theHELPPPPagency, dubbed as the premier “Red-Carpet” event producers in the faith-based community announced today its star-studded line-up of artists and Slam Dunk Honorees for the 7th Annual All-Star Gospel Brunch & Extravaganza. The All-Star Gospel Brunch, in conjunction with NBA Entertainment, will celebrate local leaders in the Orlando area that have made a difference in their communities. The event will be held during the 61st Annual NBA All-Star Weekend in Orlando, FL, Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This year’s event will include performances from Grammy® Award-Winning artists Marvin Sapp, and Grammy Nominee, Sundays Best Winner and Orlando Native LeAndria Johnson, just to name a few.

“NBA All-Star Weekend is always an exciting time for the local community, NBA players, NBA legends, NBA moms, and NBA wives,” exclaims event producer Tomeka Holyfield. “For the past 6 years, NBA Entertainment continues to recognize that many players and their families appreciate the opportunity to pause a moment and enjoy the inspiration that this event delivers. It’s an awesome platform for athletes, current and former players and executives alike to come out and share in the accomplishments of leaders in the community who make a difference.”

The star-studded event, co-hosted by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and comedian Jonathan Slocumb will highlight and pay tribute to 5 Slam Dunk Honorees who are Pastors in the Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida areas. They are: Jonathan McKnight, Willie C. Barnes, Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr. and Clint Brown. A Special Video Tribute during the luncheon will honor Zackery Tims for his life and legacy, and long-time supporter and friend of All-Star Gospel Brunch, Paula White. NBA Legend Doug Christie and his wife Jackie Christie will get the LOVE & BASKETBALL Award!

The red-carpet affair is known for its 3-course brunch, live music from some of today’s top Gospel artists, gifts and star-studded production. Known as one of the hottest tickets during All-Star Weekend, this fabulous event boasts an afternoon of elegance, entertainment, and inspiration. Proceeds from the day’s events are donated to the Helpppping Hands Foundation to assist battered women and children throughout the world.

ASGB is open to the Orlando general public and tickets may be purchased online at www.allstargospelbrunch.com or at the honoree’s respective Churches. A limited number of VIP tickets are available. For sponsorship information, please call Toska Medlock Lee at 214.729.6144 or visit www.allstargospelbrunch.com

About the HELPPPP Agency:

The Helpppagency birthed in 2005, is a full service event planning and management company based in Atlanta Georgia owned and operated by Tomeka Holyfield. The Agency gained national attention in 2006 after producing the first ever red carpet event during NBA All-Star Weekend catering to the Christian Community. The event recognizes and celebrates local pastors, sports figures and celebrities who share in the faith. The All-Star Gospel Brunch, now in its 7th year, has become a staple event during NBA All-Star Weekend. www.thehelppppagency.com

About The HELPPPPing Hands Foundation:

A 501(c) 3 non-profit organization designed to meet the needs and empower women and children everywhere since 1997. For the past 14 years they’ve been Helping, Empowering and Preparing people for their PURPOSE, PLAN and PLATFORM by lending a HELPPPPing Hand. The focus is on assisting abused & battered women and their children by providing support counseling, education and resources that will help to transition these individuals back into society as a viable citizen in homes and communities. To learn more about The HELPPPPing Hands Foundation, visit them at www.TheHelpingHandsFoundation.us

The last piece of land needed for a multi-year project to build a full-scale Noah’s Ark on an 800-acre site in Williamstown, Ky., has been purchased by a group of developers led by Answers in Genesis, the biblical apologetics ministry announced Wednesday.

Despite tough economic times, project leaders are hoping to offset costs by building the “Ark Encounter” attraction in multiple phases over many years, and opening the Ark and other supporting elements during phase one.

Answers in Genesis (AiG), which also oversees the Creation Museum in Petersburg, had previously delayed ground-breaking for the estimated $24.5 million project after funds had only reached $4.4 million.

