Alpha Omega News – News Updates

News and Artist Information

JUPITER WIND BANKS OFF BRISK LAUNCH MOMENTUMS

NEW BAND IMPACTS WITH SINGLE “EVERYDAY” AT RADIO, TELEVISION, MEDIA & TOUR LEVELS

(NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) – May 28, 2009 –Breaking Christian rock band, JUPITER WIND has covered thousands of miles and hardly seen the tall pines of their South Carolina homebase since officially launching their first single release, “Everyday,” at GMA in late April.

Now connecting at CHR and AC formats, the band has upcoming national television appearances set on both JC-TV’s “Real Videos,” and CBN’s “One Cubed”—both top youth driven programs with their respective networks.  Additionally, they recently appeared to perform on “Atlanta Live,” at WACT-TV in the Atlanta market.  Airdates are forthcoming on CBN and JC-TV guest appearances.

After an April run of West Coast radio visits, the band worked their way back to their South Carolina homebase with a series of radio visits that included WBFJ-FM in Winston-Salem, WCLN in Fayetteville, North Carolina, WRCM in Charlotte, WCQR in Kingsport, Tennessee, and WVFJ in Atlanta.

Notes band leader, Jack Eason:  “We had an awesome reception on the single at every stop!  We’re very encouraged and looking forward to every opportunity to play live this summer, connect our music with new audiences, and hopefully minister to a ton of kids.”

The “Everyday” EP is also currently posting with a “4 star review” on Christian Music Today.com.  Notes reviewer Andy Argyrakis on the key music infuencer site:

“Grammy Award winning producer Dale Oliver (Casting Crowns, Josh Bates) gives this South Carolina quintet’s three song EP a professional leg-up on the band’s indie brethren. With memorable praise choruses and ultra-tight instrumentation, Jupiter Wind’s potential is obvious on just three tracks.”

With “Everyday” showing connectivity with listeners and reviewers, Jupiter Wind has announced plans for an August-September concert tour, being billed as “A Night of Hope.”  Plans for the tour call for the band to be self-contained with production. Special youth pastor appreciation luncheons sponsored by Chick-Fil-A will be hosted by the band in select markets.   Complete tour sponsorship details will be forthcoming.

Dates/markets already set include:

August 14-15        Denver, NC.          Denver Baptist Church

August 16             Knoxville, TN          Buffat Heights

August 18             Kingsport, TN        Concert & Luncheon—TBA

August 19             Benton, AR            TBA

August 22             Harrison, AR          Eagle Heights

August 23             Fort Smith, AR       TBA

August 24-26       TBA

September 22     Louisville, KY

Sept. 23               Raleigh, NC

Interest in routings, avails, and booking Jupiter Wind for a concert, please contact for details:

booking@thecrossovergroup.com

Centricity Music’s, Lanae’ Hale, Appears On Christian And Mainstream Media Outlets Street Week With New CD BACK &FORTH

Nashville, TN — (May 28, 2009) —- It was a busy street week for one of the most heralded new singer/songwriters in the Christian music industry, Lanae’ Hale.  She hit the road in support of her new album, Back & Forth, which released May 19th.

Hale traveled to Chicago for a taped appearance on Moody radio’s national show, Midday Connection, which will air June 11th. The next day Hale was in South Bend, IN for a live performance/interview on LeSea Broadcasting’s, Harvest Show, and then taped a performance for Live From Studio B that will air at a later date.  Then it was on to Dallas, TX where Hale appeared live on Daystar’s Celebration.  Her testimony on cutting had viewers calling the prayer lines for help with depression and cutting issues.  While at Daystar, Hale taped a performance/interview for Check The Sound that will air in August. The next morning, Hale was up bright and early for a performance/interview on Good Day, which is the #1 morning news show in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Back & Forth reached the second most downloaded CD on iTunes.com’s Christian page during release week and reviews were very strong for Hale’s debut full-length album.  JesusFreakHideout.com selected Hale as Artist of the Week and one of two positive reviews claimed, There is a lot to like on Lanae’ Hale’s first full-length album, and all of it is well crafted, making a strong debut. CCM.com (along with ChristianMusicPlanet.com and CMCentral.com) said, Rarely does an untried name in music record not only one of the better discs in her new artist class but one of the year’s best CDs—period.

