Dance Saints, Dance! 2011 was undoubtedly a night to remember. This Gospel dance showcase, executively produced by Khalif M. Townes, by far exceeded the expectations of everyone in attendance. Talented Praise and Mime Ministries from across the country made their way to Philadelphia to give Glory to God in the form of dance. Collectively, they all gave uplifting, motivational performances that were relatable to everyone in the building. Townes did an exceptional job handpicking the talent, as they were all received and appreciated by the audience. Every performance earned a standing ovation at the least; some caused people to shed tears.

Although the event was a dance showcase, highlights of the night were the performances from a few of the biggest names in the Gospel Music Industry today. Not only did Four Time Grammy Award-Winning Songstress, Karen Clark-Sheard, and the Stellar Award-Nominee and New “ Leading Man” of Gospel, Earnest Pugh, host the event, but they both delivered anointed, powerful performances. Also, Stellar Award-Winning Gospel Singer and Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, Lonnie Hunter gave two amazing performances with assistance from his choir, Structure. All three performers rocked the house with their fan-favorite hits!

“Once again, Philadelphia’s own, Khalif Townes, has done it!! Phenomenal showcase, featuring many anointed, talented, and gifted dancers across the nation and gospel artists! It’s a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to Dance Saints Dance 2012!! 10th Anniversary!!” says Robin Maddox, SHINE Consultants.

“All I can say is WOW. I was encouraged, motivated and truly blessed by the performances. This was my first encounter with your productions and I pray you will continue to let God use you. Thank you and may the favor of God continue to be with you,” says Jane Williams, audience member.

Dance Saints, Dance! has become a national event, making it a challenge for many to attend in person. To cope with this problem, Townes streamed the showcase live via the internet and plans to re-air the show for an encore presentation. Now everyone who missed the show will be able to see the performances from Karen Clark Sheard, Earnest Pugh, Lonnie Hunter and some of the BEST Praise and Mime Dancers in the United States!

To view the encore of Dance Saints, Dance! 2011 order an Online Viewing Pass at UrbanTix.com! After you place your order, you will receive a unique web link to where you can log on and watch the show. The showcase will air online at 8:00pm EST, on December 28, 2011 so gather the family and enjoy the show just in time for the holidays!

Earnest Pugh has had a phenomenal year. His mega-hit, “I Need Your Glory”, has been ushering the saints into God’s presence for months now. The riveting power ballad from Earnest’s latest release, Earnestly Yours, has solidified him as one of gospel’s premiere balladeers. Now fans of the artist can see him perform the hit live. Pugh will be performing the chart-topping song, “I Need Your Glory”, on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel Show this Sunday, December 18th. Check local listings for broadcast times.

For the last 14 weeks, the song from the six octave singer has kept a tight hold on the #1 spot on the Billboard Top Gospel Songs Chart. The strength of the single propelled it to the #10 spot on Billboard’s Top Gospel Songs for 2011. Earnestly Yours also ranked at #15 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Year-End Chart. The song is also included on the 2012 WOW Gospel CD, one of the genre’s best-selling compilation series. In addition, the psalmist netted four 27th Annual Stellar Award Nominations: Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year (for Earnestly Yours). He will be performing, “I Need Your Glory” during the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN on Saturday, January 14, 2012.

During this Christmas season, Earnest Pugh is continuing to hit the road. Catch him in your area during the holidays:

Itinerary

Wednesday, December 14th

Love Fellowship Church, Bensalem, NJ (Bishop Hezekiah Walker) @ 7pm

Thursday, December 15th

Johnny Mercer Theater, Savannah, GA @ 7pm

Friday, , December 16th @ 7pm

Brown Missionary Baptist Church, E. Southaven, MS @ 7pm

Saturday, December 17th

Private Event: Memphis, TN

Friday, December 23rd

Christmas with the Condreys (Hosted by CoCo Brother)

Changing A Generation Church, Atlanta, GA (Bishop Paul S. Morton, Host Pastor) @7pm

Sunday, December 25th

Village of Faith, Richmond, VA (Pastor Brown) @ 9 & 11am

Friday, December 30th

Beacon Light Full Gospel Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA (Bishop Darryl S. Brister) @ 7pm

Saturday, December 31st

Upper Room Bible Church, New Orleans, LA (Pastor Caleb Rowe) @10pm

Sunday, January 1st

Kettering Missionary Baptist Church, Largo, MD

11am Service and Full Concert at 2pm

WaterTower Music announces the release of the soundtrack to Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joyful Noise,” a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal, which opens in theatres January 13, 2012.

