Jeff Deyo And The LaPointes To Headline Worship in the Square III
May 31st, 2007
Fredericton’s four-time ECMA award-winning The LaPointes, return to Officers’ Square in Fredericton, NB on August 25th, from 7-10 p.m. for the region’s most highly anticipated worship event, Worship in the Square III: The Worship Experience of the Summer! Rain location will be UNB’s Aitken Centre.
Photo courtesy of The Lapointes
With nine recorded albums to their credit, The LaPointes have brought their special offering of Christian music to audiences far and wide for more than 10 years. Drawing from a variety of musical experience, this musical family has forged a unique sound that has stood the test of time. From beautiful acapella hymns to contemporary arrangements, their music is able to connect on a personal level with all ages.
Jeff Deyo
Joining the LaPointes on stage at this year’s event will be special guest worship artist Jeff Deyo. As one of the premier songwriters and worship leaders of today, Deyo has made a significant mark on the Christian music landscape. As the voice behind classic worship songs like I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, In the Secret and My Refuge, which he recorded with the original Dove Award-winning group SONICFLOOd, Deyo has helped invigorate the heart of worship for a whole new generation. In his role as SONICFLOOd’s lead singer, primary songwriter and co-producer, Deyo saw the band’s gold-certified, self-titled debut (1999) and its Grammy®-nominated follow-up, Sonicpraise (2001), reach combined sales of over one million albums. Last week, Deyo released his fourth solo project Unveil, his first studio release in three years. On June 19th, Deyo will be releasing a “best of” collection entitled The Worship Collection.
Photo courtesy of The Lapointes
Also this year will see a collaboration of voices from church choirs across Atlantic Canada fill the square under the direction of Janice LaPointe McLaughlin.
New to Worship in the Square III is the addition of a series of worship seminars geared toward worship band, resources, leading, sound production and Mediashout® multimedia production. Seminars will be offered to pre-registered participants during the afternoon of Saturday, August 25th, prior to the musical performance at 7 p.m. Jeff Deyo will also serve as a presenter in one of the workshops. Interested participants can register at www.WorshipInTheSquare.com. Deadline for registration is July 31st, 2007.
Group member and event manager for Worship in the Square, Andy LaPointe is inspired by the continued growth and popularity of this event as evidenced in increasing attendance figures.
“The past two years have provided us the opportunity to hold an event in Fredericton that has served to unite our church community in a massive statement of faith before our city. 2005 saw more than 1,800 people come together for worship in our town square. In the summer of 2006, attendance more than doubled to nearly 4,000. We are extremely inspired by these growing numbers and are very pleased to invite the public to join us for Worship in the Square III.”
Andy emphasized the underlying concept and commitment to continue to make this event accessible beyond the boundaries of church families, by extending the invitation to the general public in a way that requires no financial obligation.
“Our desire is to provide this evening completely free of charge, as a gift to our region, and an investment in the kingdom of God.”
This ECMA Award-winning, and Juno-nominated group promises to deliver a quality event providing the highest standard of excellence in sound, lighting and multimedia production technology. But first and foremost, the LaPointes promise to share a positive message of hope and inspiration that will last beyond the last note of music played.
Worship in the Square is proudly sponsored by Compassion Canada and Positive Hits 96.5, along with a number of churches and The LaPointes.
GMA Academy Winner Jordin Sparks Wins "American Idol"
May 25th, 2007
On Wednesday night, Jordin Sparks, who is just three years removed from winning the Spotlight Overall title at the GMA Academy in D.C. event, was crowned this year’s “American Idol” in front of a live audience of 4,000 in the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, and the over 30 million people who were watching on FOX/CTV.
A record 74 million votes were cast to determine Sparks as the winner over Blake Lewis. And in a storybook ending that could only be appreciated by those involved in the Christian/gospel music community, Sparks, a 17-year-old from Glendale, AZ, capped the evening by performing This Is My Now, the winning song in the “American Idol” songwriter competition, which was co-written by veteran Christian artist/songwriter Scott Krippayne.
