Daily Audio Bible Invites You to Experience Israel in Vivid Clarity with PROMISED LAND on Blu-ray and DVD
Dec 31, 2014 DVD
Groundbreaking HD Tour of Israel Features Some of the Only Holy Land Aerial Drone Footage Ever Filmed
See the places you’ve imagined and read about in Scripture filmed in vivid high definition from angles never seen before. “Promised Land” immerses you in the stories of the Bible, where they happened, as author and leader of the Daily Audio Bible, Brian Hardin, takes you from the wilderness to the Galilee and out onto the coastal plain before entering the most holy city in the world…Jerusalem. The history and geography of the Bible will come alive as the Scriptures unfold before your eyes.
Says Hardin, “The Biblical locations in Israel have been filmed plenty of times but when we set out to create this project, we didn’t just want to document it – that’s been done. We wanted to capture its beauty and the way it feels to be there. ‘Promised Land’ connects the history and stories to the places where they happened in short, concise vignettes allowing people who might never consider visiting Israel to truly see the beauty of this rich, historic place.”
Tom Doyle, e3 Partners’ Middle East Director and author of the Thomas Nelson best-seller, “Dreams and Visions,” (who has led over 70 trips to Israel) endorsed “Promised Land” following an advance screening: “I must say that I was pretty overwhelmed to see the quality of ‘Promised Land.’ It made me feel like the first time that I journeyed to Israel. After the first two minutes I sat back in my chair and said out loud, ‘They got it! They understand the miracle of Israel. They got it!'”
With over 1.5 million listens monthly and over 70 million downloads, Daily Audio Bible (www.dailyaudiobible.com) is one of the most-listened-to podcasts in the world. Created by Hardin in 2006, Daily Audio Bible is one of the world wide web’s biggest success stories.
CHRIS WHITTINGTON JOINS KEMPER CRABB TO BRING THE MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS TOUR TO TEXAS
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
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CHRIS WHITTINGTON JOINS KEMPER CRABB TO BRING THE MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS TOUR TO TEXAS
Singer/Songwriters Share Ancient Worship Experience Based on Highly Successful
National PBS Christmas Special, Downe in Yon Forrest: Christmas from the Middle Ages |
HOUSTON, Texas (December 19, 2014) –
Singer/songwriter Chris Whittington has joined forces with his long-time friend and producer, CCM pioneer Kemper Crabb, to share an ancient worship experience with their fellow Texans this Christmas season.
The Medieval Christmas Tour is based on the highly successful PBS special, Downe in Yon Forrest: Christmas from
the Middle Ages, which featured both Whittington and Crabb singing lead vocals. The television attracted more than 165 million viewers nationwide.
“I really love playing the Medieval Christmas concerts. As we Interpret these 1,000-year-old
songs with nothing but our
voices and our acoustic instruments, there is always such a sense of immediacy between us and the audience,” says Whittington.
The final date of the Medieval Christmas Tour is Dec. 21 at Crosspoint Community Church in Katy, Texas. For more information, visit chriswhittington.com.
Whittington is currently promoting his new CD, Bright Portal. For more information, visit About Chris Whittington and Bright Portal: Texas-based singer/songwriter Chris Whittington recently released his debut EP, Bright Portal, a collection of melodic, guitar driven tracks woven with symphonic overtures and lyrics planted in the truth of Scripture. The musician collaborated on Bright Portal with fellow Texan, CCM pioneer Kemper Crabb, known for his work with Caedmon’s Call, Radiohalo and ArkAngel. The new EP is available on amazon.com and other online retail outlets.
“My life has been a twisting path filled
with surprises, but music has remained a constant,” Whittington says. “Bright
Portal is a collection of all of my musical influences so far in my life, including David Bowie, Kemper Crabb, Led Zeppelin and Caedmon’s Call.”
Whittington, who has shared the stage with Crabb and Caedmon’s Call, called on Crabb to produce Bright Portal. The two met in the 1970s in a record store and became fast friends. Whittington and Crabb are both part of Colony 3, a creative community committed to learning how to think biblically about everything.
