Balsam Range Announces Winter Concert Series

Plans are complete for the 5th annual series with IBMA Entertainer of the Year and guests at historic Colonial Theater NASHVILLE, TN --- Balsam Range has announced a truly great lineup for its 5th Annual Winter Concert Series. The band brings five concerts to their Haywood County, NC home each year, all presented at the historic Colonial Theater. “Our winter concert series is a kind of gift to our community. It’s an opportunity to share the talents of some really amazing artists that we admire and don’t usually get to perform with,” says Balsam Range’s Tim Surrett. Guests for each of the five concerts include fan favorites and award winners. The 2014-15 series will include The Jeff Little Trio with Steve Lewis and Josh Scott; The Molly Tuttle Trio; North Carolina’s own, The Harris Brothers; The Snyder Family Band; and The Studio Dream Team, comprised of musicians Jeff Collins, David Johnson and Tony Creasman. Concerts are held at the Colonial Theater in Canton on the first Saturday of each month, December 2014 through April 2015. Balsam Range, winner of the 2014 IBMA Entertainer of the Year, also performs at each show. Special guest artists are selected by the members of Balsam Range. Tim Surrett, Buddy Melton, Caleb Smith, Darren Nicholson and Marc Pruett often use their many hours on the road to talk about and share with each other the music of artists they admire. “We love to get our own musical heroes on these shows,” says mandolin player extraordinaire, Darren Nicholson. “Musicians are inspired by other artists. It’s just as much fun for us to share an evening with these folks as it is for our fans and friends to hear them.” Balsam Range tries also to bring artists to the series who don’t regularly play in the area. Past concerts, which have all been sell-outs, have boasted guests from among the top names in the business as well as fast-rising stars of acoustic music. Guests have included Tony Rice, Bobby Hicks, John Wiggins, Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle, Jim Hurst, Shawn Camp, The Sweet Lowdown, John Driskell Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band and more. BALSAM RANGE WINTER CONCERT SERIES 2014-15 12/6/14 – The Molly Tuttle Trio: LINK 01/3/15 – The Jeff Little Trio: LINK 02/7/15 – The Harris Brothers: LINK 03/7/15 – The Snyder Family Band: LINK  04/4/15 – The Studio Dream Team: Jeff Collins, David Johnson, Tony Creasman: LINK Each of the five concerts will support a different area charitable organization, as chosen by the members of the band.   Tickets are available for $22 at The Colonial Theater box office (53 Park St. Canton, North Carolina 28716) or by calling 828-235-2760. All shows begin at 7:30 PM Saturdays, with doors opening at 6:30 PM. Tickets are nonrefundable and date specific. The band gratefully acknowledges its sponsors for the 2014-15 series: Amy Spivey of ERA Sunburst Realty, The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa, and Smoky Mountain Roasters Coffee Shop. In addition to IBMA Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range was also honored with Vocal Group of the Year, and single awards were given to Buddy Melton (Male Vocalist of the Year) and Tim Surrett (Mentor Award - one of a series of special honors called Momentum Awards - for his inspired work with young and developing artists). For more information, visit www.balsamrange.com   MEDIA CONTACT FOR BALSAM RANGE: Claire Ratliff | Laughing Penguin Publicity | 615.476.3200 | info@penguinpublicity.com