“We have decided to stop trying to predict the U.S. economy so we will announce ground breaking/construction as soon as we are funded,” Mike Zovath, sr. vice president with Answers in Genesis, Special Projects, who is overseeing the Ark Encounter project, told The Christian Post via email.

Zovath said that while the complex design and engineering of the Ark is moving forward at a good pace, he would like to see the rate of the donations and private funding increase.

“We trust the Lord will continue to touch hearts of donors and private funding. We have seen surprising interest in lifetime memberships and we have already passed the $5 million mark in donations,” he said.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 18 to 24 months from the start of the grading.

Zovath, who was in charge of building AiG’s high-tech Creation Museum, noted that “due to the rolling hills and ravines of this scenic property, about 800 acres are needed in order to get at least 160 useable acres, plus create a necessary buffer around the Ark Encounter attraction.”

Click Here to read the full story by the Christian Post.

GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist Michael W. Smith will headline a spring “Wonder, Worship & Glory Tour” to nearly 20 cities through March. Smith will be joined by popular Americana four-piece family band L’Angelus and tour sponsor, Pong Research Corporation, maker of patented smart phone and iPad cases that have been proven to protect users from wireless device radiation.

Showcasing music from Smith’s latest releases GLORY (Nov. 21, 2011) and Decades of Worship (Jan. 17, 2012), as well as popular Smith tunes from the last three decades, the tour will launch in Greensboro, N.C. on Feb. 23 and visit 12 states. A complete list of tour dates follows this release.

Back by popular demand, Smith has asked fan favorites L’Angelus to rejoin him on his spring tour.

Smith fans were introduced to this talented sibling group at his Nashville Fan Weekend in 2011 and again later in the year when L’Angelus joined his “It’s a Wonderful Christmas: The Symphony Tour.”

A long-time proponent of healthy living and an avid user of mobile devices, Smith is delighted to welcome Pong Research Corporation to the tour. “As soon as I learned that the World Health Organization classified cell phone radiation as a possible carcinogen, I decided I wouldn’t even think of using my smart phone and iPad without having them in Pong cases,” says Smith. “Every member of my family uses them.”

“Even this many years into it – I get excited about planning a new tour,” says Smith. “It’s always fun to play new music, dust off a few I might not have done in a while and, of course, share time worshiping together. It will be great having Katie, Paige, Steve and Johnny (L’Angelus) out with me again.

For additional information on the tour and an up-to-date tour itinerary, visit: www.michaelwsmith.com.

About Michael W. Smith:
Throughout his 29-year career as arecording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 24 albums have garnered multiplehonors including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY ® Awards (from 13 nominations), 44 GMA Dove Awards and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold, 7 Platinum and 2 Double-Platinum albums for career sales of 15 million. Most recently, Smith released GLORY, his second full-length instrumental album, on Nov. 21, 2011 and Decades of Worship, a collection of his most popular worship songs, Jan. 17, 2012.

Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009, Smith has scored film projects, written 12 books and been featured by media outlets including “Hannity,” NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Larry King Live,” “FOX & Friends,” The Associated Press, Billboard, USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek and more.

Constantly giving back to the community, one of Smith’s current projects is Rocketown – a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. – which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He and wife of 30 years, Debbie, are the proud parents of five children.

About L’Angelus:
Taking its name from an ancient prayer, L’Angelus performs as a dynamic high energy four piece band, featuring Katie, 27, Paige, 26, Johnny, 24, and Stephen, 22. They describe their sound as Louisiana roots, but still love to play the popular old rock and country and Motown tunes – Americana music. Audiences across North America and Europe are drawn to the “joie de vivre” that radiates from the stage. Music in the Cajun culture has always been a unifying force – it brings families together on the front porch and at the parish dance.

