Gaither Officially Announces Matthew Holt As Pianist

Alexandria, IN - The audience at National Quartet Convention received a surprise announcement on Friday night, September 14, when Bill Gaither announced from stage that the new full-time piano player for the Gaither Vocal Band and the Gaither Homecoming Tour is Matthew Holt. Holt, too, was surprised and delighted at the announcement but is well prepared to accept his new role.

Matthew has been playing piano professionally since he was 19, when he was invited to accompany the award-winning family group The Perrys full-time. He remained with the Perrys from 2004 until 2008, receiving multiple nominations for Singing News Fan Awards for Top Musician during those years. Matthew came off the road after he and his wife, Lindsey, had their first child and Matthew went to work as Associate Director of Bethel University's Renaissance program in his hometown of McKenzie, Tennessee. He and the university intend for Matthew to remain on staff at Bethel for as long as possible while he also works with the Gaither Vocal Band and Gaither Homecoming Tour.

First inspired by late piano legend Anthony Burger, Matthew attended a Kingsmen concert at age two that would forever change the course of his life. He watched Anthony play and imitated him starting that very night. His parents bought him a piano the following year and he began taking lessons in grade school until he eventually realized his ultimate goal to play for a gospel group. In October of 2007, Matthew experienced a full-circle moment when he was chosen to play piano at Anthony Burger's induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Thrilled to accept his new role with the Gaither tour, Matthew states, "To be a member of the Gaither Family is a dream come true. I'm humbled and honored to be a part of this established and highly respected musical tradition. Words can't describe how excited I am about this opportunity!"

Bill Gaither is equally thrilled that Matthew has accepted this new role, stating, "The Gaither Vocal Band has been blessed to only have two piano players in our history until now, and both have been tremendous. Now, to be blessed once again with a musician of Matthew Holt's caliber is quite a gift! What a joy it is to welcome this fine young man to the family."

Matthew and Lindsey have two children: a son, Fletcher (4) and a daughter, Ridley (1). The family resides in McKenzie, Tennessee, where Matthew was born and raised.

Press Release from Singing News News, September 27, 2012 http://www.singingnews.com/Southern-Gospel-News/11678486/

The Gospel Station Network App Among Top Six Christian Music Applications

Ada, Oklahoma (September 28, 2012) - Randall Christy, President of The
Gospel Station Network announced today that the Gospel Station Network
Application has been placed among the top six Smartphone Christian
Music Applications, according to About.com .

In the article posted on
http://christianmusic.about.com/od/audiovideo/p/Best-Christian-Music-Apps-For-Smartphones.htm
by Kim Jones, About.com guide, the website gives the app a user rating
of 4 stars. Jones states, "These radio apps are the best I've found
and are the ones that I use regularly."

"We were so thrilled to be named in the top six and feel so blessed
that the Lord is using us to reach so many. As of today, we have over
70,000 downloads of our app. Of course its free and we hope it blesses
many!" said Randall Christy.

"The Gospel Station Network is listed number six of over 400 apps, not
just gospel, not just radio, but out of over 400 Christian Music Apps!
I am so thankful. Rick Cody is the best program director in the radio
business," said Christy. "I thank Jesus. It is all about the message.
Please take a second and look at the link above. Also, pray that we
will have a successful fund drive. It starts Monday, October 1st and
runs through October 13. We plan to put this type of radio station all
over the U.S."

More information on The Gospel Station Network application and fund
raising drive can be found by clicking on to
http://www.thegospelstation.com/dyn/index.php

The Gibson Brothers Win Entertainer of the Year at 2012 International Bluegrass Music Awards

The Gibson Brothers Win “Entertainer of the Year” at the 23rd Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards

Star-filled tribute to Earl Scruggs – featuring Steve Martin and the top musicians in today’s bluegrass music – caps a night of stellar performances and special moments.
The Gibson Brothers took home the “Entertainer of the Year” Award at the 23rd annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Thursday night, September 27 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Brothers Eric and Leigh Gibson, along with their band (Mike Barber, Clayton Campbell and Joe Walsh) also picked up an award for “Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year” for “Singing As We Rise.”

Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice was another big winner of the night, winning “Album of the Year” (The Heart of a Song) and “Single of the Year“ (“A Far Cry From Lester & Earl”). Russell Moore (of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out) and Dale Ann Bradley were male and female vocalists of the year, respectively, and Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers were the recipients of the prestigious Emerging Artist award. A full listing of all this year’s winners and award recipients appears below.

Doyle Lawson and the late Ralph Rinzler were the 2012 Hall of Fame inductees.

As always, some of the best musicians in bluegrass delivered a night filled with amazing performances. Hosts Del McCoury and Laurie Lewis joined an ensemble called “the Masters of Bluegrass” -- J.D. Crowe, Bobby Hicks, Jerry McCoury and Bobby Osborne -- to get the show off to a rousing start.

Other standout performances included Dailey & Vincent’s stirring a cappella rendition of “When The Roll is Called Up Yonder,” which brought the audience to its feet; Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen’s bluegrass interpretation of The Box Tops’ classic “The Letter;” and Hall of Fame inductee Doyle Lawson’s performance, with his band Quicksilver, of “Dixie Home.”

A stunning all-star finale, led by last year’s “Entertainer of the Year” recipient Steve Martin, filled the Ryman stage with some of bluegrass music’s top banjo players and musicians, in a tribute to late banjo legend Earl Scruggs, who died earlier this year. Participants in the Scruggs tribute included Tom Adams, Eddie Adcock, Jessie Baker, Terry Baucom, Sam Bush, Kristin Scott Benson, Alison Brown, Jason Burleson, Greg Cahill, Jason Carter, J.D.Crowe, Jason Davis, Joe Dean, Steve Dilling, Glenn Gibson, Eric Gibson, Mark Johnson, Doyle Lawson, Laurie Lewis, Del McCoury, Rob McCoury, Lynn Morris, Joe Mullins, Mike Munford, Chris Pandolfi, Graham Sharp, Sammy Shelor, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys (Jonny, Robbie & Tommy Mizzone), Ron Stewart, Mike Sumner, Tony Trischka, Scott Vestal, Pete Wernick, and Roland White.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The IBMA Awards Show is the centerpiece of the World of Bluegrass Week, which also includes the IBMA Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest.

For the first time ever, the 2012 IBMA Awards Show was broadcast live from the Ryman as streaming video on BluegrassNation.org and BluegrassToday.com. The Awards Show was also broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction, Channel 14), on 650 WSM AM, and will be syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to sponsors Compass Records, ArtistWorks Academy of Bluegrass, Deering Banjos, BMI, the International Bluegrass Music Museum, BluegrassToday.com, Boston Bluegrass Union, VisitRaleigh.com, and 650 WSM AM. Program directors and station managers may register as affiliates by calling 888-GET-IBMA or 615-256-3222.

For more information on World of Bluegrass week, go to www.worldofbluegrass.org, join us on Facebook, or call 615-256-3222 (1-888-GET-IBMA).

The 2012 International Bluegrass Awards

Bluegrass Hall of Fame Inductees: Doyle Lawson, Ralph Rinzler
Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients: Byron Berline, Joe & Lil Cornett, Orin Friesen, Pee Wee Lambert, Kitsy Kuykendall
Entertainer of the Year: The Gibson Brothers
Vocal Group of the Year: Blue Highway
Instrumental Group of the Year: The Boxcars
Emerging Artists of the Year: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Male Vocalist of the Year: Russell Moore
Female Vocalist of the Year: Dale Ann Bradley
Song of the Year: “A Far Cry From Lester & Earl” Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
Album of the Year: Heart Of A Song, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
Gospel Recorded Event of the Year: “Singing As We Rise” by the Gibson Brothers w/Ricky Skaggs
Instrumental Performance of the Year: “Angeline The Baker” by Lonesome River Band
Recorded Event of the Year: “Life Goes On” by Carl Jackson, Ronnie Bowman, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, Rickey Wasson, Randy Kohrs, D.A. Adkins, Garnet Bowman, Lynn Butler, Ashley Kohrs, Gary Payne, Dale Pyatt, Clay Hess, Alan Bibey, Jay Weaver, Ron Stewart & Jim VanCleve (artists); Jerry Salley, Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, Jim Van Cleve & Randy Kohrs (producers); Rural Rhythm Records
Banjo Player of the Year: Sammy Shelor
Bass Player of the Year: Marshall Wilborn
Fiddle Player of the Year: Stuart Duncan
Dobro Player of the Year: Rob Ickes
Guitar Player of the Year: Doc Watson
Mandolinist of the Year: Adam Steffey
Broadcaster of the Year: Kyle Cantrell
Bluegrass Event of the Year: ROMP, produced by the International Bluegrass Music Museum; Owensboro, KY
Print Media Person of the Year: Marty Godbey, author of Crowe on the Banjo: The Music Life of J.D. Crowe (Univ. of Illinois Press)
Best Graphic Design - Bedrock Manufacturing (designer) for Nobody Knows You, by the Steep Canyon Rangers (Rounder Records)
Best Liner Notes: Marian Leighton Levy (liner notes), for Tony Rice: The Bill Monroe Collection, by Tony Rice (Rounder Records)
Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year: Jon Weisberger

Earlier this week, IBMA’s new Momentum Awards, designed to recognize promising new talent, were presented. This year’s recipients of the Momentum Awards – which focus on artists and business people in the early years of their careers in bluegrass music – are:

Band of the Year: Monroeville
Vocalist of the Year: Emily Bankester (performs with The Bankesters)
Instrumentalists of the Year: bassist Samson Grisman (son of legendary mandolinist David “Dawg” Grisman, performs with The Deadly Gentlemen), fiddler Alex Hargreaves (performs with Sarah Jarosz), and fiddler Christian Ward (performs with Sierra Hull)
Event/Venue of the Year: Appalachian Uprising, produced by Steve Cielic (new festival in Scottown, Ohio)
Industry Achievement: Crash Avenue publicist Emilee Warner
Mentor of the Year: Five-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year and producer Mike Bub

Jammin For A Cure for Alzheimers

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AND GOING FAST!!

