Breakthrough recording artist, James Fortune & F.I.Y.A. set to release a new music video for the crossover hit song “Hold On.” The inspiring song features famed R&B songstress Monica and gospel icon Fred Hammond. The video will officially premiere online today on Path MEGAzine and select websites across the country.

“Hold On,” has connected with audiences everywhere and was recently added to Urban AC and Gospel radio. Off of Fortune’s third album, IDENTITY, “Hold On,” is a much-needed song that offers hope and healing to any situation.

Watch Video Below:

Shot in HD, the stunning video was directed by Bobby Yan on location in Atlanta’s historic Carter Center in Freedom Park. F.I.Y.A. and Monica look absolutely gorgeous as Fred Hammond lends his signature brand of cool to the video’s aesthetics. Also featured are cameos by Atlanta’s own, Isaac Carree and Toya Wright.

A dynamic songwriter, producer and arranger, Fortune released his debut album YOU SURVIVED in 2005 and the title single “You Survived” peaked at #2 on the R&B Gospel singles chart. He amassed worldwide recognition in 2009, with the award winning song, “I Trust You,” off of THE TRANSFORMATION. “I Trust You,” held the number one slot on the Gospel National Airplay chart for over 30 weeks, making history by becoming the longest running #1 single for any genre.

Fortune continued his rise with subsequent success in 2010 with the single “I Believe,” which earned him a second ASCAP Writer’s Award in 2011. Additionally “I Believe” received a 2011 Soul Train nomination for “Best Gospel Performance” and Fortune received three Stellar Award nominations for “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Group/Duo of the Year.”

 

Gospel’s Leading Man, Earnest Pugh, isn’t content to just make hits on his own anymore. Through his EPM Music Group recording label, he’s spreading the hit-making love with forthcoming CDs by Chrystal Rucker, Keith Williams and new signee, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, a dynamic gospel ensemble from Pugh’s native Memphis, TN. The group’s new CD, “Live in Memphis”, hits stores everywhere on October 30, 2012 and the radio single, “Thank You, Lord” is beginning to make noise on gospel airwaves.

“He is my homie from Memphis and he was greatly influenced by our mutual friend, the great choirmaster, O’landa Draper,” Pugh says of Tharpe. “I vowed to pick up O’landa’s mantle and do what I can to expose the world to all the talent in the Memphis area. Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis recently teamed up with me at the Gospel Superfest TV taping where we shared the stage to sing my song, `I Need Your Glory’.  They did what they do and `brought it’ in a major way and I wanted to give them this opportunity to `bring it’ on a national level. I’m very optimistic about their ministry because they manage to attract young adults but they are also seasoned enough to capture the attention of the mature church crowd as well”.

Tharpe received the inspiration to launch his own group when he was the director of the Voices of Harambee, a gospel choir at Craigmont High School in Memphis. He took the word Kenosis from Philippians 2:5-8 (a Biblical scripture) in which Jesus Christ emptied himself of his divine attributes in order to identify with mankind. The group has recorded a couple of indie CDs and won a Rhythm of Gospel Award as New Artist of the Year in 2010. They also won Dorinda Clark Cole’s Singers & Musicians Conference Artist Showcase Competition in 2011 and they have appeared on BET’s legendary, “Bobby Jones Gospel” TV program. For more information on Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis and other EPM Music Group acts, visit www.epmmusicgroup.com.

There’s a party going on at Stellar Award winning recording artist Troy Sneed’s crib. Al “The Bishop” Hobbs will host an online listening party to promote Sneed’s new CD “All is Well” this Monday, August 6th @ 8:00 p.m. EST on www.althebishophobbs.com. Like with any great party, fans must RSVP to participate in the online chat (8-9 pm est.) or the post-chat Skype session (9-9:30 pm est.). The church with the most registered members will win a mini-concert from Sneed during one of its upcoming Sunday morning worship services.  Fans can register at this link: http://humiliteebroadcast.homestead.com/TROYSNEEDCDLISTENINGPARTY.html

The “All is Well” CD hits stores the next day August 7th and the radio single, “Lay it Down” is well on its way to becoming a Top Ten smash like Sneed’s prior hits “My Heart Says Yes”, “Work it Out”, “The Struggle is Over” and “Hallelujah.” Now, after only three weeks, the catchy-sing-along tune has climbed to #18 on next week’s Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. “Troy Sneed has made it happen once again with a powerful inspirational message that’s simple and to the point in this season of life,” says Connye Bryant at WHLW in Montgomery, AL. “This song is definitely going to be another hit for the Worship Master, Mr. Troy Sneed!”

