Three Bridges’ Lead Singer, Shannon Smith, Graduates From Ohio Christian University

Nashville, TN (August 8, 2013) Nothing spells success like never quitting. That is exactly the way Three Bridges Lead singer, Shannon Smith feels. Graduating Summa Cum Laude on June 30, 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Music and Leadership. Shannon has done what few people ever accomplish. He went back to school..... and finished.

Three Bridges, Baritone and Manager, Elliott McCoy said “I'm beginning to feel like the low man on the totem pole in my own group. We are very proud of what Shannon has achieved. I know it wasn't easy for him, because we watched him put in long hours studying on the bus, and still be prepared to hit the stage running night after night.”

Smith said, “I attended a Bible college straight out of high school and then completed most of the work for a Vocal Performance degree at the University of South Carolina from 1987 – 1990. Then my son came along a bit earlier than planned and I never found the time or opportunity to finish my degree. A couple of years ago, I saw an opportunity to finish my degree at OCU through their online program and I knew it was God’s time. It only took me 29 years to get my degree but at least I’m finished before my kids!”

Three Bridges is an Award winning group that transcends age and genres to share the Gospel with all who will listen.

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About Three Bridges
Three Bridges music is rooted in traditional ”southern Gospel” and ”black Gospel” music. This blended style has made Three Bridges an internationally-acclaimed Gospel group — one that is known for tight harmonies, a unique vocal style, an exciting and energy packed stage presence and, most importantly, for spreading the joy of the Good News of Christ. They have entertained and ministered to millions through their recordings, TV appearances and live shows — which is why Three Bridges has quickly become one of the most prominent Gospel groups in Christian music today.
Following the release of the critically-acclaimed debut album, Soldiers (2002), Three Bridges has wowed packed-out venues across the nation…from Gospel singings, business conventions, churches, political meetings, TV shows, charitable relief events – all the way to Air Force One! They have also appeared on many of the Bill Gaither Homecoming video tapings and were special guests on a video for the United Nation.

Ashley DeRamus Featured In Jason Crabb's “Love Is Stronger” Video

Nashville, TN (August 8, 2013) Ashley DeRamus continues to prove that those born with Down syndrome have ability and not disability. She has once again accomplished something that most young people only dream about and that is to be featured in a music video with Grammy Award winning Gospel Music artist Jason Crabb.

The video was shot in Birmingham; Alabama on August 1 at Caldwell Park featured Jason’s new song "Love is Stronger." Revolution Pictures of Nashville, TN is producing the video with director Roman White. Mr. White has produced videos for Carrie Underwood, Kelley Clarkson, Blake Shelton and others. The Ashley DeRamus Foundation will be using the video to promote Down syndrome awareness and the positive effect on those who are close to someone who has Down syndrome.

The video tells the story about a father telling his daughter goodbye as he leaves to go to war. The daughter has Down syndrome. The father is involved in an IED attack that leaves him severely wounded but he fights to recover from his injuries for his daughter. The video begins with scenes of Ashley DeRamus reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with a Color Guard surrounded by veterans. Local Down syndrome children were used as extras in the video as well as the veterans.

"It's a very cool dream come true. It's really special to me to see lives changing. Down syndrome is really not a disease, it's who you are," Ashley stated in a recent interview about the video.

Ashley along with her mother Connie DeRamus recently launched Ashley by Design, a clothing line specifically tailored to fit women with Down syndrome. The clothing line was first shown at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Denver July 19-21. Ashley says the clothing line will be available shortly online at www.ashleybydesign.com. Ashley also recently spoke at the United Nations about living with Down syndrome as well.

The videos will be available online at www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org beginning September 1 and hard copies will be for sale at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky where the foundation will have a booth in the exhibit hall. Proceeds will go to the awareness of Down syndrome.

You can find out more about Ashley Deramus at www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org or https://www.facebook.com/ashley.deramus .

You can E-mail Ashley at adream.gk@gmail.com

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About Ashley Deramus Foundation
The Ashley Deramus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome. Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, our goal is to increase the awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions we make. You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or adream.gk@gmail.com

Browders Celebrate #1 Song and "Time Machine" CD Release With A Party And A Free Download Giveaway

