Unbroken Praise, Latest from GRAMMY ® Winner Matt Redman, Tops iTunes ® Chart Amidst Sold-Out Shows and Strong Reviews

“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” Honored With RIAA Certified Platinum Distinction

Nashville, Tenn. (June 19, 2015) - Unbroken Praise, the newest album from GRAMMY® winner Matt Redman, debuted this week amongst critical and listener acclaim alongside capacity-filled tour dates, performing for 2,500 in Fort Meyers, Fla. and 2,200 in Orlando, Fla. alone. After it's release earlier this week, Unbroken Praise has sat atop the iTunes ® Christian & Gospel Chart.

The follow-up to Your Grace Finds Me (2013), which debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard Top 200, features 11 songs recorded live at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, including "King Of My Soul" and the current radio single, “It Is Well With My Soul.” 

Media mainstays such as CCM magazine have chronicled Redman’s recording of his newest album at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Additional outlets are resonating with Redman's newest release.

"Arguably our generation's most gifted worship songwriter, Redman never seems to make a misstep... A most anticipated christian album of the summer." Rhapsody

"Abbey Road, home to many musical memories, was a fitting place for the musical pioneer to leave his own mark. This worship experience captured there features the singer-songwriter at his best, offering an engaging musical production that merges high-energy worship with heartfelt, memorable praise." Charisma Magazine

"Don't miss out on this incredible worship album, one of the best of the year for sure.” New Release Today

"Unbroken Praise is a record that, as always, shows Redman’s versatility…. Should stand strong as one of the best records of the year.” The Front Row Report

Listeners are also resounding on social media in excitement for Unbroken Praise, saying it's full of "fantastic new songs," stating "it's finally here.”

On the heels of Unbroken Praise’s debut, Redman was honored last weekend for the RIAA Platinum certification of "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)." The song also made Redman a double GRAMMY® winner.

Touring all over the world, he has brought his live music to over 30 countries. A committed songwriter, Redman continues to craft songs for some of the most respected names in the church, and has over 40 songs in the CCLI Top 500. Continuing to take his music all around the globe, Redman will be bringing Unbroken Praise and his other hits to audiences in the U.S. and abroad throughout the rest of 2015. To see Redman’s latest tour schedule, click here. 


ABOUT MATT REDMAN:
Matt Redman is a key songwriter for today’s church and active worship leader for Passion conferences around the world. Leading a generation of worshipers, his songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder*Band, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture and Passion, among others.  Redman has over 40 songs in the CCLI Top 500, with six populating the Top 500. Among his powerful hits, "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" earned Redman his first two GRAMMY® awards, was certified RIAA Platinum and named ASCAP’s "Christian Music Song of the Year" and “Top Christian Song” at the Billboard Music Awards.  Redman’s last album, Your Grace Finds Me debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200.  His long awaited new album Unbroken Praise is now available.


ABOUT sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Love Ran Red), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: Even So Come). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.


Stay Connected with Matt Redman
Website // www.mattredman.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/officialmattredman
Twitter // www.twitter.com/matt_redman
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mattredmanmusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/officialmattredman

 

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder 
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Passion Founder and Pastor Louie Giglio Pens THE COMEBACK

Due in October, book debuts partnership with Passion Publishing and Thomas Nelson

Nashville, Tenn. (June 16, 2015) – Founder of Passion Conferences and Passion City Church, Pastor Louie Giglio, has penned his latest book, "The Comeback," the first in Passion Publishing’s new partnership with Thomas Nelson. 

"Everyone loves comeback stories. These stories strike a chord inside the very core of our beings. They make us realize that difficult circumstances do not always get the final say in our lives. They encourage us that in the end, our story can be a comeback story too," shares Giglio. "God is the God of the comeback—and if you’re longing for a turnaround, fresh start or a new direction, then this book’s for you. It’s a book of hope and help, encouragement and perspective."

Giglio extends an invitation for readers to look deeper and see God's constant pursuit and unfailing love for us through timeless comebacks from Scripture, current stories from everyday people, and even Giglio’s deeply personal comeback story. Whether it be cancer, loss, a bad job situation, a strained relationship, depression, stress or other trials, Giglio encourages readers to seek a comeback, knowing that God’s in the business of giving fresh starts to people. He gives hope to the hopeless, direction to the directionless, help for those who need help. 


About Louie Giglio:
Led by a stirring in the heart of Atlanta-based pastor Louie Giglio in 1995, Passion has ushered millions of college students from across the globe into unity, brought forth some of the most influential songs for the modern day Church, and championed a full-force movement to fight the injustices of human trafficking. A passionate communicator and leader, Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta and founder of the Passion Movement, which includes the collegiate gatherings of Passion Conferences and Capitol CMG partner sixstepsrecords. Widely known for the Passion Talk Series DVD messages, “Indescribable” and “How Great Is Our God”, Giglio is also the author of “The Air I Breathe,” “I Am Not But I Know I AM” and “Waiting Here for You." As a communicator, Giglio speaks at events throughout the U.S. and around the globe. A native of Atlanta and graduate of Georgia State University, Giglio has done post-graduate work at Baylor University and holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Seminary. 


Stay Connected with Louie Giglio:
Website// www.268generation.com
Twitter// www.twitter.com/louiegiglio
Instagram// www.instagram.com/louiegiglio
 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm and Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

New Music Video for Michael W. Smith’s “Sky Spills Over” Unveiled with Support from WayFM, FOX News, Guideposts and More

Three-Time GRAMMY ® Winner Continues Global Tour Dates; Takes Part in Former First Lady's 90th Birthday Celebration

Nashville, Tenn. (June 16, 2015) –  “Sky Spills Over,” the latest music video and radio single from GRAMMY ® Award Winner Michael W. Smith, debuted to viral backing from WAYFm.com, FOX News and Guideposts.org.  “Sky Spills Over” has climbed into the Top 25 on both the Billboard AC Indicator and National Christian Audience Charts.

The video was a family affair for Smith featuring several of his grandchildren along with his son, Ryan Smith, serving as the director of the music video.  Fans took to social media to share the video as the impact resonated with viewers.