ICGMA 58th Annual Convention and Award Show

Heaven’s Mountain Band Holds CD Release Party

Signal Mountain, TN (May 22, 2014) Heaven’s Mountain Band, Red Bay Alabama, celebrated the release of their new CD, Old Fashioned Worship, playing to a capacity crowd at Jim Oliver’s Smokehouse in Monteagle, TN. The live listening party and concert was the conclusion to an action packed day for this in-demand Bluegrass Gospel Group.
The day started with radio interviews at the Solid Gospel Radio Network, Nashville, TN. Heaven’s Mountain Band will be the June Front Porch Fellowship Artist Spotlight heard in nearly 200 markets nationwide. Later that day they traveled to Monteagle, TN for a taping of the Harmony Road TV program. The evening concluded with a concert in front of a packed house. Attendees included pastors, fans and media from several states. Les Butler (Singing News Magazine and Solid Gospel Radio Network) hosted all of the events. Les states, “Wow, what a jam packed, great day! Radio, TV and a live concert! They sure love what they’re doing!”
For more information on Heaven’s Mountain Band please check out heavensmountainband.net or facebook.com (Heavens Mountain Band Mississippi), phone 256 460 1421 or email johnson1roger@gmail.com.
ABOUT HEAVEN’S MOUNTAIN BAND
Heaven’s Mountain Band, formed in November 1986, started out singing in church singings, revivals and performing Gospel Music at bluegrass festivals. They recorded their first major album with the Eddie Crook Company in 1989 and would go on to record three albums with that label.
The group has had several Singing News Magazine charting songs, all written by founding member, Roger Johnson. They perform primarily bluegrass gospel music, touring with an upright bass, acoustic guitars, mandolin and banjo. Periodically they include piano, steel and drums for a more Country Gospel sound on select tunes. Heaven’s Mountain Band has traveled and ministered throughout the Midwest, South and Southeast in some of the area’s top venues including Dollywood. They have been nominated for Singing News Fan Awards and have been featured on national radio programs including “Front Porch Fellowship”. Their concept video “I’ll Keep on Praying” has been featured on several national programs on networks including TNN/The Nashville Network, The Heartland Network, Daystar, WALKtv and the NRB Network.

EASTER BROTHERS RELEASE FIRST PROJECT IN OVER DECADE

The legendary Easter Brothers have released their first project in over a decade on Pisgah Ridge/Crossroads Records – “I’D DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN.” From the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, siblings Russell, James and Ed have given us smooth family harmonies once again.
Not only does the project include original songs written by the brothers, but also songs penned by the Award-winning Songwriter, Gerald Crabb. “These guys are my Heroes! Singing over 60 years, they gave us one of the church standards, “Thank You, Lord, For Your Blessings On Me”. What an honor for them to record 3 of my songs on this album and including me as co-producer. I love the entire Easter Family with all my heart. Be sure to get your album, It’s Great!!” (Gerald Crabb)
“Let the Hallelujahs Roll,” written by Jared Easter, Linda Thompson and Steve Schramm, has debuted at #9 on the Singing News Bluegrass Chart! Keep listening for great things coming from this amazing family.

TOP FIVE in the 2013 Diamond Awards Is Here

The countdown is ON! The results have been tabulated and YOU the fan have determined the TOP FIVE in the 2013 Diamond Awards. We need you to VOTE TODAY to determine the winner in each category. Please click on your favorite in each of the Diamond Award Categories by August 30, 2013.

Awards will be presented on October 29, 2013 at the Diamond Award celebration, Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

Make your plans today to be a part of the 2013 Diamond Awards in person.

Vote here for your top Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel artist: http://www.sgnscoops.com/2013-diamond-awards/

About Creekside Gospel Music Convention: We’re looking forward to a great week all together. Monday night will be a special night to honor legendary, Ed O’Neal, Tuesday night will be the Diamond Awards. We’re hosting the Pauline Patterson
showcase, devotions with Dr. Jeff Steele and filling the mornings, afternoons and evenings with the greatest music in the world. Whew! It’s going to be awesome!

Make plans now- October 28,29,30 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge,
Tennessee. Special rates are available onsite. Reservations can be by phone or online. By phone,
call toll free at: 1-800-223-6707 or local call 865-908-3015. Online Reservations- go to http://www.smokymountainconventioncenter.com .


For more information regarding 2013 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, email Rhonda at
honda@sgnscoops.com or Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com.

2013 Diamond Awards Round 2 Voting Is Open

SGN Scoops is excited about a record- breaking voting participation in this year’s Diamond Awards nominations. We are officially moving on the the second phase of the voting process. Please participate in this round by choosing up to three favorites per category. Round 2 voting ends June 25, 2013.

Remember to share the link with friends, fans and family and on all social media outlets.

AND… Make plans to join us for the Diamond Awards in Pigeon Forge on October 29th. For more information, visit: http://creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

Congratulations to all of the top ten nominees! The Diamond Awards- where the FANS choose the nominees and winners! Vote Here and vote today!

Win Lunch for Two with Doyle Lawson!

