Thursday, November 25, 2010

The Anchormen Celebrate The Return Of Baritone Terry Carter


Nashville, TN (November 24, 2010) – The Anchormen are pleased to announce the return of baritone, Terry Carter, to the quartet. Carter helped launch the group in 1979. He has remained actively involved in Southern Gospel music over the years and is thrilled to return to the road.

Carter, who was nominated one of the top 5 baritones in Southern Gospel music during his time with the Anchormen, is the second of the “early” Anchormen to return. He and Dale Forbes are both back in full swing with the group. Carter replaces Keith Casstevens. Casstevens is pursuing new ministry opportunities while remaining a support to the Anchormen. The quartet expresses their gratitude to Casstevens and they wish him well on his new endeavors.

Tim Bullins, Anchormen owner and manager, expressed, “I am really excited to see a coming together of previous and new talent in the Anchormen. It’s making for a powerhouse sound and energy that is reaching audiences of all ages. The early Anchormen fans are thrilled, as are the new fans who’ve shared in this ministry over the last few years. I can’t wait to see all God does as the Anchormen come into this new season of music and ministry.”

To learn more about the Anchomen or to schedule them for your church or concert event, visit theanchormen.com.

The Freemans Score Latest #1 Hit


“The Father & the Son” Continues to Rise On Several Key Charts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (November 24, 2010) – Southern Gospel favorites The Freemans have scored their latest #1 single with the lyric driven and poignant new single “The Father & the Son.”

Penned by celebrated songwriter Dianne Wilkinson, “The Father & the Son” has reached the #1 position for a second consecutive week on the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart – the Southern Gospel’s most watched and respected weekly radio report.

“This song has instantly become one of our most requested songs in concert,” mentioned Chris Freeman of The Freemans. “The message is resonating with listeners and the people that are coming out to our concerts. We are so grateful that radio has gotten behind this song!”

“The Father & the Son” is also quickly rising on other respected industry charts – rising from #28 to #19 for the upcoming January 2011 edition of the Singing News Top 80 Chart and coming in at #10 for the December issue of Christian Voice Magazine’s Top 100 Southern Gospel chart.

“The Father & the Son” is the debut single from The Freeman’s much-anticipated new recording – Evidence. Four years in the making, Evidence is truly The Freemans most transparent and emotional release to date. Evidence features songs that were chosen in response to four pivotal years for the group, which were mired with multiple family deaths and extremely personal losses for individual group members. Those events took the group on an emotional journey that resonates throughout the new recording.

Evidence is now available at concert events and on The Freemans’ website.

To visit the newly designed website of The Freemans, visit http://www.the-freemans.com. You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thefreemans07. The group’s Fan Facebook is located at http://www.facebook.com/thefreemans .

About The Freemans
The Freemans are one of Southern Gospel’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed groups. History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freeman ministry. Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans’ experience spans 30+ years. Now in their 20th year of ministry, the Freemans still perform at approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.

Rod Burton Named Artist In Residence for Calvary Assembly of God In Flossmoor, Illinois


HOMEWOOD, Ill. – (November 24, 2010) – National recording artist Rod Burton announced today that he and his family will be working as Artists in Residence for Calvary Assembly of God in Flossmoor, Illinois. Under the leadership of Pastor Michael Le Buhn, Rod will be working and ministering under the cover of this local body.

“We are honored to represent Calvary Assembly of God as we travel across the country with a message of grace. Pastor Michael has been and continues to be a source of encouragement and inspiration. The support of a local church body is essential to any evangelistic effort,” added Rod Burton.

As an Artist in Residence, Rod and his family will support the local church with their talents whenever they are in town and for special events throughout the year. While on the road, Rod will represent Calvary Assemblies in his ministry of the amazing grace of God.

“Calvary Assembly of God is excited to have Rod Burton and his family as a part of our church and their ministry as a part of our church. From the day they arrived, Rod & Kelly have displayed a great willingness and sense of servant-hood. They have truly demonstrated what it takes to be a part of a church, committing to the ministry and vision of that church and submersing into that ministry. Not only are we delighted to have them as a part, it is a great honor to recommend Rod, his wife Kelly and their children Paige, Miranda and Kaity to your congregation,” added Pastor Michael Le Buhn.

