Multi-Platinum Rock Band STRYPER Hits the Road Without Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz
Mar 22, 2016 Artist Updates, Tour
(New York, NY) — Multi-platinum rock band Stryper will hit the road this Spring, though presidential candidate Ted Cruz will not be part of the show. To the bands surprise, frontman Michael Sweet found himself at the center of the latest internet rumor last week when a social media post showed a side-by-side photo comparison of Sweet and the presidential candidate, questioning if they might be the same person. Within days, the post had gone viral, becoming a top trending topic on Facebook for over three days.
The viral post has received an incredible amount of media attention ranging from news outlets like CNN, Fox News and Breitbart, to entertainment coverage from Playboy, Perez Hilton, BuzzFeed, Esquire, The Daily Dot and many more.
“It is so mind boggling at times what goes viral,” said Sweet, to NBC 5 in Dallas Fort-Worth, while admitting to CNN, I dont really see the resemblance.
The band will tour this spring in support of their new album, FALLEN (Frontiers Music SRL) before launching a world tour this fall marking the 30th anniversary of the bands historic album release, To Hell with the Devil. Dates for this falls To Hell with the Devil Tour, which will be booked by William Morris Endeavor (WME), will be announced at a later date. For spring tour dates and exclusive VIP Meet & Greet packages, visit www.stryper.com.
Rocking since 1984, Stryper is responsible for such classic ’80s metal albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil and In God We Trust. In fact, Stryper is the first band to ever have two songs in MTVs Top 10 simultaneously with their hits Free and Honestly. After a sabbatical for much of the 1990’s, Stryper returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated band has sold over 10 million records worldwide.
Unlike many of their counterparts, Stryper is comprised of all four original members with Michael Sweet on vocals and guitar, Robert Sweet on drums, Tim Gaines on bass and Oz Fox on guitar.
For more information, visit www.stryper.com.
Commemorate The Tuskegee Airmen’s 75th Anniversary in Select U.S. Movie Theaters March 29th
Mar 22, 2016 DVD
Presented by Fathom Events and Bryton Entertainment, This Event Pays Tribute to America’s First African-American Fighter Pilots from World War II
WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://youtu.be/mPpS993FKQw
(New York, NY) — Fathom Events is partnering with Bryton Entertainment to present In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen – The 75th Anniversary in select U.S. cinemas for the first time ever on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. local time. This one-night cinema event features emotional interviews, rare photographs, archival footage and computer-generated recreations. Audiences will also experience an exclusive panel discussion captured at the National Air Force Museum with Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. George Hardy, Former Administrator of NASA Col. Fred Gregory, as well as the executive producer Bryan Williams and director Denton Adkinson.
Tickets for In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen – The 75th Anniversary can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 200 movie theaters through Fathoms Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Sixteen of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first African-American military aviators who flew the skies of the European Theater during World War II, are featured in this powerful event. As African Americans were rejected in their attempts to enlist in World War I, the recruitment, training and combat of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II was a monumental moment not only in American military history, but also in American history as a whole. In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen – The 75th Anniversary tells the story of how these airmen were some of the first to begin the civil rights movement and have lived long enough to see the changes that continue to resonate today.
Fathom is extremely excited to be working with Bryton Entertainment on this powerful event that honors the Tuskegee Airmen. 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of these amazing fighters and there is no better way to celebrate these men than a documentary and panel discussion, said Fathom Events CEO John Rubey.
The enthusiasm in which the few remaining Tuskegee Airmen reacted to this news has been nothing short of fulfilling. These brave men made one request of us upon lending their story, Never let our story die! We are thrilled to honor that request with Fathom Events on March 29, when this event hits theaters around the country, said Bryan Williams of Bryton Entertainment, LLC.