Crabb’s influence is readily apparent in
both the music and lyrical content of Bright Portal. From the opening acoustic guitar strain of “Sing With All The Saints” to the lush orchestral underpinnings that close out “Fill The Temple,” the mood Whittington sets is fresh and contemporary, yet thoroughly invested in classic, traditional and even ancient musical forms. Whittington invites his listeners not only to experience the music, but also to participate in it.
“Sing With All The Saints” channels classic Byrds’ guitar licks with fuzzy, electric sitar-esque strings and beckoning mandolin, while weaving in traditional hymnody language to connect generations of worshippers to this compelling call to worship. “Coram Deo,” literally translated, “In the presence of God,” is a moody confessional, extolling the attributes of God while recognizing the shortcomings of humankind’s sinful nature.
Whittington moves effortlessly into the lovely, Irish whistle-embellished, acoustic love ballad, “Love Again.” Whittington employs a decidedly classic rock vibe on “Love Is Come,” with straight-forward electric guitars, thumping bass lines and brassy horns to underscore the message that you can’t stop love. Minor key strings usher in the reverential worship aria, “Fill The Temple,” then Whittington allows the mood to swell through judicious use of everything from solo acoustic guitar to vocal choral interludes and full-blown orchestra, and the result is nothing short of exquisite.
Bright Portal is garnering accolades
from media outlets, fellow musicians and church leaders.
“Masterfully put together, it draws the listener in, demanding repeat listens… Don’t miss the opportunity to hear what Chris Whittington offers on Bright Portal.“
– Phantom Tollbooth
“Somehow Chris always brings a spirit of unity and fresh air to the table…’Sing With All The Saints’ is all you need to love this collection! Deep reverence and melodic joy from a humble servant…My only criticism–need more of it!”
– Garett Buell, percussionist, Caedmon’s Call.
“Chris Whittington’s music flows with all the lushness of Eden, but remembers that we are still living east of there. Thoughtful, evocative and moving,”
– R.C. Sproul, Jr., author and theologian In addition to his musical talents, Whittington is a successful businessman. He is the founder and owner of Whittington Steel, a Texas-based steel company. Whittington and his high school sweetheart, Joanne, have four adult children: Lindsay, Lauren, John and Leigh Ann. The couple celebrates 35 years of marriage in 2014.
For more information about Whittington and Bright Portal, visit chriswhittington.com.
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GRAMMY-WINNING, MULTI-PLATINUM THIRD DAY ANNOUNCES SPRING 2015 SOUL ON FIRE TOUR
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
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GRAMMY® Award-Winner Chris Tomlin To Perform On Fox News Radio’s “Todd Starnes All-American Christmas”
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
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Mark Schultz’s “Different Kind of Christmas” Single Goes Viral
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
Live music video picks up nearly 4.5 million views
on Facebook in five days
on Facebook in five days
Nashville, Tenn. (December 18, 2014) – Platinum-selling artist Mark Schultz’s new Christmas single – “Different Kind of Christmas” – has reached viral status on Facebook. The live music video has received nearly 4.5 million views, 142,000 shares, 18,000 likes and numerous comments from fans and listeners, all within less than a week. “Different Kind of Christmas” also shot up to the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Songs chart. The song was originally inspired by the life of Schultz’s father-in-law and his recent passing.
“We tried to write the lyrics that would reflect the honesty of the emotions we were feeling – that Christmas was still hard, even though we have faith that Kate’s dad is with Jesus,” said Schultz in a message to his fans. “We had no idea how many lives this song would touch, but it only makes sense because there are very few people that haven’t experienced a loss that makes life a lot different. There are few times in the year when that difference is felt more powerfully than around the holidays.” Tomorrow, CBN’s The 700 Club will be airing the live performance.
