Alpha Omega News

My Life As A Bush Shares Laugh-Out-Loud Stories Along with Biblical Insights

Orlando, FL (July 22, 2008) - Creation House has announced the September 2, 2008 release of My Life As A Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus, the debut book from comedian and impersonator John Morgan, ABC Television’s “The Next Best Thing” finalist and “The Definitive President George W. Bush.”

Co-written with Morgan’s manager and award-winning singer/songwriter Vince Wilcox with a forward by Governor Mike Huckabee, My Life As A Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus illustrates how the same principles that helped Morgan become “The Next Best Thing” to President George W. Bush are actually biblical precepts that can encourage believers to become authentic imitators of Jesus Christ. Penned as a motivational autobiography, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud stories, audacious encounters and biblical insights, with each chapter highlighting a compelling aspect of imitating Christ and inviting readers to pursue God’s calling on their lives.

Ever since the Republican Party of Florida discovered John Morgan working as a Bush campaign volunteer in 2004 and brought him in to entertain at high profile events including President Bush’s 2005 Inauguration in Washington, D.C., even those closest to the President have been astounded at Morgan’s amazing impersonation. Vice President Dick Cheney summed it up best when he told Morgan, “You’re a dead ringer!”

Dubbed “the smarter, better, funnier version of George Bush,” when he appeared on ABC Television’s “The Next Best Thing,” the award-winning comedian/impersonator’s list of appearances also includes such highlights as ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View,” NBC’s “Today Show,” CNN’s “Headline News,” Fox News “Dayside,” “Family Feud” and Fox Television personality Sean Hannity’s 2007 “Freedom Concert” series. Morgan also imitates President George W. Bush at corporate events around the world for companies such as Bell South, IBM, Bank of America, World Vision, City of Hope and Zap Cars.
John Morgan Along the way, Morgan has shared the stage with notable politicians and political pundits including U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, Sean Hannity, Col. Oliver North, Neal Boortz and James Carville; prominent personalities including Barbara Walters, Steve Forbes, Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight (”National Treasure”), author Josh McDowell (Evidence That Demands a Verdict) and CNN’s Brian Christie; and musical superstars including Lee Greenwood, Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Daniels, Michael W. Smith and Kirk Franklin.

But behind the face, Morgan’s own journey from brokenness to redemption is much like George W. Bush’s own rise to the highest office in the land. Morgan wore a convincing facade on Sundays as a model church-going teenager. But his mask hid a dark side characterized by alcohol, drugs and lust until he was powerfully liberated through the Truth of the Gospel in his early twenties. Now, Morgan encourages audiences to live out Ephesians 5:1–”Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

“As I’ve made a career of impersonating the president, I’ve learned that each of us has a choice about who we emulate,” says Morgan. “God–in His infinite irony–has used this experience to change me from a fraud who simply pretends into an imitator of God whose life is filled with faith and expectancy.”

My Life as a Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus will be available through Creation House, a Strang Company. For more information about John Morgan and his new book, My Life As A Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus, visit www.georgebushimpersonator.com.

3-2-1 Penguins!®: Save The Planets!

DVD Lands in stores August 30, 2008

Launch Supported By Extensive National Marketing & Promotions Campaign Including Partners: Applebee’s, Chick-fil-A,

Chuck E. Cheese’s, Litehouse Food, Nathan’s Famous

FRANKLIN, TN (July 22, 2008) – It’s Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin to the rescue in 3-2-1 Penguins!®: Save The Planets!Ô, an all-new out-of-this-world adventure from Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company.  Big Idea’s beloved flock of flightless fowl is back in action with 3 exciting new episodes on one DVD for the first time!  Loaded with lots of family-friendly bonus features, this brand-new DVD lands in Christian and general market stores August 30 and September 2, 2008 respectively.  Priced at $14.99 SRP, the product and related merchandise are available in the CBA market through Word Distribution and in the general market through Genius Products.

Produced by Big Idea, the creators of the award-winning VeggieTales® series, 3-2-1 Penguins! follows the galactic adventures of two young kids and four space-traveling penguins dedicated to responding to distress calls from across the galaxy and learning important life lessons and values along the way.

“We are delighted to present these hilarious new episodes on DVD for the first time,“ says Greg Fritz, SVP Marketing & Licensing, Big Idea.  “With the newfound popularity of 3-2-1 Penguins! since its increased television exposure, we felt that this was an opportune time to launch these new episodes on DVD.”