On the heels of releasing their highly acclaimed rock worship project, God’s Not Dead, Newsboys will embark this spring on their biggest tour yet, the “God’s Not Dead Tour.” Kicking off Jan 12th and running through May 5th, the tour will run in over 60 cities across the U.S. The tour is presented by Compassion International, continuing their partnership with Newsboys to raise awareness for child sponsorships. Additionally, a special VIP Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience will be held nightly with a portion of its proceeds going to support Compassion International’s child trafficking initiatives. Other major sponsors supporting the tour are I Am Second and Interstate Batteries.

Joining Newsboys on the tour will be special guests The City Harmonic (winners of GMA Canada’s New Artist of the Year award), the high-energy pop foursome Anthem Lights, and the rock-driven group Abandon. A special emphasis has been placed on outreach and evangelism, with youth evangelist Bob Lenz joining the tour to share a message of hope. Lenz’s non-profit organization, Life Promotions, will be building a network of supporting churches throughout the tour to facilitate the post-concert evangelistic efforts of the tour, with additional support from I Am Second. I Am Second, a movement meant to inspire all people to live for God and for others, is designed to help people discover their purpose in life.

Newsboys’ God’s Not Dead Tour Dates:*
January 12 – Holland, MI
January 13 – Anderson, IN
January 19 – Sheboygan, WI
January 20 – Port Huron, MI
January 21 – Menominee, MI
February 02 – Amarillo, TX
February 03 – Longview, TX
February 04 – Abilene, TX
February 09 – Temple, TX
February 10 – Carlsbad, NM
February 11 – Phoenix, AZ
February 12 – Tuscon, AZ
February 17 – Oceanside, CA
February 18 – Brentwood, CA
Feburary 19 – Sacramento, CA
February 21 – Layton, UT
February 23 – Anaheim, CA
February 24 – Redlands, CA
February 25 – Fresco, CA
February 26 – Bakersfield, CA
March 02 – Farmington, NM
March 03 – Lubbock, TX
March 09 – New Bern, NC
March 16 – St. Charles, IL
March 17 – Quincy, IL
March 22 – Barre, VT
March 24 – Lynchburg, VA
March 28 – Yankton, SD
March 29 – Indianola, IA
March 31 – Spencer, IA
April 05 – Edna, TX
April 06 – McAllen, TX
April 14 – Valdosta, GA
April 21 – Springfield, OH
April 22 – Wabash, IN
April 26 – Knoxville, TN
April 27 – Evansville, IN
May 03 – Menasha, WI
May 04 – Oak Creek, WI
May 05 – Flint, MI
*Dates and supporting acts are subject to change

Luther Barnes, Son of “Mr Rough Side Of The Mountain” The Late Great F.C. Barnes, has forged his own place and has made his own mark in the history of Gospel music.

On January 24, 2012 , Luther Barnes releases his 22nd CD entitled, “Another Level” performed with The Sunset Jubilaires and promises to brighten the New Year with songs of faith, encouragement, and inspiration.

Cherished as one of the greatest balladeers of all time in any genre (Urban, Gospel or Blues), Luther Barnes has enjoyed airplay and sales success with his many styles of Gospel recorded albums from the Quartet style, Praise & Worship to Contemporary.

As a producer and songwriter, Luther Barnes has produced and penned timeless classics such as “I’m Still Holding”, “So Satisfied” & the Grammy Nominated “It’s Your Time,” Stellar Nominated, “Wedding Song” standard “Somehow Someway” and the “Exercise Song” “You Keep On Blessing Me” which was a Top 10 Billboard Gospel Song and experienced crossover success into the Urban mainstream receiving airplay on Urban AC stations around the country.

And just when you think he couldn’t get any better, he penned the current single “Yet Love” which is quickly making its presence felt at retail has also made its debut in the Top 30 on Mediabase Gospel chart.

Of his twenty-one releases in his vast catalog with more than half of them reaching Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Charts, seven (7) in the top twenty

Old and new fans of this multi-talented gentleman will definitely want to add this future classic to their Luther Barnes music collection.

This Holiday Season Give “The Gift Of Yet Love!”  Click here to pre-order and preview songs.

Gospel Hip Hop artist Canton Jones received a GRAMMY ® Award Nomination for Best Gospel Song of the year for the track “Window” from his CD Dominionaire released on CAJO Records and distributed through Central South Distribution.