Watch the live performance here:
Mark Schultz | “Different Kind of Christmas“
Mark Schultz | “Different Kind of Christmas“
Get Connected with Mark Schultz:
Website // www.markschultzmusic.com
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mschultzmusic
Facebook // www.facebook.com/markschultz
Website // www.markschultzmusic.com
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mschultzmusic
Facebook // www.facebook.com/markschultz
Christian Music Newcomer Brittany Jester is Making Noise with Debut Single and Self-Titled EP
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
At just 8 years old, Brittany stepped in front of an audience for the first time, performing a Christmas song for a group of seniors. Before long, she was singing at private parties, churches, festivals and sporting events, including a stadium performance for the Atlanta Braves and an opening slot for country legend Louise Mandrell.
In 2001, at the age of 12, Brittany made her national television debut, performing on Its Showtime at the Apollo. Her appearance on the legendary program cemented her desire to pursue music full-time, and provided an entry on her resume that made it clear that she was on her way.
Now 25, Brittany is promoting her official debut album, and radio stations around the country are adding her first single, including stations in Kentucky, Missouri, Connecticut, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
With a soulful voice and an even bigger heart, Brittany is finally seeing her youthful dreams fulfilled. And shes determined to make a difference in the lives of those that hear her music.
God is still showing me things every day about His love and our surrender, says Brittany. And that is what weve all got to do, trust and give our daily struggles to Him. Im so thankful for the chance to meet people, chat with them and hear their stories. It is an incredible privilege to be able to share Christ with others through worship and stories in song.
For more information, visit the official website at www.brittanyjester.com.
THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH JOINS ALICE COOPER TO BENEFIT TEEN CENTER
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
Top-selling rock band THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH jump starts its holiday season, performing during Alice Cooper’s annual Christmas Pudding benefit event Dec. 13 in Phoenix, AZ at Comerica Theatre. TFK frontman Trevor McNevan is pictured (above center) with Alice Cooper backstage at the event that benefited Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock’s teen center in Phoenix, a non-profit charity that provides free music and free dance lessons to teenagers (www.alicecoopersolidrock.com). The event also featured Alice Cooper, Nils Lofgren, P.O.D., Jonny Lang, Night Ranger and more.
Touring in support of its second consecutive No. 1 selling Billboard Hard Rock album, OXYGEN:INHALE, released Aug. 26 through The Fuel Music, the event with Cooper followed tour dates in Russia that saw capacity crowds in every venue. Photographer Melissa Fox captures (below) the enthusiasm from Moscow on Nov 23 at Ray Just Arena.
While on tour, TFK is playing fan favorites and hits from OXYGEN:INHALE like “Born This Way,” which is Top 10 at Under The Radar, No. 22 at Active Rock, No. 23 at Mainstream Rock and continues to climb all three charts. The song, which became the band’s 15th Christian No. 1 rock hit, is similarly being embraced as a “fists-in-the-air” sports entertainment anthem, most recently firing-up faithful WWE fans as the official theme song for the “TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs” pay-per-view event Dec. 14 at Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, OH). The song has also been featured on NASCAR and Southeastern Conference (SEC) college football games on ESPN as it picks up over 638,000 views and 6,200+ likes on YouTube.
Although OXYGEN:INHALE dares to lower the volume on a few songs and allow the melodies and words to soar, tracks like lead single, “Born This Way,” and “Untraveled Road,” are two adrenaline-fueled tunes already tapped for highlight reels. Adopted by the NHL’s Ottawa Senators as their 2014-15 anthem and being used in the “pump-up” video for the Montreal Canadiens’ 2014-15 season, “Untraveled Road” is like marching orders set to music, with vocals delivered with hip hop urgency before exploding into a chorus that reminds of Linkin Park at their catchiest.
