith.
Al Green and Shirley Caesar will share the Gospel Music Channel stage in the very special Night of Legends Presented by Allstate event on Sunday, September 23.
Night of Legends Presented by Allstate begins at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) with the Gospel Music Channel premiere of The Gospel According to Al Green. The Sundance Film Festival-nominated documentary, directed by famed documentary filmmaker Robert Mugge, presents Rev. Green’s inspired singing as well as the story of his life in his own words – first chronicling his conversion experience after a concert at Disneyland and then reliving his new life at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis, Tenn. The 90-minute documentary also features footage from one of his concerts in Washington D.C. and includes scenes of Al performing a musical sermon.
Green then cedes the spotlight to another gospel great Shirley Caesar for in the world premiere of Faith & Fame: Shirley Caesar at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Caesar tells her story in her own words, taking viewers inside her world to see the family and inspirations that brought her to renowned fame and distinction as the queen of gospel music.
The special show is the latest episode in GMC’s original series biography series Faith & Fame, which features gospel/Christian music artists sharing the stories of their lives, family, music and faith.