Selected in 2006 by Billboard Magazine from more than 1,400 artists as one of six finalists in the Independent Music World Series, L’Angelus has been steadily gaining international attention. Two of their original compositions were featured in the nationwide PBS documentary on Louisiana’s Wetlands, Washing Away, narrated by Susan Sarandon. May of 2009 marked their first internationally televised concert, with an hour long interview and performance on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock,” where the group explored the influence that the Catholic culture of community celebrations has had on the development of Cajun and Irish music. Their most recent release, Sacred Hymns Collection, was picked up for international distribution by Ignatius Press, the world’s largest Catholic publishing company, and quickly became one of the most popular items in their music catalogue. On tour in Ireland thispast summer, the trio of musicians was literally grabbed off the street to interview and perform live on the country’s two largest radio programs, “RTE with Pat Kenny” and “BBC Radio Live.” For more information, visitwww.langelus.com.

About Pong Research Corporation:
Founded in 2010, Pong is the world’s leading maker of cell phone and iPad cases that protect smart phone and tablet users from the wireless device radiation that the World Health Organization classified in 2011 as a possible carcinogen. Developed by scientists out ofPrinceton, Harvard, UCLA and MIT, Pong cases have been tested and proven in FCC-certified labs to reduce the level of exposure to wireless device radiation by up to 95% below the target set by the FCC. Pong embeds in each case a patented and proprietary technology that redirects and redistributes the cell phone radiation that would otherwise be absorbed by the user’s head and body. Easy to put on and take off, Pong cases fit a variety of iPhones, BlackBerrys and Android phones as well as the iPad and iPad 2, are available in a variety of colors and styles, and have been designed and tested to work anywhere in the world. For more information, visit www.pongresearch.com.

WONDER, WORSHIP and GLORY Tour*
February
Thursday, Feb. 23 – Greensboro, N.C.
Friday, Feb. 24 – Export, Penn.
Saturday, Feb. 25 – Canton, Ohio
Sunday, Feb. 26 – Dayton, Ohio

March
Thursday, March 1 – Decatur, Ill.
Friday, March 2 – Appleton, Wis.
Saturday, March 3 – Rockford, Ill.
Sunday, March 4 – Rock Island, Ill.
Thursday, March 8 – Hawthorne, N.J.
Friday, March 9 – Milford, Conn.
Saturday, March 10 – Rochester, N.Y.
Sunday, March 11 – Lancaster, Penn.
Thursday, March 15 – Meridian, Miss.
Friday, March 16 – Pascagoula, Miss.
Saturday, March 17 – Bossier City, La.
Sunday, March 18 – Montgomery, Ala.
Thursday, March 22 – Rochester, Minn.
Friday, March 23 – Rochester, Minn.
Saturday, March 24 – St. Cloud, Minn.

*dates subject to change

This week we want to say a big congratulations to Brian Courtney Wilson, who debuted at number one with his new CD ‘So Proud.’  The album also came in at #44 on the Billboard Top 200 and #5 on the independent albums chart.

The Project by Brian Courtney Wilson features 12 songs.  Wilson wrote or collaborated on most of the songs, and served as co-producer for all of the tracks on the CD. Other songs on the CD were produced by GRAMMY-nominated and multiple award-winning producer and songwriter Stan Jones, including the second single, “He Still Cares,” currently impacting gospel radio.  The message is that even when you’ve had a touch from the Master, you still may go through trials and tribulations. But you must believe that God still cares for you, and He will give you what you need, when you need it, to make it through.

The rest of Billboard’s Top 10 in Gospel is:

1 | Brian Courtney Wilson – So Proud
2 | WOW Gospel 2012
3 | Fred Hammond – God, Love & Romance
4 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
5 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise Sountrack
6 | William McDowell – Arise
7 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
8 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
9 | Lecrae – Rehab
10 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of…

The new project from Le’Andria Johnson hit stores last week so expect more big news from the Music World camp.  The new Grammy winner could have two albums in the Top 10.

The world was saddened even further Saturday with the funeral of Whitney Houston broadcasted LIVE on TV and on the internet.  Millions tuned in as some of the worlds most famous people helped pay tribute to Whitney Houston.

