Atlanta – Gospel Music Channel (GMC), the nation’s first and only 24/7 all-Gospel/Christian music television network, and DIRECTV, Inc., announced today that beginning March 19, GMC will be available to DIRECTV customers nationally on channel 338.

“With the addition of DIRECTV, GMC is now available to nearly 40 million subscribers,” said Charles Humbard, founder and president, Gospel Music Channel. “We look forward to providing DIRECTV customers with this unique and uplifting entertainment and we thank DIRECTV for their support.”

“We recognize that fans of Christian/Gospel music are some of the most passionate viewers around and we’re glad to bring this channel to them,” said Toby Berlin, vice president, Programming Acquisitions, DIRECTV, Inc. “We believe that GMC’s positive and entertaining music television will deliver quality, inspirational and family-friendly programming, which will resonate with our customers.”

Gospel Music Channel www.GospelMusicChannel.com is the first and only 24/7 television network dedicated to the rich history and contemporary sounds of Gospel/Christian music and its many different genres and artists. From rock to rap, country to soul, southern to hip-hop, Gospel Music Channel crosses cultures and generations. From the soulful sounds of CeCe Winans and Aretha Franklin to the country roots of Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw, and the contemporary stylings of Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and Natalie Grant and everyone in between, the Gospel Music Channel’s got it all. The network’s program schedule features artist biographies, music specials, live concerts, and hosted music videos for the entire family.

Through life’s inevitable changes, we live with a dizzying mix of belief and unbelief. As with the man in the Gospel of Mark, we cry, “Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief.” Jesus intercedes. Apathy put down, we are emboldened to stand for hope and love.

That’s the declarative message behind Stand, Michael W. Smith’s 19th studio album for Reunion Records.

“Stand is a call to stand up for what you believe in,” says the award-winning singer/songwriter. “It’s a call to stand in awe of the One who gave all and to stand outside of the walls of the church rubbing shoulders with the lost. Together, we stand as followers of Jesus sharing a powerful opportunity: To live as a child of God.

“We must live as though we believe we are loved,” he says.

Michael W. Smith releases “Stand” inspired by experiences culled during extensive international touring last year, as well as lessons at home, including his work as co-pastor of New River Fellowship, a Nashville-area church he helped establish.

“Scripture tells us that as children of God we inherit great things—love, hope, peace—all by God’s grace. Long ago people would have said we get to eat at the King’s table all the days of our lives. Today, we’d say we are given the power to live with abundant hope.

“But the problem I’ve seen,” Smith continues, “is that the biggest enemy we have as followers of God is that we just don’t believe who we are. And I’ve been right there, too.”

“So I’m taking a stand—and I hope others will—to really live what I believe and embrace who I am in Jesus Christ. And then I believe we are called to just get with it. We are called to share our joy by serving the lost. The poor. The sick. The brokenhearted. The least of these. In Christ, we are given the courage and strength to change the world.”

Produced by Matt Bronleewe, “Stand” rallies believers to their feet through ardent songs of mission and of worship.

“I heard someone say we need to think about what happens on Sundays as only 10 percent of what it means to be the church. The rest of the week should be 90 percent of what it means to be the church, the real body of Christ. That idea challenged me. Worship is great and necessary, but what are we doing the rest of the week?” Smith asks. “In Silence” calls the church to quick action:”Sometimes we’re loudest when the doors are shut and no one can see our face/But it seems we’re quiet when some one needs a touch of heaven’s grace/I’m not gonna sit and stay in silence/I’m not gonna walk away in silence…”

Service in this spirit can only be fueled by the kind of love that knows no boundaries, exemplified primarily in Jesus. “‘Open Arms‘ is about showing people the cross,” Michael says of the theme. “Again, it’s a call to stand up and be the church we’re supposed to be.” “Come to the Cross” extends that idea, representing Christ’s open invitation to discover freedom and the opportunity to become what God intends for each of us to be.

“It’s freeing to someone who’s been through hell and back when you tell them there’s room at the cross for them. That it doesn’t matter what they’ve done or where they’ve been. Their hearts turn, and they say, ‘That’s for me,’” Smith observes.