Jamming for a cure for Alzheimer's
Sat. Oct 13th 2012
Tanglewood Church Kinston NC

Featuring Ed Oneal & the Dixie Melody Boys, Dove Brothers Band and the DMB Band Reunion!

LIMITED SEATING

Call 252 522 2698 for ticket info or send check or money order With a self addressed stamp envelope to.............
Tanglewood Church 2103 Rouse Rd Kinston NC 28504

Tickets are
10 dollars advance
12 dollars at the door!

2 Live bands, 3 Quartets!!

DON'T MISS IT!!!!

Greater Vision News

From Greater Vision News September 27, 2012

Fall has arrived in East Tennessee! The clear air and the crisp, cool mornings signal the beginning of the most colorful season of the year in the Smoky Mountains. The tips of the leaves have already started changing, and soon, people from all over the world will descend on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see the spectacular display of God's creativity. We are so blessed to call this area "home"!

We're starting our busy Fall Touring Schedule this weekend, so check out our schedule to see if we'll coming to your area!


This Weekend's Concerts
This weekend, our concerts are in Georgia on Friday and Saturday, then we'll finish our trip in our hometown! Sunday night, we'll be doing a special concert at Cherokee Heights Baptist Church in Morristown, TN...which is the church that Rodney and Chad attend. This will be the first concert in the church's newly-constructed Worship Center, so if you're in the area, come and join us!

Friday - Canton, GA
Saturday - Brinson / Bainbridge, GA
Sunday - Morristown, TN

To see our complete Concert Schedule, click HERE.


Happy Birthday, Dr. Stanley!

Dr. Charles Stanley celebrated his 80th Birthday this week! We spent this past weekend in Atlanta, celebrating this special occasion with people from across the United States, and several other countries. Along with celebrating Dr. Stanley's birthday, we also celebrated his 55 years of ministry and the 35th birthday of In Touch Ministries. We capped off the weekend at First Baptist Church of Atlanta on Sunday morning.

We continue to be blessed by Dr. Stanley's ministry, and his friendship. He has been a very special friend and encourager to us, for as long as we've been traveling.

If you would like to send Dr. Stanley a personal Birthday Greeting, you can click on his photo to visit the In Touch Ministries' website.

To see a few photos from the weekend, click HERE.

It's A Hit!
So many of our friends have written this week to tell us how much they enjoyed "The Man Behind The Music" TV Special last weekend on TBN! We've also heard from the folks at TBN, and apparently, the program was a big "hit"! They ended up airing the program several times over the weekend!


If you saw the program, and would like to see the entire concert, you can order your personal copy of the DVD by clicking the DVD cover. The DVD includes several songs that were not seen on the TV Special, as well as some "behind the scenes" bonus footage. If you didn't have a chance to see the program, order a DVD! You won't be disappointed!

We're gearing up for a very busy Fall, and we're hoping to see YOU...SOON!
We are very thankful for your prayers and your friendship!

Have a blessed weekend!

2nd Generation: Ten Things Every Pastor Wishes His Congregation Knew

Elaine and I were raised in a pastors home and we wouldn't trade it for anything. We have a heart for pastor's today. They are facing things that pastor's in the past haven't had to face. Times have changed. People have changed. Churches have changed. Over 1800 pastors are stepping down every single month. Not because God has released the call, but because of people like you and I.
Lets love on our pastors. Tell them you apprecaite them. Please take time to read the article below. There is a lot of truth to it. Get ready to say OUCH and then get ready to love on your pastor and his family.

Here are ten things every pastor wishes the congregation knew but doesn't know how to say:

(1) Your pastor has feelings. No seriously, he really does! Dealing with troubled marriages, addictions, mean-spirited congregants, constant complaints, and troubled spiritual lives can really weigh heavy on a person. It's no small thing for a pastor to get up in the pulpit on Sunday with a smile on his face after he's just visited a young man in jail, been witness to parents letting their children know they are getting a divorce, or counseled with that man dealing with a pornography addiction. It can break the strongest person. And if you say hurtful things to the pastor, even if you think you are right, learn to say: "I'm sorry." If you do have criticism, never do it publicly (a cowardly way), but go to him privately and season your speech with grace.

(2) Your pastor needs encouragement. Don't expect a pastor to ask for it, just give it. If your pastor does something meaningful that you appreciate, don't take it for granted, let him know how much it mean to you! Discouragement is real! It is discouraging to watch people "fall by the way-side" after you have spend days and maybe weeks or months investing in them as a pastor. Your pastor always gets discouraging calls; maybe you could give him an encouraging one (without asking anything of him). A few simple words of encouragement can do more good than many voices of discouragement.

(3) Your pastor is probably under-paid. (Just assume he is and its the church's responsibility to provide for him and his family.) I know people think pastors ought to be paid minimum wage so they can "rely on the Lord." The pastor does rely on the Lord, there's no need for further 'testing.' Pastors, when considering their education level as well as the ordination process of some denominations, have a very rigorous process to undergo before being fully ordained! The level of support that most churces provide is not even comparable to the amount of time, resources, education, giftedness, etc that it takes to become a pastor. Many pastors struggle to even pay off their under graduate or graduate education with the financial support they receive while pastoring a church. That, along with family responsibilities, financial expectations to give to the local church in every special offering (above & beyond tithe), and other financial issues, places a huge burden on the pastoral family. How many people would complain about the pastor's atire if he wore the same suit every Sunday or drove a 'clunker' while out visiting parishners? Yet, if we're not careful, we hold financial expectations on our pastor that are unfair. In many cases, when pastors retire from ministry, they are left to live off a social security check or the retirement fund of their spouse (shame on us). If we do not honor God's spokesperson to the local church; God will not honor the church.

(4) Your pastor is under constant spiritual attack. Yeah, they deal with temptation too. It's kind of like this: If you were fighting in the revolutionary war and you had one shot at the army charging at you would you shoot (1) the hundreds of foot soldiers charging or (2) the man riding the horse with a big plume in his hat? You got it! The pastor is in a place of leadership and if a pastor falls morally it causes a lot of discouragement and damage to the kingdom. Of course the Devil is going to target your pastor... especially if he is leading with integrity and the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Pray for your pastor. He needs it. Who will stand in the gap for their pastor?

(5) Your pastor's spouse has the hardest job in the church. I can't leave this one out. The spouse is not technically a staff person of the local church. Problem is, "pastor's wife" is its own position! Expectations are high for this non-paid position. Too many people believe the pastor's spouse ought to be a wonderful pianist, the friendliest greeter, a proficient Sunday School teacher, a fashion icon, a model of humility, a compassionate counselor, and the list goes on and on. There are few things that are difficult for the pastor's spouse: unfair expectations from the congregagtion, everything they say or do is under scrutiny, their kids have to behave and act better than everyone elses kids, they get no down time, if they were really transparent their mate might be out of a job, and so much more. Being a pastor's spouse can be one of the most lonely roles in the church. They often cannot even afford to have friends in the church for fear of betrayal or gossip. Try to make things pleasant for your pastor's spouse: let them know they are appreciated and do not make them the "back-up plan" for every ministry in the church. Protect your pastor's spouse, because your pastor needs their spouse more than they need you.

(6) Not everything is the pastor's fault. This is hard to believe, I know. The pastor is certainly an easy one to blame everything on because they are the visible leaders of the local church. Don't point fingers at the pastor every time something goes wrong or someone in the church is mad about something. If his preaching isn't up to par maybe its because he is spending too much time vacuuming the sanctuary. If he isn't visiting enough maybe its because he's too busy putting out the fires of discontent that you or others are starting. Do something to help cover for him! If more people need to be visited; visit them. If a Sunday School class needs to be taught; teach it. If no one will do the power point; volunteer. Step up and into a place that you can be part of the solution instead of the problem. Blaming someone else for the church's lack of effectiveness does not work! (Blame did not solve anything for Adam & Eve either.)

