Central City Productions, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer, Don Jackson, announced today that the Stellar Awards second-round ballots would be available for general public voting online at www.thestellarawards.com powered by Gospel Music Spot, until October 17, 2011, for the upcoming 27th Annual Stellar Awards.

“We are continuously learning and expanding to advance the Stellar Awards voting process,” Jackson said of the voting process.

The official press announcement to reveal the nominees for the 27th annual Stellar Awards will be broadcast live and aired on GMC-TV, October 29, 2011. The event is free to the public. For more information please check the Stellar Awards website at www.thestellarwards.com.

Public Fan Favorite voting for the Gospel Announcer of the Year and Internet Radio Station of the Year will be available online from October 29, 2011 through November 15, 2011 at www.theStellarAwards.com powered by Gospel Music Spot.

The 27th Annual Stellar Awards will return to The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN on Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Founded in 1970 the Stellar Awards are the first Gospel Music Awards in the country honoring Gospel Music Artists, writers, and industry professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry.

About Central City Productions

With over 40 years of successful and innovative television production and marketing experience, Central City Productions (CCP) is a leader in minority- targeted television. CCP is a full service television production company that produces, syndicates, and manages advertising sales for all of its programs.

* Note – Your vote on the final second round will determine the four finalists for each of the Stellar Awards categories. Many of the entries in the categories from the first ballot were tied for votes, therefore, in the interest of fairness; all of the entries in some categories are included on the second ballot. Your vote is critical in determining the Nominees for the Stellar Awards.

2010 Stellar Award Winners, Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews & The Oxon Hill High School Choir, are among many in the D.C. area singing songs of praise at the departure of Hurricane Irene. But the choir has another reason to sing “The Storm Is Passing Over”. The familiar tune is the lead single of the group’s upcoming CD. World-renowned and multiple award winners, the choir is prepping the release of their new project which features the talents of GRAMMY Award Nominee Gerald Albright on the song. The full project containing the single drops on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

After their recent Stellar Award win for Children’s Project of the Year, Rev. Dr. Andrews and the Oxon Hill High School Choir’s highly-anticipated third release features a very inspiring tune and one of the best known Negro Spirituals ever written. Penned by Charles Tindley, the son of slave parents, “The Storm Is Passing Over” is a reminder of the temporary nature of troubles in this life. With beautiful harmonies and an emotive performance, the choir’s delivery reflects a contemporary gospel flavor. Popular Jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright makes a guest appearance giving the rendition an even more soulful flair.

The self-titled project, recorded on the Sounds of Victory Ministries label headed by Stellar Award winner Phillip Carter, is the third from the choir, which at one time was recognized as the top in the nation. The official CD Release Event for the new CD will be held on the release date, Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at the Oxon Hill Science and Technology High School in Oxon Hill, MD. More details are to come on the CD Release Event.

The choir is headed by the renowned Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews, the Director of the Vocal Music Department and Choirs at Oxon Hill Science and Technology High School. Educated at Florida A&M University (FAMU), Florida State University and National -Louis University, he’s taught at FAMU, Bowie State University and University of the District of Columbia. The choir of approximately130 voices has performed all over Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The renowned group has also traveled the world including Central America, Italy and Nassau, Bahamas. For more information about the Oxon Hill High School Choir, log on to www.emoryandrews.com.

G.I. (God’s Image) Talks Producing Their Music & their New CD ‘The Next Dimension’

G.I. (God’s Image) is fresh of their sophomore CD titled “The Next Dimension.”  With the new single ‘Forever We Will Worship’ leading the way, the gentleman that make up the group are carving there way into the hearts of fans worldwide.

With pristine production and incredible vocals, the guys reveal that they produce many of their own tracks.  After loosing its 4th member to Pastorship, the trio is impacting the body of Christ with their blend of urban contemporary Gospel and praise & worship.

G.I. speaks with the PATH’s Christin Gordon at the annual AIM convention about their new music, their hometown, their motivation and so much more.  Don’t miss this exclusive interview!  Watch the video below.

Lucinda Moore Talks about Winning Stellar Award, Managing herself while Raising Children

Lucinda Moore took home a Stellar Award in 2011 for Traditional Female of the Year, and PATH gets to the bottom of a day in the life of this powerful artist.

As a Tyscot recording artist life is pretty busy for Lucinda Moore juggling motherhood along with being her own manager.  Lucinda has a warming personality that has allowed her favor in an industry where her music can save souls.  

PATH MEGAzine Publisher Kris Patrick, talks with Lucinda about what the Stellar Award recognition means to her.  We find out what’s next for the artist, and gain a greater perspective on her as a person.  

Don’t miss our exclusive interview below with Lucinda Moore!

As reported by Newschief.com.  When they got to the gunman, deputies found dozens of extra bullets in his pocket – a number that gave Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reason for pause.

“We don’t know why he went into his mad rage,” Judd said. “He was prepared to shoot even more.”