While Stand inspires listeners toward a love-centered purpose, the record crescendos by hitting a worshipful attitude along side its central message. The move stands for Michael W. Smith’s belief that in worship believers gain strength for accomplishing God’s work, as exemplified in “Be Lifted High” and “Oh Lord You’re Beautiful,” made popular by the late singer/songwriter Keith Green. In kind, the ballad “Grace” is psalm-like in tone and uplifting in spirit. Written by Martin Smith (Delirious), the song returns thanks to God for blessing us with his empowering spirit in spite of our foolish and fickle ways.

The album draws toward its finale by uniting mission and worship in the simple chorus of the title track, while “Come See” extends an invitation to know grace. “God’s arms are open, ready to take you just as you are,” Smith says, summarizing the call.

Juggling responsibilities for his debut earlier this year in the Sony Pictures film Second Chance, Smith relied on the largest ensemble of contributors he’s ever had to complete the project right. “I had to turn some responsibilities over to others, which I hardly ever do, and it all just paid off,” Smith says. For example, “How to Say Goodbye,” reunites Smith with a music veteran who helped launch his career, singer/songwriter Amy Grant. “Amy’s a great writer, and I’ve been dying to do something with her again,” Smith says. “I asked her to put words to music I wrote after dropping off our daughter Whitney at college, which was one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever had. Amy really hit a home run capturing a lot of mixed emotions.”

On seven of the record’s 11 tracks, Smith invested extensively in 18-year-old songwriter Leeland Mooring, frontman from the new Essential Records rock band Leeland. Michael, who has long mentored up-and-coming acts, says, “This kid’s special. Somehow he’s tapped into the heartbeat of God. There’s no doubt to me Leeland is destined for greatness.” The pop hit “Escape Your Love” is one fruit of that collaboration. A hooky, romantic lyric celebrating relationships, the light-hearted, closing track was co-written by Mooring and Tyler Smith, Michael’s son. It honors the 25 years of marriage Michael W. Smith celebrated recently with his wife, Debbie. Other Mooring standouts include “Cover Me,” “Come to the Cross,” and “Open Arms.”

With so many men and women uniting to create the album, Stand illustrates the power of community building for a greater good.

“We cannot be deceived. We cannot believe we’re not good enough because our works don’t measure up,” Michael W. Smith says. “By grace, we are children of God—and it’s time we started living as though we really believe that truth. That’s ‘it.’ Period.”

Stand emerges as another thought-provoking album from one of the most popular recording artists in Christian music. Smith has enjoyed chart-topping success on pop radio, and he’s amassed a staggering 31 No. 1 singles. To date Michael W. Smith’s sold over 13 million units resulting in five RIAA-certified platinum and 16 gold projects, an American Music Award, three GRAMMY Awards and 40 Dove Awards. His most recent recordings have included best-selling projects Worship and Worship Again, each contributing dramatically to the advancement of today’s modern worship movement.

In addition to his work at New River Fellowship, Michael W. Smith is founder and president of his Rocketown Records label and founder of a Nashville teen club, Rocketown. He also remains a regarded philanthropist active in DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade Africa, established by U2 frontman Bono), Compassion International, and was recently appointed by President George W. Bush as vice chair of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. But Smith pushes away his résumé.

“I know who I am more today than I ever have,” Smith says with that signature grin we’ve come to appreciate across his distinguished career. “But my confidence doesn’t have anything to do with all that. I know who I am because I really believe I’m a child of God.

“Life’s not all about the stuff we can accumulate or the honors people heap on us,” Smith continues. “Serving people in the name of Jesus is what really matters in the world. We have to step into people’s lives so that they can be changed by God.

“But we really have to start believing this is our mission—that this is the authority that is ours as children of God. Simple acts can start to change thousands of peoples’ lives.

“It’s time we take a stand believing we are loved,” Smith concludes. “And then, let’s go. Let’s go change the world.”

Was browsing the internet and came across this article on Christianity Today Magazine, about gospel music’s top Christian groups Avalon and their 13 years career in ministry.

Janna Long reminisces over the group’s 13-year history as new member Jeremi Richardson considers the shoes he’s now filling.
By Andree Farias
posted 02/04/08

Janna, it’s been over a decade since Avalon got started in Christian music. What’s your most treasured memory from the group to this point?

