The who’s who in Gospel Music will soon be heading south for the 41st Annual Session of the Gospel Music Workshop of America featuring the most touted professionals from the Gospel Announcers Guild and Nationwide media.  

The workshops, musicals and events will be hosted at Marriott Waters Hotel and the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL.  From top Gospel artists to heavy hitters in the Gospel music industry the Gospel Music Workshop of America (G.M.W.A) is the place to be from Sunday, August 14th to Thursday, August 18th.

If you havent went before or haven’t attended Gospel’s most recognized conference in a while, here is my top 5 reasons to attend this year whether your a fan of Gospel music or a Gospel artist.

1. Powerful workshops and industry networking.
2. The musicals are incredible.  Packed with all your favorite Gospel artists.
3. The Second Annual Crystal Mic Media Awards.  One of Gospel’s top award shows recognizing Christian media outlets.
4. Get your business, product, music, or brand out there to the faith-based community.
5. Media exposure 

Plus I’ll be there looking forward to meeting everyone!  Don’t forget the official kick-off concert facilitated by the Florida Gospel Announcers Guild on Sunday, August 14th.  Click Here for more details on that.

Some of the Gospel artists, and media personalities coming to GMWA…Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Bishop Sam Williams, Donna Creer, Sheilah Belle a.k.a The Belle, Kris Patrick, Edna Tatum, Minister Earl Bynum, Frank Walton, Don Jackson, James Bignon, Kirk Franklin, Norman Hutchins, Lowell Pye, Beverly Crawford, Jimmy Hicks, James Fortune & FIYA, JJ Hairston & YP, Jessica Reedy, Dorothy Norwood, Dana Mackey, The Miracle Sisters, Apostle J.L. Cash & Praise, Bishop Andre Woods, Kerry Douglas, Khalif Townes, The Rance Allen Group, Rev. John P. Kee, Rev. Marvin Sapp, Neily Dickerson, State Choir of Florida, Texas Mass Choir, Kenny Taylor, Western New York Chapter-Buffalo, NY Choir, Bishop “Mr. Clean” White, Dr. Peggy Britt, D.A. Johnson, Dr. Teresa Hairston, Pastor David Wright and the Rev. Timothy Wright Memorial Choir, Evg. Lemmie Battle, Brenda Jefferson, Colorado Springs Colorado Chapter GMWA Youth & Young Adults, Bro. Steve, Connecticut Chapter, Dr. Rodena Preston and the Los Angeles Chapter Mass Choir, Pastor Juandolyn Stokes, Willie Mae McIver, Dr. Steve Roberts and the James Cleveland Gospel Chorus, Pastor Henzy Green, Ed Stephens, Rev. Lawrence London, Elder Willie James Campbell, Cora Miles Jefferson, JoJo Pada, Nichole Heyward, Benita Bellamy and many many many more!  

For more details, itinerary, and more.. Visit the GMWA website www.gmwanational.net

Check out the class schedule here!

Story derived from Sheilah Belle with the Belle Report

“Blessed & Cursed” the movie reaches a new milestone.  The film, which stars gospel triple threat Deitrick Haddon, is now being aired on Showtime, a premium cable television service that reaches approximately 20 million subscribers in the United States. 

As the first feature project from Tyscot Music & Entertainment’s newest division, Tyscot Films, Blessed & Cursed was originally released as a straight-to-DVD title.  Despite not having a major theatrical release, the film has continued to gain grassroots appeal across the country.

Showtime subscribers can now watch Blessed & Cursed on many of its multiplex channels as well The Movie Channel, which is owned by the network:

Please check your local listings for the exact air times in your area.  For more information on future airings, please visit www.sho.com .

“Blessed & Cursed” depicts the biblical struggle of Saul and David with a modern day twist.  Haddon plays, Dwight Hawkins, an aspiring and gifted gospel singer who suddenly goes from humble novice to overnight sensation when he is hired as the Minister of Music at one of the Detroit’s most popular churches.  What starts out as a dream come true soon becomes a nightmare as Dwight’s ambitions are thwarted by an unlikely source.

The “Blessed & Curse” DVD and original motion picture soundtrack are both available at Walmart and www.walmart.com

For more information about this and other Tyscot Music & Entertainment products, please contact Shaamora Harden sharden@tyscot.com) and Quaneshia Armstrong qarmstrong@tyscot.com)

The Florida Gospel Announcers Guild is proud to be the host city of this years Gospel Music Workshop of America in Tampa, FL.  Founded in 1967 the G.M.W.A. is the premiere place for Gospel music lovers and inspiring artists.

To commemorate this annual event the Florida Gospel Announcers Guild is hosting a kick-off event Sunday, August 14th at 6pm.  A who’s who list of Gospel artists and media will be in attendance.  This is a FREE event!  Look at the flyer below for location and more details.

Gospel music artist Lisa Page Brooks has re-signed with her current label, Habakkuk Music. Under the new deal we can expect to see an all new studio album in early 2012.

While signed to Habakkuk Music, Brooks earned her first #1 single on the Billboard Gospel songs chart with “I Want To Say Thank You” from the album entitled Strong.

This album also included gospel song “God is Good” which gained a Top 15 placement on both the Billboard and Mediabase gospel charts. She also received her first ever Soul Train Music Award nomination for 2011 Best Gospel Performance and two 2011 Stellar Award nominations.