In August, Sneed will make several appearances in support of the new project, including these confirmed dates: 
 
8/04/12            WPZE Praise in the Park, Centennial Park, Atlanta, GA
8/10/12            WLOU St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Concert, Louisville, KY           
8/11/12            Cedar Street Baptist Church, 2301 Cedar Street, Richmond, VA
8/12/12            Morningstar Baptist Church, 154 Winters Lane, Catonsville, MD
 
 The new CD features urban-flavored songs of praise and worship ranging from the jazzy “Song for You” to  “I Know You Hear Me” that recalls R. Kelly’s “U Saved Me.” For more, visit Sneed online at www.troysneed.net or follow him on Twitter @TroySneed.

 

If you want to make the trip to the Netherlands there is a life sized replica of Noah’s Ark worth seeing.  The replica of Noah’s Ark is now open to the public, and has been built to match the size and look of the original ark.

Dutch millionaire Johan Huibers constructed the ark, following the measurements recorded in the Bible. It is complete with animals (plastic).

The ark took four years to build and though Huibers had planned to sail it to the London Olympics, which opened last week, he wasn’t able to make it after being asked to clear everything with the fire department first, according to Sky News.

Huibers had built a smaller version of the biblical ark in 2007. That first ark drew hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The successful construction company owner has stated that his goal with the ark is to point people to the Bible and God.

Deborah Venema-Huibers, manager of the ark, noted to Sky News that they have been receiving requests from people worried that the world will end this year, according to conspiracies related to the Mayan calendar.

Dec. 21, 2012, marks the end of the Mayan calendar, and some believe the end of the world will fall on that day. Meanwhile, Christians have emphasized that no one can know the date of the end times, as stated in Scripture.

The Huibers have rejected the requests for space on the ark, telling them that it is a museum and not a “rescue boat.”

The account of Noah’s Ark is recorded in the first book of the Bible. Noah, deemed the only righteous man in the wicked world, was given detailed instructions by God to construct an ark that would save him, his family and two of every kind of animal as God would send a flood to destroy all living creatures on earth.

Click Here to Read More on Christian Post.com 

After three-time GRAMMY® Nominee Mandisa delivered last April’s immensely successful and fastest-selling album, What If We Were Real, the American Idol finalist will follow up with the release of her new EP, Get Movin’, available exclusively at all digital retailers on August 14. The five-song assortment features tracks that span the vocal powerhouse’s discography, opening with the thrilling Capital Kings interpretation of her current smash single “Good Morning,” featuring TobyMac. The single continues to rise at radio and is being featured as the theme song on various morning shows across the country.

Coming off of her most successful year ever of radio airplay, sales, and touring, Mandisa will be featured on the “Women of Faith” tour beginning this August, which includes Amy Grant, Sandi Patti, Brenda Warner (wife of NFL Superstar Kurt Warner), among others. She’ll also join TobyMac on his HITS DEEP Tour this November, featuring the talents of Britt Nicole, Jamie Grace, Chris August, and more. Earlier this year, she completed the massively successful “Girls Night Live” tour, where she headlined and brought along Britt Nicole, Anita Renfro and Laura Story in support.

Get Movin’ Tracklisting:
1. Good Morning (Capital Kings Remix)
2. Stronger (Movin’ Remix)
3. Only The World (Switch Remix)
4. Shackles (Switch Remix)
5. My Deliverer (RawlsCO Latin Remix)

About Mandisa: 
Three-time GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa’s discography includes True Beauty, It’s Christmas, Freedom and most recently, her fastest-selling release, What If We Were Real on Sparrow Records. The Season 5 American Idol finalist is also an author with the release of “Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame.” Mandisa was one of several Idols selected to open Walt Disney World’s American Idol Experience in early 2009. Known for her transparency, Mandisa has been seen on Today, CNN Online, E! News Live, EXTRA as well as the pages of US Weekly and People, discussing her weight loss journey. She has also garnered six GMA Dove Award nominations, three GRAMMY® nominations, and earned her first No. 1 radio hit this year with “Stronger.”

[Get connected with Mandisa]
Website // www.mandisaofficial.com
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mandisaofficial
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mandisaofficial
YouTube // www.youtube.com/artist/mandisa

Hailing from a background where music seems to exude from ones soul can describe D. Brown’s up bringing. New artist D. Brown has released his first Christian solo album, ECLECTIC into the Gospel Industry July 14, 2012 in hopes for listeners to be wowed and moved by God through his music.

Consisting of 11 power house tracks we see D. Brown set a certain “eclectic” tone for his music, using the tragedy and loss that he has experienced in his life. D. Brown has embarked on a journey to share how God can bring about change through His grace, mercy and love. An album filled with tracks like “Your Grace & Mercy”, “Restore Me”, “You Are So Awesome”, and“I Will”(radio mix). It seems that these tracks reflect a side of D. Brown that makes him more relatable.

