Critically acclaimed singer and songwriter Jenny Simmons, who helmed the Dove Award-nominated band Addison Road, will unveil her debut solo album early next year. The project, The Becoming, will release on February 12, 2013, and will be preceded by the lead radio single, “Heaven Waits For Me,” which goes for adds at radio on Sept. 14th.

Partnering with her long-time record label, Fair Trade Services, and the masterful production skills of Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Third Day) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), Simmons penned The Becoming in the wake of Addison Road deciding to amicably disband. After years of touring and giving Christian music fans powerful songs such as “Hope Now,” “What Do I Know of Holy,” “All That Matters” and “This Little Light of Mine,” the decade-old band is stepping off the stage.

“As a band, we have collectively decided to put a definite end to Addison Road,” she states. Simmons, who started the band with her then-fiancee, Ryan (now husband of 10 years), at Baylor University in 2000 says its the best break-up she’s ever been a part of. “I hate break-ups, but this was as beautiful as a split can be! The guys were tired of living out of buses and leaving their families behind. In our case it was taking a toll on our marriage to raise our daughter on the road, work together, and then try and be married at the end of the day. After our 2010 tour with Tenth Avenue North and Matt Maher, it became clear to each of us that God was releasing us from Addison Road and ushering each of us as individuals into new seasons.”

The Texas-based band debuted with their self-titled record in 2008 that garnered the band their first Dove nomination for Best New Artist, was featured as an iTunes® Discovery Download and garnered a No. 1 single with “All That Matters.” They released their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Stories, in 2010, which featured the hit single “Fight Another Day.”

Since her emergence on the music scene, Simmons’ vocal abilities have impressed critics and fans alike, lending an honest and authentic voice to lyrics that hit listeners with disarming relevance. Media outlets have described her vocals as “vulnerable and sincere” (ChristianMusicReview.org), as well as “piercing and chameleon” (Phantom Tollbooth).

“I believe in every single word and note on the album,” Simmons explains in regard to The Becoming. “I believe this project is exactly what I am supposed to say to the world, and I’m so excited to share it with everyone.”

Simmons will mark her solo debut with a performance on August 12th at Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge in Fort Worth, Tex. For more information, please visit JennySimmons.com.

 

About Jenny Simmons:
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Jenny Simmons burst onto the music scene as the lead singer of Dallas-based band Addison Road with their major-label, eponymous debut in 2008. Addison Road garnered the band their first Dove nomination for Best New Artist in 2009. One of the album’s tracks, “All That Matters,” was featured as an iTunes® Discovery Download, and the song later garnered the band a No. 1 hit. “All That Matters” and “Sticking With You” were the ninth and 15th most-played songs on Christian CHR chart for 2008. Addison Road released their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Stories, in 2010, which featured the hit single “Fight Another Day.” Heralded for her striking, powerful vocals by critics and fans, Simmons will release her debut memoir, Mangledy-Bangledy: The Road To Becoming, as well as her debut solo album, The Becoming, in February 2013.

[Get Connected with Jenny Simmons]:
www.jennysimmons.com
www.twitter.com/jennysimmons

 

Rising gospel artists, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, are poised to breakthrough with their self-titled CD. Brown who is well known as the behind-the-scenes songwriter, producer and vocal arranger will release his first ever album on August 21, 2012, on Tyscot Records.

Anthony Brown & group therAPy’s first single, “Testimony,” has been making waves since it hit radio a few months ago. Brown & Group TherAPy’s vocal enthusiasm shine through on this smash single which became available digitally last week. The song landed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Tracks chart. Selling over 1,200, it entered the chart at Number 12. The unmistakable and accurate vocals on “Testimony,” make it a rousing, fun and feel-good song that is perfect for the summer. 

The radio picture has been building in recent weeks. “Testimony” was recently played nationally on the Russ Parr Morning Show and cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard Gospel Singles chart.

Brown, along with his vocal ensemble, group therAPy‘s eponymous CD offers contemporary gospel alongside praise & worship tunes with flawless vocals and melodies. Award-Winner VaShawn Mitchell, will partner with Tyscot Records to help bring Brown’s album to the forefront. Coming off a ‘triumphant’ year, Mitchell entered into a joint venture deal with long time business associates, Tyscot Records.

Well known to many as a prolific songwriter and vocal producer, Brown has several production and writing credits under his belt. He was responsible for penning Maurette Brown-Clark’s number 1 hit “It Ain’t Over.” In addition, he has produced background vocals for BET’s Celebration of Gospel for several years; produced vocals for Myron Butler, Donald Lawrence, Brown-Clark and others on Bobby Jones Gospel; and also performed on national platforms such as Gospel Superfest and Bobby Jones Gospel. 

Brown currently serves as Assistant Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Glen Arden under Pastor John K. Jenkins.

Anthony Brown & group therAPy will be available on August 21, 2012.

 

Another reality show showcasing a Gospel artist is on the horizon. This one features Kim Burrell as she interacts with family, peers and her management firm The Lewis Agency.

The Lewis Agency is headed up by Krishnar Lewis, who plays a major role in the interactions with Kim on the new show. The reality show takes you through Burrells’ trials over the past year. We will gain insight into Kim Burrells’ 100 pound weight loss, her travels, the loss of Whitney Houston, and the stunning cancer diagnosis of Krishnar Lewis.

Burrell joins a growing list of Gospel artists making the move to reality television.  Marvin Sapp and Mary Mary have also received the reality bug.  There is no word yet on where the reality show will air, but PATH will keep you up to date on new developements.  Watch the Preview below:

Synopsis from YouTube: Cameras have been rolling for over a year now, as Kim & Krish make their way through real hardships, real triumphs, real drama, real life, and definitely real love. Kim Burrell is a world-renowned Gospel singer who’s life is becoming epically vast. Although she’s had her singing career for more than 20 years, she’s just now started a roll-a-coaster of pop culture sensationalism. Her duties as a Pastor/Spiritual Mentor and a budding actress & TV personality keeps her schedule on a non-stop incline. Krishnar Lewis is an entertainer & and industry-entrepreneur. Most notably known as a top male fashion model, Lewis used the platform to extend and showcase his talents in music and television as well. Burrell started out as a client of Lewis’ firm but the two quickly became great friends and business partners with several ventures. Want to know how to build a career in the entertainment industry from ground up? Want to see what goes on in the president’s office at top record labels, TV studios, and fashion companies? Interested in how to kill career-threatening drama and horrific plots? Then you won’t want to miss this show!

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.