DAVID PHELPS "CLASSIC” PREMIERES AS PART OF PBS ARTS

Grammy-Winning Tenor David Phelps Takes Viewers on an Eclectic Journey Through the Musical Influences That Have Shaped His Life and Award-Winning Career –

Taped in the historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee, DAVID PHELPS CLASSIC features the Grammy-winning tenor’s world-class vocals backed by a live orchestra. The program premieres Friday, July 26, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET as part of the PBS ARTS Friday night lineup.

Phelps has won the hearts of audiences all over the world for more than a decade. He has performed in prestigious venues across the globe, from the White House to New York City’s Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House in Australia. His electrifying voice has moved audiences with music of all kinds, including classical, Broadway, inspirational and patriotic favorites. A Baylor University graduate with a degree in vocal performance, he is also a gifted arranger who has a special touch for giving classic American favorites a fresh sound with hints of pop melodies and modern harmonies.
Phelps is a member of the renowned Gaither Vocal Band, has received two Grammy Awards and four Dove Awards, and is featured on numerous chart-topping recordings.

“David Phelps is one of the most phenomenal talents with whom I have ever worked,” said Barry Jennings, executive producer of DAVID PHELPS CLASSIC. “I believe you will be inspired by this wonderful evening of music.”

“This beautifully shot concert featuring the incredible talent and musical range of David Phelps is an excellent addition to the PBS ARTS productions,” said Michael J. LaBonia, WKNO president and CEO. “We are very proud to share this very special concert with PBS viewers nationwide.”

Phelps tours both as a solo artist and as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band. He resides on a farm outside Nashville, Tennessee, where he spends every moment of his spare time with his wife, Lori, and his children. He has used his carpentry skills to renovate an old barn into an elegant concert venue, where some of his earlier video releases were filmed.

Performances in DAVID PHELPS CLASSIC include:
“Panis Angelicus (Bread of Angels)”
“Joyful, Joyful”
“O Mio Babbino Caro (O My Beloved Father)”
“Never Walk Alone”
“Morning Has Broken”
“Lord’s Prayer”
“What a Wonderful World”
“Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)”
“Donna Non Vidi Mai (I Have Never Seen a Woman)”
“Nessun Dorma (None Shall Sleep)”
“Bring Him Home”
“America the Beautiful/God Bless America”
“Going Home”

More info is available at pbs.org

DAVID PHELPS CLASSIC is a production of Gaither Television Productions in association with WKNO National Productions. It was directed by Doug Stuckey; produced by Bill Gaither and David Phelps; with executive producers: Bill Carter, Bill Gaither and Barry Jennings.
About WKNO National Productions
WKNO presents programs for a national audience such as THE BLUES AWARDS, NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM’S FREEDOM AWARDS, SUN STUDIO SESSIONS, and BURT WOLF’S TRAVELS AND TRADITIONS. WKNO and Gaither Television productions distributed nationally via public television include HE TOUCHED ME: THE GOSPEL MUSIC OF ELVIS PRESLEY, LOVE ME TENDER: THE LOVE SONGS OF ELVIS and the series CLASSIC GOSPEL.
About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 120 million people through television and over 29 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

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.