“This is a huge accomplishment for Canton Jones, and we look forward to his continued success as a leading artist in the industry,” said Vicki Mack Lataillade, chief marketing officer at Central South Distribution. “This nomination is a true reflection of his artistry as a songwriter.”

The 54th Annual GRAMMY ® Awards broadcast live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. EST.

“I am honored and yet humbled to be mentioned in the GRAMMY ® (Song of the Year) category with musicians and professionals that I respect so much,” said Jones. “God really does honor faithfulness. I am still in awe!”

Part singer, songwriter, producer, vocal arranger and entrepreneur, Canton Jones, a Deerfield Beach, Fla. native, has ministered to and performed in front of millions of people during his career as a music artist. Since beginning his career and ministry as a Gospel music artist, Jones has six albums in his portfolio; 20 Years, 3 Months, 12 Days, Love Jones, The Password: Access Granted Kingdom Business, Kingdom Business Pt.2, Dominionaire, and Dominionaire ReMixed. Jones previously received a GRAMMY ® nomination in 2005 as part of the compilation “Holy Hip Hop: Taking the Gospel to the Streets”.

“Canton Jones is a multi-talented artist, and Central South Distribution congratulates him in his GRAMMY ® nomination,” said Randy Davidson, CEO of Central South Distribution.

Central South Distribution, Inc.’s mission is to nurture and cultivate God’s message through the growth of Christian music. CSD has been servicing the Gospel and Christian community for nearly four decades and takes pride in being the #1 Independent Gospel Distributor, and the World’s Largest Distributor of Gospel Music. They distribute Gospel Music to all of the top Gospel, CBA and Mainstream Accounts including, other distributors, chain stores and independent retailers. For more information, visit www.centralsouthdistribution.com.

Gotee newcomer Jamie Grace has earned her first GRAMMY ® nomination for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Song.” Her nominated No. 1 hit “Hold Me” garnered the top spot across an unprecedented three different radio charts earlier this year. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

“Just two years ago I was sitting on the floor in my dorm room with a pen and paper writing the lines ‘I love the way you hold me…’ When I found out that those lyrics and that melody were nominated for a GRAMMY ®, I absolutely couldn’t believe it,” explains the first time nominee. “Even so, knowing that God has surrounded me with such an amazing team (TobyMac, Gotee Records, Know Good Company, producer Chris Stevens), and a family who inspires and supports my music more everyday, I believe this is another way that God is holding me – and I am loving it.”

Jamie Grace’s latest single “You Lead” has garnered the No. 2 spot on the CHR radio chart. Jamie Grace performed her GRAMMY ® nominated song “Hold Me” on The 700 Club earlier this week. To view the performance in support of her latest album One Song At A Time, click here.

Coinciding with the digital release of her Christmas Together e.p., Jamie Grace’s official music video for “Christmas Together” is being unveiled. Just two months after the release of her successful, first album One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace’s Christmas Together (e.p.) includes the original “Christmas Together,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and “What Child Is This?” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” will be a featured AmazonMp3.com during the month of December where the song will be only $0.69.

Up next for Jamie Grace will be Newsong’s “Very Merry Christmas Tour” with Newsong, Chris August and Kutless. Stay tuned to www.JamieGrace.com for the latest tour information.

House of Blues, the renowned music venue and supporter of traditional American sounds, and Warner Brothers have partnered for a gospel singing competition in conjunction with Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures highly anticipated film Joyful Noise opening nationwide on January 13, 2012.

Written and directed by Todd Graff, -Joyful Noise stars Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal. The musically driven story also brings together the sounds of gospel, pop, country, rock and R & B with memorable songs, performed by the cast, from a wide range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. Dolly Parton also wrote original songs for the film which also features an original score by award-winning composer Mervyn Warren.

Gospel music has been an integral part of House of Blues since the clubs first opened in 1992, said David Fortin, VP Marketing House of Blues. -One of our signature events is Gospel Brunch® on Sundays which combines our soulful cuisine with amazing live gospel acts, so this partnership and competition was a natural for us.

Nicole Sedita, VP Promotions Warner Bros. added, -We’re excited to tie this amazing and inspirational story into the opportunity of a lifetime for someone to sing these wonderful songs at one of the most famous music venues in the world.

Contestants who wish to enter can go to www.houseofblues/joyfulnoise.com, where they can upload a video of a solo performance or a group of up to four people singing either -Amazing Grace or -This Little Light of Mine a-capella. Peers will vote on these videos and the top ten will advance to another round where they will be judged by a panel, including five-time Grammy Award winner Mervyn Warren.