INPOP RECORDS’ LATEST POP ARTIST V.ROSE UNVEILS HER YOUNG DANGEROUS HEART SET TO RELEASE APRIL 22
Mar 22, 2016 Artist Updates, New Release
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Austin & Lindsey Adamec – Better Together, In Life And In Music feature story; Debut EP releases March 25
Mar 21, 2016 Artist Updates, New Release
Austin & Lindsey Adamec – Better Together, In Life And In Music
In a finally-realized dream, worship leader, multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Austin Adamec and acclaimed vocalist, songwriter and former 1 Girl Nation member Lindsey Adamec have come together to record a self-titled EP from Radiate Music that celebrates the presence of God. The road to the new recording, set to release March 25, was fraught with challenges that refined the newly married couple’s faith and strengthened their bond. Introduced through a microphone, and leading worship on stage together long before becoming a couple, followed by traveling separately supporting their own musical paths, the Adamecs have come to discover they are better together, in life and in music.
The worship songs featured on Austin & Lindsey Adamec are anthems telling the story of personal and spiritual victory. Every aspect of this EP, from lyrics to artwork to instrumentation and musicianship, has been intentionally and meticulously crafted. Even the album cover reflects the depth of the detail.
To create the cover, the Adamecs wrote all of the Scriptures and stories inspiring the songs, the prayers for those who will worship along, and the lyrics themselves on a 24 by 24 wooden plank. They then painted the plank white, added a logo and after some careful editing, the result is a message that artfully expresses all of the depth of the recording. Lindsey and Austin wanted every single thing to matter. It is not simple pictures, stories and songs; this music is an expression of life in the presence of God.
Opening up the EP is the radio single, “Walk on Waves,” a song birthed from the couple’s deep desperation to fight for their marriage as conflicting schedules threatened to win the battle. Austin describes the difficult season: “With endless nights away from each other on the road and a growing whisper in our hearts to root ourselves back in the local church, we were desperate for signs in Scripture that pointed to such a crazy blind faith to step out into the unknown. That’s when the familiar passage of Peter walking on water came to us. In the midst of a massive storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus tells Peter to ‘come’ and walk out on the storm-battered waters.”
As he studied the familiar passage of Peter walking on the waves, Austin was amazed to discover that when Jesus told Peter to “come,” the wind and the waves did not die down until they were back in the boat. Lindsey and Austin understood that the Spirit of God was calling them to walk above the stormy circumstances and waves of doubt that held them captive, and in the calling, “Walk on Waves” emerged.
Like Peter, Lindsey, along with her husband, fixed their eyes on Jesus and stepped out into the waves so recently written about. After living out her dreams with successful pop band 1 Girl Nation, Lindsey stepped away from the band. And remarkably, “Walk On Waves” became the very gateway to a brand new vision for the couple. Although originally slated to be featured on a solo project Austin was working on with Grammy-nominated, two-time Dove Award-winning Producer of the Year, Ian Eskelin, all those plans would change after Lindsey added her vocals to the track. “The room literally felt like it lit up, and became electrified with excitement,” shares Austin. It was clear that a solo artist was transforming into a duo, and that God had once again been faithful to their steps of obedience.
Though on the same label in the beginning of their marriage, Austin and Lindsey rarely saw each other as tours took the newlyweds in opposite directions. Austin describes these days as some of the darkest in his life. The song “It Is Finished” on the EP has become an Easter-like declaration that captures these struggles and paths that helped bring this couple to this point of collaborating on a project together. Hope came through hearing anew the last words of Jesus while on the cross.
“‘It is finished’ meant that the work of Christ put an end to the striving to earn God’s favor. An end to the fears, worries and all the accolades and trophies we were trying to bring to God. All of our works drown in His grace,” says Austin.
A similar rejoicing in the sufficiency of the cross builds the theme in “Infinite Grace.” Inspired by Max Lucado’s book, In the Grip of Grace, which describes the infinite gap sin creates between us and God, the song showcases the beauty of the bridge of grace. The inspiring melody does not shy away from the details of the cross, engaging worshippers to join in the declaration.
While “Infinite Grace” and “It Is Finished” are declarations of faith, “Maker of Miracles” was initially born from a place of hope with the prayer, “God, I want you to be this maker of miracles in my life.” Co-written with Eskelin and Krissy Nordhoff just four months before the release of the album, the couple later found out that Lindsey’s aunt had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Then, three days after Thanksgiving, her dad explained that doctors had discovered a large spot on his left lung that resembled a large marble-sized tumor. Suddenly, the Adamecs had to believe the words they had written in a new way. “Maker of Miracles” transformed from a song of hope to a song of triumph.
