One of the challenges that churches and Christian artists face is being relevant and breaking through the clutter. This church does a fine job of creating a 'viral' piece with nice production quality. One could argue that it needs more connection to the church, but it's an entertaining piece.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Michael W. Smith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels at Freedom Concert
Sean Hannity's Freedom Concerts are scheduled for this August, and Michael W. Smith and Charlie Daniels are on the bill again, with Lynyrd Skynyrd joining the production.
All net proceeds (after musical talent, production, promotion and venue expenses) from ticket sales are donated to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, which provide for the education of children of U.S. service members who have been killed or 100% permanently disabled in an operational mission or training accident.
The shows take place in New Jersey, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada and California.
Learn more here.
All net proceeds (after musical talent, production, promotion and venue expenses) from ticket sales are donated to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, which provide for the education of children of U.S. service members who have been killed or 100% permanently disabled in an operational mission or training accident.
The shows take place in New Jersey, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada and California.
Learn more here.
Michael W. Smith's Worship Goes Double Platinum
Michael W. Smith celebrates his first Double-Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his 2001 Worship album and Platinum certification for his 2002 Worship Again album. The Double-Platinum status signifies the distribution of more than 2 million copies and Platinum more than 1 million copies. Smith’s career sales approach 15 million with a new album set to release in September.
Smith has inspired millions with his music, and the RIAA certifications further testify to his popularity and impact as an artist. Throughout his distinguished career, the RIAA has certified 16 of Smith’s projects as Gold with sales of more than 500,000. Out of this list, six were later certified Platinum and one Double-Platinum.
Smith has inspired millions with his music, and the RIAA certifications further testify to his popularity and impact as an artist. Throughout his distinguished career, the RIAA has certified 16 of Smith’s projects as Gold with sales of more than 500,000. Out of this list, six were later certified Platinum and one Double-Platinum.
Court's Decision a Serious Setback for Freedom of Expression
The Supreme Court has ruled against a Christian campus group that sued after a California law school denied it official recognition because the student organization limits its core membership to those who share its beliefs on faith and marriage.
At issue was the conflict between a public university's anti-discrimination policies and a private group's freedom of religion and association.
In dissent, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, "I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that today's decision is a serious setback for freedom of expression in this country." He was supported by Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas.
Justice Anthony Kennedy was the swing vote in this contentious case.
At issue was the conflict between a public university's anti-discrimination policies and a private group's freedom of religion and association.
In dissent, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, "I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that today's decision is a serious setback for freedom of expression in this country." He was supported by Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas.
Justice Anthony Kennedy was the swing vote in this contentious case.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Afters' "Light Up The Sky" Featured On Final Season Of MTV's "The Hills" Tonight
The latest single from The Afters', "Light Up the Sky," will be used in the popular MTV show "The Hills" tonight. The show, in its final season, airs on MTV on Tuesday evenings at 10/9 central.
No stranger to television exposure, The Afters' music has also received placement in NBC's "Secrets of the Mountain" soundtrack, "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC), "8th & Ocean" (MTV), "Dr. Phil," "Army Wives" (Lifetime) and "Rachael Ray."
A digital EP from the band will release on July 13 and feature new songs "Light Up the Sky," "We Won't Give Up" and "Runaway." The band's third full-length album titled Light Up the Sky will release on Sept. 14.
No stranger to television exposure, The Afters' music has also received placement in NBC's "Secrets of the Mountain" soundtrack, "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC), "8th & Ocean" (MTV), "Dr. Phil," "Army Wives" (Lifetime) and "Rachael Ray."
A digital EP from the band will release on July 13 and feature new songs "Light Up the Sky," "We Won't Give Up" and "Runaway." The band's third full-length album titled Light Up the Sky will release on Sept. 14.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Remembering Dana Key
Touching thoughts from Todd Agnew.