3-2-1 Penguins!: Save The Planets! is part of the highly successful 3-2-1 Penguins! series, which has sold 1.5 million videos to date and has captured audiences everywhere as one of the top rated shows on “QUBO” airing weekly on NBC, ION and Telemundo.  Combining faith, fun and flightless birds, 3-2-1 Penguins!: Save The Planets! features standout episodes “The Green-Eyed Monster,” “More is More,” and “Give and Let Give.”

Synopsis:

Join Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin as they save the inhabitants of planets across the galaxy while learning lessons in contentment, sharing and over-indulgence. Buckle up for an intergalactic adventure like never before!

K-LOVE Exclusive Interview with Third Day To Follow
Street Date Tonight Show With Jay Leno Performance

(Nashville, Tenn.) July 18, 2008 – Capping off a highly-publicized promotional campaign surrounding the anticipated July 29 release of GRAMMY award-winning, multi-platinum-selling band Third Day’s tenth studio album, Revelation, K-LOVE has recently made a couple revelations of its own. The national music radio network has announced details to a pair of secret shows performed acoustically by Third Day in K-LOVE markets Phoenix and Denver during the week of Revelation’s release.

“The response was overwhelming,” says Mike Tedesco, Brand Manager for K-LOVE. “Thousands of listeners registered to win a trip to one of our Secret Shows and to receive a copy of the new CD Revelation. We are sure the listener response in Phoenix and Denver will be overwhelming. We just wish we could bring Third Day to more K-LOVE cities.”

Fresh off its performance the night before on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Third Day will spend the following morning, Wednesday, July 30, in Phoenix, where K-LOVE’s John and Sherry Rivers will be the first to interview the band on their nationally broadcast morning show. The Rivers will be hosting the Phoenix secret show – featuring Third Day and chart-topping openers Tenth Avenue North (Reunion Records) – at the City of Grace Church in Mesa, Ariz. at 7 p.m. PT.

The second secret show performance will take place in Denver on Aug. 1 at Crossroads Church of Denver in Wheat Ridge, CO. The concert begins at 8 p.m. MT and will be hosted by JD Chandler, host of K-LOVE’s national afternoon show.

In between secret show dates, Third Day is slated to headline the K-LOVE-sponsored music festival Spirit West Coast in Monterrey, CA on July 31. K-LOVE will be broadcasting live from the event.

Following the release of Revelation, the band will hit the road for summer festival appearances and the highly anticipated Music Builds Tour with Switchfoot, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Jars of Clay. (Please visit www.musicbuildstour.com for updated information.)

A DREAM TO BELIEVE IN, VOL. II STREETS THIS TUESDAY, JULY 22ND

Nashville, TN (July 21, 2008) —– The eagerly anticipated latest CD from Nicole C. Mullen, A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II releases tomorrow, July 22nd.  The album is the second installment in Mullen’s thematic trilogy, with Sharecropper’s Seed the beginning of this three album project.

Produced by David Mullen, the songs on A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II were inspired by great moments in our national history that have significant importance to our faith.  Musically, it features the range of this versatile artist that swings from soulful ballads to funky up-tempo rockers.

“This is music that celebrates the travels of life–where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going,” Mullen says of her new collection. “I think ‘A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II’ says let me tell where I am and where I want to go. It’s definitely an album of celebration.  It’s one you can dance to and in the midst of your dancing, hopefully you’ll hear the message of truth.”

Mullen wrote or co-wrote all songs on A Dream To Believe In, Vol. II.  “I Have A Dream” opens the CD and was inspired Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech by the same name, along with the prayer of Christ that we would all be one. “Treat Her Like A Lady” was written for all the men out there on how to treat your wife or girlfriend in the proper way and the upbeat soulful “Brainwash” stresses the cleansing of our mind from earthly pollution. “Start Over Again” features the strong vocals of this talented songstress and “Forever You Reign” is what Mullen calls “a straight vertical praise & worship song.”   The CD closes with the unique “Work With Me (Dance).  Mullen’s fans have been asking her to do a workout album for years and she performs the song on her Women of Faith dates, which has the audience on their feet and dancing.

Besides her busy recording career, Mullen stays active with her many charitable endeavors.  She established The Baby Girls Club, which mentors and encourages young women. She also supports the International Needs Network, an organization that works to free the Trokosi slaves in Ghana.  Known for her unique fashion style, Mullen has started designing her own line of clothing that will soon be available online.