Born in Columbus, Ohio to musical parents, D. Brown started with singing and then learned to play the piano, trumpet, lead & bass guitar. His talent and ability has continued to progress and grow. Feeling a tug on his heart from God, D. Brown decided to use his talents and abilities to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through music.

Gaining experience from the group Ordained (formed with two of his best friends) to Tim Hitchcock & Spirit of Truth, Keith Reed & New Sound of Worship and Christon Gray, D. Brown has continued to develop as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer.

His mission is to share the healing, delivering and restorative power of God with those that are lost, brokenhearted and burdened. D. Brown say’s “It is my hopes and prayer that something that God has created through me will touch people’s lives in only a way that God can.”

All of D. Brown’s music is available online at CDbaby.com, ITunes, Google Play and Amazon.com. You can also visit his website at www.dbrownemc.com

 

Pastor Jamal Bryant and the Empowerment Movement is calling on members of the clergy, and concerned citizens to come out to the “CODE RED” Conference. The voter registration initiative will be held in Baltimore, MD, August 16 – 18, at the Empowerment Temple AME Church, located at 4217-4221 Primose Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215.

“CODE RED” attendee’s will receive 2 1/2 days of intensive training, strategizing, and self empowerment. The event will begin with a Town Hall Meeting, Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. The topic of discussion will be “What is at stake in the 2012 election, and what is expected of the President?” The goal is to develop a platform that we will stand on through 2016 as a collective assembly of ecumenism. The evening will conclude with a traditional revival service.

On Friday with the assistance of the electoral commission everyone in attendance will be deputized as official Deputy Voter Registrar’s, which will give them the authority to replicate the registration process in their homes. Further all lay representatives will receive training in evangelism and witnessing. At this consortium we are rolling out a concept called ACTIVIST EVANGELISM, which is a practical process that empowers the congregation and the community to grow around Christ and a cause. The evening will conclude with the second night of revival with national preachers and singers.

Saturday morning will begin with 8:00 a.m. prayer; lifting up our President, our people and our plight. Immediately thereafter busses will be dispatched all over the city to win people to Christ and register citizens to vote. This will be the practical application portion that we hope will be duplicated around the country.

 

Relevé Entertainment announced today that THE MERGE SUMMIT 2012 will be held August 23-25, 2012 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles. The event, presented in association with partners EMI Music Publishing, Verity Gospel Music Group, and UPSCALE magazine, integrates faith and entertainment and provides a platform for men and women of faith to interface with, learn from and partner with leading executives and talent in the entertainment industry.

“We are so excited to announce that we will return for the fourth year”, said SUMMIT Founder and Chair Holly Carter. “Each year, THE MERGE SUMMIT has grown and changed to represent the evolution of the entertainment business, while always remaining true to our original purpose: to give a voice and opportunity for the gifts and talent of creative men and women of faith who have stories to tell”.

Added SUMMIT Co-Founder & Co-Chair Robi Reed: “Each year, I grow more excited with anticipation of the Merge. It has proven to be an invaluable source of information for all who attend. I have no doubt this time around will be even greater.”

Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin said, “I’m excited about the Merge Summit … by partnering faith with media… we are able to cast a wider net, impact culture in unimaginable ways.”  

The multifaceted program, one of the largest entertainment industry events for people of faith, is a complete weekend of education, inspiration and entertainment. Nearly 100 of the industry’s top entertainers and executives will lead more than 20 interactive panel discussions, workshops and Master Class sessions, covering the spectrum of music, television, film, radio, creative development, branding, management and new media.

Confirmed presenters (in alphabetical order), as of July 3, 2012:

Austyn Biggers, Sr. Director of Development, BET Networks 

Charlie Jordan Brookins, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, BET Networks 

Clint Culpepper, President, Screen Gems 

Debra Langford, Entertainment Industry Veteran 

Detavio Samuels, Executive Vice President/Director of Client Services, GlobalHue 

DeVon Franklin, Vice President of Production, Columbia Pictures 

Endyia Kinney Sterns, Executive Director, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) 

Essence Atkins, Actress (Are We There Yet?, Half & Half, The Smart Guy) 

Harry Lennix, Actor (Man of Steel, A Beautiful Soul, The Matrix, The Five Heartbeats) 

Holly Carter, President/Producer, Relevé Entertainment (A Beautiful Soul, The Gospel) 

Jazzy Jordan, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Verity Gospel Music Group 
Jeff Clanagan, CEO, Code Black Entertainment