Janna Long: I have so many wonderful memories from this journey, but one of my favorites was winning the American Music Award [for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist in 2003]. It is a fan-based award and we received it at a time when we were least expecting it. It was truly a dream come true.

A heart condition and recent vocal ailment sidelined your friend Jody McBrayer from the group—this is his last album. As a fellow founding member, was it difficult to see him go?

Long: To say it was hard to see Jody go is such an understatement.I miss him terribly, and yet I know it was the right decision.I love him dearly and miss singing with him all the time.

You’re the only original member remaining in the group. Do you see Avalon becoming a launching pad for other singers’ ministries, similar to Truth?

Long: I am grateful for my time with Truth and other ministries I was involved with before
Avalon. However, as Jody’s position has been the only change in the last five years [Melissa Greene replaced Cherie Adams in 2003], I think I can safely say that this group is here to stay—at least until God shows us otherwise.We are so grateful to have Jeremi Richardson as our newest member, and we will continue to move forward in our ministry as long as God opens doors for us to do so.

Jeremi, as the newcomer to the group, I’m sure in the beginning you felt like you had some big shoes to fill. Was it initially hard to adjust?

Jeremi Richardson: A huge adjustment. For the last several years, I have worked at Walt Disney World, so transferring from a theme park environment to a traveling group like Avalon is about as night and day as possible. The rest of the group made the transition very smooth, and within a few weeks I felt at ease. I have been a fan of Avalon since they started, and I’m a major fan of Jody’s work—with Truth, with Avalon, and as a solo artist. It is an honor to continue the work that he was doing and to make a place for myself at the same time.

How have audiences responded to your new role in the group?

Richardson: Audiences have responded with open arms to my being in Avalon. I have been overwhelmed with the feeling on being welcomed and supported.

The new Avalon album is a collection of CCM classics. Why did you choose to go this route?

Long: We’ve wanted to do a CCM tribute record for a while, as we all owe so much to those who have gone before us in music ministry. Avalon has toured with several of the artists represented on this record, and they were instrumental in the music we’ve made.

Richardson: Life is defined by memories. Everyone has a time and place that they can hear the songs on this album and reflect on life and their Christian walk. I call these happy places. It’s great to pay tribute to some of the pioneers of Christian music and to their music.

What’s your favorite song on the album and why?

Long: It’s difficult to chose just one favorite from our new record but I can say for sure that one of them is the title track, “Another Time Another Place,” [originally performed by Sandi Patty]. It’s such a lovely song that describes our continued struggles here on earth, keeping the faith to endure this life and most importantly, looking forward to the hope of glory. I have always enjoyed [singing] with Jody and I’m really pleased how the duet turned out.

Richardson: My favorite song on the album is [Michael W. Smith's] “Place in This World.” When I was a teenager, there was a very memorable evening for me—a defining moment, actually—that I associate with this song. It led me to question why I am who I am, and why I believe what I believe. That night and this song changed my life.

Where do you see Avalon in the next 10 years?

Richardson: I haven’t been in Avalon long enough to know what all my dreams and aspirations for the group are. However, I do know that God has gifted and called us for such a time as this. If he chooses to continue that calling for another 10 years, then we will be right there singing and worshipping God through the gift of music.

Long: I want Avalon to continue for however many years God has left for us to do so.This has been an amazing journey I’ve been on since 1995, and it has gone beyond my greatest dreams. I could not be more sincere when I say that I am honored to still be doing this after so many years and changes. I’m grateful people continue to show up week after week. We are all so blessed to be a part of this ministry.

CARMAN has released a new album “Instrument of Praise“. This album has been releasd on one of gospel music’s, first gospel record labels, Tyscot Records.

From a teenage singer/musician in the clubs of New Jersey to the Las Vegas strip and the now prophetic Andrae Crouch concert where he gave his life to Jesus Christ, CARMAN continues to be a major champion of Christian music.