Hale is traveling back to Chicago this Friday for a performance on WGN America’s Midday News, which is the #1 midday newscast in the country.  Her appearance will be live across the country on the cable channel and additional backstage and performance footage can be viewed at WGN.com.

Worship Artist, Matt Papa, Signs With Centricity Music

Centricity Debut Project, Your Kingdom Come, Scheduled For Release August 18, 2009

Nashville, TN (May 27, 2009) —– Centricity Music is happy to announce the signing of worship artist, Matt Papa, to the label’s artist roster.  The first project from Papa, Your Kingdom Come, will be released August 18, 2009 and will be distributed by Word Label Distribution Group.

Your Kingdom Come was produced Jason Hoard (Fee, John Waller) and Allan Salmon (Lanae’ Hale, This Beautiful Republic, Seabird).  The project showcases songs that were written by Papa and takes this self-described “preacher with a guitar” to a whole new musical level. The first single, “Open Hands,” will be going for adds at AC and CHR radio on June 19th.  Papa performed the song during GMA week at Centricity Music’s Monday night showcase and again at a private GMA press dinner in the Centricity suite.  Each time the song reverberated with the audiences and delivered a powerful spiritual impact.

“From the moment I heard Matt’s music I knew there was something special about what he does,” says Guy Zabka, Director of A&R, Centricity Music. “As I’ve gotten to work with Matt I’ve learned that every song he writes, every note he sings and every song he performs is done with complete passion and conviction. His ability to call and lead people to worship is unmistakable and the joy he finds in spreading the Gospel is truly inspiring. To get to work with an artist of Matt’s caliber is an honor for us at Centricity and we’re very excited about what lies ahead for him and his ministry.”

“With all my heart I want to be able to look back and say, when this career thing is over, is that the kingdom of God was advanced through this relationship…not the kingdom of Matt Papa,” explains the artist.  “I want to see disciples made, churches started, missionaries sent out, and most of all the praise and the gospel of Jesus Christ to spread all across this broken planet.  Hand in hand I pray that we (Centricity and myself) would make music that makes much of Jesus, makes people adore Him, and makes Satan really, really angry.  And I also hope to beat John Mays in racquetball one day soon.”

Papa released his first self-titled project as an independent artist in 2006 that rapidly garnered the attention of the Christian music industry.  ChristianMusicToday.com exclaims, “While other worship leaders have trouble making music that resonates with the church, sometimes allowing artistry or commercial appeal to get the best of them, Papa is able to balance it all without compromising the power of the song.” The album also received national radio airplay and distribution at CBA bookstores across the country.  The first single from the album, “You Are Good,” was featured on Rick Warren’s “The Invitation” CD compilation which sold over one-million units.  Another tune from the self-titled album, “Unto the One,” was featured on the 2007 WOW Worship multi-artist project.  Papa has ministered and continues to minister with several organizations throughout the country that includes; Student Life, Georgia Baptist Convention, David Nasser Outreach.  He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Lauren, who is expecting their first child in June.

For more information on Papa, please visit www.mattpapa.com or www.centricitymusic.com.

FOREFRONT RECORDS’ PHILMONT PARTNERS WITH STEELROOTS FOR VIDEO SERIES

New “Philmont Rising” Webisodes Added Monthly

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) May 26, 2009 – Forefront Records and Philmont joined forces with Steelroots this spring for a new original series of webisodes featuring the Charlotte-based rock band. The webisodes reveal what happens during a day in the life of a touring band.

“We only work 20 minutes out of the day so there is a whole lot of downtime,” laughs singer/guitarist Scott Taube. “Probably about 85 percent of our entire day is downtime. So you’ll get to see how we handle downtime and how we amuse ourselves.”

Launched back in April, “Philmont *Rising” will offer a new webisode on the 13th of every month during this year-long campaign. Episode 1 (“Who the Heck Is Philmont?”) and episode 2 (“Our First Taste of Tour”) are currently available at Steelroots.com.

“We couldn’t be happier about working with Forefront Records and Philmont to bring this new content to the Steelroots community,” says Bryan Smerdon, director of programming for Steelroots. “They produce relevant music that appeals to today’s generation and are the perfect partner for the Steelroots brand. It’s clear that they have set a high standard of excellence in their work, and we’re excited to be partnering with them on this project.”