Calvary Assembly of God is located in Flossmoor, Illinois and has a heart for outreach to the community and to people of all faith. Sharing a message of love and welcoming all people to know the saving grace of Jesus is the primary focus of this assembly. Pastor Le Buhn is a nationally known and well-respected leader in both the Assemblies of God and Church of God organizations. He and his wife Susan are in their third year at Calvary Assembly.

You can find out more about Calvary Assembly by visiting http://www.cagfl.org .

Rod just released his latest single to Southern Gospel and Christian Country radio this month. The song, “Son of Man’s Man,” hit DJs and radio programmer’s desks last week via Airplay Radio Promotion’s November 2010 disc.

“Son of Man’s Man” is the first radio release from Burton since 2009’s “Take a Stand” is also the debut single from Burton’s latest inspirational release The Difference.

Rod released his debut recording for New Hope Music Productions – The Difference – earlier this year. The Difference was produced by Grammy-winning engineer Adrian Payne and co-produced by Rod’s longtime friend and talented session musician Jason Webb. This recording is the first release for the newly formed New Hope Music Productions – a recording company opened by Burton and Darrell Webb earlier this year.

The Difference is now available to purchase online or at live events. For more information on the new recording, visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com . Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RodBurtonMusic .

About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s most popular soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. His current single is the Sue Duffield penned “Son of Man’s Man.”

Shine On Trio To Set Sail In January with the Brush Arbor Jubilee’s Gospel Music Cruise


CHAPIN, S.C. – (November 24, 2010) – South Carolina mixed group Shine On Trio is excited to be a part of Brush Arbor Jubilee’s Gospel Music Cruise. The cruise is set to depart on January 24, 2011.

“We are so excited about being a part of this amazing cruise,” mentioned Roger Troutman of Shine On Trio. “It’s always a fun experience to travel abroad, but we get the distinct pleasure of traveling with our record label family – Homeland Entertainment.”

The Gospel Music Cruise is a six-day, five-night trip through the Caribbean – departing from Tampa, Florida on the 24th of January and returning on the 29th of January in 2011. The cruise features stops in the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico.

The Brush Arbor Jubilee’s Gospel Music Cruise features many of the top names in Gospel music and Homeland Entertainment artists like Heirline, The Toney Brothers, Southern Sound, Songfellows, Northmen, Ascension Quartet, and many more in addition to hit-makers Three Bridges and Shine On Trio.

“This is an amazing trip, and we hope that everyone who can join us will,” mentioned Roger. “This trip is going fast, so if you’re interested in going with us, be sure and contact us!”

For more information on the trip, visit Shine On Trio’s website or by emailing Roger at shineontrio@yahoo.com .

Shine On Trio will be entering the studio in early December to record their debut release for Homeland Entertainment. More information on that release will be announced at a later date.

Until Shine On Trio’s new site is unveiled – you can find out more information on the group by visiting http://www.shineontrio.com .

About Shine On Trio
The Shine On Trio is based out of Chapin, South Carolina and consists of Roger and Cathy Troutman, and Cathy’s sister Brenda Quick. While the group may have a relatively short history, they share a story of God’s grace and timing at their ministry events. The trio has one recording – Let the Son Shine.

Driven Quartet Featured On SouthernGospelTimes.com


Group Scores Second Top 20 Hit on AbsolutelyGospel.com Top 40 Weekly Chart


CHARLOTTE, N.C. – (November 24, 2010) – Popular Southern Gospel group Driven Quartet is currently featured on the popular Southern Gospel website SouthernGospelTimes.com. Driven Quartet is the featured interview on the much read “And Now, Introducing…” article.

“And Now, Introducing…” is a series of articles designed to introduce upcoming or emerging artists in the Southern Gospel community to a new batch of fans. The article on Driven Quartet focuses on the group’s history as a performer and minister, their biggest spiritual and musical influences, the future of the ministry, and much more.

Jason Funderburk of Driven Quartet said, “We were honored to be interviewed for such a great site and article! The staff over at SouthernGospelTimes.com does such a great job!”

To read the article on Driven Quartet, visit SouthernGospelTimes.com.

Driven Quartet is seeing a strong surge in radio support for their latest single. The song – titled “Story of My Life” – has started to chart on various industry publications over the last couple of months. “Story of My Life” debuted on the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart several weeks ago and has already risen to the Top 20 – charting at #15 on the industry’s most watched weekly chart. In addition, the song has been a regular fixture on the SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart – the industry’s only chart derived solely from the votes of Southern Gospel fans.