After recent shows in Nigeria and South Africa to the Ukraine, as part of the "SOVEREIGN WORLD TOUR," Smith joined Reba McEntire and Amy Grant to perform for former First Lady Barbara Bush’s 90th birthday in Kennebunkport, Maine.  Continuing to support Bush’s commitment to reading and education, the celebration raised a total of $17.3 million for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

This fall, Smith will continue his "SOVEREIGN WORLD TOUR" with dates in the U.S. as well as in Brazil,  Japan and Indonesia.  In late September, Phillips, Craig & Dean and Mark Lowry will join Smith in a 10-city tour being billed as the "Celebration of Songs & Hymns Tour." Concert information is always available at www.michaelwsmith.com.


About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award and more than 40 Dove Awards.  In honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. In 2014, Smith released Hymns, his first-ever classic album featuring church favorites available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, released during the fall of 2014 and received critical acclaim from The New York Times, USA Today and more. Featuring Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald, the project was one of the top-selling Christmas albums of the season. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.
 

Stay Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mwsmithofficial
 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.theMcollective.com

Six-Time GRAMMY® Winner TobyMac Announces THIS IS NOT A TEST ALBUM and TOUR

Six-Time GRAMMY® Winner TobyMac Announces 

THIS IS NOT A TEST ALBUM and TOUR  

iTunes® Pre-Order Launches Today With Two Advance Songs

Tour to Excite 36 Cities this Fall

Nashville, Tenn. (June 9, 2015) — With an accumulation of over 11 million units in career sales, six-time GRAMMY® winner TobyMac has announced the release of his sixth studio project, THIS IS NOT A TEST.   Produced by TobyMac, David Garcia and Chris Stephens, the 11 track project is the follow up to his No. 1 Billboard debut, Eye On It, and is available for pre-order on iTunes® today, June 9, with a worldwide street date of August 7.  To pre-order the album and receive two advance song downloads, click here.

The title of the album comes as a reminder to “make every moment count, and make every second count,” explains TobyMac.  “I started collecting concepts as soon as I turned in the last record three years ago, and started working on this album a year and a half ago. The concepts are all based on my life experiences.”  An album that he feels reflects important themes like loving each other well and the richness of diversity.

THIS IS NOT A TEST finds the American Music Award winner collaborating with a diverse group of artists, including for the first time in a decade, his dcTalk bandmates Kevin Max and Michael Tait, and newer artist like Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson and Hollyn.  The song “Undeniable” adds the vocal stylings of young students from New Hope Academy.  A long-time supporter of the non-profit school based in Franklin, Tenn., New Hope Academy brings together socio-economic status and races, and provides scholarships to low-income families for high-quality education.  “Collaborating allows us to appreciate our differences and makes us more receptive to each other,” explains the artist and record label founder (Gotee).  “ I’m honored to collaborate with my songwriters, produce with my co-producers and I am honored to take the stage with my band. There  is a richness to what humans do when they come together and collaborate.”  The track listing for the new album debuted last week with the help of his three million social media followers. 

TobyMac’s first single from THIS IS NOT A TEST,  “Beyond Me” received 80 adds its first week out, and hit no. 1 at CHR.  He performed the track on NBC.com’s Beyond A.D. Digital Talk Show hosted by E! News co-host Jason Kennedy last month. 

THIS IS NOT A TEST will be available as a deluxe version and will have four extra tracks, two new songs and two remixes, including "Lift You Up," "Fall,"  “Beyond Me (PHENOMENON Remix by Soul Glow Activatur) and “Like A Match (Garcia Remix)."  

The Billboard Music Award winner will be bringing his dynamic live performances, including the  popular Diverse City Band, to 36 markets this fall.  For a list of tour dates please visit TobyMac’s website

TobyMac will headline several summer festivals leading up to the fall tour, including Creation East and West, Alive, FishFest, Spirit West Coast and Disney’s Night of Joy.  

About TobyMac:
With more than 11 million units in career sales and a whopping six GRAMMY ® Awards, TobyMac's career continues on the fast track. His most recent studio album, EYE ON IT, garnered him the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and the highest chart debut of his solo career landing at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The project made TobyMac only the third artist ever to debut atop the Billboard 200 with a Christian music album. Recently receiving RIAA Gold Certification, EYE ON IT follows the success of his previous four solo projects, which have also received RIAA Gold Certifications and thus represents a first for an artist in the history of his label, Capitol Christian Music Group, with each one of his five studio solo projects achieving Gold certification.  His live DVD, Alive & Transported, is RIAA Certified platinum and received a GRAMMY® award. His latest remix project EYE'M ALL MIXED UP (REMIXES) was released last fall, and he’ll release his sixth solo studio project, THIS IS NOT A TEST on August 7, 2015. 

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THIS IS NOT A TEST  Track Listing:

STANDARD

1. Like A Match
2. Backseat Driver (feat. Hollyn & Tru)
3. This Is Not A Test (feat. Capital Kings)
4. Lights Shine Bright (feat. Hollyn)
5. Til The Day I Die (feat. NF)
6. Feel It (feat. Mr. TalkBox)
7. Move (Keep Walkin’)
8. Love Broke Thru
9. Beyond Me
10. Love Feels Like (feat. DCTALK)
11. Undeniable 

DELUXE

1. Lift You Up (feat. Ryan Stevenson)
2. Fall
3. Beyond Me (PHENOMENON Remix by Soul Glow Activatur)
4. Like A Match (Garcia Remix)

Stay Connected with TobyMac:

Website // www.tobymac.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/tobymac
Twitter // www.twitter.com/officialtobymac
Instagram // www.instagram.com/officialtobymac
YouTube // www.youtube.com/tobymacmusic

Media Contact

Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder 

the media collective

velvet@themcollective.com

courtney@themcollective.com

(615) 591-7989

www.themcollective.com

@themcollective

For KING & COUNTRY Take Top Honors with an Unprecedented Three Wins at K-LOVE Fan Awards During Evening of Unforgettable Performances at Grand Ole Opry House

3rd Annual Fan Voted Show Hosted by FOX & Friend’s
Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron

Fan Votes Result in Building of Family Homes 
in Haiti via Hands & Feet Project

Nashville, Tenn. (June 1, 2015) - Winners were announced at tonight's 3rd Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards at The Grand Ole Opry House, presented by Pepsi and hosted by FOX & Friend’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron. Broadcast live on K-LOVE.com, the fan-generated awards show aimed to honor artists, authors, film/television and athletes who impact popular culture in a positive and encouraging way for Jesus Christ.

For KING & COUNTRY led the night receiving an unprecedented three wins,  including the evening’s biggest honor of Artist of the Year.  Other winners were announced in the following categories.