Clinging to the promises God had provided through the words of their own song, and as they prayed for Lindsey’s father, they learned to trust Psalm 77:14, a verse that had inspired “Maker of Miracles.” Remarkably, news came that there was no longer a tumor. Where something once was, only scar tissue remained in the scans. While celebrating this news, the Adamecs are still praying for Lindsey’s aunt with the very confidence described in the song. They began “Maker of Miracles” with a melody and a lyric that felt strong, but almost ahead of its time. What was once a line in the song that Austin questioned became his favorite: “God of impossibles / Healer of all we thought was lost…”
“We’re just worship leaders from Jacksonville, Florida, who love to sing together, who are married, and who enjoy proclaiming all God is doing in our lives,” sums up Lindsey. “If we’re going to write about His presence, we have to go there. You can’t take people where you haven’t been.”
And the five songs, plus one bonus track on Austin & Lindsey Adamec, reveals that this couple has definitely spent time in His presence.
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Citizen Way’s “Adventurous And Energetic” Album 2.0 Available Now
Mar 21, 2016 Artist Updates, New Release
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Zealand Worship Unveils New Songs
Mar 21, 2016 Artist Updates, New Release
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Pearl City Worship – We Won’t Be Silent
Mar 21, 2016 Artist Updates, New Release
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Pearl City Worship We Won’t Be Silent
by Mark Geil |
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Sometimes it takes a new voice, a fresh perspective, or even a word breathed from a land far away and a culture not our own to remind us just how grand our Savior is.
Hyderabad, India is 8,000 miles from New York City and similarly distant in the consciousness of many around the world, but this City of Pearls and its population of seven million are in the midst of an awakening of global impact. In a city of confused religions, social and economic bifurcation, and almost two million living in slums, the light of Christ is shining through the vibrant music of a band called Pearl City Worship and their debut release, We Won’t Be Silent.
You won’t hear a strong accent in Pearl City’s music. You certainly won’t hear a stereotypical sitar, or Bollywood-style theatrics. But make no mistake, this music is the voice of a particular people, and these are anthems of prayer and declaration made even more meaningful by their context. When Allen Ganta sings, “When this world is falling apart, to You it’s falling in place” (from the powerful “Still”), he gives voice to a city and a nation thirsty for rescue. When he declares, “We’ll see this city dancing for joy, we’ll see this city lifting You high, we’ll see this city running into Your arms,” his vision might seem improbable to many but his confidence is contagious.
Local impact has been extraordinary. PCW songs have topped iTunes charts in a country where a “Christian” genre doesn’t even exist. That means they’re right there atop the “Religious” chart next to a Hindu record and a Muslim record. Every week, the music becomes a magnet. Crowds of children wander in, curious. Hindu women who are out sweeping floors hear the music, stop, and come and clap their hands and sing, even though they don’t understand English. A polytheistic ricksha driver has a dozen statues of little gods, but suddenly recognizes that Jesus is different.
It is that Jesus who undergirds Pearl City Worship. Every one of the songs on We Won’t Be Silent is either a prayer to God or a declaration for Him. One such declaration, “The One Who Saves Us,” has so shaped Pearl City Church that its lyrics are literally written on the walls. The boldness is refreshing, especially considering that the opening pronouncement, “We stand in the truth / We dance in the light,” is being sung from a very dark place. Similarly, “My Strong Hope” speaks confidently of the anchor that holds in the midst of turmoil. It’s a beacon to a church that’s faced profound persecution.
One of the most moving songs of prayer on We Won’t Be Silent is “Where You Are.” Ganta recalls its early impact. “It’s a simple prayer, but the first time we ever sang that song in the church, I saw people literally weeping. They knew the presence of God came so strongly. Everybody meant every word. Everybody had the same thing on their heart. We want to see God’s presence in this place. I think God strategically put us here in Hyderabad so we can pull down Heaven into this place.” The song was so moving that when it was played during a 24-hour worship service, it lasted for hours. “People just didn’t want to get out of that prayer.”