(7) Your pastor wishes he was Superman, but he is lucky to pull off Clark Kent some days. There are some things he just won't be good at... sorry. Not every sermon will be a home run (that doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to them). Generally, he won't be strong in every single area of pastoral ministry. It doesn't mean he is a failure, it means the church needs to function as a body instead of "paying the preacher to do it all." If a good pastor is guilty of anything, it is trying to be good at everything and then failing at everything. When you see your pastor trying to take on one more thing, that is the time to be stubborn and demand that he not add another thing to his list (tell him to add it to yours). This may be a shock to some, but your pastor does not know everything... the problem occurs when people treat him like he does not know anything.

(8) Your pastor is on call 24/7; try to be sympathetic when it comes to his time. Be considerate. Do not call your pastor before 8am or after 9pm except in an emergency. Try to work out the small stuff on your own. Do not be a "tattle tail" either. If there is a serious moral short coming, sure, that needs to be dealt with. But your pastor probably does not even care that someone looked at you cross-eyed during the offeratory. If that teenager keeps talking during service you deal with it or get over it. You know that guy you keep complaining is dropping cigarette butts in the flower bed, the pastor is trying to lead him to Christ. One day you may need the pastor in a real emergency so do not be the person always crying wolf! (As a side note, I might add that an over whelming majority of what people think is major, is in fact minor. Get a life, get a job, get out of your little world and try to catch the big picture of what Jesus is doing in the world around you!) Your pastor really cares about you, probably, but do not take advantage of that fact.

(9) Quit being so sensitive about EVERYTHING! This is a hard truth to swallow, but your pastor is not sitting around all week thinking of ways to offend you in his sermon on Sunday (and if he is, you must be a huge problem in the church). Keep in mind that the church is a family so we sometimes have conflict. Conflict is not bad in and of itself, it is what we do in that conflict that matters. Try giving your pastor the benefit of the doubt. Do not take everything personally. That chip on your shoulder may be restraining your pastor from doing what he needs to do to see the church move forward. Who wants to be a stumbling block? The reality is, your pastor wants what is spiritually the best for you and the church.

(10) Don't make your pastor stand alone. If your pastor has really been called of God there will be times he must make a stand for truth. When he does that, your responsibility is to be a supporter of biblical truth. Stand with him. Complainers, slanderers, gossips, and those causing division in the church are always vocal, why not be vocal about supporting your pastor if he is standing up for what is right? Too many people hide in the trenches and let the pastor lead the charge into the lines of immorality while they sit safely in their bunker silently "admiring" their martyr pastor and discussing who they can find for a new pastor when this one gets eaten alive on the battlefield fighting for truth. Your pastor will only be able to take so many bullets with everyone hiding behind him before he will have to leave your church... wounded. Then you'll get a pastor who may or may not stand up for what is right and you will have a wake of unsolved moral issues in your church that you will expect the next pastor to deal with alone as well. Sometimes this is as simple as letting him know verbally that you support him standing for truth. (It is not ever about sides, but it is about whether your pastor is doing right!)

I might be able to add to this list later, but I hope this might give insight to some lay person on how they can better be a Aaron or Hur for their Moses (Exodus 17:10-13). And to any of my current or past congregation members who might think I am talking about them... you bet I am. :-)




Brenda, Elaine & Josh
2nd Generation
913.710.5227Ev

Mercy's Well News

From Mercy's Well Newsletter September 28, 2012

It is so good to be able to write to you once again. We were reminded this weekend of the faithfulness of some of our followers. While there are some subscribers to our newsletter that are local and have multiple opportunities to see us each year, there are some of you who live in places we don't get to very often, or maybe even a place we've never been to! We had a dear lady come up to our product table this past Sunday night after a concert in FL, telling us that she had subscribed to our newsletter a year earlier and had patiently waited for us to to return to her church. It reminded us to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who faithfully follow and keep up with our ministry! Your prayers and encouraging words mean more than you know.

Our weekend in Florida was great! Homecoming/Friend Day at Lake Asbury Baptist in Green Cove Springs was a huge success, and a return trip to Pastor Donnie and the folks at First Baptist Church of Inverness is always a treat! This church has become like a second family for us, and we enjoyed the fellowship with them once again.

Our website, www.mercyswell.com has been updated with a new blog and some special announcements about upcoming events! Be sure to check it out. We've got a weekend in Eastern TN planned to end the month of September, so we hope to see you if you're in the area!

Have a great week, and God Bless!

In Christ,
Brad, Greg & Kyle
Mercy's Well
THIS WEEK

September 30 - 9:00/11:00 AM Pleasant Grove Baptist Church - Mt. City, TN
For more information: (423) 727-6805

September 30 - 7:00 PM Nelson Chapel Baptist Church - Mt. City, TN
For more information: (423) 727-7333

Karen Peck and New River News

New River News (9/26/12)

Hey Friends! This is an exciting week for Abraham Productions! The Singing In the Sun 2013 tickets go of sale this Thursday, September 27 at 10am. Be sure to call or go online and order your tickets. It's going to be the best year ever!

There are still some cabins available on the Caribbean Cruise in November.We would love for you to sign up with KPNR and go with us!

I've been studying a lot for the Annual Ladies' Conference at North Highland Baptist church in Warrior, AL. It's October 6 at 9:00am & 12:00pm. New River will perform and I will speak on "God Is Faithful". For information you can email Patti at: pattisblackberry@bellsouth.net or call her at (205) 213-0040. You can also click on the photo (to the right) that links to their website. Ladies, let's rally together and pack this place out! Get your church groups together or come alone. It's going to be a great day in the lord! :)

My solo album "How You Walk The Miles"is getting ready to release to all the bookstores next month!We are praying that the Lord will use this album to reach a lot of people. Producer Ben Isaacs did an amazing job on this recording!

Susan, Jeff, and I are starting to rehearse the Christmas songs from our first ever Christmas album entitled, "Georgia Mountain Christmas".Last year we had so much fun singing these songs and we're looking forward to incorporating them into our program during the Christmas season.

October is going to be a very busy month for KPNR. Just to name a few events, SGMA/SINGING NEWS FAN AWARDS, Warrior, Al. (Ladies' Conference), Dollywood, Circleville, Ohio (Royalaire's Homecoming), Merrimac Caverns (The Lester's Homecoming), Waldo, Fl. We are excited about every concert and would love to see y'all!! Our schedule is on our website (www.karenpeckandnewriver.com) or (www.harperagency.com) has the most current info.

Have a wonderful week!

Love and prayers,
Karen

The Top Ten Reasons to Attend World of Bluegrass 2012

Reason #1: It's great, we're here, and you should be too!

The great band Della Mae is just wrapping up their showcase and Jim Hurst, The SteelDrivers and Volume Five are waiting in the wings ready to go on next, as I'm writing this message to you! We're halfway through World of Bluegrass week with three big days left! You still have time to hop in the car, on a bus, on a plane, a train, hot air balloon, or a bike and join us in Nashville! Check us out on Facebook here and here to see the videos, photos and comments from all corners of the Nashville Convention Center--which is literally ringing with great music and the laughter of old friends.

You should be here, too!

Still coming up Thursday: our annual IBMA Town Hall meeting for all members and those interested in finding out about membership, the Special Awards Luncheon with the presentation of IBMA's Distinguished Achievement Awards and industry awards for broadcasting, event production, print/media, liner notes and graphic design for a recorded project, and a new award for bluegrass songwriter of the year!

Tomorrow night is the International Bluegrass Music Awards at the historic Ryman Theater, hosted by Del McCoury and Laurie Lewis. I'm backstage at the Ryman right now, listening to soundchecks by one amazing band after another, and getting more excited by the minute! You definitely don't want to miss this one, folks! Tickets are still available at ryman.com, in person at the Ryman Box Office, and at the World of Bluegrass registration desk through tomorrow afternoon (Sept. 27).

If you can't be here in person, be sure to catch us on the first ever live streaming broadcast on www.bluegrassnation.org or www.bluegrasstoday.com, or live on Sirius XM satellite radio, WSM-AM or wsmonline.com.

Fan Fest, with more than 60 great bands, a world-class fiddling competition, the masters workshop stage, an exhibit hall, celebrity jams, the great "Kids on Bluegrass" set, and jamming unlimited kicks off Friday morning, Sept. 28 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 30. Single day and three-day passes are still available at the gate. Kids under 16 are free with an adult, and there are special discounts for students with a high school or college ID. Here's the line-up.

Great business connections are being made, amazing music is being played, and big fun is still to be had during the next four days of World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tenn.!