Male Artist of the Year: Chris Tomlin
Female Artist of the Year: Francesca Battistelli
Group/Duo of the Year: For KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: Newsboys "We Believe"
Worship Song of the Year: Lauren Daigle, "How Can It Be"
Artist of the Year: For KING & COUNTRY
Best Live Show: For KING & COUNTRY
First Christian Artist to Appear on 7UP Can: Big Daddy Weave 
Sports Impact: Benjamin Watson
Movie Impact: A.D. The Bible Continues
Book Impact: The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurst

New Orleans Saints Tight End Benjamin Watson wins the Sports Impact Award

Francesca Battistelli wins Female Artist of the Year

This year's K-LOVE Fan Awards partnered with Hands & Feet Project to make every vote count. With every 500,000 votes, Hands and Feet Project committed to building a family-style home for orphaned or abandoned children in Haiti. Homes will be built in the area of Jacmel, where Hands & Feet Project is based. On Saturday, fans and celebrities including Hasselbeck, For King & Country’s Joel Smallbone, Matthew West and more participated in Run For Love 2015, which benefitted the non-profit organization. 

With a vast array of talent, the evening showcased abundant performances and appearances from the worlds of music, sports, film and books. Highlights included memorable performances by Francesca Battestelli, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Colton Dixon, Crowder, Lauren Daigle, For KING & COUNTRY, Danny Gokey, Hawk Nelson, Kari Jobe, Matt Maher, MercyMe, Plumb, Sidewalk Prophets, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Third Day and Matthew West. 

Male Artist of the Year winner Chris Tomlin performs "At The Cross (Love Ran Red)"

Special appearances were also made by the Benham Brothers, Blanca, the NFL’s Brian Bosworth, Indiana Hoosier’s Coach Tom Crean, Louie Giglio, Natalie Grant, former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titan’s Punter Brett Kern, Britt Nicole, Kristian Stanfill, The PGA’s Kevin Streelman, Michael Tait, author Lysa TerKeurst, New Orleans Saints Tight End Benjamin Watson, and Boston Celtics Center Tyler Zeller.

The show was the pinnacle event of the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and Ultimate Fan Experience, where fans had more chances than ever to see and interact with their favorite Christian music artists. Starting Friday night, May 29, the weekend began with a bang with a star-studded Kickoff Concert, featuring performances by TobyMac, Newsboys, Matthew West, Matt Maher and Sidewalk Prophets.

Throughout the weekend, fans participated in the popular K-LOVE Fan Zone, which featured a variety of fan-focused events including celebrity basketball games, autograph sessions, book signings, special performances and more. Saturday night welcomed the Songwriters Showcase hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman and featuring MercyMe, Crowder, Colton Dixon, Nichole Nordeman and more. On Sunday, Third Day and Kari Jobe started the day off with a special Worship Service at the Opryland Resort. Additionally, a Sports Breakfast was held on Saturday to honor the Zeller family; NBA athletes Tyler, Cody and Luke and their parents Steve and Lorri. The exclusive event hosted just over 100 people and benefited Sports Spectrum Magazine, a nonprofit Christian sports magazine.

"The Fan Awards Weekend is an amazing event bringing together the best who are impacting our culture for Christ," remarked K-LOVE Chief Creative Officer David Pierce.  "To partner with this amazing and talented community is a blessing for all of us at K-LOVE.  Tonight’s show, was another high point in the body of Christ coming together and proclaiming the name of Jesus to all who would hear! "

The 4th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards is set to return to the Grand Ole Opry House on June 5, 2016. For more information, please visit KLOVEFanAwards.com.

PHOTOS:
3rd Annual KLOVE Fan Awards At The Grand Ole Opry House - Show
(Getty Images/Rick Diamond)

3rd Annual KLOVE Fan Awards At The Grand Ole Opry House - Arrivals                              
(Getty Images/Terry Wyatt & Rick Diamond)

3rd Annual KLOVE Fan Awards At The Grand Ole Opry House - Press Room & Backstage
(Getty Images/Terry Wyatt & Rick Diamond)


ABOUT THE K-LOVE FAN AWARDS
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ. This year’s show will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron. Previous hosts for the event include Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson from A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West. For more information visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.


ABOUT K-LOVE 
K-LOVE plays positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music with a message designed to draw people toward an authentic relationship with God while living out real life in the real world. The radio network has 446 signals in 47 states with an estimated weekly audience of over 14 million. Now with their Fan Awards, their mission is to create a unique and fun fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers, who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.

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Media Contact 
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Kirsten Grenier 
the media collective 
velvet@themcollective.com 
courtney@themcollective.com 
kirsten@themcollective.com 
(615) 591-7989

Matt Redman's New Single, "It Is Well With My Soul," Available Now with iTunes Pre-Order of Unbroken Praise

Music Video, Filmed at Legendary Abbey Road Studios,
Debuts from Two-Time GRAMMY Winner

Nashville, Tenn. (May 28, 2015) – Respected worship leader and renowned songwriter Matt Redman will unveil a new, full-length album titled Unbroken Praise on June 16 (sixstepsrecords). The newest album from the double GRAMMY ® winner is now available for pre-order at iTunes with an instant download of current single "It Is Well With My Soul." Coinciding with the single is the release of both a music and lyric/chord video for "It Is Well With My Soul." Unbroken Praise features 11 songs recorded live at the celebrated Abbey Road Studios, home to some of music’s most iconic moments. 

ABOUT MATT REDMAN:
Matt Redman is a key songwriter for today’s church and active worship leader for Passion conferences around the world. Leading a generation of worshipers, his songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder*Band, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture and Passion, among others. Redman has over 40 songs in the CCLI Top 500, with six populating the Top 500. Among his powerful hits, "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" earned Redman his first two GRAMMY ® awards, was certified RIAA Platinum and named ASCAP’s Christian Music Song of the Year and “Top Christian Song” at the Billboard Music Awards. The song spent over 19 weeks at No. 1 and over 30 non-consecutive weeks in the Top 5 on Billboard's Christian/Gospel Digital Songs chart. Redman’s last album, Your Grace Finds Me debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200. His long awaited new album Unbroken Praise will debut on June 16.


ABOUT sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Love Ran Red), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: Even So Come). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.