Clay Crosse
Doug Van Pelt
Eddie Degarmo here and here
Jeff Finley
Clay Crosse
Doug Van Pelt
Eddie Degarmo here and here
Jeff Finley
Sanctus Real Lead Singer's Family Struggles Through Difficult Pregnancy
GRAMMY-nominated Sanctus Real released its fifth studio album, Pieces Of A Real Heart, in March amidst growing critical acclaim. As the first radio single from the album, “Forgiven,” went to the top of the charts becoming one of the most played Christian radio singles this year, the second single, “Lead Me,” was released last week. Already a hit, the song is a personal confession and prayer written by lead vocalist Matt Hammitt, and is proving to be a source of hope as he and his wife, Sarah, walk through a difficult pregnancy.
“My wife and I aren’t shy about sharing that we’ve had some pretty major struggles,” admits Matt after his wife implored him to be a better spiritual leader in the family. “I think the challenge for me in the song, and hopefully for other men as well, is every time I hear it, every time I sing it, I ask myself, ‘what kind of man am I?’ Not yesterday, not tomorrow, what kind of man am I today? Have I invested in my family emotionally, spiritually the way that God has called me to reach out to them and to lead them.”
Implementing this shift in daily priorities, Matt is now walking together with Sarah through one the most difficult points yet in their marriage. Parents to Emmy and Claire, the couple is struggling to bring to term their first baby boy, Bowen Matthew Hammitt. Bowen, which means "small victorious one," is 26-weeks-old and has been diagnosed with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart (HLHS).
“On April 12th of this year, Sarah and I walked into our nineteen week ultrasound excited to find out whether we were having a boy or a girl. Since we’ve already been blessed with two beautiful girls, we were excited to find out it was little boy! However, shortly after the ultrasound, our OB [obstetrician] entered the room and said she had some bad news.
“Knowing Bowen is sick has brought me face to face with the sobering reality that none of us are promised tomorrow and has pulled that nagging ache, the one to make every moment count, straight to the surface of my daily life,” confesses Matt on a blog he and Sarah created to give updates on Bowen at http://bowensheart.com/.
Again finding encouragement and strength in the song “Lead Me,” Matt and Sarah share the story of the song on video at sanctusreal.com. Hoping to help other couples struggling in their marriage, Sanctus Real also leads corporate prayers that can be found on the website.
“My wife and I aren’t shy about sharing that we’ve had some pretty major struggles,” admits Matt after his wife implored him to be a better spiritual leader in the family. “I think the challenge for me in the song, and hopefully for other men as well, is every time I hear it, every time I sing it, I ask myself, ‘what kind of man am I?’ Not yesterday, not tomorrow, what kind of man am I today? Have I invested in my family emotionally, spiritually the way that God has called me to reach out to them and to lead them.”
To lead them with strong hands / To stand up when they can’t /
Don’t want to leave them hungry for love / Chasing things that I could give up /
I’ll show them I’m willing to fight / And give them the best of my life /
So we can call this a home / Lead me, ‘cause I can’t do this alone /
Father, lead me, ‘cause I can’t do this alone
Implementing this shift in daily priorities, Matt is now walking together with Sarah through one the most difficult points yet in their marriage. Parents to Emmy and Claire, the couple is struggling to bring to term their first baby boy, Bowen Matthew Hammitt. Bowen, which means "small victorious one," is 26-weeks-old and has been diagnosed with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart (HLHS).
“On April 12th of this year, Sarah and I walked into our nineteen week ultrasound excited to find out whether we were having a boy or a girl. Since we’ve already been blessed with two beautiful girls, we were excited to find out it was little boy! However, shortly after the ultrasound, our OB [obstetrician] entered the room and said she had some bad news.
“Knowing Bowen is sick has brought me face to face with the sobering reality that none of us are promised tomorrow and has pulled that nagging ache, the one to make every moment count, straight to the surface of my daily life,” confesses Matt on a blog he and Sarah created to give updates on Bowen at http://bowensheart.com/.