Authorities on Sunday arrested Jeremiah Fogle, 57, and said he shot and killed his wife at their home, then stomped through the front doors of the Greater Faith Christian Center Church in West Lakeland and shot two ministers at point-blank range.

The Rev. William Boss, chief pastor at the church, and the Rev. Carl Stewart, the assistant minister, were in Lakeland Regional Medical Center’s trauma and ICU units Sunday night.

Authorities said Stewart, who took three shots to the head, shoulder and back, remained in critical condition throughout the day. Boss suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the head.

Judd said the investigation became more grisly when deputies discovered the body of Fogle’s wife, Theresa Fogle, 56, who was shot to death in the living room of the couple’s home at 740 Savannah Ave, just one block west of the church. Deputies haven’t confirmed the exact time she was killed.

Churchgoers were kneeling in prayer when the shots rang out there, just before 10 a.m.

Judd described the church at 2035 W. Parker St. as a scene of “absolute panic.”  Read the full story by Clicking Here

Click Here to Purchase Tickets and get the Misfit Tour schedule.

In preparation for the launch of the ground-breaking MISFiT Tour 2011 this week in Huntsville, AL, Xist Music (Xist) and The UpLift! Group (UpLift!) are honored to announce the highly respected Christian organization, World Vision, as co-presenting Sponsor of the MISFIT Tour 2011, which will impact 25+ cities around the US and Canada this Fall, from September through November 2011, in music and ministry. World Vision is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that meets the needs of children, families and communities that are facing poverty and injustice.

“World Vision is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for the MISFIT Tour 2011,” shared Romanita Hairston, Vice President for U.S. Programs at World Vision. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with these artists to make a difference in the well being of children and youth throughout the United States. The tour will support World Vision programs and partners that help youth find their voice, improve their lives and improve their communities.”

The tour is designed to not only bring stirring messages of hope to youth with songs and inspiring spoken words, but it will also encourage volunteering in each city by featuring service projects around the country at World Vision sites and partner centers. Xist Music President and MISFiT tour artist Sean Simmonds commented, “Since representing World Vision’s Campaign for Children in the past, I am truly excited to partner with them on their U.S. Programs initiative, given its unique synergy with our urban missions vision.”

“Speaking on behalf of Xist Music and UpLift! Group, we are truly honored to welcome a world-class humanitarian organization such as World Vision as our co-presenting sponsor for MISFIT Tour 2011. Not only have they served the needs of nations around the globe for 60+ years, but the focus of their U.S. Programs division is at the heartbeat of our desire to “revolutionize America’s communities of all cultures, ethnicities, and socio-economic and academic statuses.” said Gessie Thompson, CEO & President of UpLift! Group.

MISFIT Tour 2011 will feature the best talents in urban Christian music and spoken word including three-time Stellar winner and GRAMMY® nominee Da’ T.R.UT.H. and Christian Hip Hop pioneer and GRAMMY® nominee The Ambassador, R&B/Soul phenomenon Mali Music, R&B/Hip Hop artist Sean Simmonds and powerful spoken-word artist Oraia, with KJ52, B.Reith and Freddy Washington appearing at select dates, as well as the visionary behind MISFIT Tour 2011, Pastor Chris Durso. A complete list of dates are posted on www.misfittour.net. Check back often, as additional cities are being added frequently.

When a Simon & Schuster editor rejected Sonja Gracy’s 2009 pitch for an inspiring book for single black women, “The Tales and Advice from the Stunningly Single!” author says she mixed her book endeavor with prayer, and simply never gave up. 

And it was Gracy’s prayers and perseverance that helped her win the support of renowned women in the gospel entertainment industry from Christian lifestyle magazine publisher Dr. Teresa Hairston, to Evangelist and singer Shirley Murdock, to Halo Tu’ Beauty cosmetics founder Adrian Anderson and even the young, former single, Kierra Clark Sheard. 

“If I’d of given up,” says Gracy, “I would never have gotten to know on a substantially relational level some of the incredible women I’ve admired for years.” 

Former Trin-i-tee 5:7 singer and Halo Tu’ Beauty founder Adrian Anderson also shares her successful single girl prescriptions in the book as well. Her first piece of advice is for single women to “recognize life’s seasons.” Anderson says in ….Stunningly Single! that “women should understand who they are in life and where they want to be” and strongly urges single women “to have fun. Life has different seasons,” says Anderson in the unique book. “You must know the season you’re in. There’s a season for you to nurture and develop yourself, and a season for you to partner.”

Gracy, who’d spent time as a singles magazine writer before penning her new book, says she wanted to do something inspirational to counter all the negative news coverage she’d been witnessing blitzing the “single black woman” issue.

“I thought a lot of the national media coverage was really, really gloomy, and I was, and still am, extraordinarily concerned with how the coverage affects black women’s minds. Since I personally knew single black women like me who weren’t ‘desperately single’ and had read about others who were doing fantastic things with their lives as singles, I started calling on many of them and was thrilled when they responded to help. I absolutely loved the things they were willing to share and be open about to help others.”