After receiving numerous gold and platinum albums and videos CARMAN, after a brief hiatus, stands ready to resume God’s work. Tyscot Records’ legacy continues with the unprecedented signing of CARMAN! September 11, 2007 marks the release date that this historic Gospel label takes what continues to be undeniably CARMAN and adds just a bit more flavor, making CARMAN an “Instrument of Praise“! From the signature song styling of “That’s My King” and “This Blood/ This Power” featuring Andrae Crouch to the contemporary pop energy of “The Overflow” and the modern worship of “I’ll Love You Forever” this new release is a fresh, yet familiar CARMAN experience.

For CARMAN fans, i see this as one of his best albums to date. I beleive that you will be truly blessed by this album.

More… For more information and to listen to CARMAN “Instrument of Praise“

Hey guys, I saw this article about The Clark Sisters Reunion Tour, on GospelCity and had to share it with you. This is a tour not to be missed. Make sure you get to one of the tour dates, as you will surely be blessed.

The members of gospel music’s best-selling female group of all time, Detroit’s very own Clark Sisters are back together again to embark on a very special concert tour. The 25-city trek, which kicks off October 4th in Nashville, marks the first time that all four of the talented ladies have come together for a cross-country praise-and-worship celebration in 20 years. Further, this will not only be a chance for fans to experience the trailblazing group’s transcendent vocals gifts, but also for fans to join with the Clark Sisters to raise awareness for a very special cause: the battle against HIV and AIDS.

In addition to Nashville, the tour will touch down in Toledo (10/5), Milwaukee (10/6), Oklahoma City (10/9), Phoenix (10/11), Las Vegas (10/12), Hayward, CA (10/13), Seattle (10/14), Memphis (10/19), Atlanta (10/20), Birmingham (10/25), Cincinnati (10/26), Jackson, MS (10/27), Baton Rouge (10/31), Shreveport (11/1), Houston (11/2), Dallas (11/3), Austin (11/4), New York (11/12), Philadelphia (11/15), Baltimore (11/16), Greensboro (11/17) and Dayton (11/18).

“This is our chance to share the Gospel and touch the hearts of our many fans through our music ministry, a calling that never ends for us,” says the group’s Dorinda Clark-Cole, who –like sisters Twinkie Clark, Jacky Clark-Chisolm, and Karen Clark-Sheard –pursued a successful solo recording career in the last two decades. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to make music together again and perform.”

The tour will coincide with the October 2nd release of the Clark Sisters‘ CD/DVD Live–One Last Time, which will now be available in a double-disc, limited gift edition. The EMI Gospel release, the group’s first in 13 years, was originally released in April and reached Number One on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. The companion DVD of Live–One Last Time also debuted at Number One on the Billboard Christian Music Video chart. The limited edition version combines the two releases, with added bonus footage.

The tour partner for the anticipated Clark Sisters’ Reunion Tour will be World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization-providing assistance to children and families in nearly 100 countries. Dawn Williams, a representative of World Vision says, “This tour will be historic and life-changing, as we partner to help children and families affected by the AIDS pandemic in Africa and other third-world countries.”

Another participating partner is Gospel Music Channel. Said GMC’s Alvin Williams: “We are pleased and honored to continue our relationship with the Clark Sisters from our Front Row Live TV special, _“Number One DVD,”_ and we get to be up-close-and personal with the ladies and their many fans. We love the ladies and their support of Gospel Music Channel.”

“We are honored to produce The Clark Sisters’ first national tour in 20 years, says Shawn Tate, President of Tate & Associates, Inc., the promoters. “They are a quintessential Gospel vocal group whose relevance has stood the test of time. They have influenced the careers of many noted artists and are a significant factor in pioneering contemporary Gospel music.”

The Clark Sisters’ years of music ministry, which includes their hits “You Brought The Sunshine” and “Is My Living In Vain“– continue to influence and inspire people all over the world. Their inspiring sounds have also sparked admiration among such contemporary stars as Mariah Carey, Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Kelly Price and Faith Evans. In June, the Gospel Hall of Fame members were honored with the President’s Merit Award at the 2007 Grammy Salute to Gospel.

More… For more information about the Clark Sister 2007 Reunion go to their website: www.theclarksisters.com

Genres Accepted: Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Holy Hip Hop, and Urban / R&B

TRAKO Entertainment

presents the 4th annual Gospel Search of America 2007, a talent competition and series of seminars taking place at the Friendship West Baptist Church from October 19-20, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. Gospel Search of America (GSA) is designed for all genres of Christian music, and is a 2-day event in which some of today’s most prominent and influential music industry executives gather to educate, empower and discover new unsigned talent. This event will present Gospel music industry seminars, showcases, concerts, ministry, education and Christian empowerment.