Jon Platt, President, North America Creative, EMI Music Publishing 
Kary McHoul, President, Nigel Lythgoe Entertainment

Kelly Griffin, Sr. Director, Music Programming, BET Networks 

Kirk Franklin, Author/Host/Recording Artist 

Mali Music, Recording Artist 

Michael Elliot, Screenwriter (Like Mike, Brown Sugar, Just Wright) 

Myesha Chaney, Kingdomanity Recording Artist 

Niija Kuykendall, Director of Development, Warner Bros. Pictures 

Rob Gibbs, Music Talent Agent, ICM Partners 

Robi Reed, Vice President, Talent and Casting, Original Programming, BET Networks 

Rose Catherine Pinkney, VP, Development and Original Programming, TV Land 

Rushion McDonald, CEO/Executive Producer, NuOpp, Inc. 

Sheldon Candis, Director (LUV)

Sheilah Belle, Editor in Chief, “The Belle Report”

Stephen A. Smith, Journalist/Commentator/Analyst, ESPN Networks 

Suzanne de Passe, Co-Chairman, de Passe Jones Entertainment 

Tirrell Whittley, Principal/CEO, Liquid Soul Media 

Touré Roberts, Pastor, One Church International 

Tracey Edmonds, Producer (Jumping the Broom, New in Town, Soul Food The Series) 

Traci Lynn Blackwell, Vice President, Current Programming, The CW Network 

Will Packer, Producer (Think Like a Man, Obsessed, Stomp The Yard, Takers, This Christmas) 

Wendy Raquel Robinson, Actress/Philanthropist 

Zola Mashariki, Senior Vice President, Production, FOX Searchlight Pictures 

For more information and to register, please visit  www.themergesummit.com

  

 

PHOTO CAPTION (L-R): Kevin Frazier and Wendy Raquel Robinson, pose with gospel artist Deitrick Haddon on the red carpet for the opening reception of the The Third Annual Merge Summit Conference. (Photo credit: Maury Phillips, Courtesy of GQ Media & PR / FrontPage Firm)

 

With more than 1000 hours of airings on PBS stations across the country, garnering the highest debut for any artist on public television thus far, a Billboard top-ten Classical Crossover album, an extensive tour schedule of over 80 concerts a year, performing before 100,000+ people and high profile media appearances in print and on television, the universally acclaimed Annie Moses Band soars to new heights in their new release, Pilgrims & Prodigals. The two-disc CD/DVD package is a collection of songs that explores the timeless theme of roaming and redemption and will be available nationwide on September 25.

The band will be seen on PBS stations around the U.S. starting in October for their brand new Pilgrims & Prodigals Public Television concert that will air throughout the fall.

Known for their breathtaking instrumental virtuosity and shimmering layered vocals, the Annie Moses Band is a family act made up of six siblings, with their parents Bill and Robin spearheading the lyrics and arrangements.  Annie Wolaver serves as the lead vocalist and violin player, Alex Wolaver accompanies on vocals and violin, Benjamin Wolaver on the cello, Camille Wolaver plays the harp and keyboard, Gretchen Wolaver performs the violin and mandolin and Jeremiah Wolaver handles the Classical and electric guitar. Collectively, they developed 13 diverse tracks blending the captivating styles of classical, jazz, folk and even a frisson of Celtic thrown in for good measure.  Eight songs on the album were written or co-written by members of the group.  Five other tunes receive inventive re-imaginings that bring fresh new seasonings to familiar standards like “Poor Wayfaring Pilgrim” and “Girl of Constant Sorrow.” 

The project’s two pop cover songs – “Love Song” (Elton John) and “I Got a Name” (Jim Croce) – take on unexpected new life.   

 “Pilgrims & Prodigals is based on the idea that everyone in the world is going somewhere,” observes Alex Wolaver, who for the first time shares lead vocalist duties with his sister Annie.  “We’re all on a personal journey.  We are all either someone who’s finding our way back home or we’re someone who’s running away from home.  Every song on this album tells one of those two stories.”

Recorded in the heart of Music City, Nashville, TN., Alex teamed up with award-winning producer Michael Omartian (Christopher Cross, Michael Bolton, Amy Grant,) to produce the new project that was originally imagined nearly a decade ago.   Pilgrims & Prodigals will be marketed and distributed in partnership with Dream Journey, the television production company behind the many highly-popular Public Television Specials. The album is being packaged as a double-disc set, containing the CD plus a companion DVD showcasing the Annie Moses Band performing the entire album in concert.

“Video is very important to us, because what we do as the Annie Moses Band is very visual,” explains Annie.  “By including the live concert DVD with the album, people can see us performing and playing each song on the album.”