A Cincinnati native who got her start singing in church, Mullen has won multiple Gospel Music Association Dove Awards including Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year honors as well as Song of the Year awards for her hit “Redeemer” and the Jaci Velasquez hit “On My Knees.”  She co-wrote the song with her husband David and Michael Ochs. Her acclaimed album “Talk About It” was recently certified gold by the RIAA, signifying sales over 500,000 copies.

For more information on Mullen and her upcoming tour dates please visit www.nicolecmullen.com or www.wordrecords.com

Pioneer Artist to Discuss Involvement in The Beginnings Concert on July 22 Broadcast
Beginnings Concert

Nashville, TN (July 21, 2008) - Pioneer recording artist Dallas Holm will be a featured television guest tomorrow, July 22, 2008, on LeSEA Broadcasting’s “The Harvest Show,” where he will share his testimony and discuss his involvement in the upcoming The Beginnings Concert DVD/CD collection. For air times and more information on “The Harvest Show,” visit www.harvest-tv.com.

The Beginnings Concert, an all-new live concert DVD/CD collection, features fresh performances by some of the founding pioneers of contemporary Christian music, including Dallas Holm, Leon Patillo, Barry McGuire, Don Francisco, Chuck Girard, Steve Archer, Janny Grein, Dony McGuire, Reba Rambo McGuire and David Meece. Captured over two evenings, The Beginnings Concert event at Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas, marks the first time that all of these artists have ever appeared together on one stage.

For this live recording, these contemporary Christian music trailblazers have given the original recorded arrangements of their songs a fresh sound through the use of a well-chosen live backup band and state-of- the-art technology, resulting in an up-to-the-minute feel while retaining the integrity of the initial recordings. The Beginnings Concert DVD/CD collection puts music fans on the front row of the audience, allowing them to experience these classic, powerful songs made fresh for a whole new generation.

The four-disc The Beginnings Concert DVD/CD collection features three hours of music (with 27 unique live performances), testimonies and bonus features. The first DVD disc showcases individual original performances by each of the artists, along with artist testimonies between songs. The second DVD disc gathers all of the artists around a piano, joining together to bring to life some of the best-known classics from each artist in the group. The two-disc CD collection captures all of the live performances showcased on the DVDs so that fans can enjoy the broadcast quality music no matter where they are.

The variety of the music makes The Beginnings Concert a truly unique event. Featured in the collection are powerful performances of Christian classics such as “Rise Again” (Dallas Holm), “He’s Alive” (Don Francisco), “The Name Above All Names” (Chuck Girard), “We Are the Reason” (David Meece), “Jesus Is the Answer” (Steve Archer), “Bullfrogs and Butterflies” (Barry McGuire), “Covenant Woman” (Janny Grein), “The Land of Oohs and Aahs” (Reba Rambo McGuire), “A Perfect Heart” (Dony McGuire) and “J.E.S.U.S.” (Leon Patillo).

The Beginnings Concert DVD/CD collection is slated for release in late summer 2008. For more information on The Beginnings Concert DVD/CD collection, visit www.thebeginningsconcert.com.

Bush Impersonator To Share Testimony and Discuss New Book on July 22 Broadcast

Orlando, FL (July 21, 2008) - Comedian and impersonator John Morgan, ABC Television’s “The Next Best Thing” finalist and “The Definitive President George W. Bush,” will be a featured guest tomorrow, July 22, 2008, on CBN’s “The 700 Club,” where he will share his testimony and discuss his upcoming debut book with Creation House, My Life As A Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus, which releases September 2, 2008. For air times and more information on “The 700 Club,” visit www.cbn.com/700club.

Co-written with Morgan’s manager and award-winning singer/songwriter Vince Wilcox with a forward by Governor Mike Huckabee, My Life As A Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus illustrates how the same principles that helped Morgan become “The Next Best Thing” to President George W. Bush are actually biblical precepts that can encourage believers to become authentic imitators of Jesus Christ. Penned as a motivational autobiography, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud stories, audacious encounters and biblical insights, with each chapter highlighting a compelling aspect of imitating Christ and inviting readers to pursue God’s calling on their lives.