R&B legend turned evangelist Shirley Murdock also weighs in with her words of wisdom as a woman who regularly ministers to singles and believes that women can’t love anybody until they learn how to love themselves.”That’s so important,” says the famous singer in …Stunningly Single! “Because then you can understand who you are and whose you are and the value that God places on you. Our Father is a King, and that makes you a princess. When you understand your status and when you understand your value; that sets the stage for how you treat yourself and how you let other people treat you.”

Gracy says that one of the best parts of her “Tales and Advice from the Stunningly Single!” journey has been the first little steps that led to the bigger ones that led to her connecting, learning from, and writing about the book’s great, single women. “I re-learned something special from this endeavor as well. I re-learned that every ‘No’ isn’t fatal, and that another person’s ‘Yes,’ and a lot of help from God ‘make things beautiful in His time.’ I am so glad that I didn’t give up.”

Review copies of “Tales and Advice from the Stunningly Single!” are due for availability this fall through iUniverse.com and Amazon.com.

The atmosphere was set in Chesapeake, VA as Zion lifted their voices in praise. The Mount Lebanon Baptist Church Unity Choir rendered their first live CD/DVD recording on Friday and it was a night full of magnificent song, dance and fellowship with the Lord. Under the direction of Minister Earl Bynum, The Mount Unity Choir, over 100 voices strong, delivered perfected praise that set forth a charge of electrifying worship.

Guest vocalist for the evening included Dr. Judith McAllister who lead “Arise”, a dynamic anthem which created a sound of triumph that resonated from wall to wall. Chicago’s Evangelist Lemmie Battles energized the congregation with the hand clapping, foot stomping song “Victory”. Then the room fell into sweet worship with “Most Holy Lord”, a song that featured the angelic praise dancers from The Mount. The audience was also blessed with songs lead by special guests Lady Tibba Gamble, Cora Armstrong, Charmaine Swimpson and Slater Johnson.

Over 1500 attended the recording. In the midst were gospel industry’s Gerard Bonner (Bonnerfide Radio), Ray Pope (Rejoice Musical Soulfood Radio), Connie Faye Birth (Yes Lord Radio), Gospel singers Coko, Alex Holt and Titus Jackson, and Gospel promotions exec Kenny Taylor. The recording was coordinated by industry veteran Ike Owens and Benita Bellamy of The Bellamy Group.

The Mount Unity Choir Live CD/DVD will be in stores and online spring 2012. Bishop Kim W. Brown is pastor of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church which also has a thriving second location in Elizabeth City, NC. A prelude to the recording included an anniversary ceremony for Bishop Brown who has served twenty-one years in leadership with his congregation that has grown from a humble 75 to now over 7,000 with substantiating growth.

www.TheMountLeads.org

Photo credit/photos: Paulette Singleton (Singleton Photography)
1. Minister Earl Bynum and The Mount Unity Choir
2. Dr. Judith McAllister and The Mount Unity Choir
3. Special Guest Vocalist – Cora Armstrong, Lady Tibba Gamble, Evangelist Lemmie Battles

Isaac Carree Talks about Singing Background for

Years before Billboard #1 Debut

Isaac Carree is a singer, songwriter, producer, and actor.  For over a decade Isaac has sung background for the likes of Kirk Franklin and John P. Kee.  Now Isaac is stepping out with his first CD “Uncommon Me” which stunned everyone except Carree by going #1 on the Billboard Gospel charts.

Following the success of his debut single, “Simply Redeemed,” the sweet sounding Isaac Carree released the foot stomping single “In The Middle.”

Isaac Carree is quite possible the best pure vocalist that sings Gospel music today.  His vocal ability is quite frankly amazing, making him heavily sought after for his ability to sing background.

Carree speaks with PATH about his journey to get to where he is now.  His musical style and influences, and so much more!  Tune into the video below.

What Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggings has done in the neighborhoods surrounding his church is nothing short of phenomenal.  Bishop Wiggins is improving the low-income housing community around his area by buying it up, fixing it up, and then giving it back to tenants so they have a place to be proud of.  

Wiggins Pastors at The Hope Church of Orlando in Orlando, FL.  Bishop Wiggin’s is giving hope, by meeting the needs of his church and the community.

Wiggins has come along way since becoming a two-time Stellar Award winner.   He received the acknowledgement while playing Saxaphone as the second member of the Gospel Jazz duo “Allen & Allen.”

Since then, Bishop Allen Wiggins has asserted himself as a leader in the city of Orlando, buying up strip malls, run down apartment complexes and residential housing to improve its run-down conditions.

Allen talks in the video below about what God whispered to him that forever changed his business interests.  

A family man now, Wiggins is married to Lady Deborah Wiggins and they have 3 children.  No word yet on if one of Gospel’s most talented saxophone players will ever pick up a saxophone again.  But hats of to the man of God for being a true example of Christian servitude.  Visit Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins at www.thehopechurch.org