“We are so thankful for all the support that ‘Story of My Life’ has received from both fans and radio,” mentioned Funderburk. “This song has an awesome message, and we are just so grateful for everyone that has gotten behind the song!”

“Story of My Life” is the second single from Driven Quartet’s much-talked-about self-titled release and is the first single from the group to hit Southern Gospel radio in over a year. “Story of My Life” is now available for DJs and program directors to download via RadioActiveAirplay.com and Resting Place Music Group. MP3 versions of the song are available by emailing driven@southernspin.com .

This new single is the follow-up to the group’s previous hit single “Between a Rock and a Hard Place.” The song was written by John Darin Rowsey and Justin Rivers and did exceptionally well for the group. The song reached Top 20 on both the Gospel Music News Top 100 (#14) and SoGospelNews.com (now AbsolutelyGospel.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart (#12) and Top 40 on the Singing News Top 80 (#27). The song also charted exceptionally well on the SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

Individuals interested in booking Driven Quartet for their church or concert event can visit the Dominion Agency’s website at http://www.dominionagency.com or call (910) 484-6996.

For more information on Driven Quartet, visit their website at http://www.drivenqt.com . Fans are also encouraged to visit Driven’s Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000209304313 .

About Driven Quartet
Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Driven is not new to Southern Gospel music. Collectively, this group of young men has been singing professionally for over 20 years. Their resumes include such groups as Danny Funderburk & Mercy’s Way, The Anchormen, and Lumber River. In 2006, this group of young men, through prayer, stepped out on faith and commenced their new full time career. Heeding to the call on their lives to present the Gospel through music, these four gentlemen created Driven Ministries.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Rod Burton’s “Son of Man’s Man” Hits Radio This Month!


HOMEWOOD, Ill. – Rod Burton just released his latest single to Southern Gospel and Christian Country radio this month. The song, “Son of Man’s Man,” is set to hit DJs and radio programmer’s desks this week via Airplay Radio Promotion’s November 2010 disc.

“Son of Man’s Man” is the first radio release from Burton since 2009’s “Take a Stand” is also the debut single from Burton’s latest inspirational release The Difference.

Rod said, “I love this song so much. It was written by Sue Duffield and has a great message that as men we need to emulate the Father. We can be cool and have it all together, but the most important thing we can do is to be like Him.”

“Audiences love this song and see it as a challenge to not worry about the world image of a man, but instead focus on the God image of a man,” continued Rod.

Friends, family, and fans are encouraged to call your local radio station and request “Son of Man’s Man.”

Rod recently released his debut recording for New Hope Music Productions – The Difference. The Difference was produced by Grammy-winning engineer Adrian Payne and co-produced by Rod’s longtime friend and talented session musician Jason Webb. This recording is the first release for the newly formed New Hope Music Productions – a recording company opened by Burton and Darrell Webb earlier this year.

The Difference is now available to purchase online or at live events. For more information on the new recording, visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com .

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc. Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.

About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s most popular soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. His current single is the Singing News Top 80 hit “Take a Stand.”

Heavens Highway Renews Publicity Agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment


NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (November 16, 2010) - Powerful Counry/Southern Gospel group Heavens Highway has just renewed their contract with SSE Group, Inc. The group has signed on for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. Heavens Highway will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

“Heavens Highway is a group to watch,” mentioned Chris D. Unthank of SSE Groups, Inc. “These guys are extremely talented, and they have a sound and message that connects with people. We are excited to be a part of their ministry for another year!”

“We’ve been very pleased with the work that SSE has done for our ministry,” mentioned David Timms of Heavens Highway. “These guys believe in what we do, and it’s not often that you find a company like that. It’s never been about the bottom line for them, and we appreciate that so much!”

Heavens Highway will be entering the studio in the first part of 2011 for their next mainline release – and first with new members Holly Nash and Kathy Holcomb.

Heavens Highway has been making their mark at Southern Gospel radio. Fresh on the heels of scoring their first Singing News and AbsolutelyGospel.com Top 40 hits (“Longing to Go” and “When God Makes a Promise”), Heavens Highway recently released their new single to Southern Gospel radio. The single, titled “Set Me Free From Me,” was released to Southern Gospel radio earlier through both Spin-N-Motion Promotions and Patterson Promotions.

For more information on Heavens Highway, visit their website at http://www.heavenshighwaymusic.com . You can also visit the band on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/heavenshighway .