Ever since the Republican Party of Florida discovered John Morgan working as a Bush campaign volunteer in 2004 and brought him in to entertain at high profile events including President Bush’s 2005 Inauguration in Washington, D.C., even those closest to the President have been astounded at Morgan’s amazing impersonation. Vice President Dick Cheney summed it up best when he told Morgan, “You’re a dead ringer!”
My Life As A Bush Cover Dubbed “the smarter, better, funnier version of George Bush,” when he appeared on ABC Television’s “The Next Best Thing,” the award-winning comedian/impersonator’s list of appearances also includes such highlights as ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View,” NBC’s “Today Show,” CNN’s “Headline News,” Fox News “Dayside,” “Family Feud” and Fox Television personality Sean Hannity’s 2007 “Freedom Concert” series. Morgan also imitates President George W. Bush at corporate events around the world for companies such as Bell South, IBM, Bank of America, World Vision, City of Hope and Zap Cars.

Along the way, Morgan has shared the stage with notable politicians and political pundits including U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, Sean Hannity, Col. Oliver North, Neal Boortz and James Carville; prominent personalities including Barbara Walters, Steve Forbes, Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight (”National Treasure”), author Josh McDowell (Evidence That Demands a Verdict) and CNN’s Brian Christie; and musical superstars including Lee Greenwood, Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Daniels, Michael W. Smith and Kirk Franklin.

But behind the face, Morgan’s own journey from brokenness to redemption is much like George W. Bush’s own rise to the highest office in the land. Morgan wore a convincing facade on Sundays as a model church-going teenager. But his mask hid a dark side characterized by alcohol, drugs and lust until he was powerfully liberated through the Truth of the Gospel in his early twenties. Now, Morgan encourages audiences to live out Ephesians 5:1–”Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

“As I’ve made a career of impersonating the president, I’ve learned that each of us has a choice about who we emulate,” says Morgan. “God–in His infinite irony–has used this experience to change me from a fraud who simply pretends into an imitator of God whose life is filled with faith and expectancy.”

My Life as a Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus will be available on Creation House, a Strang Company. For more information about John Morgan and his new book, My Life As A Bush…and My Heart for Imitating Jesus, visit www.georgebushimpersonator.com.

Non-Seasonal Record Set to Follow in Early 2009

Annie Moses Band’s Fine Arts Summer Academy Was A
Huge Success Last Week in Memphis

(Nashville, Tenn.) July 21, 2008 – The world-class musicians that comprise the five-member Annie Moses Band will release This Glorious Christmas on October 7, 2008 (Reunion Records). With the release of This Glorious Christmas, the all-sibling group makes its most stunning statement yet, telling the story of Christ’s birth, with a mix of original tunes and holiday classics, as never heard before. Annie Moses Band is an eclectic blend of classical, jazz and pop music that draws from the family’s three-generation musical journey, all the way from rural Texas to the halls of The Juilliard School.

The Annie Moses Band is: Annie (lead vocals, violin), Alex (viola, background vocals), Benjamin (cello), Gretchen (violin, mandolin) and Camille (harp, piano). Jeremiah (guitar), the group’s 10-year-old brother, is currently working towards becoming a full-time member of the band.

Through This Glorious Christmas, which was produced by Alex Wolaver and Robin Wolaver, mother to the children, the family group focuses on finding fresh and unusual musical elements surrounding the Christmas season, through the new songs. In fact, This Glorious Christmas contains a dizzying array of musical styles, ranging from a bit of Latin flair on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” to the 1940s big band sounds of “Red, White and Blue Christmas.” Holiday standards, such as “Go Tell It On the Mountain” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” add a touch of the familiar to the project, but the Annie Moses Band’s indelible stamp is evident thanks to the arrangements of the sibling’s father, Bill Wolaver.

“Christmas incites both happiness and reverence,” lead singer Annie Wolaver explains. “I hope people find that this album explores the miraculous event that inspired the ultimate good news of great joy – the birth of Jesus Christ. We really want it to be a ‘spiritual feast’ for all who listen; fully painting pictures and imagery in people’s minds and hearts.”

As the Annie Moses Band continues recording (the band will release a non-seasonal album in early 2009) and touring, they are ever mindful of passing on the legacy given to them, to a new generation of musicians. After nearly every concert, parents come up and ask how their children can excel in the arts. In evidence of the band’s hope to raise up a generation of excellence among musicians in the Church, the Annie Moses Band has begun holding “Fine Arts Summer Academies” to share the depth of musical knowledge the band has to offer. Its most recent academy took place last week (July 14-18, 2008) in Memphis, Tenn. For further information on the “Fine Arts Summer Academies,” visit http://anniemosesband.com/finearts/.