Hope to see you! If you can't join us, follow us on Twitter, on Facebook (IBMA & Bluegrass Nation pages) and Instagram, and tune into the show tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Central.

-Nancy C.

Gold City News

From Gold City's Email Newsletter September 26, 2012

WEEKEND REWIND

WOW!! It’s been a busy two weeks on the Gold City bus. We have a lot to catch up on. We’ve been in Canada, New York, and of course Kentucky for the great National Quartet Convention. And what an awesome week it was at NQC! We were privileged to sing three times on the main stage, in addition to several other activities during the week. Wednesday night was All-Quartet Night and Gold City was honored to sing your fan-voted favorites!! It is no surprise that our signature song, Midnight Cry, was the most chosen, even after 25 years. And if that weren’t enough, we were honored on the main stage for having number one songs in each of the past four decades. We were presented a plaque for that, as well as one for commemorating the 25th anniversary of the recording of Midnight Cry. Aside from the stage, we had so much fun meeting all of you who came by the table. Your support means everything to us! After convention, we headed off for a Sunday morning in Signal Mountain, TN before making our way back home for a much needed rest. This past weekend found us in Georgia for two great concerts. We may be partial, but we think Gold City fans are the best fans of any group anywhere, and you continue to prove that by coming out to see us. Thank you so much for supporting and being a part of what we do.

CLIMBING THE CHART

Our last single release, Lord of Life, is perched at number 2 on the Singing News Radio Chart. We are so thrilled! Thank you to everyone who calls and requests this life-changing song. Keep requesting it at your local radio station. We will be following up Lord of Life with our next single, I Get Down.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

This Sunday our tenor singer will add another candle on his birthday cake. Dan Keeton will celebrate his 44th birthday this weekend. Happy birthday, Dan!!

COME CRUISE WITH US

We’re going cruising in January. Come be a part of a wonderful week January 20-27, 2013 as we sail to Cozumel, Grand Caymen, and Jamaica. Our website has a link to all the details, so go to www.goldcityqt.com and click on the logo, then make your plans to sail with us!

DID YOU KNOW

Our legendary bass singer, Tim Riley, has a CD called "A Lifetime of Treasures." Each song was hand-picked by Tim from the many songs he has recorded over the past 45 years and includes 12 of his favorites. Shop our online store by visiting our website to purchase this incredible compilation.

COMING UP

We have so many great dates coming up in the near future! If you read our monthly Singing News article, you know we’re headed to Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ restaurant again, and we’re also headed to sing in a cave! Meramec Caverns, that is, where we will be the guests of our host group, The Lesters. And we can’t forget the great folks at Gospel Barn in Bluffton, IN. We hope you will check our schedule, find a date, and come see us in concert soon!

SAVE THE DATE

Gold City and our buddies, the Kingsmen will be in concert in Weogufka, AL at The Weogufka Center on Saturday, October 6th at 6:30 p.m. There's no telling what may happen when we all get together. Make plans to attend! For more information, go to www.weogufkacenter.com.
　
DANNY’S FAVORITE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
　
"The devil loves 'curing' a small fault by giving you a great one." -C.S. Lewis

AS ALWAYS

We cannot thank you enough for your support of our ministry! There are many ways you can support us—concert attendance, product purchases, and with your prayers that we would be able to faithfully continue to carry the gospel to people everywhere!

CONCERTS

For our full schedule or more information, please visit www.bsaworld.com
Thursday, 9/27 Opelika, AL 6:30pm Central Baptist 1611 Second Ave
Saturday, 9/29 Hattiesburg, MS 6pm Saenger Theater 201 Forrest St
Sunday, 9/30 Remlap, AL 2pm Pleasant Mount Baptist 250 Pine Mtn Circle
Thursday, 10/4 Bonifay, FL 7pm Mt Zion Independant Baptist 3205 Florida 2
Saturday, 10/6 Weogufka, AL 6:30pm Weogufka High School Gym Weogufka Hwy

The Dixie Melody Boys Interview with Rob Patz on SGN Scoops TV

The Dixie Melody Boys chatted with Rob Patz of SGN Scoops at the National Quartet Convention. The entire interview can be seen on SGN Scoops TV on You Tube.
You can view the SGN Scoops TV interview here.

2012 GMA Canada Covenant Awards Nominees Announced

BURLINGTON, ON – GMA Canada announced the nominees for the 2012 GMA Covenant
Awards during a press conference at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario .
Among the nominees are The Amundruds, The Torchmen Quartet and Valiant.

The Amundruds are nominated for: Group of the Year – The Amundruds; Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year: The Amundruds – At The Crossroad; Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year: The Amundruds – Catch Every Tear; Southern Gospel Song of the Year: The Amundruds – I Wanna Go

The Torchmen are nominated in the categories: Southern Gospel Song Of The Year: The Torchmen - We Sing About A Saviour; and Southern Gospel Album of The Year: Torchmen Quartet - Step Up.

Valiant is nominated for the following: Southern Gospel Song Of The Year: Valiant – It’s A New Day; and Southern Gospel Album of The Year: Valiant - Valiant

For complete list of nominees visit http://www.gmacanada.ca/nominees/
The Covenant Awards will be broadcast on CTS TV this November. Watch for times and local listing announcements to be made soon.

Scheduled to perform on the Awards Show: The Amundruds, Starfield, Downhere, NewWorldSon, High Valley, Ben Cantelon, Greg Sczebel, the Toronto Mass Choir and many more.

Watch for more artist announcements coming soon!

Visit GMACanada.ca for tickets and additional information.
http://www.gmacanada.ca/news/

Make plans now to join us in Ontario for GMA Week 2012!

Group Of The Year
The Amundruds
Downhere
High Valley
Newworldson
Starfield

Country/Bluegrass Album Of The Year
The Amundruds – At The Crossroad
Canada’s Double Portion – Classics
Gary French – Sweetest Thing
High Valley – Love Is A Long Road
Kelly Manu – Believe

Country/Bluegrass Song Of The Year
The Amundruds – Catch Every Tear
High Valley – Have I Told You I Love You Lately
High Valley – Let It Be Me
Mike R. Schuster – Sunday
Rob Berg – Hammer Fall

Southern Gospel Song Of The Year
The Amundruds – I Wanna Go
Jassette Haughton – Once You Have Tasted
Blake Paul – Be Near Me
Torchmen Quartet – We Sing About a Saviour
Valiant – It’s A New Day

Southern Gospel Album of The Year
Potter's Clay Quartet - Down Every Road
Three and Company - I Get Excited
Torchmen Quartet - Step Up
Unto Him - Forgiven Again
Valiant - Valiant

Steve Hess and Southern Salvation Receive Awards for Volunteeri​sm

Nashville, Tennessee- Steve Hess and Southern Salvation recently made time during their busy schedule at the National Quartet Convention last week in Louisville Kentucky to be honored with some prestigious accolades.

During the past two years, Steve Hess and Southern Salvation have organized and assisted churches in numerous areas in multiple concerts that have benefited storm victims. Due to the recent tragedies of the hurricanes in Florida and Louisiana, and the tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri, the trio was impressed upon to host concerts that would aid those that had been displaced from their homes after weather related issues had affected these areas. That news has traveled to Washington D.C. and they have been honored with The Call To Service Award and The Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism. Both awards have been sent from the Office of the President of the United States.

Hess states ” We feel a call to sing and minister the gospel, but when the Bible talks about the doing for the least of these, we even more so feel a call of service to those in need. It is disheartening to see people go through nature related tragedies, and we want to take time to do our part that we may help those that need it during these times. We should help fellow Americans but also because it is our Christian mandate to do so.”

Steve Hess and Southern Salvation will also be taking part of an major event on Saturday September 29th at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The sold out event, will include a Youth Rally of over 6000 teenagers attending. The promoters of the event invited Steve Hess and Southern Salvation to sing during the 4 hour concert where they will be the only Southern Gospel artist sharing the stage with other bands from Contemporary Christian and Christian Rock genres. Hess continues ” In the light of these recent awards, we are even further honored to present our style of Gospel Music to these young people. We believe we present what we do in our style of traditional gospel music as an encouraging uncompromising messages about the cross. This is an opportunity that we count a privilege to be a part of.”

You can find more information about Steve Hess and Southern Salvation at www.southernsalvation.com or www.choicepromotions.net

Photo attached. Pictured L-R
Group Member Rodney Tyson, Singing News Publisher Les Butler, Steve Hess, Group Member Chad Riley and Rick Francis also of Singing News Magazine.

THE ANNIE MOSES BAND SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH SEPTEMBER 25th RELEASE OF, PILGRIMS & PRODIGALS

Los Angeles, Calif. (September 25, 2012) – The universally acclaimed Annie Moses Band soars to new heights with today’s release of Pilgrims & Prodigals. With more than 1000 hours of airings on PBS stations across the country, garnering the highest debut for any artist on public television thus far, the chart-topping band continues to build momentum with its latest release.