About Heavens Highway
Heavens Highway is one of the most powerful Country/Southern Gospel Groups in North Mississippi. Heavens Highway ministers to literally thousands each year in churches and benefits. For over seven years, their primary goal is to see lost souls saved and the lonely, hungry and misguided people of this world find peace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of Heavens Highway consist of Marty Rock, David Timms, Jerry Taylor, and newest members Holly Nash and Kathy Holcomb.

Brothers Forever Perform at 2010 Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards


CHURCH HILL, Tenn. – (November 16, 2010) – Popular trio Brothers Forever was a featured performer earlier this month at the 2010 Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards program.

Brothers Forever joined other performers, presenters, and artists who were a part of the show such as Chonda Pierce, Mitchel Jon, Tommy Brandt, Lou Wills Hildreth, Jason Castro, Aaron Crider, Bruce Carroll, Randy Stonehilll, Nicole C. Mullen, Brandon Bee, Arthur Rice, and hosts David Meece and Babbie Mason.

“It was a real honor for Brothers Forever to be a part of such a wonderful event,” mentioned Brothers Forever’s Curtis Hagy. “It was such a fun and exciting night for us!”

Brothers Forever was nominated during the evening’s awards for Southern Gospel Group of the Year.

The Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards were held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Trinity Music City in Hendersonville, Tennessee. This is the second Visionary Awards show and the third show inducting artists into the Hall of Fame. The hosts for the 2010 Visionary Awards were award-winning artists David Meece and Babbie Mason.

For more information on the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Visionary Awards – visit http://www.hallmuseum.com .

Brothers Forever’s sixth single from the critically acclaimed release Sheltered hit radio earlier this year. The song, “Whenever I Speak His Name” (written by Russ and Tori Taff), was released to radio through Millennium Music Group and has been a steady song on both the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart and SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

Brothers Forever are currently booking dates for their upcoming
Spring 2011 tour. More information on that will be announced at a later date.

To visit the newly designed Brothers Forever website, visit http://www.brothersforever.net.

About Brothers Forever
Brothers Forever is based out of Church Hill, Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of upper East Tennessee, this group has quickly become known for their unique style of southern gospel music. Songs such as "I Feel a Blessing Coming On" and "I Can’t Forget the Day" have become nationwide favorites. Brothers Forever felt the call to the music ministry a little over a few years ago, and since the group’s inception, it has been an exciting journey.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Kathy Holcomb Joins Heavens Highway



NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (November 12, 2010) – Powerful Country/Southern Gospel group Heavens Highway is pleased to announce the addition of Kathy Holcomb to the group.

David Timms of Heavens Highway said, “We are truly honored to have Kathy on board with this ministry. God has really blessed us, and we can’t wait to see what He has for the future.”

Kathy is from Pontotoc, Mississippi. She gained much experience singing Gospel music while singing with her family group – The Holcomb Sisters – for many years. Kathy grew up as a pastor’s child, and her father remains a mentor in her life. She is motivated by her love of God and His kingdom. Kathy has a great call on her life.

You can find out more information on Kathy by visiting http://www.heavenshighwaymusic.com .

Heavens Highway will enter the studio to record their brand new album featuring new group members Kathy Holcomb and Holly Nash in early 2011.

“We are excited about our future with these two ladies,” mentioned Timms. “We know this recoring is going to be a great ministry tool for us!”

Heavens Highway has been making their mark at Southern Gospel radio. Fresh on the heels of scoring their first Singing News and AbsolutelyGospel.com Top 40 hits (“Longing to Go” and “When God Makes a Promise”), Heavens Highway recently released their new single to Southern Gospel radio. The single, titled “Set Me Free From Me,” was released to Southern Gospel radio earlier through both Spin-N-Motion Promotions and Patterson Promotions.

For more information on Heavens Highway, visit their website at http://www.heavenshighwaymusic.com . You can also visit the band on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/heavenshighway .

About Heavens Highway
Heavens Highway is one of the most powerful Country/Southern Gospel Groups in North Mississippi. Heavens Highway ministers to literally thousands each year in churches and benefits. For over seven years, their primary goal is to see lost souls saved and the lonely, hungry and misguided people of this world find peace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of Heavens Highway consist of Marty Rock, David Timms, Jerry Taylor, and newest members Holly Nash and Kathy Holcomb.