Houston’s mother Cissy Houston and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, were joined by mourners at the invitation-only service.

“I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long,” Cissy Houston wrote in the funeral program, The Associated Press reported Saturday. “And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years.”

There were musical tributes from some of the biggest names in the industry including Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.

The audience included the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Tyler Perry, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Stevie Wonder and many more.

A tearful Alicia Keys remembered how Houston would reach out to young artists.

“[She] made us feel strong and capable and loved,” Keys said before she sang.

Aretha Franklin, who had been confirmed as a performer, said Saturday she would not sing at Houston’s funeral. “Unfortunately I had terrible leg spasms and locked leg muscles,” Franklin said in a statement. “My heart goes out to my dear friend Cissy, Dionne, Bobbi Kristina and the rest of the family. “

Houston’s longtime friend and the man who jumpstarted her career, Clive Davis, said a talent like Houston’s was rare.

“You wait for a voice like that for a lifetime. You wait for a face like that, a smile like that, a presence like that for a lifetime,” he said. “When one person embodies it all, it takes your breath away.”

One of the highlights of the service was when Kevin Costner remembered his “The Bodyguard” co-star as someone who shared the same interests and values. Both grew up in the Baptist church, a bond he said they shared over the years of their friendship.

Costner recalled Houston’s nervousness when she had to do a screen test for the role of singer Rachel Marron in the movie.

“The Whitney I knew was still wondering if I’m good enough. Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?” he said. “It was what made her great, and what caused her to stumble at the end.”

One person conspicuously absent at the service was Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown.

Brown made a brief appearance at the funeral. He touched the casket and then left with his children Landon and LaPrincia at the start of the ceremony when his entourage was told they could not get in.  Reports are that Bobby Brown had 3 seats reserved for him and he showed up with 9 people.  Brown was said to be angry that his entire party could not be accommodated at the funeral.

In a statement put out by his representative, Brown explained, “My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions.”

Brown had spent much of the week with his daughter Bobbi Kristina, who was hospitalized for stress and anxiety after Houston’s death on Feb. 11.

Pastor Marvin Winans did the eulogy and had no shame in preaching.  He did a wonderful job preaching a powerful 15 minute sermonette.  

What are your thoughts of the funeral procession?  We have posted a few pages of the obituary below.  If you missed the funeral you can watch it in it’s entirety below as well.  

 

There’s no mistaking Eunice Wright with any other artist on today’s scene. The power of her voice, energetic panache, and phenomenal vocal range and ability makes her voice immediately recognizable to anyone who have heard it before. Eunice ventured out of her local church in 2009 on a quest to share the ministry God has afforded her with the masses and has since been making an indelible mark on the music world ever since. Her newest single, “Hello God”, from her forthcoming project “Worth It All,” is certain to have the same unforgettable effect on as the worship experience of Eunice Wright.

“Hello God” is a little different from the gospel flair we are accustomed to from Eunice Wright. It mirrors other hits such as “In Me” and “I Want God to Get the Glory” by charging the atmosphere to invoke the presence and power of God. However, “Hello God” manages to capture it in a free-flowing, relaxed, care-free Christian contemporary song of praise.

Powerful, anointed, awesome, and life-changing are words used often when people describe their worship experience with Eunice Wright and her sophomore release has yielded those same responses. Recorded live in Dover, Delaware, “Worth It All” demonstrates Eunice’s versatility in delivering great Gospel music outside of her traditional Gospel music comfort zone. In addition to the debut release, the title cut “Worth It All,” is a simple love ballad to the Lord, reminding us that the promise to see our Savior in the future is worth our present sufferings. Also on the project is the hit single “Change Me” and “You Did It” featuring award-winning songstress Tammy Trout ministers sincere supplication and thanksgiving from the heart of listeners directly to the heart of God.