Get Connected with Matt Redman
Website // www.mattredman.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/officialmattredman
Twitter // www.twitter.com/matt_redman
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mattredmanmusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/officialmattredman

 

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder 
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

More Notable Musicians, Athletes and Authors Added to 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards As Show Hits Nashville This Weekend

LIVE Show to Be Streamed from the Iconic Grand Ole Opry House on KLOVE.com

Nashville, Tenn. (May 27, 2015) — Steven Curtis Chapman, Brett Kern, Michael Tait, Ashley Smith, Thomas Davis, Brian Bosworth, Benjamin Watson, Alex Kendrick and Blanca have been unveiled as the final group of diverse presenters to appear at the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards, hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron. This latest list comes in addition to the earlier star-studded line-up of performers and presenters ready to take the stage at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. as part of the show this Sunday May 31, 2015. To see the show live, reserve your spot at KLOVE.com.


Fan generated votes fuel the wins at the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards. For every 500,000 votes, Hands and Feet Project commits to building a family-style home, caring for up to eight orphaned or abandoned children in Haiti. Fox & Friends Anchor and 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards’ Co-Host Elisabeth Hasselbeck will kick-off the Run for Love 5K on Saturday, May 30, also benefitting the non-profit serving Haiti, as part of the activities for 2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend. To vote, visit www.klovefanawards.com.


The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville will serve as host for the 2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, this weekend, May 29-31. Live from the historic Grand Ole Opry House, the third annual K-LOVE Fan Awards will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron. For KING & COUNTRY and Newsboys led this year’s nominations, and nominees in the “Film/Television Impact,” “Book Impact” and “Sports Impact” categories were recently unveiled. The fan-generated awards show aims to honor artists, authors and athletes who impact popular culture in a positive and encouraging way for Jesus Christ. For a full list of events for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, presented by Pepsi, click here. 


ABOUT THE K-LOVE FAN AWARDS
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ. This year’s show will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron. Previous hosts for the event include Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson from A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West. For more information on this year’s exciting lineup and award show hosts, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.


ABOUT K-LOVE
K-LOVE plays positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music with a message designed to draw people toward an authentic relationship with God while living out real life in the real world. The radio network has 446 signals in 47 states with an estimated weekly audience of over 14 million. Now with their Fan Awards, their mission is to create a unique and fun fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers, who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.

### 

Media Contact
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Michael W. Smith, Phillips, Craig and Dean and Mark Lowry Unite for a Hymns Tour Hitting Markets This September

Nashville, Tenn. (May 22, 2015) - Beginning September 22, GRAMMY® award-winning artist Michael W. Smith will embark on a nightly concert hymns tour, bringing his hits and famous church classics alongside comedian Mark Lowry and longtime trio Phillips, Craig, and Dean (PCD). The tour will run through the month of September, beginning in Bemidji, Minn. and concluding in Reading, Pa.

In 2014, Smith released his very first traditional hymns album, partnering with the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® for its release. The best-selling Hymns album won the 2014 Dove Awards for “Inspirational Album of the Year” and includes inspirational songs that he remembers singing in church when young.

“This tour really is a bit of a dream come true for me,” Smith shares. “I have such deep respect for Randy, Shawn and Dan (PCD) and I’ve always been a fan of Mark Lowry. Sharing the stage and performing the classic Hymns of the church will be such a unique and great experience. I’m really, really looking forward to this tour.”

After a successful Alaska cruise tour in 2014 featuring PCD, Smith decided to connect with PCD a second time. In planning the 2014 nightly concerts, the artists decided that it might be fun to do a night of all hymns. So – with no formal rehearsal, they made a set list, took the stage together, and sang classics for more than an hour. It was decided that very night that the two artists would set out on another hymnal tour, but this time with the addition of Lowry.

Lowry’s performance will bring a special element to the tour. Not only known for his comedic antics, Lowry was raised in the church and had the opportunity to sing with Bill Gaither for many years. "I'm so excited that Smitty, PCD and I are going to get to travel to a bunch of cities this fall and perform all 'hims.'" Mark comments, “I guess we'll perform all 'hers' next year ... sorry ladies."

Randy Phillips with PCD states, "Michael W. Smith sings songs that draw my heart closer to God. Mark Lowry, through his unique humor, helps me not to take myself too seriously. As Phillips, Craig and Dean enter our 25th year together, it is indeed an honor to be on stage with men who have created such a legacy.”


Additional information and tickets are available at http://www.michaelwsmith.com.


All Dates Subject to Change
*Click Here For Up-To-Date Tour Information
September 22 – Bemidji, MD
September 23 – Cedar Rapids, IA
September 24 – Bowling Green, OH
September 25 – Shipshewana, IN
September 27 – Greenville, NC
September 28 – Columbus, OH
September 29 – Greensburg, PA
September 30 – Reading, PA


About Michael W. Smith: 
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Also in 2014, Smith was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) for his impact on the Nashville entertainment industry. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. In 2014, Smith released Hymns, his first-ever classic album featuring church favorites available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, as well as his first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, released during the fall of 2014 and received critical acclaim from The New York Times, USA Today and more. Featuring Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald, the project was one of the top-selling Christmas albums of the season. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.


About Phillips, Craig and Dean:
Since the group was formed more than 20 years ago, Phillips, Craig & Dean has achieved remarkable status in the Christian music industry. They released their 15th album, Above It All, November 10th, have produced 24 No. 1 radio hits, sold almost three million records, and have won three GMA Dove Awards. Their major hits have received national attention with “Revelation Song” staying at No. 1 for a record-breaking 17 weeks, “Crucified with Christ” named Inspiration Song of the Year by CCM Magazine, “Saved The Day” played during a nationally televised game of the Texas Rangers, and “Shine On Us” being the theme song for the National Day of Prayer’s 50th anniversary. Phillips, Craig and Dean remain an active touring act, which has included appearances at National Religious Broadcasters and Christian Booksellers Association conventions and Promise Keepers events. The group still maintains their moratorium on Saturday night travel due to their commitments as full-time pastors at their home churches in Austin, TX, St. Louis, Missouri and Carrollton, TX.


