A dozen years in, the Chicago-based ensemble known as Shekinah Glory Ministry (SGM) continues to dominate and set the standard for urban praise and worship music. They’ve made chants such as “Praise is What I Do” and “Jesus” universally known tunes that are sung by choirs all over the world. With five RIAA gold and platinum record and video certifications behind them, this coterie of psalmists, minstrels and banner-wavers are poised to strike gold again with their fourth original CD, “Surrender” (Kingdom Records), that features the radio hit, “Champion.”

The group is making a rare North Carolina appearance as part of WIDU 1600 AM’s 54^th anniversary celebration concert, “Let’s Go Back to Church.” Aside from SGM, the show will also feature performances from John P. Kee, the Rance Allen Group, the Williams Brothers, Bishop Michael A. Blue and Tim Rogers & The Fellas. The Crown Coliseum is located at 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306. Tickets range from $13 to $32.40 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Shekinah Glory Ministry made its mark with the 2001 gold-selling CD, “Praise is What I Do.” Its name means, “the glorified presence of God.” Their CDs Praise Is What I Do (#5 peak Top Gospel Albums) and Shekinah Glory Ministry Live (#3 peak Top Gospel Albums – 103 weeks on the chart) continue to be best sellers and their 2010 CD, Refreshed By Fire, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Visit www.kingdomrecordsinc.com for further information on SGM and Kingdom Records.

A megachurch in southwest Ohio dedicated a new statue of Jesus on Sunday that replaces the iconic sculpture known as “Touchdown Jesus” that burned down after being struck by lightning in 2010.

The Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio, celebrated the construction of the new “Lux Mundi” (The Light of the World) statue off Interstate 75 in a special service on Sunday evening.

“It’s a big, big event for us…. it’s been over 2 years, it’s been a long process. But, we’re very pleased with the final product. Peoples’ reaction has been very positive for us. So it’s a great day,” wpco.com quoted church administrator Ron Carter as saying. The new statue is designed by Japanese-American sculptor Tom Tsuchiya, who is with Design Dynamics, Inc. “Ultimately, I hope Lux Mundi will be a constant reminder for all of us to get along with each other,” Tsuchiya was quoted as saying.

The Lux Mundi statue depicts a full body Jesus with arms outstretched walking on the lake in front of Solid Rock’s sanctuary. Because it has its arms reaching forward, bearing a resemblance to the football referee’s signal, and not towards the sky, some referred to it also as “Touchdown Jesus.”

In 2010, a storm ripped through the area and a bolt of lightning struck the previous statue built in 2004. All that remained of “Touchdown Jesus” was a heavily damaged iron frame.

“When it got burnt down, people looked at it in different ways,” church member Nick Isbel was quoted as saying. “Some people left the church, they thought it was a bad sign. That this was a bad place to be. Other people saw it as a good sign. It’s the most that Jesus has been in the news for a while, so. It being rebuilt just puts it on people’s minds and in people’s hearts.”

“The materials used for the [new] statue are all fire rated and we have installed a lightning suppression system as an integral part of the statue,” Carter said last month. “If the statue is struck by lightning, I’m told there will be damage at the point of the strike, but the statue should not burn.”

At Sunday’s service, the church also honored Pastor Lawrence Bishop, who spearheaded construction of the original Jesus statue and who died last year.

Church members were excited about the new statue. “We’re happy to see the statue going up tonight. All of this is just allowing us to remind people of Jesus and that’s all it is,” said Al Slaughter from Fairfield.

However, there was a church protest before the dedication service. About half a dozen of protesters carrying a bullhorn and signs demonstrated in front of the church gate, saying they are Christians who are against idol worship.

Solid Rock Church has about 4,000 members and two campuses for worship. It is led by Pastor Darlene Bishop.

Capping off a whirlwind year of new releases, national television appearances, and No. 1 hits, Mandisa plans to wrap up 2012 strong with an updated Christmas album, It’s Christmas: Christmas Angel Edition on October 9. The album features 3 new recordings including the new original cuts “It’s Christmas” and “Somebody’s Angel,” plus an all-new recording of the classic “What Child Is This.” It’s Christmas also boasts popular classics such as “What Christmas Means to Me,” “Silent Night,” and “Little Drummer Boy,” along with special duets with Matthew West and Michael W. Smith. The first single and new recording from the album, “Somebody’s Angel” will be featured in the original movie Christmas Angel debuting this December on GMCtv.