Again finding encouragement and strength in the song “Lead Me,” Matt and Sarah share the story of the song on video at sanctusreal.com. Hoping to help other couples struggling in their marriage, Sanctus Real also leads corporate prayers that can be found on the website.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Natalie Grant Announces Pregnancy
Source: NatalieGrant.com
"Surprised. Shocked. Stunned. These are just a few ways to describe how I felt when I got a positive pregnancy test. Pregnant? Me? No way. Wow. Just wow.
Most of you know that I have twin daughters. Gracie & Bella are three years old now. What some of you may or may not know is what I had to go through to become a mommy in the first place. Having been told that my husband and I would probably never conceive, it was quite a process indeed. It was a long road of costly fertility treatments and LOTS of shots. But praise God, He blessed us with TWO miracles.
But fast forward 4 years and imagine my surprise when that little pregnancy test showed a positive sign. Huh? I thought this wasn’t possible? Oh, yeah, that’s right: “with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
So, I wanted to share my big news. We’re due on Christmas Day. What a gift. I can’t wait till the morning sickness has passed. And I’ve only had a few strange cravings so far.
Be encouraged today. God always has the last word in the situations of our lives. That doesn’t always mean he’ll give us the miracle we’re praying for our the answer we’ve begged Him for. That’s the hard part. His ways are higher than ours. But, no sky contains and no DOUBT restrains the greatness of our God. Rest in that truth today.
Love from me and my “bump”,
Natalie"
"Surprised. Shocked. Stunned. These are just a few ways to describe how I felt when I got a positive pregnancy test. Pregnant? Me? No way. Wow. Just wow.
Most of you know that I have twin daughters. Gracie & Bella are three years old now. What some of you may or may not know is what I had to go through to become a mommy in the first place. Having been told that my husband and I would probably never conceive, it was quite a process indeed. It was a long road of costly fertility treatments and LOTS of shots. But praise God, He blessed us with TWO miracles.
But fast forward 4 years and imagine my surprise when that little pregnancy test showed a positive sign. Huh? I thought this wasn’t possible? Oh, yeah, that’s right: “with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
So, I wanted to share my big news. We’re due on Christmas Day. What a gift. I can’t wait till the morning sickness has passed. And I’ve only had a few strange cravings so far.
Be encouraged today. God always has the last word in the situations of our lives. That doesn’t always mean he’ll give us the miracle we’re praying for our the answer we’ve begged Him for. That’s the hard part. His ways are higher than ours. But, no sky contains and no DOUBT restrains the greatness of our God. Rest in that truth today.
Love from me and my “bump”,
Natalie"
Friday, June 18, 2010
Rebecca St. James on Hannity
Popular Grammy Award winning Christian artist, Rebecca St. James was on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity” this week making her third appearance on the “Great American Panel” panel in the last few months.
With the fall 2009 release of her starring role in the film, “Sarah’s Choice,” giving voice to a strong pro life agenda, Rebecca is devoting time this year, amidst plans for new music and more films, to a series of special appearances nationally for crisis pregnancy and right to life organizations.
She describes her involvement on behalf of the centers as one the most rewarding results of her creative association with "Sarah’s Choice."
With the fall 2009 release of her starring role in the film, “Sarah’s Choice,” giving voice to a strong pro life agenda, Rebecca is devoting time this year, amidst plans for new music and more films, to a series of special appearances nationally for crisis pregnancy and right to life organizations.
She describes her involvement on behalf of the centers as one the most rewarding results of her creative association with "Sarah’s Choice."
“My passion for the pro-life message has grown tremendously as I have encountered firsthand the dedication and importance of their mission for the unborn. It is just beautiful to see their work, and I’ve felt so incredibly fulfilled and energized, coming alongside of what they’re doing and supporting them in such a small way,”she noted in a recent interview.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day of Fire Announces Indefinite Hiatus
Yesterday, Day Of Fire announced on their Facebook page that they will be taking an "indefinite hiatus." The brief announcement was as follows:
The band recently released their third cd, Losing All, this Spring on Razor & Tie Records. They're a great band, but this shouldn't come as a complete surprise since they had to creatively fund the recording of their last CD.