About Mark Lowry:
Mark Lowry is known and loved around the world as a trusted voice in the realm of gospel music and beyond. With four decades in the entertainment industry, Lowry is a singer, storyteller, humorist, author and songwriter, whose lyric to “Mary Did You Know?” resulted in one of the most loved modern Christmas songs of this century. This captivating song, which he co-wrote with Buddy Greene, has been recorded more than 400 times by artists from every genre including: Reba McEntire, Cee Lo Green, Clay Aiken, Michael English, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna Judd, The Gaither Vocal Band and a long list of others. Lowry has spent more than 20 collective years as the baritone singer for the GRAMMY ® winning Gaither Vocal Band and serves as the sidesplitting comedic sidekick for Bill Gaither through live concert tours and the best-selling Gaither Homecoming video series and television airings (now more than 150 volumes strong). A deep thinker and student of theology with an outrageous sense of humor (for which he often credits his diagnosis with Attention Deficit Disorder), Lowry’s life work includes a long list of recordings and DVDs reflecting a wide range of influences, including: Mark Lowry On Broadway, Mark Lowry Goes To Hollywood, Life Gets Loud, I Love To Tell the Story (his first all-hymns recording), Unplugged and Unplanned, Whatcha Need and most recently, Unforgettable Classics. Lowry was recently inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, which in his words, "took my breath away."


Get Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mwsmithofficial

 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.theMcollective.com

More Acclaimed Performers and Presenters Announced for 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards

Industry hitmakers to headline Songwriter’s Showcase at 
2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend

Nashville, Tenn. (May 21, 2015) — Crowder, Danny Gokey, Jeremy Camp, Kari Jobe, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Plumb, Sidewalk Prophets and Tenth Avenue North are among the second slew of celebrated performers to bring their chart-toppers to the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards stage, taking place at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. on May 31, 2015.  Tim Hasselbeck, Louie Giglio, Kristian Stanfill, The Benham Brothers, Lysa TerKeurst, Jan Harrison, Britt Nicole, Kevin Streelman, Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant, Tyler Zeller and Tom Crean have been unveiled as the first group of presenters. 

Known for hits such as “Greater,” “Come As You Are” and “More Of You,” nominees MercyMe, Crowder and Colton Dixon will take the stage for the Songwriter’s Showcase hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman at the 2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend. The annual weekend activity will exhibit some of the industry’s most renowned song crafters at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. Tickets for the event are included in the 2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend Packages, available here.

Fan generated votes fuel the wins at the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards. For every 500,000 votes,Hands and Feet Project commits to building a family-style home, caring for up to eight orphaned or abandoned children in Haiti. To vote, visit www.klovefanawards.com.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville will serve as host for the 2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend on May 29-31. Live from the historic Grand Ole Opry House, the third annual K-LOVE Fan Awards will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron. For KING & COUNTRY and Newsboys led this year’s nominations, and nominees in the “Film/Television Impact,” “Book Impact” and “Sports Impact” categories were recently unveiled. The fan-generated awards show aims to honor artists, authors and athletes who impact popular culture in a positive and encouraging way. For a full list of events for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, presented by Pepsi, clickhere. 

ABOUT THE K-LOVE FAN AWARDS 
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ. This year’s show will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron. Previous hosts for the event include Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson from A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West. For more information on this year’s exciting lineup and award show hosts, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

ABOUT K-LOVE 
K-LOVE plays positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music with a message designed to draw people toward an authentic relationship with God while living out real life in the real world. The radio network has 446 signals in 47 states with an estimated weekly audience of over 14 million. Now with their Fan Awards, their mission is to create a unique and fun fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers, who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.

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Media Contact 
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Kirsten Grenier 
the media collective 
velvet@themcollective.com 
courtney@themcollective.com 
kirsten@themcollective.com 
(615) 591-7989 
www.themcollective.com 
@themcollective

Chris Tomlin's "Love Ran Red Tour" Raises More Than $700K to Fund Child Surgeries with CURE International

Over 200,000 fans attend "Love Ran Red Tour" making career history as Tomlin's biggest tour to date

Nashville, Tenn. (May 19, 2015) — More than 200,000 people attended GRAMMY®-winner Chris Tomlin's "Love Ran Red Tour" this spring, making history as the biggest tour of his career to date. 

Hitting 36 cities and selling out venues in Chicago, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas and more, the tour saw an overwhelming response. But fans did more than just show up – they gave over $700K to CURE International, an organization with which Tomlin partnered for the "Love Ran Red Tour." The donations will help fund 700 life-changing surgeries for children with disabilities.

Tomlin's "Love Ran Red" Tour partnered with CURE International to benefit disabled children.

Last fall, Chris and his wife Lauren joined the Board of Directors for CURE International, the largest provider of reconstructive surgery to disabled children in the emerging world.

“They’re really changing kids’ lives,” said Tomlin of the organization. “I’ve found this is a place where I can trust where the money is going, and it’s really going to heal these kids.” To learn more about Tomlin’s involvement with CURE, visit cure.org/tomlin. 

Tomlin recently announced Worship Night in America, which will bring people across the country together for a time of worship and prayer for the nation. Events will take place Aug. 8 in New York City's Madison Square Garden, Aug. 13 in Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheater and Aug. 15 in Sacramento's Sleep Train Arena. 

Following Worship Night In America events, Tomlin will continue with a fall leg of the "Love Ran Red Tour" this October, with Rend Collective joining as the opening act. (See tour dates and locations below.) 
 

"Love Ran Red Tour" - Fall Dates
October 8 - West Riverfront Park Amphitheatre - Nashville, TN
October 9 - ASU Convocation Center - Jonesboro, AR
October 10 - iWireless Center - Moline, IL
October 11 - Ralston Arena - Omaha (Ralston), NE
October 13 - Aiken Theatre in The Centre - Evansville, IN
October 15 - Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park - Raleigh (Cary), NC
October 16 - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena - Jacksonville, FL00
October 17 - Gwinnett Center - Atlanta (Duluth), GA
October 18 - University of Central Florida Arena - Orlando, FL
October 20 - Baton Rouge River Center - Baton Rouge, LA
October 22 - Reed Arena - College Station, TX
October 23 - American Bank Center - Corpus Christi, TX
October 25 - BOK Center - Tulsa, OK
November 5 - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - Fort Wayne, IN
November 6 - Wolstein Center - Cleveland State University - Cleveland, OH
November 7 - Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids, MI
November 8 - Bank of Kentucky Center - Highland Heights, KY
November 10 - Charleston Civic Center Coliseum - Charleston, WV
November 11 - Altria Theater - Richmond, VA
November 13 - Royal Farms Arena - Baltimore, MD
November 14 - Consol Energy Center - Pittsburgh, PA
 

About Chris Tomlin
With ten albums, 13 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by TIME Magazine as “most likely the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin also has 15 of the Top 100 CCLI songs, with four of them being in the top 10. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, moving to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio its first week and skyrocketed to No. 1, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. In the midst of his record-breaking success, and continuing his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so, and his tenth recording, Love Ran Red is available now. 
 