The Cupps Release New Project “I Found The Rock”

WILLIAMSBURG, KY – (Nov 11, 2010) Zion Music recording artist The Cupps are excited to announce the release of their new CD project entitled, “I Found The Rock.”
This CD is loaded with ten very powerful anointed songs that are sure to bless you. The Cupps are known by their songs “What’s Wrong With Living Right”, “Man In The Middle”, and “Army of Angels,” and this new CD will add to their list of great songs. The title cut and first radio single from The Cupps new CD project is “I Found The Rock,” written by Karen Dyess of Wilmer, AL. Barbara the lead singer for The Cupps said “This song tells about a woman in the bible that was brought to Jesus to be stoned to death. But instead of being stoned, she found the rock-of-ages; the Rock that never changes; she found a Rock she could build her life upon.” These are some of the words from The Cupps new original song. Barbara goes on to say “I was a sinner saved by grace, and I too have sinned and deserved death, but thank God I found the Rock when I deserved a stone.”
This project was recorded at Hilltop Recording Studios in Nashville, TN and produced by one of the industry’s most recognized producers, Kevin McManus. It features several original songs like “I Found The Rock”, “The Saviour Man Forgot” and “In God We Trust.” Special guest Randy Swift, a popular southern gospel soloist from Nashville, TN sang background vocal on Troy’s new song “Help Me Hold On” The vocals on this new recording was completed just six weeks before Troy’s accident.
The Cupps had to face one of the most trying times of their life. Troy had fallen 15 to 20 feet from the roof of his food-pantry building onto the concrete. Then air-lifted to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville, TN where he remained in the Trauma Center from August 4th through the 21st. Rev. Cupp had suffered several injuries including a brain concussion, neck injury, dislocated right arm at the elbow, and right ankle and foot broken in several places.
After returning home from the hospital, he still remained confined to a hospital bed until September 17th, when he was rushed to the Jellico Hospital in Jellico, TN and placed in ICU for 5 days. Just one month after the accident he would be fighting for his life the second time. Troy had blood clots in both lungs, five blood clots in his right leg, and pneumonia in his right lung. At the same time, Barbara was pregnant and due to give birth on September 16th. Each day friends and family would go to the hospital to see if Troy would be all right and if Barbara would have her baby. Then on September 24th things would begin to make a complete turnaround for The Cupps. Barbara had given birth to a beautiful 8.5 lb baby girl named Leah Grace Cupp and Troy’s health had started to improve. On November 5th, The Cupps returned back on the road again. They made their first appearance in Pigeon Forge, TN as Troy sang from his wheelchair. As of this date, 18 radio stations have aired Troy’s testimony of his accident and their great trial of faith, and Little Leah Grace has brought so much excitement into their lives.

You can read more about The Cupps and listen to their music clips online at www.thecupps.org

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Susan Unthank Hospitalized with Collapsed Lung


Prayers are appreciated for Susan Unthank of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) and wife of Deon Unthank (Sunday Edition). Susan was rushed to the hospital late Saturday evening (November 6, 2010) due to complaints of severe stomach pains. It was revealed after several X-rays that she was suffering from a semi-collapsed lung in addition to the stomach pains. The doctors are inserting a tube to drain any fluid and air that may be trapped in the pneumothorax today.

Please remember Susan and the entire Unthank family in your prayers. Susan has suffered many health issues over the last few years due to her increasing struggles with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (a very common form of Muscular Dystrophy).

For more information - stay tuned to AbsolutelyGospel.com or you can get frequent updates on Twitter by following her children's accounts (@amymarie1001, @chrisunthank, and @scottbandy).

Beyond The Ashes Considered Heroes By The Nelons Following Life Saving Action During A Concert Fire



Nashville, TN (Nov. 5th, 2010) – Beyond The Ashes and the Nelons were participating in a Gospel concert at the historic Majestic Theatre in Chillicothe, Ohio last evening, November 4, when a fire broke out during the Nelons set. Kelly Nelon Clark, husband Jason Clark and daughter Amber Nelon Thompson credit the quick action of Beyond The Ashes members Anthony Facello, Casey Rivers, Kellan Monroe, Rick Martin, and Rob Estep for saving their lives. Martin and Estep are part of the group’s road crew. Estep was the first to notice the fire. Martin was the first to push the fire exit door and implement the rescue efforts of Beyond The Ashes. Others quickly followed them and the local fire department arrived soon after.

Facello shared, “Watching a 30 foot wall of fire engulf the stage area as our friends, the Nelons, sang was a scary experience to say the least. We didn’t really think about doing anything but getting them and others to safety. I know it was God’s hand that carried all of us out of that fire. We are so grateful.”