View the “Philmont *Rising” webisodes at http://www.steelroots.com/countdown/philmontrising.aspx.

About Steelroots

Launched in 2000, Steelroots is one of the expanding outreaches of the Inspiration Ministries. Since its launch, Steelroots has become a leading provider of Christian content for youth and young adults, using television, Internet, print media, products, and special events to accomplish its vision of “revealing the Truth to today’s generation.” Steelroots’ original television programs include “Steelroots – The Show,” “Countdown,” “The Uprising,” and special programs that address timely topics. Steelroots TV airs in 127 countries and in more than 135 million households worldwide through INSP – The Inspiration Network, i-Lifetv – Inspirational Life Television, and INI – Inspiration Network International. For more information visit http://www.steelroots.com/.

About Philmont

Philmont began when singer Scott Taube and guitarist Josiah Prince connected after the breakup of their former local outfits. After many self-booked tours and one-off dates to support an ambitious independent release, the group landed a performance at Christian music’s ultimate event, the Cornerstone Festival. It was at Cornerstone that Philmont caught the attention of EMI/Forefront Records, inking a record deal in early 2008. That summer the band debuted a digital EP, Oh Snap, and then released its first full-fledged label project, of the same title, April 21, 2009. Produced by Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Jackson Waters), the album was met with applause from critics who cited, “This stuff is solid” (AbsolutePunk.net) and “What a first impression . . . Philmont is a perfect addition to the record collections of All-American Rejects and Relient K fans” (The Phantom Tollbooth). This summer the band will make appearances at select festivals including Ichthus, Cornerstone, Sonshine Fest and Soul Fest. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/philmontrock

“THE WINTER JAM 2009 TOUR SPECTACULAR” CONCLUDES RECORD-BREAKING TOUR

RANKED POLLSTAR’S FIFTH LARGEST TOUR OF 2009
OVERALL TOUR ATTENDANCE UP MORE THAN 7 PERCENT
AVERAGE NIGHTLY ATTENDANCE INCREASE OF 4 PERCENT
NAMED GMA’S 2009 IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENT

NASHVILLE, TN—May 26, 2009—For the second consecutive year, “The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular,”–Christian music’s largest annual tour–ranked in the Top 5 largest tours in the world according to Pollstar’s First Quarter Attendance Chart. Defying today’s challenging economy by notching yet another record-breaking year, Winter Jam 2009’s combined attendance increased by more than 7 percent over last year’s previous high, while the tour’s average nightly attendance increased by more than 4 percent above 2008’s record pace.

Highlighted by the Greensboro, NC stop which boasted an unprecedented Winter Jam turnout of more than 20,000 fans, the tour’s total paid attendance this year surpassed 335,000 people with an average nightly turnout of more than 9,500 fans. Comparatively, last year’s record combined turnout was more than 311,000 people with average nightly attendance of more than 9,100 fans.

Winter Jam came in at No. 5 on Pollstar’s 2009 First Quarter Attendance Chart. Despite escalating prices due to the current economic climate, Winter Jam continued it’s commitment to the unique “no tickets” policy, which allowed fans to pay $10 at the door for admission. Hosted for the 14th consecutive year by Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist NewSong, Winter Jam 2009’s headliner was then-reigning “GMA Artist of the Year” tobyMac. The Spectacular also welcomed special guests Hawk Nelson, current “GMA Male Vocalist of the Year” Brandon Heath, Francesca Battistelli, pureNRG, Stephanie Smith and featured speaker Tony Nolan. The Afters, BarlowGirl and Family Force 5 also performed at select Winter Jam dates. The 35-city tour, which launched in early January, concluded in Nashville, TN in March.

Winter Jam’s long-term success resulted in the Spectacular being named the recipient of this year’s GMA Impact Award. According to the Gospel Music Association, this award is presented to “the non-artist individual or organization that has made the most significant impact on the gospel music industry over the last two or three years.” Fans weighed in as well as “Winter Jam 2009″ was voted both this year’s “Concert of the Year” by Gospel Music Channel viewers and “Best Tour” in the CCMmagazine.com Readers’ Choice Awards.