About CURE International
CURE International is a Christian health care network that operates charitable hospitals and programs in 30 countries worldwide where patients experience the life-changing message of God’s love for them, receiving surgical treatment regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity. Since 1998, CURE has had over 2.5 million patient visits, provided over 180,000 life-changing surgeries, and trained over 7,200 medical professionals. For more information, visit https://cure.org/.

[Get Connected with Chris Tomlin] 
Website // http://www.christomlin.com 
Facebook // http://www.facebook.com/christomlin 
Twitter //https://twitter.com/christomlin 
Spotify// https://play.spotify.com/artist/6pRi6EIPXz4QJEOEsBaA0m
Instagram // http://instagram.com/christomlin

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Kirsten Grenier 
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Owl City Announces New Album Mobile Orchestra Out Friday, July 10 – The First Global Release Date

Mobile Orchestra shoots straight to No. 1 on iTunes Pop Albums Chart

Digital pre-order unlocks instant downloads of 
"Verge (Feat. Aloe Blacc)," "You're Not Alone (Feat. Britt Nicole)" and "This Isn't the End"

“Verge” lyric video premieres on Vevo today

Nashville, Tenn. (May 14, 2015) — Multi-platinum, chart-topping pop Christian trailblazer Owl City will release his forthcoming fifth full-length album, Mobile Orchestra [Republic Records/Capitol CMG,] on Friday, July 10. This is the first new standard global music industry release date, aligning album releases worldwide to Fridays. Pre-order now and unlock a download of the first single “Verge (feat. Aloe Blacc)." Shortly after the album pre-order went live today, the album shot straight to No. 1 on the iTunes Pop Albums Chart.

The lyric video for “Verge (feat. Aloe Blacc)" premieres today on Vevo. Check it out here. “Verge (feat. Aloe Blacc)” combines Owl City's sweeping vocals and boisterous, bouncy production with Aloe Blacc’s strikingly smooth signature croon. Fusing pop, electronic, alternative and R&B, it’s the perfect start for the latest musical adventure from multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer Adam Young—aka Owl City.

Upon pre-ordering, fans will also instantly receive "You're Not Alone (feat. Britt Nicole)," which was released as a single last year and hit No. 1 on the Christian Hot AC/CHR chart.

With hopeful lyrics that reference his faith, Young says the song "taps into a sentiment and emotionality that everyone can relate to: feeling alone." 

"In your darkest moments, sometimes Jesus chooses to draw on nearest to you,” Young continued. “The reminder that He is there with you, that He has your back, is an amazing, life-transforming thing. The song is simply a reminder that God is there for those who call upon Him.”

The final song unlocked with the pre-order is "This Isn't the End," Mobile Orchestra's inspirational closing track.

Musically conceived everywhere from airports and hotels to tour buses, hence the title Mobile Orchestra, the album follows up 2012’s Midsummer Station, which debuted Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 and boasted the double-platinum duet with Carly Rae Jepsen, “Good Time.” The new record also features standout collaborations with country star Jake Owen, “Back Home,” pop luminaries Hanson, “Unbelievable,” and more. Meanwhile, tracks like “My Everything” and “Bird with a Broken Wing” illuminate his progression as a songwriter with a balance between vibrancy and vulnerability.

Mobile Orchestra is available for pre-order now on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon!

Mobile Orchestra Tracklisting
1.    Verge (feat. Aloe Blacc)
2.    I Found Love
3.    Thunderstruck (feat. Sarah Russell)
4.    My Everything
5.    Unbelievable (feat. Hanson)
6.    Bird With a Broken Wing
7.    Back Home (feat. Jake Owen)
8.    Can’t Live Without You
9.    You’re Not Alone (feat. Britt Nicole)
10.  This Isn't the End

About Owl City
With humble small town beginnings in Owatonna, MN, Owl City remains an avant garde hitmaker in his own right. With total album sales over 2.5 million and single sales surpassing 18 million globally, his smash “Fireflies” from 2009’s Ocean Eyes received a five-times RIAA platinum certification in addition to going No. 1 in 26 countries. “Good Time” featuring Carly Rae Jepsen went Top 4 in the U.S. and racked up sales of close to three million while “You’re Not Alone” featuring Britt Nicole hit No. 1 on the Christian Hot AC/CHR chart. He composed the theme song for filmmaker Zack Snyder’s Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole and an original tune for Disney’s Academy Award winner Wreck-It Ralph, while Owl City’s music has seen placements everywhere from The Croods and Veggietales to Smurfs 2. Owl City's fifth studio album, Mobile Orchestra is set to release Friday, July 10, the first global release date.

Get Connected With Owl City
Website: http://www.owlcitymusic.com/
Spotify: http://smarturl.it/OwlCityVergeSP
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owlcity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/owlcity
Instagram: https://instagram.com/owlcityofficial/

Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

Star-Studded First List of Performers Released for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards

Movies, Books and Sports Impact Nominees Named

Nashville, Tenn. (May 6, 2015) — Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Colton Dixon, For KING & COUNTRY, Francesca Battestelli, Hawk Nelson, Lauren Daigle, Third Day and TobyMac are among the first group of artists  slated to bring an eclectic mix of performances to the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards, set to take place at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. on May 31, 2015. More performers and presenters will be announced soon, while fan generated votes are already underway for this year’s awards at www.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

In addition to music categories named earlier this year, the categories nominating film, book and sports impact have been unveiled and include:

Film/Television Impact

The Drop Box

A.D. The Bible Continues

Do You Believe?

Saving Christmas

Mom’s Night Out

Book Impact

“The Best Yes” by Lysa TerKeurst

“Raising Boys the Zeller Way” by Steve and Lori Zeller

“Whatever the Cost” by David and Jason Benham

"Life After the Storm" by Jan Harrison

Sports Impact

Tom Crean - NCAA Basketball - Head Coach, Indiana Hoosiers

Brett Kern - NFL, Tennessee Titans

Kevin Streelman - PGA

Tyler Zeller, NBA, Boston Celtics

Darryl Strawberry - MLB, New York Mets

Benjamin Watson - NFL, New Orleans Saints

The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville will serve as host for the 2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend on May 29-31, 2015.  Live from the historic Grand Ole Opry House, the third annual, fan-voted K-LOVE Fan Awards will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron.  For KING & COUNTRY and Newsboys led this year’s nominations.  The fan-generated awards show aims to honor artists, authors and athletes who impact popular culture in a positive and encouraging way.  For a full list of events for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, presented by Pepsi, click here. 