The two-disc CD/DVD package is a collection of songs that explores the timeless theme of roaming and redemption. To celebrate the album launch, AOL.com is hosting a week-long exclusive listening party of this diverse record that blends the captivating styles of classical, jazz, folk, and even a frission of Celtic.

To participate in the AOL listening party, please visit: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/10.

“Pilgrims & Prodigals is based on the idea that everyone in the world is going somewhere,” observes Alex Wolaver, who for the first time shares lead vocalist duties with his sister Annie. “We’re all on a personal journey. We are all either someone who’s finding our way back home or we’re someone who’s running away from home. Every song on this album tells one of those two stories.” Eight songs on the album were written or co-written by members of the group.

Five other tunes receive inventive re-imaginings that bring fresh new seasonings to familiar standards like “Poor Wayfaring Pilgrim” and “Girl of Constant Sorrow” while the project’s two pop cover songs – “Love Song” (Elton John) and “I Got a Name” (Jim Croce) take on unexpected new life. Recorded in the heart of Music City, Nashville, TN., Alex teamed up with award-winning producer Michael Omartian (Christopher Cross, Michael Bolton, Amy Grant,) to produce the new project that was originally imagined nearly a decade ago.

Pilgrims & Prodigals is marketed and distributed in partnership with Dream Journey, the television production company behind the many highly-popular Public Television Specials. The album is packaged as a double-disc set, containing the CD plus a companion DVD showcasing the Annie Moses Band performing the entire album in concert.

“Video is very important to us, because what we do as the Annie Moses Band is very visual,” explains Annie. “By including the live concert DVD with the album, people can see us performing and playing each song on the album.” Known for their breathtaking instrumental virtuosity and shimmering layered vocals, the Annie Moses Band accolades include a Billboard top-ten Classical Crossover album, an extensive tour schedule of over 80 concerts a year, performing before 100,000+ people and high profile media appearances in print and on television. The family act is made up of six siblings, with their parents Bill and Robin spearheading the lyrics and arrangements.

Annie Wolaver serves as the lead vocalist and violin player, Alex Wolaver accompanies on vocals and violin, Benjamin Wolaver on the cello, Camille Wolaver plays the harp and keyboard, Gretchen Wolaver performs the violin and mandolin and Jeremiah Wolaver handles the Classical and electric guitar.

In support of the new release, the Annie Moses Band will be seen on PBS stations around the U.S. starting in October for their brand new Pilgrims & Prodigals Public Television concert that will air throughout the fall.

For more information on Annie Moses Band, Pilgrims & Prodigals, and their Public Television Special please visit www.anniemosesband.com.

New Record Label Announced!

BISHOP JERRY L. MAYNARD LAUNCHES JELAMA RECORDS
Legendary Christian Figure Expands Ministry Through Recorded Music

Pictured L-R: Jerry Maynard III (President, JeLaMa Records), Bishop Jerry L. Maynard (Founder JeLaMa Media Group), and Chuck Adams (President, Central South) at the signing of the distribution agreement.

Nashville, TN - (September 25, 2012) Bishop Jerry L. Maynard announced today the formation of JeLaMa Records, a new label based in Nashville, TN. Bishop Maynard is a legendary figure in Christian ministry and is the Senior Pastor of Nashville mega-church, Cathedral Of Praise. Additionally, the label has entered into an agreement with Central South Distribution to handle worldwide distribution of all products on the JeLaMa Records label.

Bishop Jerry L. Maynard comments: “I am beyond thrilled to be working with the exquisitely talented team at Central South. For years, I have watched them work behind the scenes and I can’t wait for the world to hear what we’ve got planned!”

Jerry Maynard, III, President for the label, said: “For years my Father has dreamed of this day – to carry his vision into the larger marketplace and touch lives through the recorded medium of music. It is a pleasure to help his dream become a reality!”

JeLaMa Records first release, "Bishop Jerry L. Maynard presents The Cathedral of Praise Choir”, is slated for an early fall 2012 release. The debut single from this anointed choir, “Just Believe,” is now at radio and features recording artist Michelle Prather. The single may also be heard online at www.BishopMaynard.com.

“Every Sunday,” Bishop Maynard commented, “this talented group of musicians blesses our congregation with their voices and spirit. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

For more information on Bishop Jerry L. Maynard and JeLaMa Records, visit www.BishopMaynard.com "LIKE" on Facebook and follow on Twitter.com/BishopMaynard.

Singing In The Sun 2013 Tickets On Sale Today

Singing in the Sun 2013

Tickets Go On Sale For Singing In The Sun 2013
Officially Thursday,September 27 at 10:00 am Eastern

iGivings' Church App Platform Named 2012 Best New Product

iGIVINGS MOBILE CHURCH APP PLATFORM NAMED ‘BEST OVERALL NEW MEDIA PRODUCT’ BY WFX—WORSHIP FACILITIES EXPO
Groundbreaking App Helps Churches Grow;Also Awarded ‘Best Other New Media Product’

iGivings.com

DALLAS – Sept. 25, 2012 – iGivings—the nation’s largest developer of mobile application platforms for churches—earned the 2012 “Best Overall New Media Product Award” from WFX—Worship Facilities Expo. The award singles out the year’s most noteworthy technology developments for churches and was presented Sept. 19 at the WFX conference in Atlanta. WFX also named iGivings’ app as 2012’s “Best Other New Media Product.”

“The WFX awards recognize the change taking place in churches all over the world,” iGivings founder and CEO Yuri Gorzey said. “Today’s mobile technology allows churches and their members to build community wherever they are in the world. With an iGivings’ app, churches not only grow in numbers, but they see deepening faith and community among members.”

“We're honored to recognize innovative companies who bring important and timely products for churches,” said WFX Managing Director Jim Wagner. “Each year we evaluate over a hundred new products to determine which reflect the quality and applications of most value to churches. iGivings is a worthy recipient of the WFX New Product Award this year.”

At the same time, iGivings makes its basic platform bundle for iPhone, iPads and Android devices available for just $75 a month and without set-up fees—a $3,000 savings. The iGivings basic mobile application platform revolutionizes how churches build community, conduct ministry, communicate among members and facilitate giving. Members have the “church in their pocket” anywhere in the world with their mobile devices as they stream sermons; interactively share prayer requests and answered prayers; enhance Bible study; and donate with just a few “clicks,” among many other functions.

Learn More at iGivings.com/apps

“Our experience with iGivings was efficient, professional and frankly, brilliant,” said Pastor Mark Holcomb of Williamsport, Pa.’s, The Door Fellowship. “ I love the clean lines, user-easy menu and quick access database ‘ready to use’ for my info. In this ‘post-pc’ world we live in, a mobile device is quickly becoming ‘man's best friend’ . . . everything you need is right at your fingertips. Thank you again, iGivings.”

iGivings stands on the leading edge of a change coming to churches worldwide as mobile populations increasingly access the internet through smart devices such as iPhones and iPads and create opportunity for ministry. Within just four months of launching the iGivings Basic Platform, more than 5,000 churches requested the product, including congregations in the United States, Japan, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, India, Great Britain and more.

The mobile application platform features include an Interactive Prayer Wall, Sermons, Media galleries, 2-Clicks mobile giving, a full Bible, Sermon Notes, Live Streaming, Calendar, Groups, Teachings and Bible Studies, Devotionals, Blogs, News, Church Store, Ministries, Service Times and Locations, Push Notifications and more.

Visit iGivings.com/apps for:
a complete list of features
frequently asked questions
user testimonials
information on the special pricing for the basic bundle

'October Baby' DVD, Blu-ray Debuts No. 1 on SoundScan Video Chart

‘OCTOBER BABY’ DEBUTS AT NO. 1 ON SOUNDSCAN VIDEO CHART
DVD, Blu-ray Continues Remarkable Success of Hit Independent Film

OctoberBabyMovie.net
NASHVILLE – Sept. 25, 2012 – The OCTOBER BABY DVD and Blu-ray continued the winning ways of the surprise hit independent film by topping SoundScan’s Christian Video Chart rankings after its Sept. 11 launch. When it premiered in theaters in March, the film debuted at No. 8 at the box office and No. 3 in per screen average sales against big-budget competition such as THE HUNGER GAMES.

“The conversations that OCTOBER BABY started about the value of every life continue to resonate, and we’re so pleased about that,” Co-Director and Co-Writer Jon Erwin said. “OCTOBER BABY shows the power of a film to entertain and engage audiences.”

OCTOBER BABY topped $5.3 million at the box office, sparked debate in national media and touched audiences nationwide with its drama, humor and compelling message about the sanctity of life. The success of the DVD draws attention to the value-of-life discussion just in time for November’s National Adoption Month, and it follows a pattern of faith films doing well in the home entertainment market. For example, two well-known faith DVDs—COURAGEOUS, 2012 and FIREPROOF, 2009—remain in SoundScan’s top 20, long after their launch.

