Gospel Music fans who witnessed the 2007 Stellar Awards will be elated as the 23rd Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival showcases multiple award winners Donald Lawrence & Co., Myron Butler and Levi and Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson. The festival runs June 1-3, 2007 in Millennium Park and includes performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Gospel Youth Tent on the North Promenade and the Walgreens Day Stage on the South Promenade.

This year the event welcomes the soulful, high-energy vocals of Myron Butler and Levi on Friday evening. The ensemble received 2007 Stellar Awards for Group/Duo and Contemporary Group/Duo, plus Myron Butler was named best New Artist of the year. They appeal to many with their musical elements of traditional Gospel music, funk, rock, hip-hop, and smooth-as-silk balladry. Butler created this group with the goal of attaining the creative and dynamic sound for which the group is now famed.

New Yorker, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson is indeed a wonder as he rejuvenates the idea of the quartet with his distinguished sound of traditional Gospel music fused with jazz, R&B, rock and country. As a writer, vocalist, entertainer and minister, his passion for Gospel music earned him two Stellar Awards in 2007, and makes him an excellent compliment to this year's festival line-up.

On Saturday the festival will feature "An Evening of Gospel Elegance" and "The Professor Thomas A. Dorsey Tribute" with The Christ Universal Temple Ensemble, The Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir, The First Church of Deliverance Choir, and special guest The Divine Divas. Pam Morris, Festival Coordinator for the event, describes Saturday's evening as "three dynamic Chicago choirs and three divine gospel divas add a special touch at this years Festival honoring Professor Thomas A. Dorsey's song Precious Lord which is 75 years old."

Gospel Music is all about bringing families together, and what better way to celebrate family than with an "All in the Family: Brothers & Sisters" segment. Showcasing brothers in Gospel Music Ray and Percy Bady and sisters Vanessa, Phyllis, Lavette, Adrienne and Andrea Brown.

Headlining Saturday evening is acclaimed Gospel Music artist Donald Lawrence & Company. Beginning 2007 with six Stellar Awards and three Grammy Nominations, Lawrence and his company bring their energy on the road to the Chicago Gospel Music Festival. As a Gospel singer, songwriter, director and producer, his diverse repertory is enhanced by his original sound that illustrates dedication to excellence in Gospel Music.

On Sunday the festival will offer tribute to "Chicago's Gospel Pioneers." These icons in Gospel Music for more than 50 years will include Dr. Lucius Hall, Reverend George Jorgan and Eva J. Purnell. Sunday will also include a "Tribute to Marvin Yancy" featuring his brother Kevin Yancy and Gospel Music greats Pastor Lamont Lenox and Tyrone Block & LSD (Love, Salvation, Devotion).

Other performers include The Chicago Mass Choir and Stellar Award winners The Canton Spirituals. The event will offer a quartet series on Sunday at the Walgreens Day Stage, with a preview at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Friday evening featuring The Selvy Singers, The Mixon Singers, and The Strong Family.

Gospel enthusiasts are invited to enjoy uplifting entertainment on Saturday and Sunday at the Walgreens Day Stage and the Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Gospel Youth Tent. Performances will feature local choirs, Quartets and more with gospel music sounds sure to make this weekend one to remember.

The festival hours are:
Friday, June 1, 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (entertainment at the Pritzker Pavilion begins at 6 p.m.);
Saturday, June 2 & Sunday, June 3, 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (entertainment at the Pritzker Pavilion begins at 5:00 p.m.)

The Chicago Gospel Music festival is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events with many other additional sponsors including: Walgreens, Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge, Clear Channel, Communications Direct, Connie's Pizza, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, Hanes, Hinckley Springs, Inspiration 1390, La Grou Distribution System, the Palmer House Hilton, Pepsi-Cola, Robinson's No. 1 Ribs, Southwest Airlines and WGN-TV.

The Mayor's Office of Special Events encourages taking public transportation to all lakefront festivals. Call (312) 836-7000, TTY (312) 836-4949 for information on RTA, CTA, PACE and Metra. Lakefront parking is available at the Millennium Park Garage, as well as at East Monroe, Grant Park North and Grant Park South parking garages.