During last year’s tour, more than 53,000 Winter Jam attendees made either a first-time commitment to follow Christ or rededicated their lives to Him. This year, the tour welcomed 69,700 estimated first-time decisions and rededications. Winter Jam 2009 also resulted in the sponsorship of more than 4,600 orphaned children through Holt International, compared to about 4,300 sponsorships last year. As a world-leader in adoption and child welfare around the globe, Holt International has been a Winter Jam sponsor since 2006. To date, more than 17,000 Winter Jam attendees have volunteered monthly support for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children. Each of the child sponsorships provides food, shelter, clothing, medical treatment and personal care.

In addition to Holt International, corporate sponsors for Winter Jam 2009 included Tangle.com, Precious Girls Club, HearItFirst.com, Stuph Clothing, Creation Fest, Xtreme Conferences, MegaVoice, Wayne E. Bailey Produce Company, Camp Electric and Premier Christian Cruises. HearItFirst.com hosts the official Winter Jam site, which can be visited at JamTour.com.

GET READY TO LIVE LIFE LOUD AS HAWK NELSON IS GEARING UP FOR FALL 2009 RELEASE

HAWK NELSON LOVES TOMS SHOES

SEATTLE, WA…May 26, 2009…The question “Where in the World is Hawk Nelson?” would be appropriate for the band that has been coast to coast this year playing in front of more than 350,000 fans with the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular (Jan.-March), REVOLVE tour (Jan.-Feb.), and finished up the Rock and Worship Roadshow in April.  Despite this insane touring schedule, fans will be pleased to know that these road warriors have found time to record their fourth studio album in Nashville, TN.  The new album “Live Life Loud” will release on Tooth & Nail Records / BEC Recordings this fall, October 6, 2009.

“Live Life Loud” features co-writing with Chris Stevens, Matthew Gerrard, TobyMac, Trevor McNevan, Steve Wilson, Bart Millard and others to be announced.  The band has already been performing the title track and “Meaning of Life” for fans who attended the Rock and Worship Roadshow receiving a huge response. Stay tuned for more information about this new album. To wet fan’s appetite, new songs such as “Live Life Loud” and “Meaning of Life” plus more will be available on digital retailers (iTunes, Amazon MP3) and also at Hawk Nelson’s merch booth this summer.

In their efforts to continue to pave the road to help those in need, Hawk Nelson has committed to obtaining 5,000 pair of shoes to children in need with TOMS Shoes, whose motto is “One for One.”  For every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. To help them reach their goal for children in Haiti, Hawk Nelson will be hosting six in-store “Style your Sole” with TOMS Shoes in July (dates below) while they are in local areas for concerts. The band encourages fans to come meet them and be one of the first 100 fans to buy a pair of TOMS Shoes to personally meet the guys and get autographs. During the “Style your Sole” you can purchase a pair of TOMS and decorate them for your very own customized pair.

ABOUT HAWK NELSON…
This powerhouse, pop rock foursome hailing from Canada has won the hearts of fans and media nationwide since their 2004 debut release “Letters to the President” with more than 600,000 lifetime sales and three studio projects later.   Hawk Nelson has appeared on NBC’s “American Dreams,” had a cameo appearance in the hit Nickelodeon film “Yours, Mine, & Ours,” where they played their original song “Bring Em Out,” as well as had their songs featured on NBC’s 2006 Stanley Cup promo spots, WB’s Smallville, Summerland, & Laguna Beach. In 2008, “Hawk Nelson Is My Friend” debuted at #34 on the Billboard Top 200 selling more than 18k units. “Hawk Nelson Is My Friend” was also the top selling new release on the Christian album chart in addition to the comprehensive chart.  The album also successfully debuted on the digital store iTunes with a No. 13 debut on the Top 100 albums chart on street day and remains on that chart one week later. Also the debut single “Friend Like That” sold 25,000 digital copies up to street week on iTunes. The album artwork also received GRAMMY and Dove nominations for “Best Packaging.” For more information visit www.hawknelson.com.