About Thousand Foot Krutch:
With featured performances and headlining positions on the summer festival circuit after performing at the premiere festivals Rock on the Range and Rocklahoma for the last two consecutive years, the Ontario, Canada-bred TFK has been a continuously escalating highlight reel since their formation in 1997. With best-selling albums, eight Active Rock hits and a slew of soundtrack slots, the group has literally infiltrated every facet of pop culture. They continue to receive ongoing ESPN appearances, as well as various NASCAR, MLB, NHL, WWE, NCAA and NFL airings (including the 2010 Super Bowl), along with the “GI Joe” movie trailer, WGN-TV’s “Smallville” and EA Sports’ NHL 2010 and 2013 video games. Remarkably, the three most recent albums, OXYGEN:INHALE, The End Is Where We Begin and Metamorphosiz II The End Remixes Vol. 1 & 2, receive about 358,000 daily views in combined streaming across all of YouTube.
All the latest band information can be found at www.thousandfootkrutch.com, http://twitter.com/officialtfk and www.facebook.com/thousandfootkrutch, where the band has over 1,056,000 likes.
About The Fuel Music
The Fuel Music & Management, LLC, is one of the leading independent distributors of music, CD’s, tapes and vinyl records internationally and enjoys a growing base in artist merchandise sales. Based in Tennessee, the Fuel team brings nearly 50 years of combined music industry experience in record label operations (Furious? Records), record distribution and marketing (EMI Label Group), and artist management for artists ranging from upstart bands to GRAMMY and Dove Award nominated, multi-platinum artists. More information on the company can be found at www.thefuelmusic.com.
Phillips, Craig and Dean 2014 Christmas Tour Benefits Local Charities with Help for the Needy
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
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PHIL KEAGGY NAMED GREATEST CHRISTIAN ROCK GUITARIST OF ALL TIME BY CLASSIC CHRISTIAN ROCK ZONE
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
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Award-Winning Musician’s Honor Chosen By Votes From Fans and Peers
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NASHVILLE, Tenn.(December 16, 2014) – Legendary Gospel Music Hall of Famer and guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy has been named the Greatest Christian Rock Guitarist of All Time by Classic Christian
Rock Zone.
Keaggy topped the list of the 100 Greatest Christian Rock Guitarists of All Time in a recent survey conducted by the site. The results were determined by several percentage factors: 40% according to the results of the survey (over 24,000 votes were tallied), 30% according to the choice of a top peer group of Christian rock musicians, 20% according to the choice of Christian rock broadcasters and magazine publishers,
and 10% according to the choice of the site administrators.
Some of the Christian rock notables participating in the voting include:
“Many thanks to the voters first of all. There are so many great guitarists not just here in Nashville, but all over the world, who are not mentioned that should be up there in the high rankings,” says Keaggy. “Polls and award shows make me nervous at times because truly gifted and hard working artists and guitarists often get overlooked. But I am humbled to even be on this list, and deeply appreciate your acknowledgement of my work over the years.”
Keaggy is currently working with long-time friend and executive producer Tommy Coomes (Love Song, Tommy Coomes Praise Band). Coomes has brought Keaggy together with hit songwriters, including Will McFarlane, Gordon Kennedy and others, to write songs for Keaggy’s upcoming vocal album. The project is slated for a 2015 release. To see the entire list of 100 Greatest Christian Rock Guitarists of All Time, visit classicchristianrockzone.blogspot. About Classic Christian Rock Zone: Classic Christian Rock Zone began in March 2011. It was created to remember pioneers of Christian rock from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. The site also features current news on classic Christian rock artists who are still active musically..
“Classic Christian Rock Zone is a space for those who love this music, a space for those who have known Jesus through this music. Classic Christian Rock Zone is a space to remember the Christian rock artists from its origins to its heyday in the 80s and 90s.” states Anthony Martinez, one of the administrators of the site.
For more information, visit classicchristianrockzone.blogspot.com.