Audience members reported that they began noticing some things falling from the ceiling during Beyond The Ashes’ set. Apparently, the fire had begun earlier in the evening and was not discovered until the Nelons set began.

According to The Chillicothe Gazette, a curtain caught fire. The trigger for the blaze was not announced. The Chillicothe Fire Department’s team was able to put it out within an hour. The event received local and national news coverage.

The extent of damage to Beyond The Ashes’ $70,000 in equipment is yet to be determined. It was not insured for this type of incident.

Beyond The Ashes expresses gratitude for your prayers during this time. If you’d like to send a card or support to them, their mailing address is:

Beyond The Ashes
2817 West End Ave.
Ste. 126-153
Nashville, TN 37203

To learn more about their ministry or to schedule Beyond the Ashes for your music event, visit beyondtheashesonline.com. You can also find them at myspace.com/beyondtheashesonline.

Branson Gospel Music Revival to Return in Summer 2011


BRANSON, Mo. – (November 4, 2010) – The Branson Gospel Music Revival (formerly Convention) will be returning to Branson, Missouri for the third time, announced Rod and Kelly Burton, the owners of YMR Music Productions, LLC. The Burtons also announced that the four-day annual event will be changing venues, relocating in 2011 to the Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 State Highway 248 in Branson.

At a press gathering on Wednesday, kicked-off with a performance by Branson performing family Twice Adopted, the couple discussed the success of the 2010 event and developing plans for its return in 2011.

“We added a day to our event while our nation saw a drop in its economy and the concert business, yet our attendance grew by 10 percent over our first year,” Kelly Burton stated. “We are thankful to all those in the Branson media and marketplace who have welcomed us and our guests over the past two summers, and we’re very excited about our return.”

The Branson Gospel Music Revival will be held Tuesday, June 28 – Friday, July 1, 2011 at the Tri-Lakes Center. Over a hundred gospel artists from across the country will be there to perform, including returning favorites Beyond the Ashes, Freedom, Kenny Bishop, Dan Keeton Quartet, The Williamsons, Praise Incorporated, 2nd Generation, Jay Stone Singers, McMillan and Life, Rod Burton, Lynda Lynn, Sunday Edition, Mystery Men, and more.

They also confirmed the return of Branson’s Dino Kartsonakis, who will headline one night of the event.

Also returning will be the popular SGN Scoops Diamond Awards and the “Piano Jubilee.”

“We continue to learn and grow and are striving to make this an even more enjoyable event, one that continues to attract new people to this great city every summer,” Rod Burton stated.

The couple said that the event would be pared back to four days and concert times would be shortened by an hour to allow time for daily morning worship services, mentoring and fellowship time for artists, and so that guests’ schedules are flexible enough to allow them to enjoy other Branson attractions.

“We have cut down the number of artists we will feature, but our hope is to sharpen the spotlight on the gospel message and to allow our audience the energy to get to know the artists in the lobby area and get to know the town of Branson,” Kelly Burton said.

In the coming weeks, announcements will confirm the event’s partnership with other Branson shows and businesses to offer ticket and vacation packages.

Tickets will be going on sale this month and can be purchased from the Tri-Lakes Center box office by calling (417) 336-0219.

More information about Branson Gospel Music Revival can be found at www.BransonGMR.com or by calling (708) 362-8172.

Stephen Hill & Woody Wright announce the 7th Annual Spirit of Christmas Tour


(Alexandria, IN) The Singer/Songwriter duo of Stephen Hill and Woody Wright will visit four countries on their seventh annual Spirit of Christmas Tour beginning November 28, 2010 in Europe. The concert includes a mixture of traditional Christmas songs, classics and original seasonal material and has been the delight of audiences in over a dozen states and many countries. This year the pair will play a half dozen concerts in Sweden, make a performance stop in Norway then appear in several venues in the Netherlands before finishing the tour in Charleston, South Carolina on December 19.

Stephen Hill is the 2010 Dove Award and Singing News Fan Award nominee for his song “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” recorded by Karen Peck and New River. As a studio singer, his voice is heard on recordings by many of the best Southern Gospel and Country Music artists.

Woody Wright has written many songs featured on the popular HomecomingVideo and television programs, as well as studio recordings by Dove and Grammy Award nominated performers. He is the host of “Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright” an international syndicated radio program.

Information about the two artists, and the tour is available at:
www.stephenhillmusic.com
or

www.woodywright.net