Nashville, TN (August 7, 2013) Award winning artists, the Browders, celebrated three number one hits on the Singing News Charts as well as four #1 hits on the Absolutely Gospel Music Charts with a party at BMI attended by numerous industry and media personnel, including representatives from Solid Gospel Radio, Singing News, Homecoming Magazine, Daywind Records, AbsolutelyGospel.com and Broadcasting and Digital Media Corp.
Daywind President, Ed Leonard, told the guests, “Daywind is excited to have the Browders as our newest artist and proud to help them celebrate all their number 1 songs and top ten hits from their last album 'The Message'. Their new album 'Time Machine' is being released through Daywind. We expect to see more number 1 songs from this CD.”
Matthew Browder commented, “What a year this has been, and it is not even over yet. While we do not travel and sing for awards and #1 songs, we appreciate the acknowledgment from fans and the radio DJs who chart our songs. If these #1 songs and awards help us reach more people with the message of the Gospel, then we gladly accept them.”
Voted “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards in 2013, the Browders are coming off a record-setting achievement. In addition to “Praise You In This Valley,” their latest #1 song, “Message Of The Cross," “Stepping Stones," “Land Of No Goodbyes," and “Fall On My Knees” were all #1 songs. All were penned by the Browders. In all, seven songs from the album "The Message" reached the top ten.
The group's new album,"Time Machine," was a year in the making and released to Christian retail and digital outlets on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, through Daywind Records. The album features the hit single “He Is Alive,” which debuted on the national radio charts at #34.
The Browders are also celebrating their #1 song for July on the Singing News charts “Praise You In This Valley” with an "unprecedented" move by giving away an mp3 of the song FREE on their web site to anyone who signs up on their e-list. Just go to the Browders website for more instructions on how to get that free download.
For more information on the Browders visit www.thebrowders.com, or www.facebook.com/pages/The-Browders-Friends.
You can contact the Browders at office@thebrowders.com
Daywind Records is home to such great artists as Adam Crabb, Karen Peck and New River, the Perrys, and more. Daywind is distributed to Christian retail by New Day Christian Distributors (www.newdaychristian.com) and to the general market by Select-O-Hits.
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About The Browders
From their beginning traveling together as a family in a Dodge Omni car, to a successful music ministry with national hits, The Browders of Hiltons, Virginia are one of the most exciting groups to step on stage in many years. This family group consists of Tommy Browder, his sons, Matthew and David, and Matthew’s wife, Sonya. They travel year round, keeping a full concert schedule as well as holding revivals across the country. One of their most captivating qualities is that The Browders play much of their music live with Tommy on acoustic lead, David on bass, Matthew on rhythm guitar and Sonya on piano. They also write most of their own music.

In recent years, they have been steadily expanding and improving their ministry for the glory of God. They have enjoyed Singing News charting success with original songs like “Stand Up For Jesus” (peaked at #7, in top 20 songs of the year), “Waitin’ On My Change” (#14) and many others. With the release of their highly-anticipated, “The Message” recording came a milestone—their first #1 radio single, “Message of the Cross”. They are currently performing songs from that recording as well as their hits and most-requested songs.

Though things change throughout the years, their mission has remained the same—to bring hope to a lost and dying world and to encourage and challenge believers. They’re real and they’re anointed. We hope that in the near future you are able to attend or host a Browders’ concert to experience how God is working through this team.

GUY PENROD EMBARKS ON 14-CITY EUROPEAN TOUR

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Christian music’s premier country recording artist, Guy Penrod, is set to embark on a 14-city Northern European this week, bringing his signature sound to Sweden, Iceland, Norway and the Netherlands.
Among other stops in Norway, Penrod and his band will headline the Skjaergardssang Festival in Langesund, one of Scandinavia’s largest gospel festivals. In addition to multiple Nordic gospel artists, Christian music pioneers The Imperials and acclaimed vocalist Angela Primm are also slated to perform at the event.
In addition, Penrod will present six concerts in Sweden organized by CountryChurch, a top Swedish gospel quartet, and he will appear in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Aalsmeerderbrug, Netherlands, before concluding the tour August 17 in Zelhem, Netherlands.
“It’s a privilege to return to Europe this summer to share our music and ministry,” Penrod says. “Performing in some of the most beautiful countries in the world is only topped by the many wonderful gospel music fans we meet along the way. The message of the Cross transcends nations and cultural boundaries, and we’re excited to worship with our brothers and sisters across the pond once again.”
Penrod’s latest release, Hymns, was the top-selling Southern Gospel album of 2012 and the best-selling Gospel recording in Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores® last year. His 2010 Dove Award-nominated Servant Records/Gaither Music Group solo debut, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, featuring successful mainstream country and Southern Gospel radio singles.
A Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry®, among other noteworthy platforms, and currently hosts Daystar Television Network’s popular “Gospel Music Showcase” series. Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the legendary GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.
For further information, visit www.guypenrod.com or www.turningpointpr.com.

Dixie Melody Boys Announce Lead Singer

The Dixie Melody Boys are excited to announce one of Gospel music’s best lead singers, Josh Garner, as their new member. The group began their search over two months ago when Mike Rogers resigned and had them listening to over 400 demos and auditioning numerous men. “This has been different than most of the times I have hired someone to fill a position. We heard so many great singers and we even thought we had found the right man a few times but it just wasn‘t the right fit.” said Ed O’Neal. “I have always loved Josh’s voice. I have even tried to hire him a few times in the past but the timing was never right. I am thrilled to have him join us.” added Ed.
The fans of Gospel music will remember Josh as the last lead singer for the Florida Boys as well as from the Gaither Homecoming Series. For the last five years he has been with Freedom, a trio that he founded with John Rulapaugh. Josh has been nominated numerous times as Favorite Lead Singer and is widely acknowledged as one of Gospel music’s all-time great lead singers. “Josh called me and offered to help us by filling in until we could find someone. It made looking for someone easy knowing he was on stage with us until we found the right person. His first night with us felt as if we had been singing together for years. Over the next few weeks both he and the group knew the right guy for the job was already there. Josh is a great addition to our team. I know the fans will be excited about seeing him with us.” stated Matt Felts.
The Dixie Melody Boys have already been in the studio with Josh and will release the new album soon. The project comes off the success of their fiftieth anniversary album, The Call Is Still The Same, and promises to be a hit. Josh will join the group mid August and will appear with them for the first time at NQC on Tuesday and Wednesday night. To check the Dixie Melody Boys schedule go towww.dixiemelodyboys.com