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About Phil Keaggy:
One of the world’s most beloved musicians, Keaggy’s solo career has spanned 40+ years and has included more than 50 solo albums, both vocal and instrumental, as well as three releases with his band, Glass Harp. Widely recognized for his phenomenal guitar playing as well as his vocal and songwriting prowess, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his music, including seven Dove Awards and a Grammy nomination. Keaggy was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and was named one of the Top 10 best rock singers in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com in 2009. In 2013, Keaggy received the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his outstanding career achievements. In addition, Rolling Stone has named him one of the “25 Most Underrated Guitarists,” alongside Prince, The Beatles’ George Harrison, Kurt Cobain, Neil Young and Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham. |
Virtual School of the Arts Partners with Music Industry All-Stars to Bring Music Education Back to the Schools
Dec 19, 2014 Artist Updates
VSA provides scholarships for music lessons and the arts to inner city youth and students who do not have access to the arts. All lessons are one on one and taught via Skype with top instructors from all over the world. Due to school budget cuts and/or lack of finances, VSA bridges the gap between aspiring students and professional instructors with significant music industry experience.
“VSA knows the importance of the arts in schools, says Chapin. “Studies show that schools that have lost their arts programs have seen their grades drop, and students who take lessons in the arts are more likely to succeed and go on to become leaders. VSA specializes in mentoring the next generation of leaders who in return will lead others. Our mission is to give every student access to music and art instruction in order to empower them for the future.
Chapin started drum lessons at the age of 7, and he was hooked. Shortly after high school, Chapin moved to Nashville to pursue his dream of playing music. Fifteen years later, Chad has toured with award-winning and chart-topping artists, including Ben Folds, Casting Crowns, dcTalk, Tait, Rachael Lampa and many more. Along the way, Chapin has received a Grammy nomination, won a Dove Award and 12 BMI Music Awards, and earned countless Gold and Platinum records.
VSA has amassed an impressive list of music industry leaders to serve as instructors, including Garrett Goodwin (Carrie Underwood), Andy Williams (Casting Crowns), Richard Scott (Addison Road, Francesca Battistelli, Matt Maher), Matt Butler (Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Kirk Franklin, Yolonda Adams, Newsong), Joe Rickard (Red), Johannes Greer (Ligion, Mink, Bubba Sparxxx), Ty Smith (SHeDAISY, Trisha Yearwood, Ronnie Milsap, Easton Corbin), Brandon Young (John Hiatt), Rachael Lampa (solo artist), Jaclyn North (American Idol Finalist, Texaco Country Showdowns Best New Act in Country Music 2011), Aynsley Martindale (Nashville Symphony), Ryan Greenawalt (Anthem Avenue, Lady Antebellum, Josh Turner), Tiffany Sweeley (Chicago – Broadway Musical, Dionne Warwick, Kirk Talley), Hailey Steele (NBCs “The Voice), Annie Clements (Sugarland), Deanie Richardson (The Chieftains, Vince Gill), Jordan Hester (Kenny Chesney, Nick Carter, Billy Curington, Tait), Tim Rosenau (TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Relient K), DJ Lipscomb (Steven Curtis Chapman, Geoff Moore, Matt Maher), Evan Weatherford (Mandisa, Natalie Grant, Tait), Dylan Williams (Joy Williams, John McLaughlin), Dustin Ransom (Jars of Clay, Brandon Heath, Andy Davis, Matt Maher), Jonathan Rogerson (Brandon Young), Ellen Angelico (Mustang Salley), Dave Denton (Mark Harris, 4HIM, Truth), Brandon Bagby (Meredith Andrews, Cory Lamb, SHeDAISY), Andrew Higley (Ben Folds, Bo Diddley, Green Horns, Brendan Benson), Sammy Hudson (Everclear), Steve Rossi (Peter Frampton, Taylor Dayne, Cinderella, A&E, Nickelodeon, Discovery Channel), Ellen Angelico (Mustang Sally), Ken Rarick (Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Madonna, Michael W. Smith, Cher), Annie Clements (Sugarland), Zach Casebolt (Black Mozart Ensemble, Futureman, The Browns), Adrian Walther (Natalie Grant, All Star United) and Nathan Gehri (John Hiatt).
At an annual cost of $1,800 per student, VSA needs the support of those that support the arts. Donations are tax deductible.
To see VSA in action, click here for a short video: http://youtu.be/oX58ZH0pNEI.
For more information about Virtual School of the Arts, visit www.virtualschoolofthearts.org.