"We have decided to take an indefinite hiatus. Sincere thanks to all our friends, fans, and associates who've supported us along the way. We've greatly enjoyed the years spent making music together. We'll be playing 3 more shows this year: Ichthus, Lifelight, and Night of Joy. We'd love to see you all out there for a proper goodbye rocking."
The band recently released their third cd, Losing All, this Spring on Razor & Tie Records. They're a great band, but this shouldn't come as a complete surprise since they had to creatively fund the recording of their last CD.
Andrea Bocelli Thanks Mom for Saving Him
Singer Andrea Bocelli has publicly thanked his mother for not aborting him.
In a YouTube video posted by an American pro-life group, Bocelli was playing the piano in a charity performance for Haiti. He told the story about how a young pregnant woman went into the hospital with appendicitis.
Bocelli said doctors put ice on her stomach, and later suggested she have an abortion, since they believed the baby would be born with some disability.
“But the young brave wife decided not to abort, and the child was born,” the singer recounted, sitting at the piano. “That woman was my mother, and I was the child.”
Bocelli, who has sold more than 70 million records, was born partially blind, with congenital glaucoma. When he was still a boy he lost his sight completely.
“I hope this could encourage any mothers who sometimes find themselves in difficult situations, in those moments when life is complicated, but want to save the life of their baby.”
Despite the strong influence of the Catholic Church in Italy, there’s very little debate about abortion in the country, and it’s hardly even an issue in political campaigns.
Bocelli was born in 1958, and abortion was not legalized in Italy until 20 years later, leading some Italian bloggers today to charge that the singer was making the story up.
In a YouTube video posted by an American pro-life group, Bocelli was playing the piano in a charity performance for Haiti. He told the story about how a young pregnant woman went into the hospital with appendicitis.
Bocelli said doctors put ice on her stomach, and later suggested she have an abortion, since they believed the baby would be born with some disability.
“But the young brave wife decided not to abort, and the child was born,” the singer recounted, sitting at the piano. “That woman was my mother, and I was the child.”
Bocelli, who has sold more than 70 million records, was born partially blind, with congenital glaucoma. When he was still a boy he lost his sight completely.
“I hope this could encourage any mothers who sometimes find themselves in difficult situations, in those moments when life is complicated, but want to save the life of their baby.”
Despite the strong influence of the Catholic Church in Italy, there’s very little debate about abortion in the country, and it’s hardly even an issue in political campaigns.
Bocelli was born in 1958, and abortion was not legalized in Italy until 20 years later, leading some Italian bloggers today to charge that the singer was making the story up.
Andrea Bocelli Thanks Mom for Saving Him
Singer Andrea Bocelli has publicly thanked his mother for not aborting him.
In a YouTube video posted by an American pro-life group, Bocelli was playing the piano in a charity performance for Haiti. He told the story about how a young pregnant woman went into the hospital with appendicitis.
Bocelli said doctors put ice on her stomach, and later suggested she have an abortion, since they believed the baby would be born with some disability.
“But the young brave wife decided not to abort, and the child was born,” the singer recounted, sitting at the piano. “That woman was my mother, and I was the child.”
Bocelli, who has sold more than 70 million records, was born partially blind, with congenital glaucoma. When he was still a boy he lost his sight completely.
“I hope this could encourage any mothers who sometimes find themselves in difficult situations, in those moments when life is complicated, but want to save the life of their baby.”
Despite the strong influence of the Catholic Church in Italy, there’s very little debate about abortion in the country, and it’s hardly even an issue in political campaigns.
Bocelli was born in 1958, and abortion was not legalized in Italy until 20 years later, leading some Italian bloggers today to charge that the singer was making the story up.
In a YouTube video posted by an American pro-life group, Bocelli was playing the piano in a charity performance for Haiti. He told the story about how a young pregnant woman went into the hospital with appendicitis.