For a full list of events for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, presented by Pepsi, click here.

For every 500,000 votes, Hands and Feet Project commits to building a family-style home, caring for up to 8 orphaned or abandoned children in Haiti.  To vote, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

Click here to request media credentials to cover the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards.

ABOUT THE K-LOVE FAN AWARDS
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.  This year’s show will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron.  Previous hosts for the event include Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson from A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West. For more information on this year’s exciting lineup and award show hosts, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

ABOUT K-LOVE
K-LOVE plays positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music with a message designed to draw people toward an authentic relationship with God while living out real life in the real world. The radio network has 446 signals in 47 states with an estimated weekly audience of over 14 million. Now with their Fan Awards, their mission is to create a unique and fun fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers, who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Nashville-Based President & CEO George Uribe to Receive Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Uribe to Join Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Meredith Vieira, Rocco Commisso, Mariano Rivera and Others As A 2015 Recipient  

Nashville, Tenn. (April 27, 2015) — George Uribe, President & CEO GuestBooker.com LLC, has been named as an Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award Winner, presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO).  Uribe will join an esteemed class of professionals bestowed with this distinction, including Rudolph Giuliani, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe DiMaggio, John Glenn, Quincy Jones, John McCain and Rosa Parks to name a few.  The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a group of distinguished American citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to community service. 

Uribe, a veteran television producer leads a team of television producers and bookers specializing in strategic placement of expert guests on local, national and international television and radio programs. He served as a non-commissioned officer for the US Army Reserve, and has received numerous awards for media coverage by his peers including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences New York Chapter.  He is the co-founder of the Miami Media Mixer, Music City Media Mixer and New York Newsmakers which serves as networking organizations for those in media and public relations. Mr. Uribe was recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as the “Most Admired CEO” in his city and also serves on the Board of Rocketown,  a regional outreach center for more than 800 teens across from Middle Tennessee.

“I am very happy to congratulate my friend and colleague George Uribe on receiving the esteemed Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognition.  It is a tremendous honor and echoes George’s work not only as a media professional, but for what he does to help others. He is the consummate networker and frequently hosts events in New York City for those of us in the television business. He has been a major resource for our industry. Receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognition symbolizes great commitment to making this country a better place. George Uribe, as a professional, friend, colleague and a community service leader, is deserving of this accolade and I congratulate him on this distinction." - Jacqueline J. Gonzalez, Executive Director of the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences, New York

“George is an exceptional person.  He has accomplished so much and is admired and held in esteem by so many.  Not only is he the best at what he does – he has a heart and a compassion that motivates him to help others.  I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this incredible honor.” – Michael W. Smith, GRAMMY ® Winning Singer/Songwriter

“George is not only a constituent, but he’s a great friend to the Blackburn family. We are so happy to congratulate him on receiving this distinguished award. He is an inspiration to all of us in Middle Tennessee with his creative mind, generous heart, and extraordinary ability to bring everyone in the community together. George is the ultimate networker, always bringing interesting people and topics together.” - Congressman Marsha Blackurn

"NECO seeks to inspire America to embrace diversity, tolerance and respect for all of its citizens by celebrating those who have given so much of themselves to the betterment of our nation and our world,” explains Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of NECO.  “Each of these honorees represents traits that I admire in great Americans: the vision of a better world for all, the tenacity to overcome challenges, and the leadership and imagination to blaze their own trail. And most importantly, they have the humility and self-reflection to appreciate the amazing opportunities that America has given them. They inspire me and we honor them so they can inspire others as well.” 

“As a first generation American, I’m proud to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor,” remarks Uribe.  “Living a life of success includes helping others, and to me it is important to always keep service to others a priority.” 

Uribe will be honored on May 9, 2015 with a ceremony at Ellis Island, following a weekend of activities in New York.  This year’s class includes a stellar and diverse group of recipients including Mariano Rivera (former pitcher for the New York Yankees), Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sandra Day O'Connor, Rocco Commisso (Founder, Chairman and CEO of Mediacom Communications), Richard Gelfond (CEO of IMAX Corporation), Frank Shankwitz (Co-founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation), Meredith Vieira (Television Host) and more.  To view the full list of award winners, click here.   

About George Uribe:
George Uribe is the President & CEO of Guestbooker.com LLC, a television and radio booking company securing guests for local and national programs with locations in New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, San Antonio, Dallas and Nashville.  Uribe’s rich career in media includes positions at Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNN, alongside roles in the radio industry including general manager, executive vice-president and executive producer.  In 2014, Nashville Business Journal named Uribe in their acclaimed annual list of Most Admired CEOs in the Nashville Area.  Uribe serves on the board of Rocketown, a place for underprivileged children in Nashville, and served for six years on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Mid South Chapter.  Uribe is a co-founder of Newsmakers, a regular social of journalists, producers, bookers and public relations professionals in New York City, and co-founded the Miami Media Mixer and Music City Media Mixer, a monthly lunch with journalists, publishers, musicians and public relations professionals in the area.  Uribe served in various Public Affairs positions for the U.S. Army Reserve including the 77th Regional Support Command and the 77th Regional Readiness Command where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his service to the “Statue of Liberty Command” 2001-2006. He received his M.A. at The George Washington University, and a B.A. from North Carolina State University.  Uribe resides in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Margaret, and their two daughters.  To download a high-resolution photo of Uribe, click here. 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Two-Time GRAMMY ® Winner Matt Redman To Unveil Unbroken Praise on June 16

New Full-Length Album Recorded LIVE at Legendary Abbey Road Studios
 

Nashville, Tenn. (April 30, 2015) - Respected worship leader and renowned songwriter Matt Redman will deliver a new, full-length album titled Unbroken Praise on June 16 (sixstepsrecords).  Unbroken Praise features 11 songs recorded live at the celebrated Abbey Road Studios, home to some of music’s most iconic moments.  

“Unbroken Praise reveals a heart not wanting to be beaten down by the things of life, but to actually increase worship in those moments,” shares the GRAMMY ® winner.  “I often think about how a song can travel so far around the world, but also into the deepest places of someone’s heart, giving them something they can grab onto even in the craziest moments.” 