Though still rather new to the industry, Eunice is not new to singing or ministry. Singing since the age of five, Eunice sang her first solo “Lord Make Me An Instrument,” not knowing this simple song would become her heart’s desire. Her first release “Wait On Me” is a musical testimony that takes us to the essence of gospel music – from the contemporary praise of “I Want God to Get the Glory” to the true worship experience of “In Me” to a good ol’ fashioned praise break heard in “Praise Him.” From start to finish, this project has something for every gospel music listener that is sure to bring about a worship experience like none other! “Wait On Me” earned Eunice three awards and thirteen other award nominations, to include Stellar, The Rhythm of Gospel, and South Florida Gospel Music Awards recognition.

Eunice has been featured on several magazines, and on websites, radio and television shows. Eunice has appeared alongside many of Gospel’s greats including Monique Walker, Phillip Carter and SOV, Minister Earl Bynum, Monica Lisa Stevenson, Lucinda Moore, Vicki Winans, Beverly Crawford, Kurt Carr, Pastor Marvin Sapp, and Dr. Rance Allen. She also made her acting debut in 2010 in the stage production “Wrong Shade of Black” featuring national recording artists Shirley Murdock and Dave Hollister and famous actor Clifton Powell. God has given Eunice a gift to be shared with the masses and an anointing that will deliver life-changing experience to those who experience the power of God through her – the worship she leads God’s people to is an experience that will not soon be forgotten. “Hello God” is available for download free on the official Eunice Wright website www.eunicewright.com. “Worth It All” is slated for release in March 2012. Her debut project, “Wait On Me,” is also available for purchase on the official website as well as iTunes and CD Baby.

For more information and for management and booking, visit www.eunicewright.com or www.joyfulnoyze.net.

Industry Quotes

“Hello God is one of those songs that will INSTANTLY lift your spirit! I LOVE this song! Listeners will have this one on repeat.” ~ Wanda Patterson, Vice President of Florida Gospel Announcers Guild and radio announcer of Stellar-award-winning WCGL 1360 AM in Jacksonville, Florida

“This new single ‘Hello God’ by Eunice Wright is a great cut that sends a hard hitting message that we all need to do all day long. ‘Hello God’ invites Him in!” ~ Brodric Purvis, Music Director of Stellar-award winning WLOU 1350 AM and Praise 104.7 FM in Louisville, Kentucky

“On ‘Hello God,’ Eunice Wright sings that the Almighty made her day. The song’s chorus is so catchy, it will make yours.” ~ Robert Marovich, Founder and Editor in Chief of The Black Gospel Blog

“The new song “Hello God” from Eunice Wright is one of the best inspirational songs of all times. Every time I hear the song I sing along as part of my testimony of knowing God is always around and present in my life. Thank you Eunice for a great song,” ~ Henry Harris, Founder of Spirit Enterprises, Inc. and SpiritCo1 Internet Radio, and Founder of the Excellence in Christian Music Awards.

“We had to publish this, Eunice sounded polished as a singer and anointed.” -Kris Patrick, Publisher of Path MEGAzine

GRAMMY nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for his iconic hit “This is How We Do It” joins BET “Lift Every Voice” host CoCo Brother, Daytime EMMY nominated comedian Chonda Pierce, and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles to announce the nominees for the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards at a press conference on Wednesday, February 22 at 11AM ET at The Georgian Terrace Hotel, located at 659 Peachtree Street Northeast in Atlanta, GA..

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 19 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. The award show is produced by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) to offer the most comprehensive platform of music celebrating Christian and Gospel music.

Over the years, the Dove Awards have featured some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports, including Whitney Houston, Tim Tebow, Sherri Shepherd and Kathie Lee Gifford. It has showcased many of the nation’s leading Christian music artists, including Amy Grant, Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, Mary Mary, Third Day and more.

The Gospel Music Association has been the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community since 1964 and is dedicated to celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. GMA members include agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio and record company executives, retailers, and songwriters.