The city of Chicago does not endorse or promote any religious messages expressed by the performers. For great hotel rates, call 1 (877) CHICAGO.

The Path MEGAzine attended this years 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration held in Miami, FL. The Co-host of the event was Cedric The Entertainer, sharing the duties with Dr. Bobby Jones. In the press conference, Cedric faced questions dealing with his relationship with Christ. In a rare occasion, we see the serious side of funny man Cedric. Well, at least for a second anyways!

The event was held on Friday, February 2, 2007 at Miami’s James L. Knight Center, SBGC attracted thousands of fans of Gospel music and professional football. Event attendees were treated to one of the most dynamic shows in the history of the SBGC, which is the first and only Gospel music concert sanctioned for Super Bowl weekend by the National Football League (NFL).

Award-winning artists Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Hezekiah Walker, J Moss, Tye Tribbett and Jaci Velasquez shared the stage with a host of NFL icons to create an evening filled with powerful performances marked by inspirational messages. Comedian Cedric The Entertainer and Dr. Bobby Jones, host of BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel” wowed the crowd as co-hosts.

Presented by Sam’s Club, the show featured special guest appearances by Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, and retired NFL legends, John Elway and Jerry Rice. Other participants from the NFL included: Mike Adams (49ers), Marcus Colston (Saints), Andre Davis (Buffalo Bills), Derrick Dockery (Redskins), Jamin Elliott (Falcons), John Elway (Retired/Denver Broncos), Demetric Evans (Redskins), Michael Gaines (Panthers), Tommie Harris (Bears), Michael Lehan (Dolphins), Mike Lewis (Saints), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Derrick Mason (Ravens), Jerome McDougal (Eagles), Bryant McKinnie (Vikings), Ovie Muhelli (Ravens), Jeffery Posey (Redskins), Allen Rossum (Atlanta Falcons), Richard Seymour (Patriots), Will Smith (Saints), Donnie Spragan (Dolphins), Donte Stallworth (Eagles), Max Starks (Steelers), Troy Vincent (Redskins), DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), Ty Warren (Patriots), Ben Watson (Patriots), Roddy White (Falcons), Roland Williams (Rams), and Quincy Wilson (Bengals).

“This show was one of our best to date,” said Melanie Few president, Results, Inc. and SBGC founder/executive producer. “Through the support of the NFL, our sponsors, South Florida’s civic partners and the local community, we were proud to have presented such a high caliber event as part of Super Bowl XLI.”

The 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration was sponsored in part by Greater Fort Lauderdale and Inspired By…The Bible Experience. Media partners include Ebony Magazine and Sheridan Gospel Network. For more information on the 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration visit www.superbowlgospelcelebration.com

The Path MEGAzine caught up with Christian comedian Rod-Z, after a performance at the Upper Room Gospel Lounge in Orlando, Florida. As a staff we were very familiar with his comedy, and had even owned a couple of his DVD’s. The man is hilariously funny. Rod-Z does only clean comedy, and has been doing comedy for over 10 years. Rod-Z currently performs at churches and gospel events across the country. We predict that this laugh out loud performer will be a household name in years to come. Listen to the interview and comedy samples on PathVision.

More on Rod Z:

With a desire to touch lives through the medicine of laughter Rod Z has penned another comical gem. Yet again, the comedic stylings of this "funny Man" shine in this sophomore compilation, 'I Ain't Lied Yet'. This project exudes with energy as he connects and captivates his audience. A collection of witty truths, this amusing outlook on life is refreshing. 'I Ain't Lied Yet' will be a wonderful addition to your collection.

Booking Contact: Garrett M. Johnson
Underground Sound Artist Management
2003 S. Victoria Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tel: 323-732-6474, 914-663-9122
Fax: 323-732-6715
E-Mail: gjohnsonmgt@earthlink.net

A landmark decision by the Supreme Court announced Wednesday upholds a nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure.

Pro-life advocates are hailing the 5-to-4 ruling that a ban on partial birth abortion does not violate a woman's constitutional right to choose.

"It's been a long time coming, and make no mistake about it, this decision is the beginning of the end of Roe. V. Wade, and it's the start of a new era for the respect of our God given right to life," said Rev. Robert Schenk of Faith and Action.