OCTOBER BABY is a production of Jon and Andrew Erwin and American Family Studios with Provident Films. Distribution in the Christian bookstore market is through Provident Distribution, while Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment distributes to all other domestic markets.

OCTOBER BABY stars John Schneider (Smallville, Dukes of Hazzard), Jasmine Guy (A Different World) and newcomers Jason Burkey, as Jason, and Rachel Hendrix, who plays Hannah. In the film as the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before her first lines, she collapses. Countless medical tests all point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to discovering that she was actually adopted . . . after a failed abortion attempt. Bewildered, angered and confused, Hannah embarks on a journey with Jason, her oldest friend. In the midst of her incredible journey to discover her hidden past and find hope for her unknown future, Hannah sees that life can be so much more than what you have planned.

The film shines light on the little-known subject of survivors of failed abortions and was inspired by the life of survivor Gianna Jesson. (See Gianna’s and other compelling stories at EveryLifeIsBeautiful.com.)

Special features on the OCTOBER BABY DVD and Blu-ray include:

Commentary by Jon and Andrew Erwin and the OCTOBER BABY family
October Bloopers
Deleted Scenes, featuring the characters Truman, Bmac and much more
Shari Rigby’s story—How OCTOBER BABY helped an actor in the film deal with events from her own past
Gianna Jessen: The Inspiration for OCTOBER BABY
Singing the Praises of OCTOBER BABY
Facebook Q&A with Rachel Hendrix and Jason Burkey
Every Life Is Beautiful Stories
Jon Erwin
Gianna Jessen
Andy Erwin
Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
Pat Layton
Ken Bevel (COURAGEOUS)
Dan Atchison (OCTOBER BABY producer)
The Afters Life Is Beautiful music video
To learn more, visit: OctoberBabyMovie.net

For site license information, visit: ProvidentFilms.org

And visit OctoberBabyMovie.net/pressroom for:
OCTOBER BABY Synopsis
OCTOBER BABY Backgrounder
OCTOBER BABY Fact Sheet
OCTOBER BABY Bios
OCTOBER BABY Images
OCTOBER BABY Video/Audio
For interviews, contact: Monique Sondag Monique@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-536-4319.

About Provident Films ProvidentFilms.org
Provident Films, a division of Provident Music Group, develops, produces and markets faith-based films. Nashville-based Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades.
About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

Tara Jackson Announces New CD

From Tara Jackson's Email Newsletter September 24, 2012:

WE DID IT!!

The Kickstarter campaign has been successfully funded!

I'm happy to announce that I will be headed back into the studio in Nashville on October 8-10, 2012, to record vocals for the album! I cannot WAIT for you to hear the new music.

Thank you to everyone who pledged support! I will be in touch with all those that pledged to make sure you receive your Kickstarter incentives. Be on the lookout for a future email about how you can pre-order the album if you didn't already do so with Kickstarter!

CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012
6:30 PM
The Lord's Friendly Mission Church
506 S 14th St
Nashville, TN 37206


BOOKING - I am booking events for the remainder of 2012 and for all of 2013! I would love to come to your church for a concert, women's ministry event, or as a special musical guest/worship artist. Please drop me at email - tara@tarajacksononline.com!

Thank you all again so very much for your continued support of this ministry God has given me! If you're on Facebook or Twitter, please be sure to "stop by" and say hello! And don't forget my music is available for digital download/streaming on iTunes, AmazonMP3, and Spotify!

Blessings & love,

Tara :)
www.tarajacksononline.com

Clancy' DVD Debuts Oct. 2--A Child's Faith Changes Lives

‘CLANCY’ DVD DEBUTS OCT. 2; UPLIFTING STORY OF A CHILD’S FAITH CHANGING LIVES
From Veteran Filmmaker Jefferson Moore

EchoLight.com/clancy

DALLAS – Sept. 24, 2012 – From veteran filmmaker Jefferson Moore comes CLANCY, an inspiring story of a child’s faith changing lives in the midst of harsh, unchanging circumstances.

“CLANCY shows the impact faith can have as it cuts across all our differences,” said Moore, who wrote, directed and stars in the film. “Clancy is a little girl whose grandmother pours love and faith into her. Despite terrible circumstances—an abusive, addicted mother—that faith not only stays alive in Clancy, it helps bring a spiritually dead, homeless war veteran back to life.”

The title character of CLANCY (Christina Dawn Fougnie—1 MESSAGE, THE PERFECT GIFT) is a little girl with a big heart. Just 11 years old, she must take to the streets, dodging social workers and hoping to return to her mother once her home life improves. She latches on to Nick, a homeless war veteran who wants little to do with life—much less a runaway who won’t leave him alone. When Nick is forced to skip town, a corrupt official’s plan escalates to a manhunt—placing Nick and Clancy in life-threatening danger. As they form an unlikely bond in the face of adversity, Clancy’s relentless faith affects Nick in ways he never expected—and ultimately becomes his saving grace.

Produced by Kelly’s Filmworks, CLANCY is distributed by EchoLight Distribution. It can be pre-ordered now with deliveries and immediate sales starting Oct. 2. CLANCY is available through such leading online and retail providers as Amazon.com, LifeWay Christian Stores and Family Christian Stores, among many others.

"Jefferson Moore’s films often portray the gritty realism of truly challenging circumstances and show how faith can take us through even the darkest times,” EchoLight Chief Global Strategist Christopher Morrow said. “EchoLight is proud to bring his work to new audiences.”


For more information, visit: EchoLight.com/clancy

GRAMMY®-Nominated Family Group Jeff & Sheri Easter Release New Music with Eyes Wide Open

Gospel Music Mainstays Hit the Airwaves to Support New Recording, Celebrate Award and Announce Upcoming 2nd Annual Paint Your Town Pink Campaign

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–September 21, 2012—Multiple award-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated Jeff & Sheri Easter, of Lincolnton, GA, have just released an all-new studio recording. Eyes Wide Open (Spring Hill Music Group) was produced by Jeff and Sheri Easter, veteran producer Greg Cole and Jeff & Sheri’s son, Madison Easter, who made his debut as a co-producer with the new release.

Eyes Wide Open incorporates the country-styled Gospel harmonies and hints of bluegrass for which the group has been known since its inception and celebrates their family heritage, both past and present. Sheri re-recorded a classic Mahalia Jackson ballad “Standing Here Wondering” that her mother, Polly Lewis Copsey, a member of the legendary Lewis Family, recorded during her lauded career. In turn, Sheri’s daughter Morgan paid homage to Sheri on the new, down-home recording with a re-make of Sheri’s noted ballad “I Wonder If He Ever Cries.”

Keeping things “all in the family,” Jeff performed the tune “I Won’t Have to Worry Anymore,” which is the first radio single from the new release, with a guest vocal from his father, James Easter, a member of the classic Gospel bluegrass group The Easter Brothers. James, who is now 80 years old, also joined the group for a special performance of the song on the main stage at the 2012 National Quartet Convention (NQC).

“Daddy played ‘I Won’t Have to Worry Anymore’ to Mama shortly before she left her tired, broken body here to live in her new one in heaven,” explained Jeff. “I wanted him to join me in recording this song for the release. It has always meant a great deal, but now this song has even a greater meaning to both of us.”

Other song titles on Eyes Wide Open include “Love Is,” “Anything But Happy,” “It Must Have Been You,” “Sitting on Top of the World,” “I’ll Take It,” “A Little Bit of Sunshine,” “A Good Old Gospel Song” and “There Is a Purpose.”

The family ties continue on the new recording as Sheri and Madison Easter co-wrote their first song together–“I Know How It Feels to Survive,” which commemorates Sheri’s victory over breast cancer, a topic about which Sheri remains passionate and active.

“There is nothing like living with eyes wide open,” described Sheri, who is now a four-year cancer survivor. “There is nothing like living with perspective and being able to always see the good in every moment of life. I am thankful that I had a wonderful support system of my family and all our wonderful friends throughout the country and the world. I know all our fans can help make a difference in the lives of others who are facing breast cancer.”

Those fans will have a chance to do just that with Jeff & Sheri’s upcoming 2nd Annual Paint Your Town Pink Campaign. For all of their concerts during the month of October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they are asking everyone to wear pink to create awareness for breast cancer. The group will also be wearing pink nightly, and a portion of their concerts will honor cancer survivors and recognize local cancer care clubs in efforts to raise funds for these organizations.

Eyes Wide Open, distributed exclusively by EMI CMG Distribution, is available now at retail stores and online stores everywhere. The release comes on the heels of Sheri being honored by fans as the 2012 Alto Singer of the Year at last week’s NQC Awards in Louisville, Ky.

The group premiered songs from the new recording recently on “The Grand Ole Opry,” at the National Quartet Convention, during a LIVE listening party on air at WGUS in Augusta, Ga. and also through an in-depth interview on the Solid Gospel Radio Network.