Doyle Lawson Celebrates 34th Anniversary of His Band with Fan Appreciation Lunch



BRISTOL, TN (March 29, 2013) -- Doyle Lawson is celebrating his band’s 34th Anniversary next week by partnering with a gorgeous restaurant in Bristol called "KP” to bring four Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver fans a celebration lunch with Doyle next Thursday, April 4, in historic downtown Bristol.



Two fans will be chosen from entrants on Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver’s new Official Fan Facebook Page, and the two winners may each bring a guest and be treated to lunch with Doyle at the newly christened KP, formerly K.P. Duty, at 520 State Street, beside the Paramount Theater in Bristol.



“We’re excited to partner with Doyle Lawson for such a fun promotion celebrating 34 years of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver,” said Lisa Martin, owner of KP. “We look forward to having Doyle and four of his wonderful fans with us next week!”



KP offer a delectable menu of entrees ranging from scrumptious Southern Crab Cakes to tender Pork Tenderloin to Pecan-crusted Trout, plus fresh crisp salads, hearty signature soups, sandwiches, burgers, quiche, and appetizers.



Everyone is welcome to enter the contest by visiting Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s new Official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DoyleLawsonOfficial. To enter, fans should “Like” the page AND comment on the highlighted photo of Doyle with a headline reading, “Win Lunch for Two with Doyle Lawson!” Two winners will be chosen by drawing from entrants next Tuesday, April 2, and announced on the band’s Facebook Page on Tuesday afternoon.



Doyle officially formed his band during the first week in April 1979, and the group performed their first shows in early May, playing their first show at Buddy’s Barbeque in Knoxville on a Thursday night. They came back to the Down Home in Johnson City for a show on Friday evening, played Saturday afternoon at a Bluegrass Festival in Pickens, South Carolina, then came back to the Down Home in Johnson City for a show Saturday night, packing four performances into their very first weekend. Quicksilver’s first band consisted of Terry Baucum on banjo, Jimmy Haley on guitar, Lou Reid on bass, and Doyle on mandolin.



The current line-up of Quicksilver includes Jason Barie on fiddle, Joe Dean on banjo, Corey Hensley on bass, Mike Rogers on guitar, Josh Swift on dobro, and Doyle on mandolin. Doyle was named SPBGMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year on Sunday, February 3, the same day he celebrated his 50th Anniversary in music. Lots of reasons for Lawson to celebrate this year, with Mountain Home Music hosting an album release party last week for the reigning ICM Vocal Group of the Year Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, heralding the band’s newest album “Roads Well Traveled” at Nashville’s Sirius XM Music City Theater inside Bridgestone Arena.



Guests at the private event ranged from Media to Music Industry to four special fan guests Lawson personally welcomed to the event.



“The fans are so important to us,” said Lawson, “and we want to take this special year for us and make sure our fans and friends know how much we appreciate them.”



The current fan appreciation promotion with a prize of lunch with Doyle begins on Friday, March 29, and ends on Tuesday, April 2, with lunch for the winners being held at KP on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Winners must be able to be in Bristol via their own transportation on Thursday, April 4, to be eligible to win and attend the lunch.



“I’m looking forward to lunch with our fans at KP, and hope everyone will join in the fun and enter our contest, and help us celebrate our anniversary!” said Lawson.

Brad Davis Signs On with BlueGrass Valley Records

Franklin, TN February 6th 2013 – BlueGrass Valley Entertainment & Records, a division of Mansion Entertainment, is proud to announce the signing of its first artist, GRAMMY award winner Brad Davis.

Brad Davis is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer. During his career he has worked with many noted artists including: Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Tommy Shaw, Johnny Cash, and Billy Bob Thornton. Due to Brad’s unique guitar style, he has earned the nickname “The Shredder”. Fellow band member of the Boxmasters, Billy Bob Thornton, calls Brad, “one of the most interesting original guitar players I have ever heard with his very own double down up shredder technique. The music he creates will no doubt mark history, he’s amazing.” Legendary musician and Grammy winner, Earl Scruggs, describes Brad as, “a great guitar player, on both acoustic and electric. He has a unique style that I enjoy hearing.” Brad has also co-written and produced legendary artist of STYX fame, Tommy Shaw, on his project The Great Divide, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart.