Submission dates are December 7-December 22, 2011 (submissions end at 11:50 pm). The voting period will be from December 23-December, 29, 2011 at 4:59 pm.

The winner(s) will be flown out to Los Angeles from January 7-10, 2012 to attend the -Joyful Noise movie premiere as well as perform their winning song at Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Sunset Strip.

Urban Soul Café (USC) is best known for consistently bringing the hottest Gospel talent to the stage and this year’s “Access Granted” weekend promises to be the three biggest parties of the Stellar Gospel Music Award weekend, January 12-14, 2012. The weekend will host the coveted USC awards with honors going to Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole, the Rance Allen Group and Kim Burrell; a host of performances by Canton Jones, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Myron Butler, Shirley Murdock, Regina Belle, and so many more; and several special guest appearances including Stellar co-host Marvin Sapp. Tickets and a complete schedule can be found at www.UrbanSoulCafe.com.

The “Rose of Gospel,” Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole is a musical evangelist who uses her gift of voice to testify about the perfect love of Christ. The second oldest sister in a family of Gospel legends, Clark-Cole’s fiery, penetrating vocals open vessels for praise. It is the Grace that saved her at the brink of death which saturates each note revealing a soul which only desires to bring others closer to Him.

It is the soul, which also responds to the unmatched sound of The Rance Allen Group (RAG). This year finds them celebrating a music ministry which has allowed them to bring forward a message of faith and fellowship for four decades. Creating music with a mass appeal that is as dynamic as Rance’s signature falsetto, RAG enjoys their own trailblazing space by bridging Gospel and R&B.

Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole and the Rance Allen Group’s timeless contributions to Gospel are the reason they will be presented with the Urban Soul Café “2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.” During this event, Pastor Kim Burrell, will be also honored as USC’s “2012 Artist of the Year,” in recognition of her most recent effort, “The Love Album” which has been nominated for both Grammy and Stellar awards. Pastor Burrell’s unique and vibrant voice is captivating while revealing an undying passion for music as well as ministry.

All of the honors will be bestowed on Thursday, January 12 at the Cannery Ballroom. The event will begin at 7 pm and doors open at 6 pm. USC’s Access Granted will also welcome special guest Marvin Sapp and a number of other artists are scheduled to appear.

On Saturday, January 14 the Mid-Day Mixer will take place at the all-new Jazz & Jokes Lounge where the hottest acts in contemporary Gospel music will perform. Urban worship will fill the building when the doors open at 10 a.m. Everyone is free for the first hour.

After the Stellar Awards, Urban Soul Café’s Thank God I’m Fresh affair will undoubtedly be the most talked about event of the year! The hottest Urban hip hop Gospel stars will appear with music by One Accord DJ’s, and it all happens at the Limelight Entertainment Complex, doors open at 7:30 PM.

Please note that Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted weekend is expected to sell out! Tickets are on sale now at urbansoulcafe.com for $10 in advance online and $15 at the door. VIP passes providing access to ALL three events are on sale now for $50 (VIP access includes backstage passes and more).

Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted Weekend is sponsored by Crazy 1 Productions, Chamelon Entertainment, Judah Media Group, INC, Records, Ten 2 One Entertainment, Coram Deo Mgmt, American Family Insurance, 760 AM The Gospel, EMI Gospel, Light Records, Tyscot Records, The Lee Nathan Group, Soultowne, The Belle Report, DaSouth.com, One EnTiTy, The Fly Chick Entertainment, DW Promotions, 92Q FM, Clipper City, Happy People Network, and One Accord DJ’s.

About Urban Soul Café: Urban Soul Café has been showcasing the best talent in music since April 2005. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, USC has hosted events in Memphis, Huntsville, Houston, Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, and Atlanta, providing a platform for the freshest acts in Gospel music. Urban Soul Café has worked with over 200 artists in the entertainment industry, both novice and established, including Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Canton Jones, DeWayne Woods, Lisa McClendon, and the list goes on. For more information about upcoming Urban Soul Café events go to www.urbansoulcafe.com.

Today, there are many singing competitions, but none that is quite like this. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, GMC TV, Roland and Light Records launch the Most Powerful Voices online singing competition that may save a life!

• Opportunity to perform at the American Heart Association’s Power Weekend at a prominent location in New York
• $5,000 worth of music equipment from Roland manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments
• $2,500 from Light Records
• $2,500 travel stipend
• A digital single produced and distributed by Light Records
• Personal coaching session with a renowned Light Records artist
• National recognition on GMC TV
• And more!