HAWK NELSON LOVES TOMS SHOES…
Hawk loves TOMS Shoes. TOMS Shoes provide shoes for children in poverty stricken areas with the motto “One for One.” For the band’s effort, every pair of shoes purchased via Hawk Nelson’s website, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to someone in Haiti as the band’s ongoing involvement with the Hands & Feet Orphanage. Coming this year will be a Hawk Nelson TOMS shoe designed by the band.  Check out HawkNelson.com to find out how you can buy a pair today and change the life of a child tomorrow.  For more information visit www.tomsshoes.com

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July TOMS Shoes In-Stores with Hawk Nelson
2- Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX 76051
Store: WIIFY (10 miles away)

10- Kingswood Amphitheater
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell, VA 23047
Store: Need Supply Co. (20 miles away)

18- The Levy
River Road
Baton Rouge, LA
Store: Noelie Harmon (in Baton Rouge)

19- Linn County Fair & Expo
3700 Knox Butte Road
Albany, OR 97322
Store: Exit Real World (25 miles away in Salem, OR)

24- Six Flags Over Texas
Arlington, TX
Ph: 817.640.8900
Store: Teesie’s Attic

25- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
8808 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Store: Active Ride

GLENN PACKIAM CONFRONTS RUMORS AND REVELATIONS ON INTEGRITY MUSIC DEBUT DUE IN JUNE

MOBILE, Ala. – May 21, 2009 – Integrity Music announces the debut solo release for songwriter, worship leader and Desperation Band’s Glenn Packiam.   Rumors and Revelations will release on June 23 and will coincide with the publishing of his second book Secondhand Jesus…Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith.

Packiam is a worship pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo.  and also the director of its New Life School of Worship. And, as one of the founding leaders and songwriters for the Desperation Band, Packiam has been featured on several of their critically-acclaimed albums including Everyone Overcome, Who You Are and From The Rooftops. He also has been featured on New Life Worship’s albums such as Counting On God and the award-winning My Savior Lives.

With his first solo effort, Packiam offers up new worship songs and contemporary favorites in the 10-song CD, produced by Jeff Quimby (who has worked with Lincoln Brewster, Selah and Joel Augé).  Included are two of Packiam’s most important worship music contributions “My Savior Lives” and “Your Name” as well as new songs “Burning in Me”, “For Love I Sing,” “Without You” and “My Hope,” the last being a personal message of hope offered to friends who experienced the stillbirth of their baby.

“Many of the songs were written over the last two years, during my own journey of wrestling with God,” says Packiam.  “I had been coasting in my own walk with the Lord and allowed my view of God to devolve into a patchwork of rumors. I would never have said that I believed these half-truths about God– things like ‘God will give me what I want’ or that ‘God shares my goal of success’ — but I was living as if I did.  There are no shortcuts to God. The way to God– to life — is vigorous and requires total attention. I pray these songs reflect that and ignite the heart on a journey to firsthand faith.”

The songlist for Rumors and Revelations:
1. “This Is Our God” (Packiam)
2. “My Savior Lives” (Packiam with Jon Egan)
3. “Burning In Me” (Packiam with Gregg Hampton)
4. “For Love I Sing” (Packiam)
5. “I Will Stand” (Packiam)
6. “Hold On” (Packiam)
7. “Without You” (Packiam)
8. “Your Name” (Packiam with Paul Baloche)
9. “God Has Come” (Packiam)
10. “ My Hope” (Packiam)

Rumors and Revelations’ 10 songs stand alone as a unified worship project, but the CD also provides context and perspective to Packiam’s new book.  Secondhand Jesus…Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith, published by David C. Cook Publishing, which challenges readers to let go of mistakenly held rumors about God and enter into an authentic experience of Christ’s power, first-hand.  Songs from Rumors and Revelations correspond to specific chapters in the book.  This is Packiam’s second book – his first was Butterfly in Brazil: How Your Life Can Make a World of Difference (Tyndale House).

For more information on Packiam, visit http://glennpackiam.com, http://www.newlifechurch.org, and http://www.integritymusic.com.

OPERATION ETHAN LAUNCHES MAY 30TH TO BENEFIT BRAVE 8-YEAR-OLD BOY BATTLING CANCER

94FM THE FISH, BUILDING 429, 33MILES AND POCKET FULL OF ROCKS PARTNER FOR BENEFIT CONCERT TO AIDE FAMILY

Nashville, Tenn. May 21, 2009… In an effort to financially aide Ethan Bibb, an 8-year-old boy who is battling Medulloblastoma, a cancer of the brain and spinal cord, Operation Ethan is born. This project will feature a live concert, auction and family fun including bounce houses, crafts, jewelry making, caricatures, and more! The event begins at 10AM on May 30 in Cross Plains, Tenn. at Kilgore Park.