Brad Davis will be releasing three new projects this year on BlueGrass Valley Records. His first release will be a Gospel oriented Bluegrass album entitled “Walk On Faith”. Brad’s two other projects will be released later this year and include a straight Bluegrass and an instrumental album.

To learn more about Brad’s upcoming projects and other BlueGrass Valley Records’ artists, please visit www.bluegrassvalleyrecords.com.

2013 Diamond Awards Nominations Now Open

Annual Fan-Based Awards To Be Held October 29, 2013

Bellingham, WA.(February 18, 2013) – Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops are thrilled to announce the opening of the 2013 Diamond Awards nominations. Everyone who enjoys Southern, Country and Bluegrass Christian music is encouraged to nominate a top artist who they feel is the finest talent in their category. The ten artists receiving the most nominations in each category will be voted upon to create a top-five artist list. The top-five artists will then be voted upon and the artist who achieves the most votes in their category will be awarded a Diamond Award at the gala ceremony to be held at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention on October 29, 2013 at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The annual Diamond Awards recognize the best in Southern, Country and Bluegrass Christian music and are hosted by SGNScoops digital magazine and Coastal Media Group. Originating in 1991, they were the first Southern Gospel fan-based awards and are still open to all fans, no subscription required. The Diamond Award categories and definitions can be found at http://www.sgnscoops.com/2013-diamond-awards/ . Fans are encouraged to vote today.

About Creekside Gospel Music Convention: Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, October 28-30, 2013. Presented by SGN Scoops and Coastal Media Group, the CGMC showcases The Diamond Awards and other special events. For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention: http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

About SGNScoops: SGNScoops Digital is a fully-downloadable monthly magazine that exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. SGNScoops offers music news, concert and book reviews, inspirational articles and features reaching beyond our gospel music world. SGNScoops is the host of the Diamond Awards and is always digital, always free. For more information: http://www.sgnscoops.com/

Herrins To Appear With Grandpa's Neighbors In Texas Opry Theatre, January 5th 2013

News From The Herrins...

Just wanted to let you guys know about our concert this Saturday January,5 at 7pm. This will be the last time we are singing for 6 months so don't miss out! We will be at the Texas Opry Theater, 315 York Ave in Weatherford, TX, doors open at 6:30pm. The tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

We will be singing with the incredibly talented 'Grandpa's Neighbors.' We hope to see you there! For more information call Curry Herrin at 817-564-1210. Thanks!

ABOUT GRANDPA'S NEIGHBORS! http://www.grandpasneighbors.com/
Grandpa's Neighbors is a mother-daughter group that base out of Bennington, OK. The girls play guitar, bass, mandolin, autoharp and fiddle and sing a wonderful style of country gospel music to which you would be hard pressed to find an equal.

Their music has often been compared to Alison Krauss, The Carter Family, The Whites, The Isaacs, and other bluegrass and gospel greats. Grandpa's Neighbors sings in a style reminiscent of the country churches that were the backbone of every community in rural America.

Their truth-filled messages always point back to Jesus, the source of their strength. The inspiring, moving and often witty lyrics encourage both the mind and the soul. Their tight harmony is sweet and simple, not taking away from the message of the song and blessing anyone who appreciates music.

They have already produced three projects titled Use What You've Got('01) and Assurance('03), which are available on CD or cassette, and the third project I've Gotta Cross Over('05) is available on CD. shoutlife.com/grandpasneighbors

The Herrins
http://www.herrins.webs.com/

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.

MARKSMEN QUARTET Gearing Up for New Album Release THIS IS MY CROWD releasing July 31, 2012

Nashville, TN (July 18, 2012) — Rural Rhythm Christian is proud to announce the upcoming July 31, 2012 new album release, THIS IS MY CROWD by the multi-award winning group, the MARKSMEN QUARTET.

“In their decades of recording, I must say this new release tops them all. Amazing,” said Les Butler, Syndicated Radio Show Host, Front Porch Fellowship and Singing News Magazine.