For more information, visit www.jeffandsherieaster.com. Connect with Jeff & Sheri through social media: Facebook - www.fb.com/JeffAndSheriEaster, Twitter – @JSEaster, @SheriEaster.

ABOUT JEFF & SHERI EASTER:
Two-time GRAMMY®-nominated Jeff & Sheri Easter are Gospel music treasures, featured regularly on the Gaither HOMECOMING videos and international HOMECOMING tours in addition to their own heavy schedule of appearances. Jeff & Sheri are the recipients of six GMA DOVE Awards, 15 Singing News Fan Awards, three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association honors, seven AGM Ovation Awards, 16 Voice Awards, four Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair Awards, five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, four Hearts Aflame Awards and three Cash Box Awards.
Formed in 1988 following childhoods as part of their respective, nationally-known family groups The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers, the married couple is joined today on stage by their children, Madison and Morgan Easter, who round out the group. The group is known for such hits as “Roses Will Bloom Again,” “Praise His Name,” “Thread of Hope,” “Speak to the Mountain” and many others including “Born to Climb,” which garnered a 2010 DOVE Award. They were nominated for a 2011 GRAMMY® Award for their Expecting Good Things (Spring Hill Music) recording, which was recorded while Sheri endured a journey through and victory over breast cancer.

THE ROYS Immerse Themselves In IBMA's World of Bluegrass Week

THE ROYS Immerse Themselves In IBMA's World of Bluegrass Week

Duo Returns To Nashville Fresh From Appearances On CBS & Fox, Find Themselves On Amazon's Top 20 Bluegrass Best Sellers List

Nashville, TN (September 21, 2012) -- Award-winning, trend-setting duo THE ROYS return to Nashville to immerse themselves in a busy IBMA World of Bluegrass celebration after sweeping through New York City this week for performances on Fox & Friends, CBS THIS MORNING and a taping of THE BETTER SHOW. The siblings were also excited to learn that their newest CD, NEW DAY DAWNING, had risen to the Number 1 slot on Amazon's Bluegrass Best Sellers list on Saturday, September 15. The EP is currently among the Top 20 Bluegrass Best Sellers on AMAZON.

"We're happy to be home," exclaims Elaine Roy. "And we're really proud to get the news about Amazon!" Lee Roy adds, "We're looking forward to a big week and catching up with our fellow artists, radio folks, fair buyers and fans."

THE ROYS have six scheduled appearances and will participate in a host of other activities throughout WOB week. The duo is booked for autograph signings, live interviews and energetic performances:

September 24 - WAMU Radio - Live Performance 3:00-3:30 p.m. WAMU Radio, billed as American University Radio, airs on the PBS network. Fans worldwide can listen to WAMU's Bluegrass Country live online.

September 25 - 650 AM WSM (Bill Cody Show) - 8:15 a.m. Interview plus acoustic performance. Streams on at WSMonline.

September 25 - Moonstruck Management Booth - 12:30-1:30 p.m. (THE ROYS' sponsors, Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink, will furnish a variety of drinks for visitors to sample).

September 25 - Rural Rhythm Records and BlueHighways TV Present the BEHIND THE DREAM - SEASON 1 Featured Artists Showcase at ERNEST TUBB RECORD SHOP. THE ROYS perform from 9:30-10:00 p.m., following performances by Darrell Webb Band, Carrie Hassler, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, andAudie Blaylock & Redline.

September 26 - "SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction Live From IBMA" Concert 11:00 a.m.-12 Noon. THE ROYS join Lonesome River Band and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out for the live broadcast performance.

September 28 - Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Join THE ROYS for a Cookin' Out Country luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. The music starts at Noon, and at 1 p.m. they will sign CDs inside the Museum gift shop. Tickets are now available ONLINE.

September 29 - IBMA FAN FEST Main stage performance 1:00-1:20 p.m.

Throughout the busy week, THE ROYS will be performing songs from their sophomore Rural Rhythm Records' EP, NEW DAY DAWNING. The disc debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart earlier this month, and their current single, "Still Standing," recently enjoyed exclusive coverage on AOL, SiriusXM, FOX NEWS Edge, #CMChat, Bluegrass Radio Network and GAC-TV.

In case you missed these recent appearances, click on:

CBS THIS MORNING
DR. STEVE SHOW
FOX & FRIENDS


More national television is scheduled for October, and details will be announced soon.

Fans can follow Lee and Elaine online at THEROYSonline, Facebook and on Twitter @theroysonline.

Full event information on World of Bluegrass week can be found WOBOnline .

Michael Wayne Smith Releases “Run To Jesus” To Radio

Mercy Road recording artist Michael Wayne Smith’s latest single “Run To Jesus” has just been released to radio and is already getting great response. This song is the latest of string of hits by this up and coming singer / songwriter.

“Run To Jesus” is the third release from Michael’s CD The Days Ahead and, as the lyrics plainly state, reminds the listener that in those times they feel like running away from it all…their problems, their hurts, their struggles….simply Run To Jesus! It is in His arms that we find comfort, refuge, and understanding.

Michael attended the 2012 National Quartet Convention and met with many radio DJs who have already started playing the new single. Several of these radio personalities commented this was yet another great song by Michael and possibly his best song yet.

You can hear the new single at his website at www.michaelwaynesmith.com.

You can also download his music at www.itunes.com and www.amazon.com.

More information about Michael Wayne Smith including his tour schedule and recordings can be found at www.michaelwaynesmith.com.
To reach Michael, call 865-603-1249. For booking information, call 423-292-5989.

At 2012 World of Bluegrass Week, Special Performances Abound

“Can’t Miss” Special Performances Abound At 2012 World of Bluegrass Week

40th Anniversary Will the Circle Be Unbroken Sing-along with John McEuen;
"Doc Watson Hour" with Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, and more;
and star-filled tribute to Hazel Dickens featuring Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea and MORE are highlight events on this year’s schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s World of Bluegrass Week, Sept. 24-30, will get off to a festive start this Sunday when “The Travelin’ McCourys and Friends” host their free show at Cumberland Park after the Tennessee Titans game.

That’s just the start of the incredible music performances at World of Bluegrass, a week of activities that includes a Business Conference, Thursday’s International Bluegrass Music Awards show and the weekend’s Fan Fest, all taking place at the Nashville Convention Center and the Ryman Auditorium.

Savvy bluegrass fans know to expect special performances each evening on Monday (Sept. 24), Tuesday (Sept. 25), and Wednesday (Sept. 26) after the day’s work is done at the Business Conference. On these evenings, dozens of groups -- ranging from rising stars to beloved veteran musicians -- will showcase their bluegrass, and unique, star-filled events will take place.

Highlights include:
Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, Dudley Connell, James King, Della Mae, Tom Rozum, Sally Love, Todd Phillips & Special Guests: “Heart & Soul: A Concert Honoring Hazel Dickens” (Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
Slidegrass: Honoring the Music of Dobro Pioneers Josh Graves & Pete “Bashful Brother Oswald” Kirby (Monday, Sept. 24, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
40th Anniversary Will the Circle Be Unbroken Sing-along with John McEuen & Friends (Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
"The Doc Watson Hour:" Music In The Round with Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Jones, Jack Lawrence, Bryan Sutton, & Missy Raines (Tuesday, Sept. 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.); Nashville Convention Center, NCC 209/210. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration.
A detailed schedule of the many events, professional development sessions, activities and performances that take place during IBMA’s 2012 World of Bluegrass may be found at www.worldofbluegrass.org .

“On every day of the World of Bluegrass schedule and around every corner at the Nashville Convention Center, at the Ryman -- really, all across town -- there will be literally dozens of exciting, absolutely ‘can’t miss’ events planned,” said Nancy Cardwell, Executive Director of IBMA.

IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music community.

For more information on World of Bluegrass, including the International Bluegrass Music Awards, Fan Fest and the many activities of the week, visit www.ibma.org, join IBMA’s Facebook group, or call 615-256-3222 (888-GET-IBMA). Tickets will be on sale at World of Bluegrass Registration, located at the main entrance of the Nashville Convention Center, Sept. 24-29. Awards Show tickets are also available from the Ryman box office at (615) 889-3060 or http://www.ryman.com/event/detail/ibmaawards12.html.

New River News!

From the Newsletter of Karen Peck and New River, September 21, 2012:

We are so happy about our latest radio single, 'Good Things Are Happening', moving up the charts at number 12! Last month it was number 32. Congratulations to the writers, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Wayne Haun. Thanks to our precious DJ friends for playing this 'very timely' song. Also thanks to all of you for calling your local radio stations and requesting it! (It really does make a difference.)

My good friend, Ronda Rich, has a new book available this week entitled, "There's A Better Day A-Comin"! It is absolutely wonderful. And yes, she mentions me in the book! LOL! You can order it online at AMAZON.COM or go to her website.

