Christy Sutherland Named Co-Host for 2010 Diamond Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (May 28, 2010) – Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops Digital, home of the Diamond Awards, are excited to announce the addition of popular soloist Christy Sutherland as co-host for the 2010 Diamond Awards program.

Christy Sutherland is a prized songwriter and celebrated vocalist in the Southern Gospel community. Her songs have been recorded by such artists as Sandi Patty, Triumphant Quartet, Prelude, Rizen, Kim Hopper, The Greenes, and many more. Triumphant Quartet’s current single – “Somebody Died For Me” – was penned by Sutherland. Sutherland has been nominated for four Diamond Awards including Song of the Year for “Somebody Died For Me.”

Christy said, “I'm looking forward to being one of the co-hosts of the prestigious Diamond Awards. It's such an honor to share the stage with so many of gospel music's greats.”

Rob Patz of Coastal Media Group said, “We are very excited about having Christy Sutherland as one of our co-hosts for this year’s event. She’s a very talented singer and songwriter, and we know she’s going to do a great job.”

Christy will co-host the event with long-time host Johnathan Bond (of Young Harmony).

The 2010 Diamond Awards will once again take place at the Branson Gospel Music Convention. The show will take place on Thursday, July 1, 2010 in Branson, Missouri at the Branson Convention Center. The awards program will precede the Thursday evening concerts and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

It was announced earlier that HIS Choice Music is the main sponsor for this year’s Diamond Awards program. HIS Choice Music is the most updated, innovative way to find great Christian music and schedule Christian concerts all from one location. With the launching of the all new HIS Choice Music Compilation CD, fans have the opportunity to hear well established Christian artists along with new, up and coming artists. The company is a full service label that represents such acts as CrossWay, Young Harmony, One Voice, and more.

Performers for the 2010 Diamond Awards will be announced at a later date.

For more information on the Diamond Awards – visit the SGN Scoops Digital website at http://www.sgnscoops.com .

About the Diamond Awards
The Diamond Awards were transferred over to the SGN Scoops Digital several years ago after the original home for the awards, the Gospel Voice Magazine, folded. The Diamond Awards are a fan-based award that allows the fans to choose the nominees as well as the winners in each year. The awards show is based during the Branson Gospel Music Convention every July.

MANSION ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES NEW DIVISION - BILL DYKES TO HEAD

Brentwood, TN (Mansion Entertainment) May 27, 2010 – Mansion Entertainment, a Nashville/Branson based music and entertainment company, has announced the development of Manor House Music, as a division of Mansion Entertainment.
Manor House is established for Artists needing progressive and professional production, marketing, distribution, and management of their recording careers. As stated by Bill Traylor of Mansion Entertainment, “Manor House is that place for Artists who are progressing in their careers and need to take a major step forward in production, radio, press, advertising, distribution, and most importantly, Television.” Manor House will be working with a few select artists, announcements to be forthcoming. By utilizing Mansion Entertainment’s assets such as a world-class studio, two major theaters, an in-place radio/advertising/press department and distribution system, and 2 TV Trucks with a total of 26 cameras, artists that need the assistance to make a major step forward, will be able to achieve their goals.
Mansion Entertainment has joined with Mr. Bill Dykes to head up the new Manor House division. Bill brings years of hands-on experience in the music industry. Not only as a personality with his years of performance experience with The Cathedrals, Jerry and The Goffs, and as a solo artist, Bill additionally has worked as an executive in the Banking Industry and most recently as Chief Marketing Officer for Sky Angel Television. With his experience in recording, performing, finance, and television, Bill Dykes is a valued addition to Mansion Entertainment’s overall vision for Gospel Music. Mr. Dykes can be reached at 239.404.7675 or by email at bdykes@themansionentertainment.com.
For more information regarding Mansion Entertainment, Manor House Music, and Mr. Bill Dykes, please go to www.themansionentertainment.com.

The Tana Lonon Agency Signs Marshall Hall

Nashville, TN (May 27, 2010) – The Tana Lonon Agency is pleased to announce an exclusive booking agreement with Marshall Hall (formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band) as he launches his solo career with Daywind Records.

Hall shared, “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be teamed up with Tana Lonon. Her reputation with people whom I respect is what drew me in her direction, but it’s the person behind the accolades that sealed the deal. Tana is just ‘good people.’” He continued, “I am excited to start exploring this new path God has for me. I want to thank Ed Leonard and Norman Holland at Daywind, and The Tana Lonon Agency. They have all been so supportive of my family and me. I am blessed to be associated with such quality folks. Hopefully I’ll be seeing some familiar faces on the road soon. To be honest, I am just humbled and grateful that anyone would want to have me come to their church and share about God’s love.”

"Marshall Hall is the epitome of incredible vocal talent, a heart for ministry, and true class." expressed Norman Holland (A&R Director and vice president of Daywind Records). "To combine his gifts with a booking agency like The Tana Lonon Agency, who is intent on representing artists with strong talent, a heart for ministry, and true class, is the absolutely perfect combination. We look forward to all that is yet in store for Marshall as he embarks on a great solo career. His debut Daywind album is due out this fall. We can't wait to share his music with the world."