The GSA competition is looking for the best Christian, traditional gospel, Christian rap, urban gospel, inspirational, and contemporary gospel solo artists and bands.

Competing artists must be unsigned, and original material is desired. Selected semi-finalists will be invited to perform with a prerecorded track at the GSA Semi-Finals, hosted by Byron Cage, during the closed industry session on Saturday, October 20, 2007. The selected finalists will be invited to perform with a live band at the GSA Finals Gospel Concert on Saturday night, October 20, 2007.

Selected artists will compete for prizes including cash, professional press kit creation, marketing/advertisement services, a chance to be shopped to major and independent labels and a performance on Bobby Jones Gospel.

Judges for this competition include:
# Byron Cage, Zomba/Sony BMG
# Bryant Scott, Tyscot Records
# Joe Langham, Comin Atcha Distribution
# Bishop Sam Williams, GMWA/GAG
# Tracey Artis, Zomba/Sony BMG
# Karessa Lang, TRAKO Entertainment
# Sanchez Harley, Chez Musique Productions
# Larry Blackwell, EMI Gospel
# Gordon Ely, Billboard Music Critic

Gospel Search of America 2007 is sponsored by Friendship West Baptist Church, Heaven97, Urban Roundup, and the above mentioned companies.

Please Note: The Gospel Search of America requires all selected artists to pay an extra registration fee of $300-700, depending on the size of the group, directly to the promoter in order to participate. A 25% discount will be issued to Sonicbids artists off these prices. Detailed information will be provided upon submission.

Opportunity Website: http://www.myspace.com/trakoentertainment

GOSPEL GREATS JOIN MCDONALD’S INSPRIATIONAL CELEBRATION TOUR: Smokie Norful, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Kierra ‘KiKi’ Sheard to Perform in Houston.

For the last two months, Grammy Award-winner Smokie Norful and fellow EMI recording artists Gospel Music Hall of Famer Vanessa Bell Armstrong and rising gospel star Kierra “Kiki” Sheard have performed to packed audiences at churches in Dallas, Richmond, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, IL, Detroit and Atlanta. Most recently, during the Chicago stop, McDonald’s and record label executives from EMI Christian Music Group presented Smokie Norful with his second RIAA-certified gold record for his sophomore album “Nothing Without You.” The April 27 concert in Houston will be held at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, 6000 Heatherbrook Drive, in Houston. The concert starts at 7:00 pm CST.

“I am humbled and honored to share my music as a way of partnering with McDonald’s and their community outreach,” says Smokie Norful, the tour headliner. “It’s important that we realize giving back is the true way to keep ourselves and others uplifted, empowered, and encouraged.”

McDonald’s partnered with leading Gospel label, EMI Gospel and music marketing/concert producer, Revolver Marketing Group (RMG), along with Urban Ministries Inc. (UMI), the nation’s leading publisher and distributor of educational materials for African-American churches, to produce the series.

This marks the first year that McDonald’s is sponsoring the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour but is not the company’s first foray into supporting gospel music. Independent franchisees have created gospel-themed restaurants in Merrillville, Ind., and Chicago. McDonald’s and franchisees from New York to Seattle have also partnered with other organizations to bring gospel and other music festivals to their communities.

“The turnout has been overwhelming,” said Carol Sagers, marketing director, McDonald’s USA. “McDonald’s is proud to sponsor events that celebrate the rich music heritage of the African American community and give consumers an opportunity to take a break from life’s routine to be uplifted and encouraged.”

More… For all tickets and for more tour information, go to: www.smokienorful.com/mcdonaldsinspirationcelebration.

Hillsong London have been blessing Churches worldwide for over 10 years and inspiring them to praise and worship the Lord. This live recording “Jesus Is” truly captured the Glory of God, their was over 6000 people in attendance which created a wonderful and spirit filled atmosphere. As you listen to this album you will be blessed.

More.. Listen to “Hillsong London – Jesus Is”