So far this year, Mandisa released a follow up to her most successful album yet, What If We Were Real, with a summer EP, Remixed: Get Movin’, a collection of some of her biggest tracks, remixed and redubbed. Mandisa spent a good portion of the year on her massively successful and almost entirely sold out tour, Girls Night Out, alongside fellow Dove Award nominee Britt Nicole and “Blessings” songstress Laura Story. Most recently, Mandisa performed her breakout single “Good Morning” on ABC’s Good Morning America, which the top-rated morning show has been using during its broadcasts as well, with many other local morning shows adopting the song as their theme song, including ABC New York. She will also be a special guest on The Doctors this fall. Mandisa’s music and lifestyle change has earned her widespread media coverage from other media outlets as well including The Today Show, LIVE! With Regis and Kelly, E!, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, US Magazine, People Magazine and CNN.

It’s Christmas: Christmas Angel Edition Track Listing:
*New Song
**New Recording
1. Its Christmas*
2. What Christmas Means To Me
3. Somebody’s Angel*
4. Christmas Bell Medley (with Silent Night)
5. Feliz Navidad (With Joy to the World)
6. Angels We Have Heard on High
7. Christmas Makes Me Cry (feat. Matthew West)
8. Little Drummer Boy
9. Christmas Day (feat. Michael W. Smith)
10. What Child Is This**
11. Mary’s Little Boy Child
12. Children Go Where I Send Thee

About Mandisa:
Three-time GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa’s discography includes True Beauty, It’s Christmas, Freedom, What If We Were Real and her remix EP, Get Movin’ on Sparrow Records. This past fall she performed her hit single “Good Morning” on the highest rated morning show, ABC’s “Good Morning America.” 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. With over 635,000 albums sold, Mandisa’s music and message continues to connect with fans. Her album, What If We Were Real, has sold over 188,000 albums and features the breakout radio hits “Good Morning,” “Waiting For Tomorrow,” and the #1 AC single, “Stronger.” With widespread media coverage including The Today Show, LIVE! With Regis and Kelly, E!, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, US Magazine, People Magazine and CNN, this American Idol alum and two-time Grammy nominee continues to be a voice of encouragement and truth to women facing life’s challenges.

As the autumn leaves hit the ground, all eyes are turning South – to Orlando, FL – to be exact, as Pastor Riva Tims, celebrates the third anniversary of the church she founded, Majestic Life Church. The festivities kick-off on Friday, October 12 @ 7 PM with Pastor Tims and the Majestic Praise choir’s live CD recording entitled, “Access Granted”, with cameos by noted gospel artists William Murphy and Preashea Hilliard. Admission is free and the event takes place at Rejoice in the Lord Ministries, 8053 Gilliam Road, Orlando, FL 32703. A Pastor & Volunteer Appreciation Gala takes place Saturday, October 13 @ 6 PM at Majestic Life Church, 6782 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32810.  The weekend concludes with one combined 10 a.m. Majestic Life Ministries service (there are usually 8 & 10 AM services) where Dr. Douglas Chukwuemeka (the pastor of the New Destiny Christian Church in Laveen, AZ) will be the special guest speaker.

Tims has recently been on the television and syndicated radio talk show circuit discussing her best-selling book, When It All Falls Apart (Charisma House). Now in its fourth printing, the book details her life with her ex-husband, Zachary Tims, a well-known televangelist and pastor who died suddenly in August 2011. They met in Bible school. He was a former drug dealer who had cleaned his life up and pursued the ministry with passion. They married and moved to Orlando where they started a church with six members in 1996. Membership eventually swelled to 8,000 worshippers over the next decade. 