It was a remarkable encounter that enabled this local passion to find a global audience. PCW had an interest in recording music, but failed to find the necessary infrastructure in an India inclined toward Bollywood music. “Then, one day,” Ganta recalls, “Ian walks into our church.” That would be acclaimed musician, songwriter, and producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets, Chris August, Hawk Nelson). “We asked, ‘What do you do?’ and he said, ‘I’m a producer from Nashville. I make music.’ It was a Godsend.”
Those smiles, that music, and that message have already begun to impact believers worldwide. From the US to Australia, PCW songs are being played in churches and covered by established worship leaders. It’s as if Ganta’s goal – to invite the presence of God into a particular city in desperate need – has been magnified, as if the bright Light of the World shines into darkness wherever it’s found.
Indeed, as more and more hear the songs rising from a faraway Pearl, the manifest presence of God is felt. Boundary lines blur. External circumstances fade. And the God who spans it all is praised. ———
To find out more about PCW, go to www.pearlcityworship.com. And see the video story of PCW at https://vimeo.com/147139187. Also, check out PCW lyric videos: “Love Song” https: |
Authenticity of voice is vitally important to Ganta, and just might be the spark that so many notice about PCW. “When I was growing up,” Ganta recalls, “Christian churches in India were always looking to the West. Every church wanted to do music like them. Every church was always trying to be somebody else.” One day, a mentor of Ganta’s spoke a great truth: “The revival of your land is in the song of your land.” Ganta knew then that if he wanted to see India saved for God, he needed to sing the song of India. “Our music needs to be authentic. It’s the prayers of this nation that will save this nation.”
“The Answer” opens the album with dynamic energy, and it’s not surprising to learn that it’s been so warmly embraced. “It so belongs to India,” notes Ganta. “They have a hundred million gods here. They don’t mind adding Jesus into this pantheon of gods, but where is the real truth? The song came from that – after looking for answers everywhere, and praying to all these gods, it’s only after you find Jesus that you’ll have the answer for everything.”
Eskelin knew right away that he wanted to be a part of the music pouring from the Pearl City. “What I saw that day was a vibrant, exciting church where the chaos of the world was outside – poverty, people living in straw huts, cows walking down the street – and you walk through these doors and you see a thousand people praising God with guitars and vocals and smiles on their faces.”
Hillsong Worship Releases Easter Single “Grace To Grace”
Mar 21, 2016 New Release
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Based on Jennifer Wilder Morgan’s Newest Book, ‘Come to the Garden – On Stage!,’ Hits Select U.S. Cinemas May 3
Mar 21, 2016 Ministry, New Release
Based on Jennifer Wilder Morgan’s Newest Book, ‘Come to the Garden – On Stage!,’ Hits Select U.S. Cinemas May 3
Fathom Events and Eakin Films Bring This Stage Production with Character Voice Overs from Kathie Lee Gifford and Louis Gossett, Jr. to the Big Screen for a Special One-Night Event
DENVER – March 15, 2016 – Enjoy an engaging evening with effervescent storyteller and author Jennifer Wilder Morgan as she takes the stage with animated characters and scenery from her highly-anticipated book, Come to the Garden. Fathom Events and Eakin Films are bringing “Come to the Garden – On Stage!” to select U.S. cinemas for one night on Tuesday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m. local time. This exclusive event includes a post-event discussion with special guest and New York Times best-selling author of The Shack, Wm Paul Young.
Tickets for “Come to the Garden – On Stage!” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 400 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
“I am very excited to be a part of this special event,” says Chonda Pierce. “Jennifer’s story will truly captivate audiences, as viewers will feel like they are a part of the story while they go on this journey with the characters.”
Join Jennifer as she shares her story, exploring her deepest fears and most life-changing discoveries, and recreates the private garden where she first opened her heart to The Divine. With guidance from her humorous guardian angel (Chonda Pierce) Jenn journeys through a human understanding of the unknown, and renders it ultimately knowable through the inspired inner voices she believes are available to us all.
Featuring character voiceover performances from Emmy-winner and Today Show host Kathie Lee Gifford, Academy Award-winner™ Louis Gossett, Jr., and popular faith comedienne Chonda Pierce, this feature-length professional stage show will use groundbreaking three-dimensional projection technology to fuse live-action and animation, creating a unique and immersive experience on the big screen.