The GMA has followed Sparks’ journey, along with several other contestants, during an “American Idol” season that seemed to be filled with Christian/gospel music connections. Besides winning at GMA Academy in D.C. in 2004, Sparks also competed at GMA Music in the Rockies that summer where she placed second in the Southern Gospel vocal category. She also befriended Michael W. Smith and family and traveled as a singer with his Christmastime tour. When she became a finalist for “American Idol”, she included her GMA Academy win as one of her proudest moments in her life.
Sparks was not alone among the Top 10 “American Idol” finalists with such ties to he GMA. Chris Sligh also competed at GMA Music in the Rockies, placing first in the Pop-Adult Contemporary/Inspirational song category in 2003. He also served as the worship pastor at his South Carolina church, the same position held by Phil Stacey at his church in Jacksonville, Fla. There also was Melinda Doolittle, from Brentwood, TN, a long-time background vocalist for many Christian/gospel artists, never betraying her own powerful vocal skills. Even LaKisha Jones, while having no “professional” ties to Christian/gospel music, often declared her love for it and the influence it had on her life.
So, while only Sparks won the title of “American Idol”, all five of the finalists that GMA followed throughout the competition returned for Wednesday’s finale, all five will participate on the “American Idol” tour this summer and all will most likely be offered the opportunity to record their own projects. As the winner, Sparks is already confirmed to sign a recording contract with Sony/BMG.
In addition to Krippayne’s song, which he wrote with his pastor and friend Jeff Peabody and is already among the top downloads on iTunes, Wednesday’s finale featured an on-stage reunion of BeBe and CeCe Winans, who joined Doolittle, one of their former back-up singers, for an electrifying performance of Hold Up The Light. The finale also served as a reunion of sorts for previous seasons’ winners and finalists with Mandisa and George Huff among the many in attendance.
- Article courtesy of Mark Ross/GMAil -
GMA Music in the Rockies
May 23rd, 2007
BE HEARD AT GMA MUSIC IN THE ROCKIES!
Whether you dream of performing on stage for audiences of thousands, writing songs that will stream out over radio air waves, or ministering in your local congregation, GMA Music in the Rockies is your place to BE HEARD!
Register by May 29 and SAVE $100!
COMPETITIONS
Artists
Perform for industry judges live throughout the week! Categories include Contemporary Christian Vocal Solo and Group/Duet, Band, Urban/Hip Hop, Southern Gospel/Country, and Instrumental/Ensemble.
Songwriters
The Song of 2007 competition entry deadline is only a month away! A CD/tape and typed lyric sheet of your song must be received on or before June 27th to qualify.
Judging
Representatives from the following companies will be on site judging both the song and artist competitions: ASCAP, BMI, Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Centricity Records, Daywind Music Group, EMI CMG Label Group, Integrity Music, Provident Label Group, SESAC, Spring Hill Music Group, William Morris Agency, Word Label Group and Word Music Publishing.
Prizes
Over $50,000 in prizes will be awarded, including a performance slot at Disney’s “Night of Joy” and a trip with Compassion International.
CLASSES
Songwriter, Artist, Worship and Arts in Ministry tracks include new and revised classes covering topics related to missions and ministry, vocal & band performance, artistry, songwriting and music business. Click here for the most up-to-date listings of classes and seminars!
CONCERT SERIES
Artists already confirmed for the incredible GMA Music in the Rockies Concert Series include:
(L-R, starting with top row): The Crabb Family, Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell, Sandi Patty, Mark Schultz, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Rush of Fools and Aaron Shust
Worship Leaders include:
- Travis Cottrell
- Jeremy Riddle
- Mark Roach
- Drew Cline
Click here for more on this year’s GMA Music in the Rockies Concert Series.
Join us at GMA Music in the Rockies and BE HEARD!
For more information, log on to www.musicintherockies.com or call 800-GMA-3211 now!
REGISTER NOW!
1. Fax your registration form and credit card information to 615-242-9374
2. Mail your registration form to 1205 Division Street Nashville, TN 37203
3. Call 800-GMA-3211 (800-462-3211) or 615-242-0303 to register over the phone.
Women Who Worship Announces Fall Conference
May 16th, 2007
Dates for the Charlottetown, PEI Women Who Worship Conference have been announced, with the event being held September 29th, 2007.
The Conference will feature Covenant Award winning 4Given, along with Evangeline Inman, Amy Gaither, comedian Judy Savoy and Mary Byrd.