Then, things fell apart. Tims’ marriage ended over her husband’s extramarital affairs. Through it all, Tims’ faith deepened and strengthened her to triumph over betrayal, infidelity and tragic loss. Tims now feels especially well equipped to specifically minister to others who have gone through similar situations. Majestic Life’s mission statement is to minister, motivate, and mentor members to mature in Christ and maximize their lives to live the Majestic Life.  “Riva Tims has walked through the valley of pain and lived to tell about it,” says J. Lee Grady, of Charisma Magazine.  “She has walked through the fire…but she’s not bitter, sarcastic or discouraged. I know her story will restore hope to many who are ready to give up.” Visit www.majesticlifechurch.com for more info.

In a stunning announcement the ladies of Trin-i-tee 5:7 have announced their decision to pursue solo careers.  

The news comes as a shock to some who are surprised that singers Angel and Chanelle would leave a brand thats become a household name.  

Other industry executives could see the writing on the wall after the group announced last month that they were leaving their long-time label Music World Gospel.

Trini-i-Tee 5:7 member Angel Taylor can be quoted as saying, “Who knows what will happen in the future, but right now we’re gonna take this time to focus on our solo careers.”

After the departure of the groups third member and the most recent CD release contributed to the duo titled “Angel & Chanelle,” you could see the effort to brand the girls individual names.  So the move to solo careers appear to be a longtime in the making.

“It’s always been my dream and Chanelle’s dream to be solo artists” says Angel, “And you know, it’s time for us to allow ourselves that experience. 

Check out our last interview with the ladies below, and to commemorate a long successful career for the group we’re going to be giving away a few copies of the ladies last CD.  Stay tuned to PATH for the free give-away announcement!

Gospel/Jazz instrumentalist, Ben Tankard’s has been nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist.

The Soul Train Awards will be taped before a live audience on Nov. 8, 2012 in Las Vegas. It will be aired internationally on BET / CENTRIC on Nov. 25 during the Thanksgiving Holiday Week-End. Check local listings.

Tankard, known as the pioneer or “Godfather” of Gospel/Jazz released his 18th solo smooth CD on June 5, 2012. It was a “leap of faith” for Tankard who stepped out to launch his own record label (Ben-Jamin’ Universal Music), after several years with top label giant: Verity/Sony/BMG. 

It turned out to be the BEST move of his career in that ” FULL TANK ” is topping the world charts and has not only been nominated for a Soul Train Music Award, but also a Stellar Award (his 13th), AND is on the eligibility ballot for 8 Grammy Awards! Talk about FULL TANK!

“This is the most successful record of my 20+ year career, and the music industry is buzzing with excitement about it,” Tankard says. He is currently on a 200 city tour to promote the CD and his Reality TV Show which will launch early 2013 (More to come…).

Over the years, Tankard’s music has created the musical backdrop for many top artists including over 40 songs for his first discovery as a producer: Yolanda Adams. His timeless style has always crossed genre, racial, and denominational borders and FULL TANK is no different. 

Known for collaborating well with others, Ben featured neo-soul star, Cynthia Jones on the lead single to Gospel radio with vocal cut, “Something About That Name”. Jazz guitarist Tim Bowman, and sax man, Gerald Albright jam on the lead Smoothjazz radio singles, with “Full Tank”, and “Sunday Vibes” . Take-6 front man, Mark Kibble sparkled on the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis penned song “Black Butterfly”. This CD has something for everyone.

Tankard is a former pro basketball player that gave up his NBA hoop dreams to pursue music after a knee injury (he currently is a motivational speaker for the NBA). 

“My goal through my MUSIC is to inspire and motivate people through relaxed thought, peace, and reflection. Way down on the inside everyone has the potential for greatness, and it is time to tap into the FULL TANK that the creator gave you. Though my music is jazzy in nature and embraced non-believers, I have not Cross-Over, I have Taken The Cross Over”, says Tankard.

The Soul Train Awards, will play host to many stars including, Usher, Mary Mary, Alicia Keys, Marvin Sapp, John Legend and more….