Pro-choice groups are calling this legal defeat a dangerous rollback in women's rights.
"We are going to see a whole new onslaught on restrictions on abortions coming out of this decision," said Nancy Northup of the Center for Reproductive Rights.

The Partial Birth Abortion Act signed by President Bush in 2003 outlaws the procedure critics call infanticide.

Clinically called "dilation and extraction," it is performed in the second and third trimesters.
The surgeon uses forceps to pull a fetus out of the birth canal, partially delivering the body up to the head.

Scissors are then forced into the base of the skull to make an opening and a suction catheter is inserted to evacuate the contents, before removing the fetus from the patient.
The narrow decision reveals a shift in the court's direction.

Liberal justices were pitted against conservatives, with the majority hinging on Bush appointees Chief Justice John Roberts and Samuel Alito.

Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy voiced concern over patients not getting information on "the way the fetus is killed."

He wrote " medical profession… may find different and less shocking methods to abort the fetus in the second trimester."

Writing in the minority, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg called the decision "alarming , " saying it "applauds federal intervention to ban a procedure found necessary in certain cases."

Republican presidential candidates overwhelmingly support the ruling with Mitt Romney saying it "reaffirmed the value of life. by upholding a ban on a practice that offends basic human decency."

Sen. John McCain also weighed in calling "Partial birth. one of the most odious aspects of abortion."

But Democratic frontrunners were sharply critical.

It's "a dramatic departure from four decades of Supreme Court rulings that upheld a woman's right to choose." said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Senator Barack Obama was concerned it would "embolden state legislatures to enact further measures to restrict a woman's right to choose, and that the conservative Supreme Court justices will look for other opportunities to erode Roe v. Wade."
Bush praised the decision saying he would "continue to work for the day when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law."

The high court's decision only highlights the significance of presidential appointments to the bench, and the significance of the 2008 election in a highly-charged debate over the 'right of a woman to control her own body' versus the 'right to life of the unborn.'

38th Annual GMA Dove Awards – Recipients

The biggest night for Christian music took place last night in Nashville, with awards given to the most talented Christian artists. Among the big winners at the Dove Awards, which is the most prestigious award given to a Christian musician, worship star Chris Tomin and newcomer Aaron Shust raked in the most accolades with six and three Doves, respectively.

“Chris Tomlin and Aaron Shust deserve their moment to rejoice in the recognition their community has bestowed on them with their multiple Dove Awards,” commented John W. Styll, president and CEO of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and presenter of the awards, in a statement, “and it is evident they will be impacting gospel and Christian music for some time to come.” For the second year in a row, Tomlin pulled away with the night’s biggest honors: Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. This is in addition to the five previous Dove Awards that he won last year. “I’m overwhelmed by all this,” Tomlin said as he held his awards. “I feel like King David when he was a shepherd kid. His brothers were more talented than he was… yet somehow God has put his hand on him…and on me. “I’m just always reminded that God must increase, and I must decrease. At the end of the day, it’s all about worshipping God,” he added. Shust, who just came onto the Christian music scene, has already made a big stir in taking home some of the other big prizes including Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and New Artist of the Year. He has made a strong start to his career. When asked by a journalist backstage whether things will change for him the next day after garnering the accolades, a teary-eyed Shust confessed, “I’m a sinner today, and I’ll still be a sinner tomorrow.” “It’s just an honor to be here,” he added. Shust also thanked his mom for letting him hold a turkey baster and sing as a kid.

Among the other top winners were Casting Crowns (Group of the Year), Natalie Grant (Female Vocalist of the Year), Jars of Clay (Music Video of the Year), and Ed Cash (Producer of the Year). “The Dove Awards is evidence that the message of the good news of the Gospel knows no musical boundaries and reaches across generations, genres and cultures,” added Styll. “The artists, songwriters and producers honored tonight may come from many different backgrounds, but they are connected by excellence, creativity and passion and we congratulate each on their individual honors.” In 43 total categories, various Dove Awards were given out in a variety of genres as well including pop/contemporary, rock/contemporary, rock, rap/hip hop, inspirational, worship, country, and gospel, among several others.