INO Records’ Building 429 and 33Miles as well as Word Record’s Pocket Full of Rocks will join the concert bill along with Nashville’s 94FM the Fish at Kilgore Park in Cross Plains for a benefit concert at 6PM. No tickets are required for the concert but there will be a $10 suggested donation at the gate. To view more information about the concert visit: http://www.mtcarmelofcrossplains.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=44688&PID=681067 <http://www.mtcarmelofcrossplains.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=44688&PID=681067> .

Ethan’s diagnosis began in late March when he was taken to Vanderbilt hospital for an un-curable stomach virus. Doctors then learned that Ethan has a walnut sized tumor pushing on the base of his brain. Though they were able to remove the tumor, there are many spots on Ethan’s brain that have proven to be inoperable. In late April, Ethan began an aggressive radiation and chemotherapy routine. He is currently in stage IV of Medulloblastoma.

Operation Ethan will benefit Ethan and his family with the financial hardships they are facing. In recent times, Ethan’s father also lost his job in the down-turned economy while the family also lost their home as well.

In only three weeks, Ethan’s Caring Bridge site has garnered 10,000 visitors. For updates on Ethan’s condition, please visit:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bibb. To donate please visit: http://www.mtcarmelofcrossplains.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=44688&PID=681280. In addition, www.operationethan.com <http://www.operationethan.com>  will go LIVE later this week, where everyone is invited to log on to find out more information on the project, Ethan and contributions can be given.

Building 429
Building 429 has had a history of success with the release of three albums and now the rock band has joined forces with INO Records for their fourth studio record which became available in stores last fall. In 2005 “Glory Defined” was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, they were named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year and nominated that same year for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year.  They have toured with artists such as TobyMac, Family Force 5, Casting Crowns and Thousand Foot Krutch. Jason, Michael and Jesse are excited for their fans to hear a record that reflects where they are as individuals and artists. For more information on the band please go to www.building429.com <http://www.building429.com> .

33 Miles
After logging in over 120,000 miles (not including air travel), performing at over 200 churches, garnering radio hits and a 2008 Dove nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” 33Miles released their sophomore record One Life on Sept. 16 to much praise. Critically acclaimed One Life entered the Top Christian Soundscan Album Sales chart and the Christian Digital chart at No. 5, while debuting at No. 160 on the Billboard Top 200. Since their debut in 2007, 33Miles’ Jason Barton (lead vocals), Chris Lockwood (guitar) and Collin Stoddard (keys) celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles. For more information, please visit www.33milesonline.com <http://www.33milesonline.com> .

Pocket Full of Rocks
Dove Award-nominated worship group Pocket Full of Rocks first made a splash on the Christian music scene with their hit songs, “Let It Rain,” and “Let the Worshippers Arise,” found on Michael W. Smith’s platinum-certified Worship album, and Phillips, Craig and Dean’s recent release, respectively. The group later released their debut commercial project, Song to the King, in 2006 to critical acclaim, followed by their sophomore album, Manifesto, in 2007. The band is currently working on their third studio album and tours constantly. For more information, please visit www.PocketFullofRocks.com.

ROCK & WORSHIP ROADSHOW WRAPS UP

AFTER ALL-STAR LINEUP PERFORMS BEFORE A TOTAL OF 170,000 SCREAMING FANS IN 20 CITIES NATIONWIDE

3000 CHILDREN SPONSORED THROUGH COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

May 21, 2009…Nashville, TN…The all-star lineup on The Rock & Worship Roadshow recently wrapped having stationed in 20 cities before a total of 170,000 screaming fans. Sharing the stage on the Roadshow were multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY ® nominated, Dove and AMA winning band MercyMe along with gold selling and multiple Dove award winner Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, 2009 Dove Award winner for New Artist of the Year Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road. The Roadshow celebrated a sold out crowd of 18,000 in Dallas, TX along with sold out shows in Boise, Portland, LA, Phoenix, Fresno, Wichita, Springfield, MO and Cedar Rapids. In addition, a sum of 78,000 fans tuned in to watch the tour LIVE online at www.rockandworhiproadshow.com.