The Annie Moses Band dates back three generations to the sibling’s great-grandmother, who is the actual Annie Moses for which the group is named. Though she was a simple field worker in rural Texas, Annie recognized her daughter Jane’s profound musical talent and desire to learn more. Thanks to Annie Moses’ determination, Jane was able to excel musically, despite the family’s meager resources. Jane passed that same drive on to her daughter, Robin Wolaver, who in turned passed it on to her children. The family has taken its musical inheritance, passed down through its family tree, to create a distinctive musical world, all its own. In fact, Annie, Alex and Benjamin have been trained at the world-renowned Juilliard School, in New York City.

This Glorious Christmas comprises the following 12 tracks (sequence subject to change): “Sussex Carol Vocal Intro,” “Sussex Carol,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Bethlehem, House of Bread,” “What Child Is This,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Little Baby,” “When The Christmas Baby Cries,” “We Three Kings,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” and “Red, White & Blue.”

The Annie Moses Band is expanding its tour schedule with shows in America’s performing arts centers, taking the message of Christ and the legacy He’s given them beyond the walls of the Church. For all upcoming tour dates and additional information, visit www.anniemosesband.com.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DATES

NASHVILLE, TN…July 21, 2008…It’s really no surprise that a novel described as “adorable,” “fun,” “a marvelous adventure” and “inspirational,” would be nominated for a literary award in its debut year.  Author Christa Ann Banister’s novel Around the World in 80 Dates was recently honored with a nomination for American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award. Around the World is nominated along with five other works (only one other is a debut like Banister’s) in the “Lit” category.

“It is such an honor to be nominated alongside these incredible Christian fiction writers,” expresses Banister. “It’s really amazing how much the genre has grown–even in the last year–and I’m thrilled that I’m part of it with Around the World in 80 Dates.”

Voted by a panel of six judges, the winner will be announced at the annual American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference and Awards Banquet on September 20, 2008 in Banister’s hometown, Minneapolis, Minnesota.  For more information on the award and other nominees/categories visit www.acfw.com.

Recent reviews of Around the World continue to rave about Banister’s innate sense of wit and charm:

“I loved Christa Ann Banister’s light-hearted look at love in the new millennium. Her witty writing reminded me of other chick-lit writers and yet the plot was original and the characters were laughably funny. Her real life tie-ins cracked me up.” –Jill Hart, Trasionista.com (4/5 stars)

“Reading a novel by Christa Ann Banister is like an episode of ‘Sex In The City’ without all of the ‘ick’ and ‘yikes’ stuff! It’s fun, it’s heartwarming…and it keeps you a bit dizzy as you’ll see!” -blogger Deena Peterson

In addition to being nominated for the aforementioned award, Banister is busily preparing to release the sequel to the acclaimed debut. Banister immediately captures readers’ attention (and funny bone) with her sequel, Blessed Are the Meddlers, which hits bookshelves and online retailers nationwide on August 15, 2008 (NavPress).

WITH BEST-SELLING AUTHOR JOHN ELDREDGE
Eldredge And SaddleBack Church’s Rick Muchow Added to Speakers’ Line-up for August Event

ROCKY MOUNTAINS, Colo. – July 21, 2008 – Best-selling author and founder of Ransomed Heart Ministries John Eldredge and Saddleback Church Pastor of Worship Rick Muchow have been added as speakers for GMA Music in the Rockies, the music community’s premier talent competition and training experience for Christian artists, songwriters, and worship leaders, taking place in the picturesque Rocky Mountain town of Estes Park, Colo. from August 3-9, 2008.

Eldredge, who first gained notoriety with his wildly popular book Wild at Heart, will be the key note Worship and Inspiration speaker for GMA Music in the Rockies.  Eldredge is the founder and director of Ransomed Heart Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a fellowship devoted to helping people discover the heart of God.  In addition to being one of the most in-demand speakers in the country, Eldredge is the author of several bestsellers that have sold more than eight million copies, including Epic, Waking the Dead, Wild at Heart, and The Way of the Wild Heart.  He is also coauthor of Captivating with his wife, Stasi.

Muchow will also speak during one of the GMA Music in the Rockies’ week Worship and Inspiration sessions as well as teaching a class on “The Worship Service Makeover.”   As Pastor of Worship for Purpose-Driven Life author and Pastor Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, Muchow manages the music ministry for five weekend services which average more than 15,000 church members.  Muchow has authored The Worship Answer Book and launched EncouragingMusic.com, a website that provides musical resources to worshipers and church music ministries around the world.

More event details and registration information for GMA Music in the Rockies are available at www.musicintherockies.com.