Incorporated into the night’s festivities were 15 performances comprising of 25 different recording artists. Some of the many stars that staged shows were Tomlin, Shust, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Brian Littrell, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mandisa, and MercyMe, amongst many other huge names. The awards showcase was presented live at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, and was hosted by Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell and Donnie McClurkin. The program was recorded and will air in May on television.

Attention recording and performing Artists!
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Share in the vision for Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness at Urban Music Fest 2007. A one of a kind music festival acclaimed for its eclectic line-up and family-friendly vibe. Showcasing the world's finest in positive urban music, this festival will be the premiere music festival of the Twin Cities, scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 30, 2007.
Urban Music Fest is searching the country over to find 20 of the hottest independent urban artists to feature on the Urban Music Fest compilation CD and/or perform live at the Festival. Submit your material today for the Urban Music Fest Compilation CD! This is a fast-track project, so jump on board NOW as we feature the finest in original, independent urban music! DJ Glenn of KCDR Radio has signed on with Urban Music Fest as the host DJ for the compilation. Why is this a HUGE opportunity for you? 5,000+ FREE CD's of The Urban Music Fest Compilation will be distributed within in the Twin Cities and abroad with 30 to 45 days of strong marketing and promotion leading up to the festival. If your song is hot enough to be on the CD, Submit Now! If you would like to perform Submit Now!
DEADLINE:
May 7, 2007 or WHEN ALL SLOTS ARE FILLED! WHICH EVER COMES FIRST!
SUBMIT NOW!
Primary Genres Accepted:
Urban, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap, Gospel, Contemporary, Christian, Funk, House Music, Poetry, Pop, Rock, and Spoken Word.
NO PROFANITY
NO USE OF THE 'N' WORD
Urban Music Fest is a celebration of positive, fresh, and revitalizing music that offers hope, inspiration and life thru the lyrics.
Send your material in an MP3 format to: umf@xrossmusic.com and make sure to name the file with the correct artist and song name. You also must include your contact information (i.e. first and last name, phone number & mailing address) in the email. Be sure to include a professional photo. The Urban Music Fest staff will review your material, and you will be contacted on or before May 15, 2007.
1. Unlimited number of submissions per artist
2. 20 artist slots available
3. Each additional song: $20.00
Payment needs to be made through www.paypal.com.
Send money link to: info@xrossmusic.com
All submissions will receive a through review.
Compilation is scheduled to hit the streets on May 15th 2007
Compilation distribution: 5000+
Benefits to the Artists:
1. Your music will be massively exposed to a new market – 5,000+ copies of your hottest song distributed to thousands in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and abroad
2. Street team will be utilized to market and push your product (artist/band name, website, song, etc.) noted on the CD
3. Gain national exposure for your material
4. Increase album sales
5. A chance to take the stage with other top urban artists in the country
6. Inclusion as an Urban Music Fest 2007 performing artist (as deemed appropriate)
7. Thousands of additional fans will know your group and song whether you perform at Urban Music Fest or not
8. Promotion of independent artists with no hassle to the artist
Selected artists will receive:
1. 10 copies of the CD for their own use.
2. Invitation to perform live at The Urban Music Fest 2007 (remember they've been playing it for the past two months…they are hyped and ready to see you perform!)
3. Inclusion on printing/press release associated with the compilation CD
4. Artists will be marketed and promoted on Urban Music Fest website.
5. Inclusion on printing/press releases associated with the Urban Music Fest.
6. Inclusion on the MySpace promo page www.myspace.com/urbanmusicfest (make UMF your top friend)

We look forward to putting you on BLAST! Those in attendance will have the opportunity to see many of the hottest acts touring today. Industry heads will turn at the shear glimpse, momentum and magnitude of this event, not to mention the prolific independent artists showcasing a real desire for a positive social change through music. Urban Music Fest is sure to pack the stage with national
indie artists in an A-1 club atmosphere within the boundaries of the Twin Cities nightlife. Professional and quality entertainment, service & merchandise vendors, delicious food and non-alcoholic drinks are simply a few of the attractions!
Thank you in advance for your interest, support and participation in helping us make Urban Music Fest 2007 a great success!
Korey Dean Sr. | Founder – 763.502.0212 (umf@xrossmusic.com)

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