Not only were concertgoers treated to an amazing night of ministry and entertainment those thousands of people across the country responded to also impact those far beyond the venue walls.  Through MercyMe’s Imagine A Cure in partnership with Compassion International, 3,000 children were sponsored by fans attending the Rock & Worship Roadshow. These sponsorships will help children in third world countries receive medical treatment, balanced nutrition and a Biblical education.  Additionally 600 of those children will receive the additional medical care needed to treat their special medical conditions.  For more information on “Imagine A Cure,” go to: www.imagineacureonline.com.  For more information on Compassion International go to www.compassion.com.

“This tour has been a dream of ours since the very beginning and to see it come alive is truly remarkable,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We were overwhelmed by the number of people that came out to each show and we appreciate their support.  With this tour we strived to put the fans first and believe the gospel was and continues to be shared with millions.”

Plans are currently underway for the Second Annual Rock & Worship Roadshow scheduled to hit the road in February 2010. For more information on the Roadshow please log on to www.rockandworshiproadshow.com.

RED’S “DEATH OF ME” TOP 10 ON MULTIPLE RADIO CHARTS

“Death of Me” No. 7 on Active Rock Chart, Video No. 10 on FUSE Rock Countdown

Popular Headlining Tour and Favorable Media Spurs GRAMMY-Nominated Band’s Success

(Nashville, Tenn.) May 21, 2009 – After seeing it’s sophomore album, Innocence & Instinct, debut at No. 15 on The Billboard 200 sales chart in February, GRAMMY-nominated modern rock band Red continues its drive at retail thanks to the multi-format hit single, “Death of Me,” a successful spring headlining tour and a strong response from both national and local media outlets.

“Death of Me,” the principal single from Innocence & Instinct, climbs to No. 7 (with a bullet) this week on the Active Rock chart with 921 total spins and an audience reach of 2.1 million listeners at that format alone, according to Radio & Records. The key markets supporting “Death of Me” with major airplay include Chicago, Salt Lake City, Denver, Spokane, Seattle, Las Vegas, Indianapolis and Syracuse. Meanwhile, the music video for the high-impact single was recently ranked in the No. 10 on FUSE TV’s “FUSE Rock Countdown.”

As ‘Death of Me’ gains momentum, Red’s reach at radio continues to grow beyond core rock radio stations. Last week (5/14), the Westwood One Radio Network, carried by more than 250 stations across the country, featured Red; with the on-air host even taking time to read a blog-posting by bassist, Randy Armstrong.

In addition, Red, like rock acts P.O.D. and Chevelle, benefits from significant airplay at Christian radio. “Death of Me” is currently No. 3 on R&R’s Christian Rock chart while Christian CHR stations heavy on Red’s “Never Be the Same,” which recently peaked at No. 3.   To meet demand, fans will be treated to another single from Innocence & Instinct as “Mystery of You” releases this week.

In addition to the radio success, Red’s Innocence & Instinct continues to benefit from a popular spring headlining tour. The coast-to-coast run displays Red’s increasing appeal as the band performed in venues ranging from 500-1000 seats. The response to Red has been so overwhelming, on several occasions the band sold out of its T-shirts and CDs, and had to advance replacements to the next show date.  “We’re really blown away by the response to the new record.  The songs we’re doing at our shows every night really seem to be connecting with people,” shares guitarist, Jasen Rauch.

Along the way, Red took time out to join Anberlin in opening for Korn last month during a show sponsored by Tuscon’s KFMA radio.  Red, since January, will have performed 130 shows by the end of June supporting its growing reputation as one of the hardest touring bands on the road today.  Red’s next tour, which will kick off in Atlanta on June 19, will welcome special guest Framing Hanley as the co-bill artist.

The Nashville-based band, made up of guitarist Jasen Rauch, singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong and his twin brother, bassist Randy Armstrong  has maintained a near-constant presence on the road.  Since its GRAMMY-nominated 2006 debut End of Silence released, the band has toured alongside other high profile rock acts such as Three Days Grace, Korn, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, while rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.

Innocence & Instinct (and its Deluxe Edition) released February 10 to rave reviews in major media outlets including USA Today and Billboard.  With first-week sales of 40,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan, the album debuted as the No.15 best selling album on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.  It also claimed the No. 5 spot on iTunes Overall Albums chart. To date, Innocence & Instinct has scanned more than 120,000 units since its Feb. 10 debut.  The new album built on the momentum of Red’s 2006 debut, End of Silence, which has scanned more than 300,000 units and earned several awards and nominations including a GRAMMY nod in the album category.