Bocelli said doctors put ice on her stomach, and later suggested she have an abortion, since they believed the baby would be born with some disability.
“But the young brave wife decided not to abort, and the child was born,” the singer recounted, sitting at the piano. “That woman was my mother, and I was the child.”
Bocelli, who has sold more than 70 million records, was born partially blind, with congenital glaucoma. When he was still a boy he lost his sight completely.
“I hope this could encourage any mothers who sometimes find themselves in difficult situations, in those moments when life is complicated, but want to save the life of their baby.”
Despite the strong influence of the Catholic Church in Italy, there’s very little debate about abortion in the country, and it’s hardly even an issue in political campaigns.
Bocelli was born in 1958, and abortion was not legalized in Italy until 20 years later, leading some Italian bloggers today to charge that the singer was making the story up.
Mr. T Thinks 'A-Team' Movie is Too Graphic
Mr. T pities the fools who made "The A-Team" movie.
The star of the hit '80s action show recently attended a screening of the movie and panned it for its sex and violence.
"People die in the film and there's plenty of sex but when we did it, no one got hurt and it was all played for fun and family entertainment," the 58-year-old T, who played B.A. Baracus, has said. "These seem to be elements nobody is interested in anymore."
T reportedly refused to make a cameo in the film, which hits theaters this Friday, and clearly, he isn't regretting his decision.
"It was too graphic for me," he said. "I've no doubt it will do big business at the box office, but it's nothing like the show we turned out every week."
The star of the hit '80s action show recently attended a screening of the movie and panned it for its sex and violence.
"People die in the film and there's plenty of sex but when we did it, no one got hurt and it was all played for fun and family entertainment," the 58-year-old T, who played B.A. Baracus, has said. "These seem to be elements nobody is interested in anymore."
T reportedly refused to make a cameo in the film, which hits theaters this Friday, and clearly, he isn't regretting his decision.
"It was too graphic for me," he said. "I've no doubt it will do big business at the box office, but it's nothing like the show we turned out every week."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
CCM Mag Confirms Dana Key's Passing
CCMmagazine.com confirms that Dana Key, of legendary band DeGarmo and Key passed away Sunday night from a ruptured blood clot. Key was a senior pastor at TLC Community Church in Memphis, Tennessee. The site also has thoughts by Clay Crosse.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Dana Key Passes Away
According to a tweet by Jamie Rowe of Guardian fame, Dana Key from Christian band Degarmo & Key passed away suddenly from a blood clot. Please pray for his family & friends.
Ironically, late last month, The Love of Christ Church in Cordova TN (where Key was Senior Pastor), announced a fundraiser for the flood victims in West Tennessee featuring a reunion by DeGarmo & Key on June 13th.
Ironically, late last month, The Love of Christ Church in Cordova TN (where Key was Senior Pastor), announced a fundraiser for the flood victims in West Tennessee featuring a reunion by DeGarmo & Key on June 13th.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Elms Announce Break-Up
The Elms announced their break-up after a decade together. With the announcement, the band released a statement that reads in part:
They also noted they are releasing
The rest of the announcement can be read here.
It is with equal parts gratitude and humility with which I write you today to say that this July, after ten extraordinary years of life lived closely together, the members of The Elms will very amicably part ways and end our tenure as a rock and roll band. There are no salacious discrepancies between band members to report to you, and no dramatic elements to run through the rumor mill! Simply stated, the time has come to move on.
As a band, our personal affections for one another are at an all-time high. I have respect beyond the capability of words for Christopher, Thomas, and Nathan -- and I'll maintain forever that there is not a better, tighter, smarter, and more intuitive musical unit than they are, both together and individually. For a full decade of my life, I got to be in my favorite band, and it was cracklin' the whole time. And the fact that our final and favorite album, "The Great American Midrange," was our highest-charting ever? Well, an outstanding note to end on.