Jackie Patillo, GMA’s Executive Director, will be available for interviews at the press conference, as well as Montell Jordan, Coco Brother, Chonda Pierce and AJ Styles.

Nominees in select categories will be announced live and additional nominees will be posted online at www.gospelmusic.org.

Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel and BET’s Sunday Best Season 4 first-runner up, Andrea (pronounced Ahn-drea) Helms, releases her new CD, Moving Forward, on March 6, 2012.

As Music World Gospel releases its third project from the Sunday Best brand, Andrea prepares for the release of her first single, Mary Mary’s “Yesterday,” and her first promotional tour, in her hometown of Dallas, Texas (see dates below). “I am very excited about my new project,” says Andrea. “On this album, I relive the moments from my time on Sunday Best. It’s an honor to re-record a song initially sung for the judges of the show, who I’ve been a fan of for a long time.  This CD is amazing. I am both proud of and humbled by the way this project turned out. And I am so grateful to Mathew Knowles for giving me this opportunity. I’m living my dream because he saw the potential in me.” 

Moving Forward is a seven song EP that features some of her most memorable performances on Sunday Best.  The CD offers an iTunes exclusive of “Wind Beneath My Wings” as a presale incentive to purchase the CD.  However, the song will not appear on the project.

“Andrea is a very special and unique talent. When I initially saw her on Sunday Best, I knew immediately that she was someone I wanted to sign to the label,” says Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Gospel. “We look forward to working with her to expand her music ministry by developing her career as a recording artist.”

If living this dream of a recording artist wasn’t enough.  Andrea was recently requested by the Dr. Bernice King to sing at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on Monday, January 16 (http://youtu.be/8GbJSoLjVU0).  Andrea, who performed “Change” at the ceremony, said this has been her greatest honor as a musical artist.  “I felt like I was a part of history that day.  The feeling of standing in the same place Dr. King stood was very humbling.  The family was so genuine and sweet.  I was received with open arms.  As I stood there looking out over the audience, I saw different races and backgrounds worshipping God together.  It is evident that his philosophy and teachings are still shaping our culture.”

Andrea is a lifelong singer and worshipper.  On Moving Forward, Andrea felt it was especially intimidating to perform songs made popular by outstanding singers such as Tremaine Hawkins and Whitney Houston, whose musicianship she most admires, along with Mariah Carey and Martha Munizzi. There is no doubt that she has successfully put her stamp on the seven songs on the CD.  She offers a powerful, soulful and bluesy turn on Sunday Best judges Mary Mary’s song, “Yesterday,” which is her first single from the CD.  Her version of Richard Smallwood’s classic “I Love the Lord” is uniquely her own.  She also puts her own spin on the highly popular praise and worship song, “Because Of Who You Are,” written by Martha and Daniel Munizzi, as well as on Donald Lawrence’s songs “The Heaven Are Telling (A Mighty God We Serve)” and “Encourage Yourself.”  One of the most talked about moments of the season was when Amber Bullock and Andrea Helms performed a duet, “Moving Forward,” penned by Ricardo Sanchez, during the show’s finale. Andrea and Amber offer a powerful rendition of that song for this CD.

Andrea is especially drawn to the song, “Change,” on the CD because of her personal story. The recording includes some of her testimony. “From the time that my mother was carrying me, doctors told her that I would be a vegetable and that I would never talk or walk, but I was born a healthy 8 pound 2 ounce baby,” she said. “God performed a miracle. I wasn’t even supposed to be able to talk, and He gave me the ability to sing. Then, years later, when I had my son, I dealt with severe postpartum depression that literally caused me to have suicidal tendencies. I was still leading worship through it all, but it was really a rough, rough, time. I don’t remember a lot of my son’s first year being here with me because I was not in the right frame of mind. My mom is a fireball and a prayer warrior and she prayed me through it. I think God leads us through places like that so that we can minister to other people. Now I walk my victory out every day and I can speak to women and understand where they are coming from. So God has really changed me and that’s why that song means something to me.”