“We are thrilled to partner with Eakin Films to bring Jennifer’s work to the big screen. With such a talented cast, this event is sure to entertain on a variety of emotional levels,” said Fathom Events Vice President of Programming Kymberli Frueh.
Frank Eakin, president of Eakin Films, said, “Working with Fathom to present the first-ever cinema event of its kind through on-stage light projection technology has been exhilarating. Jennifer’s authenticity and insights into the hope and healing that result from Divine encounters, together with the stage experience created by our 3D projection mapping pioneers, deliver a unique and moving experience for faith audiences.”
About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the event cinema distribution arm of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the U.S., and is recognized as the leading distributor of alternative content. It offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events also takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 875 locations in 179 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.
About Eakin Films and Publishing
Eakin Films & Publishing is a producer of movie tie-in books, star-narrated audiobooks, 3D author stage events and author branding programs. Marketing and public relations partners include Simon & Schuster, Audible.com, Rogers & Cowan, and Ribbow Media. Eakin’s recent projects include 12 Years a Slave, featuring the best-selling book, audiobook (narrated by Louis Gossett, Jr.) and tour event. Eakin is manager-producer of author Jennifer Wilder Morgan, and published the Come to the Garden audiobook narrated by Kathie Lee Gifford and Fathom cinema event.
For more information, visit www.EakinFilms.com.
THE UNION OF SINNERS AND SAINTS ANNOUNCES DEBUT RADIO SINGLE, ‘CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY’
Mar 11, 2016 Artist Updates, New Release
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Classic John Wesley Penned Hymn Gets Scorching Rock Make-Over From Icons of Christian Rock, Billy Smiley and John Schlitt
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 10, 2016) – Newly formed Christian rock band, The Union of Sinners and Saints, which features members from Petra and Whiteheart, two of the best selling Christian Rock bands of all time, has announced their debut radio single. “Christ the Lord isRisen Today,” a scorching rock rendition of the classic John Wesley hymn, is the first single from the band’s upcoming, self-titled debut album. The single showcases an updated rock sound, including soaring signature John Schlitt vocals and production that echoes the familiar Whiteheart sound. “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” is available now from the band’s site, theunionofsinnersandsaints.bandcamp.com, as well as from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and wherever digital music is sold.
Few artists have been more influential in defining contemporary Christian rock ‘n’ roll than Petra and Whiteheart. The two bands collectively have sold more than 12 million records, generated more than 25 #1 songs, and earned more than 15 Grammy and 40 Dove nominations and awards. It seemed like only a matter of time before John Schlitt, lead singer of Petra, and Billy Smiley, guitarist, singer, and founding member of Whiteheart, would team up. That time is now.
The idea of a new project really intrigued both of us,” Schlitt declares. “With our histories, it only made sense to feature Petra and Whiteheart favorites along with the new songs that we were writing in the studio.”
Smiley adds, “John and I got together last fall and started writing some songs and reminisced over both of our histories and journeys. With the chemistry and friendship that developed, we also started brainstorming about taking this new material we were creating out on the road in 2016.” Fans can look forward to the release of the new CD project, available exclusively at Lifeway Stores on June 17, 2016, and digitally on iTunes and other popular online outlets worldwide. The project will feature ten new compositions, along with updated versions of Petra and Whiteheart classics. Joining Schlitt and Smiley in the studio is Anthony Sallee (Whiteheart) on bass, new artist Jason Fowler on guitar and vocals, Steve Brewster (Peter Cetera) on drums, Jonathan Crone on guitar, and John Ellis, lead singer from Tree63, on guitar and vocals. Smiley is producing the record and bringing in on select songs an all-star cast of musicians including Brian Wooten (Whiteheart, Trace Adkins) on guitar, Chris McHugh (Whiteheart, Keith Urban) on drums, Brennan Smiley (The Technicolors) on guitar, Peter Furler (Newsboys) on drums and vocals, and Dave Ellefson (Megadeth) on bass. Richie Biggs (Whiteheart, Petra, and The Civil Wars) is mixing the record. |