Last week was a very busy week at NQC in Louisville, KY. It was filled with uplifting showcases during the day and great concerts at night. Thousands of people attended this great event. We always look forward to seeing friends that we see only at NQC. Next year will be the last year that it will be in Louisville, so make plans to be there! The NQC will be moving to Pigeon Forge, TN in 2014.

My solo album, "How You Walk The Miles", is doing very well even though the official release date is not until next month! The first Southern Gospel radio single will be 'God Lives There'. Wes Hampton and Ben Isaacs (Producer of the album) made a special appearance on this song AND sang it with me last week on the NQC main stage and Daywind Music showcase! Honestly, I cried both times! I was so honored and blessed that they would take the time to help me out. Those guys are the best!!

As I'm writing about my album, I feel so impressed to mention Susan and Jeff. I have had the honor and privilege to sing with my sister, Susan, most of my life. We started New River in January 1991. She has been very supportive all of these years. I pray that we will be singing together when the Lord returns! And there are so many wonderful things that I can say about Jeff. He is the real deal. Susan and I are making him sign a 75 year contract with KPNR!! LOL!

We have many great events coming up the rest of this year so be sure to check our schedule and make plans to join us!! We would love to see you!! :)

Remember to follow us on FaceBook, Twitter, and SocialCam (OMGoodness these videos are hilarious!)

Please continue to pray for us!

We love you!
Karen Peck Gooch

Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check - The Day Of Little Things

The Day of Little Things

Do you ever have one of those days? You feel like you are spinning your wheels. Nothing you do is amounting to anything and no matter how much effort you put into what you are doing, you see no results at all. I was thinking about this the other day while relaxing on vacation. Yes, I was thinking while on vacation and that can be dangerous as there is nothing to stop my mind from going on all kinds of tangents.

I was taking stock of my activities and the way I spend my time and I began to wonder if some of the things I pour myself into are really worth the effort. It began to feel as though my spare time was filled with little things which were not bringing visible results. If the Lord was in these activities that I felt I was doing for Him, why weren’t they bearing any fruit?

During this time of reflection I happened to be reading through the Minor Prophets in the Bible, those little books to the right of the Psalms that I usually overlook. It seemed as though the remnant of Israel were going through the same frustrating thoughts. They had been working away at rebuilding their temple that had been destroyed and saw little results for their effort. The prophet Zechariah speaks up to remind them that the Lord has not forgotten them and they will eventually see the fruits of their labour.

The Lord speaks through this prophet to show the Israelites that what they see in their own eyes is not the future that He sees for them. Though the day seems full of “small things”, they are encouraged not to despise their tasks or become discouraged but instead begin to see it with His eyes.

When the Lord has given us work for our hands to do, He can see the results of those tasks long before we do. Sometimes He allows us a vision of what can happen when we fully trust Him to make something worthwhile of our efforts. Even when He doesn’t, we need to be reminded that He does remember us and has a purpose for everything we do.

As I put the work of my hands back into the Lord’s care daily, I am comforted with the knowledge that He will bring something good out of the work I do for Him. What appears to be a day of small things may actually result in big things for His Kingdom. This knowledge makes each task and each day worthwhile.

Reality Check for August 2008 By Lorraine Walker
Published in SGM Radio http://www.sgmradio.com/

For Current Reality Checks, check SGM Radio every month! http://www.sgmradio.com/category/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro SGM Radio: Jim Mahalick in 2007

Jim Mahalick: Sharing Hope

Following the National Quartet Convention in 2005, Jim Mahalick, five-year baritone for the popular Hoskins Family, made a decision that would change his life completely. He stepped away from the family group to walk a new path and to start a solo ministry. With the release of “New Hope Road”, Jim’s blend of Southern Gospel and Christian country is bringing a wide range of audience and an exciting new direction for this young artist. SGM Radio was able to catch up with him for a chat about this life-altering decision.

Pictured: Jim Mahalick performs with The Hoskins Family

Based in Chicago Illinois, Jim Mahalick was traveling full-time with the Hoskins as well as working in a studio at home. Jim explains, “ I was getting so busy in the studio that I had to do something. I decided this would be a good time [for a change]. I was getting married, so I would be able to go and do solo work and still have time to run my studio. So after a lot of prayer, I made the decision and stayed with the Hoskins until the end of December [2005]. Then in January I began work on a new solo project.”

The first release from the project, “New Hope Road” is “First Day in Heaven”, written by Jim. Scheduled for release in January 2007, this tune describes a little boy who passes from this life and goes to his reward. “You hear so many sad stories about children dying, this one is from Heaven’s point of view. He tells his Mom and Dad, ‘Don’t worry about me’, and talks about the exciting things he sees’.

Also starting in 2007, Mahalick plans to tour with a live band to bring the songs from “New Hope Road” to a growing number of appreciative listeners. It’s been a change for him to travel as a soloist. “When I was singing with the Hoskins Family, there were four people on stage and only a certain amount of time for each individual to minister. The Lord has been [developing] that area in my heart, the desire and ability to minister.”

Jim’s desire to reach the hearts of his audience with the love of Jesus is evident in his approach to his music and his graciousness with fans that stop by his booth. An air of authenticity pervades his music and his actions; his gentle manner and speech are a testament to his faith. As we discuss his career and music, Jim shares a dream he believes was from God, one that still fills him with awe.

“I was driving my truck along this rural road and I saw a row of trophies along the side. You know you usually see wreaths and flowers of where people died, only instead, these were large trophies. And on top of each trophy was a cross. And as I kept driving, I would see more and more and more. And as I came over a hill, I saw just a pile of trophies.”

”I believe the Lord was trying to show me that all these people we touch along the way… when we come to the end of the ‘road’ we will be able to look back and see the treasure that we have, we’ll know that what we did was worth it all. And that’s what I look forward to.” It’s not an easy life that Jim has chosen, but he says, “When you get on the stage, and you are ministering, and they are ministering to you, that’s what makes it worthwhile.”

Jim currently travels with his wife Danielle, a Virginia native, who he met at Crabbfest 2005. A sweet and gracious lady, Danielle has a full-time job in Chicago but is still able to go with Jim to his engagements. “That is so awesome. The Lord worked out a way that I would be able to do these things”, Jim says, “ And it is so awesome to be able to travel with my wife. I never knew what that meant until I experienced it, but that is such an incredible blessing.”

Jim’s dad pastors the Mahalick’s home church in Chicago and whenever the Mahalicks aren’t on the road, they are in a service and often Jim is singing. He stresses the importance of needing a home base where you can be spiritually fed. “That’s one of the mistakes people make [not attending church]. When you give and give, you need somewhere to receive. That’s one of the top priorities in my ministry, to be in church as often as I can.”

Prayer is also a top priority in Jim’s life in order to keep his relationship with the Lord strong and growing. “God knows our weaknesses, and it’s our job as individuals to know our weaknesses, and to know how much we need Him.” Jim feels the Lord has been talking to him a lot lately about recognizing his need for Him and being accountable to Him, both in life and ministry.

“I see that there are so many people, unfortunately a lot of young people, who don’t feel accountable to anything. They don’t believe in God, they don’t believe they need help with anything. And when you are in that state, that’s about the worst condition to be in, because when you aren’t accountable to anyone, you don’t have any fear. And I think it’s important to fear God, to have something to fear and something to be accountable to. It just makes me afraid for our country.”

”I wish there was something we could do…somehow we could make people realize there is a God and there is Someone we are accountable to. I pray for our younger generation. I went to a public school growing up and I saw a lot of things. I know there are people growing up in the next generation who are seeing things that even I never saw. I really pray for our young people. I want to see them have a deep experience with God to be able to withstand what Satan is throwing at them.”

Jim is finding that his music has a wide appeal and sees many young people attending his concerts. “A lot of young people that wouldn’t normally listen to Southern Gospel music come up to me after a concert and say, ‘I don’t really listen Southern Gospel, but I really like your singing’, which makes me feel good because I realize I made a good impression for Southern Gospel, because this is great music! There is not another music [style] in the world that talks directly to your heart more than Southern Gospel. It’s encouraging to see more young people enjoying this kind of music. As time goes on the music will change, but I hope we never lose sight of the vision. ”

As Jim Mahalick travels from church to church, sharing his style of Southern Gospel and message of hope, he is continuing this vision. His music is speaking to hearts of all ages and he is leading people to that experience with Christ that will bring lasting treasure.

For more information on Jim’s schedule and new project, “New Hope Road”, click on: www.jimmahalick.com .

SGM Radio Feature for January 2007 by Lorraine Walker

Jim Mahalick is back touring and has just released a new single, Expecting A Mountain. Check his website for current information! http://www.jimmahalick.com/

For Current Artist Features Click http://www.sgmradio.com/

Watch for SGN Scoops October Edition for Exciting News on Jim Mahalick! http://www.sgnscoops.com/