More information: www.bentankard.org 

Cindy Trimm has dined with the queen of England, played putt-putt golf with Prince Andrew, and was appointed to the Bermuda Senate at the age of thirty. Over the last dozen years she’s become one of the most in-demand motivational speakers in the United States, and her best-selling inspirational books, such as Commanding Your Morning and The Rules of Engagement, have sold over a million copies combined. Charisma House has now published Trimm’s last installation in a three-book series of prayer and spiritual warfare, When Kingdoms Clash: Strategies for Prayer in the Heat of Battle.

The heat of battle is a topic Trimm is well familiar with, as she’s battled many things in her fifty-four years of life. She tussled with abject poverty in Bermuda where her father deserted her mother and left her with seven children to raise on her own. Their home was rat-infested, and she’s joked that when it rained, she needed an umbrella to walk from one room to the next. There was no running water, she sported used clothing, wore shoes with cardboard soles, and studied by candlelight because electricity was costly. Her biggest dream as a fifteen-year-old was to become a hotel maid simply because they earned good tips. In spite of the circumstances, Trimm went on to be appointed to the Bermuda Senate at the age of 30 before abandoning politics to concentrate on launching her ministry, Trimm International, based in Atlanta.

“The principles that I teach are principles that I use every single day of my life,” Trimm says, “not only the principles concerning prayer and spiritual warfare, but also the principles concerning what you do with your mouth and what you do with your mind—the principles concerning how God speaks to you in concepts and ideas and how you are always just one decision away from living the life of your dreams.”

When Kingdoms Clash is a cog in the wheel to drive readers into understanding and fighting for their destinies. It completes Trimm’s Art of War series, The Art of War for Spiritual Battle and The Prayer Warrior’s Way. Using historical stories and teaching from Scripture, it takes prayer warriors from the planning stages and strategies of prayer into the heat of the battle. The book aims to aid readers in developing the staying power and endurance to see the plans God has given them through to the end, and to give them the character and confidence to find joy in even the toughest of struggles. She writes, “God specializes in turning lives around. No matter where we start or how little influence we may have had before, He gives us power to transform the world around us if we will but encounter Him and give ourselves to Him without holding anything back.”

Sho Baraka is gearing up to release his third studio album Talented 10th on January 1st. The upcoming project will be Sho’s first full-length album as an independent artist.

With Talented 10th, Sho’s aim is to change urban culture by inspiring and challenging listeners to “be exceptional for the benefit of others,” he says. Armed with a deeper resolve after traveling overseas and experiencing a broader scope of pain and struggle, he hopes to bring life to his community and others through music and various art forms.

Sho’s sophomore output, Lions and Liars, debuted at #15 on Billboard Hip Hop charts, #3 on iTunes Hip Hop charts and #14 overall on iTunes charts back in 2010. Since branching out from Reach Records, Sho joined forces with a collective of artists aptly named High Society and signed a distribution deal with Syntax Distribution. Recently High Society released the highly acclaimed mixtape Circa MMXI, and he also released Protest Package I as a member of the duo Hello Revolution. He has toured Africa and continues to perform across the U.S. while also being featured on several chart-topping albums.

“I’m excited to work with an awesome artist and lyricist that transcends this Hip Hop game and touches the world in so many positive ways. Be on the lookout for greatness!” – Jon Jon Traxx (produced for Beyonce and Karmin)

“Sho Baraka has once again proven to be on the cutting edge both musically and lyrically. Conscious and creative, he is one of the most important voices in Hip Hop.” – Chris Broussard (ESPN analyst and writer)

“I have never met a person as creative and musically talented as Sho Baraka. I can’t wait to see what he gives us on this upcoming project. I know it will be fire!” – Tedashii (Reach Records recording artist)

About High Society:
High Society is a musical team of like-minded artists with the common goal of creating art that affects the culture for a higher purpose. To learn more about High Society, visit: thisishigh.com.

About Syntax Distribution:
Syntax Distribution, a division of Quality Junk, is one of the top independent digital distributors and aggregators representing more than 200 record labels. Syntax handles many top independent artists such as Tamela Mann of Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns,” Marvin Winans, Flame, John P. Kee, and John Tesh among others. Their record label clientele includes Central South, Crossroads, Pinecastle, CLG Distribution, iShine, Humble Beast, among others. To learn more, visit syntaxdistribution.com.