The CD was recorded at Music World Studios, which Andrea described as an “amazing place with a great staff.” The songs were produced by H. Doobie Powell for Chip Off The Block Productions, who Andrea describes as “a genius.”

Andrea kicks off her promotional tour in Dallas, Texas (Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 17); followed by Houston, TX (Sunday, February 19, Monday, February 20, Tuesday, February 21, Wednesday, February 22, Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24); Nashville, TN (Sunday, February 26, Tuesday, February 27, and Wednesday, February 28); Atlanta, GA (Wednesday, February 29, Thursday, March 1 and Friday, March 2); New York City (Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6); Dallas/Denton, TX (Wednesday, March 7); and Chicago, IL (Monday, March 12 and Tuesday, March 13).

Born in Odessa Texas, Andrea was an only child and the daughter of a preacher who was also an accomplished musician. Music was always a part of her life at home, at school, and at Friendship Church in Denton, Texas, where her father was pastor.

Andrea met her husband, Michael, at Friendship Church when his family came there when she was 13 and he was 15. “From the time we first saw each other, we knew we were supposed to be together,” she said. They started dating when she was 15, and later Michael worked for the church in the outreach ministry and eventually became youth pastor. Andrea and Michael were married in 1993. In 1998 they were called to pastor another church and they left Friendship.  After her father’s death, Andrea and Michael returned to Denton to co-pastor the church, where Andrea has resumed her role as minister of music.

Andrea describes her church as “a place that meets almost every need.”  A nondenominational church with an interracial congregation between 300 and 500 people, it serves young and old and ministers to “anyone who comes to the door.”

Besides completing her CD, Andrea has been traveling around the country to minister in song. She recently was featured in the Jacksonville, Florida run of T.J. Hemphill’s play, Perilous Times II, with Music World label mate Le’Andria Johnson, Season 3 winner of Sunday Best.

For artist performance and branding inquiries, please call Music World at 713-772-5175.

According to The Christian Post, The divorce case between Georgia megachurch leader Bishop Eddie Long and wife Vanessa Long has been closed and dismissed, according to the DeKalb County Online Judicial System. However, there remains a possibility the case could continue in the future.  It appears the couple is attempting to reconcile once again.

According to the online judicial system record, there are three new entries as of Feb. 13 related to the Longs’ divorce case with the descriptions “dismissal,” “certificate of service” and “dismissed without prejudice” noted.

“Dismissed without prejudice” means the case may be re-instituted or re-filed in the future. According to the Judicial Branch of Georgia website, “A dismissal without prejudice does not stop the plaintiff from re-filing the claim and proceeding as long as the claim is made timely (within the statute of limitations) and service can be secured.”

It is undetermined whether Long or his wife chose to close the case. They have been married for 21 years and share three children. Long has another child, a son, by his first wife, whom he divorced in 1985. 

Long is the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church located in Lithonia, Ga., a suburb in Atlanta.  Vanessa Long released a statement on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, saying that she had decided to terminate her marriage after “a great deal of deliberation and prayer.”

Just hours later, a statement from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church attributed to Long said the first lady had a change of heart, and planned to withdraw her petition for divorce. “I believe in [Eddie Long] and admire his strength and courage,” Long said in the statement. 

Then, later in the day, her attorney announced in a statement that “[Vanessa Long] has determined that dismissal of her divorce petition is not appropriate at this time,” and that she had every intention of moving forward with the proceedings. 

Shortly after the divorce announcement, Eddie Long announced that he was going on hiatus from preaching to focus on his family. The bishop returned to the pulpit in early January.

As of Feb. 13, the divorce case is closed.  Read the Full Story by the Christian Post.

Known for their live albums and DVDs, HILLSONG UNITED’s Live In Miami marks the first time for the band that one night has been captured in its entirety – from the first song to the last encore. Releasing this week amidst acclaim to digital and physical retail outlets everywhere, UNITED Live In Miami double-CD and DVD is available now at iTunes® and Amazon.com.