For more information on the conference visit www.WomenWhoWorship.com.
CGMC Announces Event And Late Night Showcase
May 16th, 2007
The CGMC (Canadian Gospel Music Conference) has announced it’s date for it’s annual conference in Ottawa, to be held July 12-13th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The event will feature a line up of both Canadian and U.S based artists and speakers including BET’s Dr. Bobby Jones, Dr. Trevor Payne, Mark Masri, Krystaal, Marlene O’Neill, Kevin Pauls, Kathy Grant Mahon and many more. The two day event will feature concerts, showcases and panel discussions along with a late night showcase.
Interested artists can still submit to perform at the late night showcases by visiting www.KGMMinistries.com.
GMA Canada Announces Hosts For 29th Annual Covenant Awards
May 14th, 2007
Recording artist Carolyn Arends and comedian Leland Klassen have been announced as the hosts for the 29th Annual Covenant Awards to be held October 26th in Calgary, Alberta as part of GMA Canada Week, October 24th-26th.
Arends, whose long and successful recording career has provided her with multiple Covenant Awards, Juno Awards and Dove Award nominations will be joined by Leland Klassen whose comedy has been featured both on the “Bananas” DVD series and on CBC radio’s “Madly Off In All Directions”. “Carolyn and Leland will provide us with a dynamic combination; with Carolyn’s love of Canadian Christian artists and quick dry humour being contrasted by Leland’s superb comedic timing and energy. We believe this will bring an exciting element to the awards show,” says GMA Canada President Martin Smith.
GMA Canada Gospel Music week will begin October 24th with a worship event, followed by two days of training sessions, showcases and awards as GMA Canada again partners with the Canada Christian Music Conference in Calgary. For more information of the 29th Annual Covenant Awards, visit the Awards section and for the Canada Christian Music Conference, visit www.CCMConference.com.
Red Deer To Host Annual Southern Gospel Celebration
May 14th, 2007
The Canadian Gospel Music Celebration is headed to Red Deer, Alberta once again this summer with a stellar line up of both Canadian and international Southern Gospel acts performing from July 12th-14th.
Red Deer, located half way between Calgary and Edmonton, will host such Southern Gospel acts as GMA Canada Covenant Award winners The Torchmen Quartet, along with The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, Legacy Five, Crossway, Gold City, British Columbia’s Sweet Presence, Alberta’s High Valley, and Saskatchewan’s Daae Family.
The weekend event will feature chapel services, showcases and special speakers along with an extensive shopping area featuring CDs and Videos by all the performers. For more information on tickets for the Canadian Gospel Music Celebration, call 1-800-410-0188.
GMA Canada Joins International Community At GMA Week In Nashville
May 3rd, 2007
GMA Canada joined countries from around the world for a special international meeting during GMA Week in Nashville.
Organizers for GMA Europe, GMA Asia, GMA Australia/New Zealand and GMA Japan were joined by an international committee create by GMA in the United States along with board members from GMA Canada (President Martin Smith, Vice President Fazal Karim Jr. and Reese Sutiono) for a time of discussion and a reception. The reception was open to all international registrants and included artists, media and promoters.
Sebastian Demrey And The Kry To Tour France
May 3rd, 2007
Canadian artists continue to impact France with Sebastian Demrey embarking on a tour of France from June 1st-10th. The 10 day concert tour will include 3 dates with The Kry. Demrey will tour Paris, Lyon and Toulouse. Tour dates have been posted on his web site, www.SebastianDemrey.com
The tour falls hot on the heels of a tour of France by Andréanne. Demrey’s tour will include churches, cafés and auditoriums and will be in support of his album Searching.
29th Annual Covenant Awards Submission Deadline Approaches
May 1st, 2007
The deadline for submitting for GMA Canada’s 29th Annual Covenant Awards is June 30th, 2007.
Qualifying artists, producers and songwriters can still submit their works for the awards to be given away October 26th in Calgary as part of GMA Canada Week held between October 24-26th at Centre Street Church. There are 53 different categories for this year’s awards. Submission forms and information may be found in the Awards section.
As part of GMA Week, GMA Canada will also be presenting industry awards, a worship evening on October 24th and in conjunction with Slyngshot Productions the Canada Christian Music Conference.