As a founding member of the beloved group, Witness, and as a solo artist, Brooks’ deep alto voice distinguishes her signature sound and makes her a staple in Gospel music. Lisa has accumulated multiple Grammy nominations, Dove Awards and a Stellar Gospel Music Award.

Habakkuk Music is excited about the partnership with Lisa Page Brooks and will kick off the renewal with brand new gospel music. A radio single will be serviced in October 2011 and an album release entitled “Habakkuk Music Presents: Forgotten Treasures: Lisa Page Brooks – A Collection of Previously Released Favorites.”

Did you miss Sunday’s Best this past Sunday?  Look at it below, it was phenomenal!

We’re down to the Final 7, and Sunday’s Best interviews the latest eliminated contestants.  We also learn who wins the sing-off for the 10th spot!

Congratulations to Gospel legend Richard Smallwood who debuts on top of the Gospel charts this week.  This makes 3 straight weeks where we have a new #1 atop the charts.  In the world of radio, “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin spins its 26th week on the charts, holding down the #1 spot at radio.

The rest of Billboard’s top 10 Gospel CDs are…

1 | Richard Smallwood – Promises
2 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
3 | Earnest Pugh – Earnestly Yours
4 | Mary Mary – Something Big
5 | WOW Gospel 2011
6 | Pastor James R. Adams – Times of Refreshing
7 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
8 | Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon
9 | Lecrae – Rehab
10 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Best Of…

Wow! Watch Fred Hammonds testimony below, and share with your friends.  Maybe there’s a young lady out there wrestling with a decision. 

Dr. Mark Williams, also known as “The Voice Doctor” is currently traveling across the country promoting his new CD release EVERYTHING. His unique combination of delivering Music, Medicine and Ministry is capturing the attention of the Christian music community.

Dr. Williams recently made his way to Detroit and had the opportunity to minister in song on The Word Network’s “Rejoice In The Word” with host Bishop George Bloomer. Dr. Williams shared the musical spotlight with the legendary Rance Allen Singers. Dr. Williams also stopped in to chat about his project with Deborah Smith-Pollard at WJLB Radio and Pastor Marvin Winans at WMXD Radio then on to Perfecting Church as musical guest of Pastor Winans.

New single and title cut “Everything”, is a jazz infused ballad with soothing vocals reminiscent of Will Downing which made its debut on Detroit radio stations this week and will impact national radio in August. EVERYTHING, which is in stores and online now, was produced by Roger Ryan and Daniel Weatherspoon with the penmanship of Dr. Williams. This project has captured the essence of pure worship that is engaging audiences in a powerful musical experience via soulful ballads and infectious praise songs.

“Mark Williams is in my opinion one of this generation’s BEST KEPT SECRETS! The most exciting part about this season of his life, is that ALL MANKIND will NOW witness the manifest power of God that flows through his music and worship!” Elder Darwin Hobbs – Worship Pastor, Hopewell Baptist Church, Norcross, Georgia.

Continuing in his busy tour schedule, Dr. Mark will be conducting a Seminar “Your Voice – God’s Instrument” August 14-18 at the Gospel Music Workshop of America National Convention in Tampa, FL. He will also be the Keynote Speaker at the GMWA Faculty Banquet. Convention registrants will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Mark and experience vocal care education up close at The Voice Care Center of Nashville’s Interactive Booth in the GMWA Exhibitors Hall. Dr. Williams educates singers, preachers and speakers on proper vocal technique and voice hygiene to help prevent voice problems and ultimately enhance the worship experience.

LISTEN TO “EVERYTHING” HERE!

Dr. Mark Williams On Tour:
Aug 6          Atlanta, GA        Berean Christian Store – In-store Performance
Aug 7          Atlanta, GA        New Mercies Christian Church – 10AM
                                              Restoration Ministries – 3pm
Aug 13        Louisville, KY      He Looked Beyond My Faults Praise Party
Aug 14-18   Tampa, FL          GMWA National Convention
Sept 2          Detroit, MI         TCT TV “I’m Just Saying” taping
Sept 4          Cincinnati, OH    House of Joy Ministries
Oct 8           Chicago, IL         Chicago Gospel Announcers Guild Conference
Nov 24-26    Austin, TX         Texas Gospel Announcers Conference

PHOTO CREDITS: Picture 1 Mark Williams with Rance Allen Group

Judith McAllister, The First Lady of Praise and Worship, has a new CD, making this her first for Shanachie Records. Look for “Sound the Trumpet” to his store shelves, August 30th.

Recorded live at Greater Allen AME Cathedral in New York, NY and backed by a hand-picked group of extraordinary musicians and choir, Sound The Trumpet is what Judith McAllister fans have been waiting for as it captures all of the power and excitement of Judith McAllister praise and worship experience.

McAllister as you know has been one the most important figures bringing the praise and worship movement to African-American churches. As president of the International Music Department of the 6 million member Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), the second-largest African- American denomination, she has tremendous name recognition through her ministry and her musical performances.

The first single, Sound The Trumpet, is being worked to Gospel radio nationally, building on Judith McAllister’s past Top Ten radio hits High Praise and Lord Prepare Me, the #4 hit she produced with the West Angeles Mass Choir, along with Like The Dew In The Morning and All Good Saints.