Lonon added, "I can't think of a better combination than Marshall Hall and Daywind Records! I am so thrilled to be partnering with Marshall's ministry and count it an honor to represent him. His talent is evident, his character is clear, his heart for God is humbling, and I am looking forward to sharing his ministry to the ‘uttermost parts of the world.’ It begins with a great song, and that song is taken to the world by a great singer, and that is certainly found in Marshall Hall."

To learn more about The Tana Lonon Agency and their wonderful roster of artists including Marshall Hall, Crabb Revival, No Other Name, and others, visit tanalononagency.com. You may also email tanatla@aol.com or call 615.866.9741. Additional contact information is as follows: 5754 Amalie Drive, Nashville, TN 37211, ph. 615.866-9741 fax: 615.301.8193. For more information on all the talented artists at Daywind, visit daywindrecords.com.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. In addition to Marshall Hall, Daywind is home to such great artists as Austins Bridge and Legacy Five, among others.

Beyond The Ashes Appears On The TCT Network

Trio performed on Sessions along with country singer, Marty Raybon

Nashville, TN (May 27, 2010) –Powerful vocal trio, Beyond The Ashes (BTA), recently appeared on one of the nation’s largest Christian television networks, TCT (Total Christian Television). The group sang several songs and shared the platform with country singer, Marty Raybon.

Group owner and tenor singer, Anthony Facello, expressed that the experience was special for the group in several ways, but hearing the testimony of a country singer, Marty Raybon, was a major highlight. He expressed, "We feel very honored to be a part of the show Sessions. Hearing Marty Raybon tell his story was truly impacting for Beyond the Ashes. His testimony is very powerful and his heart for God is very apparent."

Sessions is a brand new show on TCT and BTA is only the third artist to appear. Others included Jason Crabb and the Fox Brothers. The show that features BTA and Marty Raybon aired two weeks ago and is scheduled to air again this Saturday, May 29, 2010, at 8:00 PM CDT. To see a complete listing of Sessions airing times on TCT, visit tct.tv/programs.php. To learn more about the TCT Network and where to find it in your area, visit tct.tv.

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

SGM Radio Blog’s Top Ten: Crossway

We are thrilled to share with you these mini-interviews with some great Southern Gospel artists! Check back often to see who is next on the SGM Radio Blog's Top Ten!

Crossway
We are Matt McFarland and Paul Smith and together we make up Crossway. Based out of Nashville, we travel everywhere we can sharing the Good News of the gospel. We are firm believers and living testimonies to His unfailing love and grace

Becky Goble
My name is Becky Goble and I am blessed to be able to work with an amazingly talented group known as Crossway. I handle their booking and am acting administrator to their web pages as well. I have known them since the quartet days when I booked them into the church I was attending. Before the concert they allowed my boys, then 4 and 6, to “help” with the equipment and then thanked them from stage. The rest is history!


Crossway’s Top Ten, by Matt McFarland, Paul Smith and Becky Goble

1. Please tell us the name of your latest recording and your favorite song from that CD. What is the message behind this song?
Crossway’s Latest release is entitled “Unfailing Love”. It was written by Matt. I think God’s love is so often put into this little box and limited by our human understanding. This song reminds us that His ways are higher…His love greater than we can comprehend. It truly is the only love that will never fail. ~Paul

2. What is one group highlight from the last 12 months?
We actually took the stage following a Christian metal band one night and I would have to say that was an experience. Many of the band members stayed for our concert and even bought CDs! ~Paul

3. Have you been on a mission trip? If you have, where did you go? If you haven’t, would you like to go and where would you want to go?
I have not been on a mission trip. I will be honest in saying that I think our country needs to have more mission trips within its boundaries. A young lady from our youth group is going to inner city Chicago this summer. I think somewhere like that would be my choice. ~Becky

4. What is the furthest place you have been from your current hometown?
I lived in California for a couple years in my early 20’s. I have never been out of the country. Yeah, it’s sad, but true! ~Becky

5. What is your most favorite technological ‘gadget’?
Good grief, I am so not technologically inclined or equipped! That is where Paul comes in! I could say that the man would not survive long without his iPhone and that it has come in handy more than once when they were on the road and they had questions. I could email the info and they had everything they needed! Matt, who made fun of Paul and his iPhone at first is now equally addicted to his. ~ Becky

6. What was the best decade for music? Favorite artist from that decade?
I grew up in the 80’s and still love it. My Christian music favorites were the Paynes, The Hinsons, Gold City and the Inspirations. On the secular side, I gravitated to Air Supply, REO Speedwagon, Journey and Alabama.~ Becky

7. Who is your most favorite Bible person/character?
Paul, thus my answer for the next question. ~Matt

8. What is your favorite Bible verse?
Pretty much all of Romans 8 & 9! ~ Matt

9. What is your favorite thing to shop for?
Fishing stuff and….fishing stuff. ~ Matt

10. What is the last book you read?
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I am reading my way through all his books at the moment. ~Becky