There are numerous highlighted tracks on the album including the first gospel single, “Don’t Take Your Life (Take Mine)” that has already been released to Gospel radio, plus the first Bluegrass single, “Stack Them Stones” releasing to Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel radio programmers today.

THIS IS MY CROWD is a diverse collection of songs designed to reach as many people with the gospel message as possible including Bluegrass Gospel, Country Inspirational, Old-Time Southern Gospel, with a touch of Convention Singing and even some Blues. Band member, Mark Wheeler explained, “THIS IS MY CROWD contains some of the best songs we have ever recorded.”

The album was produced by Earle Wheeler and Mark Wheeler and mastered by Steve Gulley. THIS IS MY CROWD contains some special guests including Les Butler, Bryan McDowell and Jon Edmisten who have assisted the MARKSMEN QUARTET in creating a fresh new album of 14 songs that will delight their fans and surely make many new ones.

BEN AND BILLY COCKMAN TO COMPETE IN NATIONAL GUITAR COMPETITION

Ben and Billy Cockman, of The Cockman Family, will be travelling to compete
in National Flat Pick Guitar, Mandolin, and Banjo contest at the Walnut
Valley Festival Winfield, KS. Over the weekend, the youngest son, Ben,
took the 2012 Guitar Championship during Hartsville, SC at The Reno Fest.

Ben Cockman won an D18 acoustic guitar hand built by award winning stringed
instrument craftsman Gerald Anderson. “After winning the award,” said dad
John Cockman, “he was given the opportunity to perform a song with the guys
who helped make the guitar.” Watch the video of Ben Cockman performing
‘I’ll Fly Away’ with The Four Virginia Luthiers here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ryfp_n-fqs.

The Cockman Family is set to release their new radio single “Were You There
When They Crucified My Lord?” with Homeland Inspiration Group in early
April 2012.

About The Cockman Family:
The Cockmans have a unique bluegrass gospel style. Their harmonies,
original songs and original arrangements of the old gospel songs have been
immensely popular with their audiences. Fans love their family-style
entertainment as well. As the family continues to grow, the grandchildren
are also joining in on the tradition. They love to sing and they love the
Lord. Their family ties are strong, and the warmth of that is conveyed in
their performances.

The Cockman Family has been nominated for Bluegrass Artists of the Year,
Instrumentalist of the Year and Bluegrass Band of the Year by the Country
Gospel Music Association (CGMA), and for Gold Cross Bluegrass Group of the
Year by the International Country Gospel Music Association. The Cockman
Family was selected as one of "The 12 Most Creative Families In America" by
American Greetings Cards and USA Today Weekend. The Cockman Family is
listed in the North Carolina Arts Council for North Carolina Touring and
Resident Artist Directory, and has produced a concert video that is aired
regularly on the SET (Southern Entertainment Television) 24 hour satellite
gospel programming network and other local TV stations around the country.

For more information on The Cockman Family,
visit http://www.cockmanfamily.com/

For more information on Homeland Inspiration Group,
visit http://www.homelandinspirationgroup.com/

For Press Information:
Brittany Maxwell
Director of Media
Homeland Inspiration Group
706.870.4974
brittanydmaxwell@gmail.com

Bluegrass Cruise Set For January 2013 - The Roys Invite Fans Aboard

Nashville, TN (March 21, 2012) -- Reigning ICM Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS, invite their fans to join them for Danny Stewart's Bluegrass Cruise aboard CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE'S Sensation January 20-24. The spectacular vessel departs Port Canaveral, Florida for two, four-night Bluegrass sailings January 20-24 and January 27-31, but THE ROYS will entertain during the first sailing only. Ports of call include the exciting islands of Freeport and Nassau; the current, "Early Bird" price of $499 per person (based upon double cabin occupancy) is valid through April 3, but bookings will continue at varied prices. The cost includes luxurious shipboard accommodations and all food and beverages except for carbonated and alcoholic drinks.

Fans can reserve their spot with a budget-friendly $150 deposit at www.theroysonline.com. The process is easy: just go to THE ROYS' site, look for the CRUISE tab on the Home Page; click the tab, fill out the form and submit with your deposit. Bluegrass lovers won't want to miss this sea-going festival, which includes jam sessions, workshops and fun for the whole family. Joining THE ROYS will be other Bluegrass favorites: Mark Phillips & IIIrd Generation, Spinney Brothers, Nu-Blue, and Ernie Evans & The Florida Bluegrass Band.