They also noted they are releasing
a fantastic digital box set called "STOPPIN' ON A DIME: LIVE & RARE 2000-2010." We've worked hard on this compilation, which contains 40 tracks chosen from countless hours that the boys and I spent recording and performing together over the last decade - including songs that many of you have been asking about for a long, long time. We've also created a particularly special retrospective digi-book that we'd love for you to flip through and see a few great moments in the life of this band, presented through the eyes of some wonderfully talented photographers. You know, memory lane and all that...
The rest of the announcement can be read here.
Kevin Max Trying to Reunite DC Talk?
As buzz continues to build for the first release of the new Michael Tait-fronted Newsboys on July 13th, and TobyMac continues to celebrate his recent fourth solo project, the third member of DC Talk has begun rallying fans in support of petitioning a reunion of the band for 2011. As JesusFreakHideout reports, last night, Kevin Max posted on his Twitter feed/Facebook page, "Trying to get a dct tour happening, perhaps next year, any of you down? ;)"
The response to Max's teaser post was overwhelming, and he soon responded "Oh and to answer all of your lovely enquiries, yes I am serious- I don't want to see the bands legacy go down like a Lost Titanic." Again Max posted again on his Facebook page, "Who wants to start a petition with me right here to bring dctalk back after the Intermission? - sign your name and I will forward to the appropriate people."
We have to wonder how likely it would be for Toby and Michael to pull away from their full-time duties with their respective ventures for a reunion. Would Toby be willing to put his thriving solo career with the Diverse City Band on hold? Would Michael be able or interested in leaving the Newsboys for such a reunion? Or, more realistically, would it have to be a tour that would include all the bands (and wouldn't it be rather exhausting to perform two major shows in one night for a tour?)?
It's probably much too early to tell whether anything will come of this, but the mere fact Max is being so adamant about the idea of a DC Talk reunion and their "Intermission" ending really has us curious. What DC Talk fan hasn't dreamed of a reunion tour or new music since they disbanded after their "DC Talk Solo Tour" in 2001? And after all, a tour next year would be the 10 year anniversary since their last one.
Max shared with GMC:
Coincidentally, JesusFreakHideout announced the results of their 7th Annual Reader's Choice Awards earlier this week and DC Talk won the category of "Artist You Would Like To See Return" by a landslide.
The response to Max's teaser post was overwhelming, and he soon responded "Oh and to answer all of your lovely enquiries, yes I am serious- I don't want to see the bands legacy go down like a Lost Titanic." Again Max posted again on his Facebook page, "Who wants to start a petition with me right here to bring dctalk back after the Intermission? - sign your name and I will forward to the appropriate people."
We have to wonder how likely it would be for Toby and Michael to pull away from their full-time duties with their respective ventures for a reunion. Would Toby be willing to put his thriving solo career with the Diverse City Band on hold? Would Michael be able or interested in leaving the Newsboys for such a reunion? Or, more realistically, would it have to be a tour that would include all the bands (and wouldn't it be rather exhausting to perform two major shows in one night for a tour?)?
It's probably much too early to tell whether anything will come of this, but the mere fact Max is being so adamant about the idea of a DC Talk reunion and their "Intermission" ending really has us curious. What DC Talk fan hasn't dreamed of a reunion tour or new music since they disbanded after their "DC Talk Solo Tour" in 2001? And after all, a tour next year would be the 10 year anniversary since their last one.
Max shared with GMC:
I am happy for both of the guys and their own careers, but I do believe that the dcTalk legacy and the band that we created and worked together for years in building has suffered from disregard. I am probably equally to blame for this, as the initial push for my own solo project started at the Intermission period. But I thought we all held in the back of our minds the chance and inspiration to create music together again at some other juncture. I guess we will have to wait and see how the others members feel about that now.
Coincidentally, JesusFreakHideout announced the results of their 7th Annual Reader's Choice Awards earlier this week and DC Talk won the category of "Artist You Would Like To See Return" by a landslide.
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