A Ragamuffin Benefit For Rick Elias

Rick Elias, a founding member of A Ragamuffin Band, was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Friends and colleagues have banded together to produce a benefit concert designed to help defray the enormous expenses associated with the treatment of his insidious disease.

A Ragamuffin Benefit for Rick Elias: The Jesus Record Live concert event, which is slated for February 2, 2019, at Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, is an opportunity for friends and fans of the award-winning singer/songwriter and producer to gather, raise money for his medical expenses, and hear The Jesus Record performed live in its entirety. The concert will feature performers from the original recording, including Elias, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, A Ragamuffin Band (Elias, Mark Robertson, Jimmy Abegg, and Aaron Smith), and more. Even the sound engineer, concert producers, graphic artist, select session players and others who contributed to the original album are donating their time for this significant evening.

The historic Jesus Record was scheduled to be the ninth release by the late Rich Mullins (1955-1997). When Mullins met an untimely death, his foundation, band, and record company determined to move forward with recording the project in Rich's honor with guest artists who were his friends. The project included two discs; Disc One--the nine rough song demos recorded by Mullins, and Disc Two--the studio version of the same songs, produced by Rick Elias. The Jesus Record was released on July 23, 1998. Shortly thereafter, A Ragamuffin Band toured the U.S., featuring music from The Jesus Record on their Homeless Man Tour.

"Earlier this year, I received a diagnosis that turned my world upside down," Elias confesses. "Nevertheless, we remain in God's faithfulness. My family and I are so thankful for the community that has rallied around us during this time. We are really looking forward to performing The Jesus Record live for the first time in 21 years."

Tickets to A Ragamuffin Benefit for Rick Elias: The Jesus Record Live concert event may be purchased online at eventbrite.com/e/the-jesus-record-live-a-ragamuffin-benefit-for-rick-elias-tickets-54243200874?aff=erellivmlt.

All proceeds from the event will go toward medical treatment for Elias's brain cancer. Those who are unable to attend the concert can still support this worthy cause by making a generous donation to the Rick Elias Medical Expenses GoFundMe campaign. To donate, visit gofundme.com/rick-elias-medical-expenses.

Air1 Surprises Listeners With Switch To All-Worship

Air1, the sister radio network of K-LOVE that has brought a "Positive Alternative" to radio for over 20 years by focusing on Christian pop and rock, made a surprise flip to worship on January 1st. 

The new "Air1: Worship Now" will feature current and familiar artists such as Jeremy Camp, Tauren Wells and NEEDTOBREATHE with the majority of the new line-up focusing on worship songs that have received little-to-no airplay from artists like Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Vertical Worship, Jesus Culture and more.

The network of close to 200 stations nationwide kicked off the rebrand with a promise to deliver 10,000 worship songs in a row without DJ or commercial interruption. With an average of 4 minutes per song, listeners may not hear any on-air talent until the end of January.

Air1 has said that the husband and wife duo Dan and Michelle will eventually return to mornings, Mandy will be back at middays, Mike Shaeffer and Lauren Lee will take afternoons and Ashton will wrap up nights. Other pre-recorded segments will also return. 

The switch is a massive reminder of the tremendous impact that the worship genre has had on the industry, but many online are wondering where their favorite music has gone. It's no secret that people don't like change and speak up when their concerned and unhappy, but the mood is not great on socials as many listeners are already voicing their frustrations with the switch.

Mac Powell Helps Out Casting Crowns On Lead Vocals Amidst Mark Hall's Recovery

Former Third Day vocalist Mac Powell joined fellow Atlanta group Casting Crowns on stage this week to help out vocally. Crowns' lead singer Mark Hall recently underwent surgery on his vocal chords, which has left him needing to not put so much strain on his voice while he continues to heal.

Earlier this week, Hall posted on his personal Instagram feed a photo of him with Powell, with the caption:  "Big thanks to a hero and a friend, @macpowell for standing with me and singing my songs this week as I wait for my voice to heal. Please keep praying for me, friends."

Due to Hall's vocal troubles, the band had to cancel a string of dates in December. A notice on the website for the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA had this to say about the December 4th cancellation:

"PLEASE NOTE: Regrettably, Casting Crowns must cancel their seven West Coast December Christmas concerts because of a significant health matter with lead singer Mark Hall. The December 4 Oakland date is included with the cancelled cities. Mark is temporarily unable to sing due to a vocal health issue. Refunds available at original point of purchase. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are automatically refunded.”

MercuryNews.com reported on the Oakland cancellation specifically last month, and included a special message from Hall regarding his condition:

“I’ve had some struggles with my voice in the last several weeks. I’ve been seeing some doctors and spent some time in Nashville with some of the top doctors in the field. It is nothing that can’t be cured and I can’t recover from, but the only thing I can do right now is rest & be quiet.

I don’t think this could come at a worse time. The band, crew and I, were all so excited about being a part of Christmas with so many families. Families, I know, only have so much time in the Christmas season. You guys chose to spend a night with us and that’s a big deal. The fact that we can’t make that happen hurts my heart, and I’m really sorry. There are so many people that have worked so hard to get the tour to this point, and I feel I’m the reason that it can’t happen. I just want you to know that I’m going to do everything the doctor says, and God is going to take care of me.

Great news! We’re going to be back in most of these cities on tour in the fall of 2019, and we hope very much to see you there. Until then, I’ve got to have a quiet Christmas. I’ll be praying for you guys, and ask that you pray for us. Thank you so much for understanding. Our prayers are with you, and remember we’re all here for Only Jesus!