"Danny's done these cruises for a few years now," says Lee Roy. "And we've heard they're a blast." Lee and his sister Elaine love the cruise "escape," and are looking forward to some warm weather fun with like-minded music lovers next winter. "It sounds like my idea of Heaven," Elaine jokes.

THE ROYS will be ready for a little relaxation by the time this cruise rolls around. The energetic duo's 2012 tour calendar is filled with dates at Festivals and Fairs across the nation, and they are hard at work writing new songs for their sophomore Bluegrass CD.

Fans can catch up with Lee and Elaine, see their complete itinerary and lots more online at www.theroysonline.com

Two-Time Dove Award nominees fall victim to Thanksgiving theft

The Marksmen Quartet of Murrayville, Ga. were stranded when their white Ford travel van, white enclosed Country Boy trailer and all their instruments, costumes and equipment were stolen, according to Earle Wheeler, group leader.

The multi award-winning group were traveling Thanksgiving weekend to perform at the annual Myrtle Beach Bluegrass Festival in South Carolina when they stopped about 12:30 for an overnight stay Nov. 25 at the Quality Inn on Dunbarton Drive in Florence, he said.

When the group came out at 7:30 a.m. the next morning they found their vehicle gone and the five men left standing there figuring out how to reach their performance and how they would perform it without their instruments.

“Needless to say we were surprised by the predicament,” Wheeler said. “But there is a reason for everything under heaven.”

He said that the outpouring of support for the group when they reached their destination was such a blessing.

“The bluegrass folks have been so good to us,” he said. “Other performers loaned us their instruments to do the shows. Many supporters have reached out to help us financially because the future is still uncertain as to how we will replace everything that was taken. Like any music ministry we rely on those that support our efforts.”

One of the regular means of support is by consumers purchasing product from their concert table or website but the theft took away hundreds of CDs, DVDs as well as specialized display racks and materials, he said.

Wheeler formed the group in 1967 and after 44 years on the road, the quartet which currently records for Rural Rhythm is one of the most awarded country and bluegrass gospel groups performing today (www.marksmenquartet.com).

After the group arranged transportation to reach their performances, the police located their vehicle in Berkeley County, SC left in a disabled condition, Wheeler said.

“There was no trailer, instruments, sound equipment, or stage costumes, boots or other items to be found,” he said. "I have yet to see the van but they tell me they have done damage that makes it undrivable."

Inside the van, the police did recover Wheeler’s Bible.

“That’s the one thing they probably really needed to keep,” Wheeler said. “We were driving the van and trailer while we looked for a 25,500 gross vehicle weight bus to travel in. Costs of operating a larger bus have made it difficult to keep one on the road.”

Lead singer and songwriter Mark Wheeler said losing one’s instrument is like losing an extension of you.

“Many of these were specially made for us, in fact two cannot even be replaced because they were the first or a one-of-a-kind,” he said. “We hope that the authorities will locate the instruments but even if they don’t, we will do our best with whatever the Lord provides.”

Among the stolen instruments with cases are: 2008 Mossman Texas Plains guitar with mahogany sides and back and a big sound hole serial number 08078; a 1991 Mossman Texas Plains guitar with rosewood sides and back and a serial number beginning with 91; a 1999 Mossman Wheeler Gospel all mahogany guitar with serial number 990506; a one-of-a-kind late 1990s Mossman resonator guitar all mahogany with F holes with no serial number; a 1973 Gibson Mastertone banjo, and a blonde Engelhardt upright bass model number em1b with serial number  91443.

If anyone has information on whereabouts of the trailer or the band’s equipment they should contact, the Florence Police Department 843-676-8800 or the South Carolina Crime Stoppers hotline at 888-CRIME SC (274-6372). Callers need not reveal their identities.

If anyone wishes to assist the Marksmen Quartet, their mailing address is 1312 Post White Hill Road, Murrayville, Ga. 30564 or their office number is (706) 864-2951.