Intent on bringing a raw, authentic worship experience in a stadium filled with thousands of people set on worshipping Jesus Christ, UNITED’s Live In Miami was recorded during the band’s sold out worship night Aug. 6, 2011 at American Airlines Arena in Miami. The event was part of the 2011″Welcome To The Aftermath” tour that consisted of 32 events with 182,000 people filling venues to capacity in venues across the country – from New York to Los Angeles, where UNITED became the first Christian band to sell out Staples Center.

For the first time ever, Australian worship band UNITED teams up with Hulu to offer the exclusive online premiere of the full-length Live In Miami DVD. The long form video is at www.hulu.com/hillsong and will remain available on the site this week.

Hulu, which has 26 million unique monthly visitors, further launches a devoted Hillsong channel simultaneously with the premiere at the link above. The site will include short form videos from UNITED, Hillsong LIVE and Hillsong Chapel.

“Live In Miami is a perfect illustration of this group’s musical evolution. As whimsical and fun as ever, none of the bells and whistles ever drowns out the true meaning of the moment…dive in deep and begin to experience a true encounter with God as you worship Him…You almost feel like you’re in the room with the thousands of others as they freely praise.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com

“What makes this project so incredible is the ability to watch the concert from start to finish…the worship is captured and experienced to its fullest on the DVD. It truly transforms you from being a listener and a music consumer to being a fellow worshiper and participator. That being said, this might be one of the most honest representations of the band as a whole and also proves why Hillsong UNITED is such a mighty force in worship music.” – JesusFreakHideout.com

“The collection of songs is a great place for people unfamiliar with Hillsong UNITED to find out why so many people love this powerhouse of modern worship, and provides great reinterpretations of last year’s set of songs that will broaden their usage in the church.” – Foursquare.org “Drawing from both the strength of last year’s release and the power of their live worship, Live In Miami is not just a great album. It’s a fantastic experience…All of this, an earbud away, and to the fortunate thousands who have seen them live, a memory away, is a gift.” – Relate Magazine

“The concert’s main focus is clear: spreading love, joy, grace, and above all, God, from the beginning track until the end…Each track brings its own special light to an all together bright and beautiful album.” – Breathecast.com

Having led worship in churches, stadiums and open fields around the world, UNITED’s Live In Miami is a return to the live album format and is the first live release from the band in four years. The double-CD and DVD each feature 22 songs comprised of Hillsong favorites like “Mighty to Save,” “From The Inside Out” and “The Stand,” as well as newer songs from UNITED’s acclaimed Aftermath studio CD (2011), including “Search My Heart,” UNITED’s biggest radio hit to date. The DVD contains over 2 hours of inspiring anthems, “drum battles,” behind-the-scenes footage and more. A physical deluxe package is also available that combines the two-disc album plus the full concert DVD.

About UNITED In studio and out of studio, on tour or home at Hillsong Church, UNITED is committed to sharing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound, connects with churches, individuals and ultimately connects people everywhere with God. Born out of the Youth Movement of Australia’s Hillsong Church, UNITED is fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, Jonathon “JD” Douglass and backed by an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters – all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God. Traversing the world’s continents, UNITED continues its cross-cultural journey of music and worship. The latest tour dates and additional information on UNITED can be found at www.hillsongunited.com, www.youtube.com/hillsongunitedtv and www.facebook.com/hillsongunited, where the band has over 2.7 Million fans.

About Hulu Hulu is an online TV service whose mission is to help people find and enjoy the world’s premium content when, where and how they want it. As we pursue this mission, we aspire to create a service that users, advertisers and content owners unabashedly love. Hulu was founded in 2007 and is operated independently by a dedicated team with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago , Seattle, Tokyo and Beijing. NBCUniversal, News Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, Providence Equity Partners and the Hulu team share in the ownership of the company. (www.hulu.com)