Heralded as the most famous studio in the world, Redman admits that recording at the famed Abbey Road Studio in his home country was nothing short of a dream.  “It is an amazing moment just to make a record there, but to do what we do and have live church there was even more special,” he shares.  “On the night of the recording, I remember thinking ‘Wow, we rented this huge, famous studio and we’ve just got to relax into this and lean on God, depending on Him to give us everything we need for this moment.’  The songs, the sounds and everything came together so beautifully.”

“It Is Well With My Soul,” the first single to debut from the album, channels a new sound on the classic and will go to radio for adds on May 15.  The unique record cover reflects the collective effort of the team by including signatures from everyone from songwriters to engineers who brought Unbroken Praise to life - a special priority for Redman.  “I love the album artwork because it represents so many people bringing an amazing amount of hard work and expertise into the project.”

Unbroken Praise follows a continuous string of hits for Redman.  His previous album, Your Grace Finds Me (2014) debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200.  Among his powerful hits, the RIAA Certified Platinum anthem "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" made Redman a double GRAMMY ® winner.  Touring all over the world, he has brought his live music to over 30 countries.  A committed songwriter, Redman continues to craft songs for some of the most respected names in the church, and has over 40 songs in the CCLI Top 500.

“I was 14 years old when I started to lead worship in a front room with my youth group,” recalls Redman. “Today, I have this amazing team around me.  I’ve had a big experience and some songs have connected with people, but really it’s just the same little boy who loves God.” 

Continuing to take his music all around the globe, Redman will be bringing Unbroken Praise and his other hits to audiences in the U.S. and abroad throughout the rest of 2015.  To see Redman’s latest tour schedule, click here.
 

ABOUT MATT REDMAN:
Matt Redman is a key songwriter for today’s church and active worship leader for Passion conferences around the world. Leading a generation of worshipers, his songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder*Band, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, Jesus Culture and Passion, among others.  Redman has over 40 songs in the CCLI Top 500, with six populating the Top 500.   Among his powerful hits, "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" earned Redman his first two GRAMMY ® awards, was certified RIAA Platinum and named ASCAP’s Christian Music Song of the Year and “Top Christian Song” at the Billboard Music Awards. The song spent over 19 weeks at No. 1 and over 30 non-consecutive weeks in the Top 5 on Billboard's Christian/Gospel Digital Songs chart.  Redman’s last album, Your Grace Finds Me debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200.  His long awaited new album Unbroken Praise will debut on June 16.
 

ABOUT sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Love Ran Red), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: Even So Come). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.
 

Get Connected with Matt Redman
Website // www.mattredman.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/officialmattredman
Twitter // www.twitter.com/matt_redman
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mattredmanmusic
YouTube // www.youtube.com/officialmattredman

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Media Contact
Courtney Hyder
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Christy Nockels' Live Worship Album Let It Be Jesus Releases Today, Topping iTunes Christian Albums Chart

Nashville, Tenn. (April 28, 2015) — Christy Nockels' first ever live worship album Let It Be Jesus released today and rapidly climbed the iTunes Christian & Gospel albums chart, peaking at No. 1. Critics are calling the album "a must-have," (CCM Magazine) praising its "singable, memorable and fresh" songs. (Worship Leader)

Recorded live at Passion City Church in Atlanta, the album captured a night full of heartfelt worship, featuring several brand new worship songs along with a new recording of the familiar title track, "Let It Be Jesus."
 

With writing credits from Nockels along with some of the industry's most respected artists such as Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Ellie Holcomb and Christy's producer husband Nathan Nockels, it's no surprise that critics are raving about Let It Be Jesus:
 

"In Let It Be Jesus, Christy Nockels sings with the ease and beauty of a seasoned singer, the passion of a worship leader focused on the presence of God and the authority of a songwriter whose words are bathed in Scripture."
– Worship Leader 

"Nockels’ latest is another must-have for church leaders and congregants alike." 
– CCM Magazine

"Nockels brilliantly put together a worship album that cohesively points to the theme of Let It Be Jesus."
– Breathecast

"Let it Be Jesus is loaded with melodic and worshipful songs speaking the Truth of the Word of God into the hearts of today's culture. This is sure to be one of the top worship albums of the year."
– NewReleaseTuesday.com

"Let It Be Jesus sweetly takes our attention away from (Christy) and fixes it squarely on the One she loves, with the hope that we come away wanting more and more of Him."
– Christian Music Review

"Let It Be Jesus" is a rich, thoughtful and worshipful experience led by one of the genre's best female leaders."
– Hallels

Watch Nockels talk about the heart behind Let It Be Jesus:

Let It Be Jesus is available now on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and more.

Let It Be Jesus
1. Freedom Song
2. My Anchor
3. Everything Is Mine In You
4. The Wondrous Cross
5. Let It Be Jesus
6. Who Can Compare
7. Jesus, Rock Of Ages
8. If You Never
9. Leaning On You, Jesus
10. Find Me At The Feet Of Jesus
11. Wonderful Name

About Christy Nockels: 
Christy Nockels is a worship leader/singer-songwriter who lives in Atlanta, GA with her producer husband Nathan Nockels (Passion, Matt Redman, Laura Story), and their three children. Christy and Nathan toured nationwide for several years as the duo Watermark, recording four acclaimed albums together. In 2009, Christy released her first ever solo album, Life Light Up followed by a 2012 sophomore release Into The Glorious. Christy has played an integral role in the Passion Conferences since its 1997 inception, and she recently led thousands in worship at Passion 2015 in Atlanta and Houston. Along with her husband, she has led worship regularly for the past several years at Passion City Church in Atlanta, where she recorded her first live worship album Let It Be Jesus, available now.

Get Connected with Christy Nockels:
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christy-Nockels/45996475052 
Website // http://christynockels.com/
Twitter // https://twitter.com/christynockels
Instagram // https://instagram.com/christynockels/?modal=true

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (Love Ran Red), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Your Grace Finds Me), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: Even So Come). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.

Media Contact: 
Kirsten Grenier 
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

K-LOVE Fan Awards Partners With Hands and Feet Project to Build Homes for Haitian Orphans as Part of 2015 Fan Awards Weekend

2015 K-LOVE Awards Fan Voting to Kick-Off May 1

Nashville, Tenn. (April 27, 2015) — Run for Love 2015, just one of the many K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend events, will be building homes for orphans in Haiti thanks to a continued partnership with Hands and Feet Project.  Last year’s celebrity 5k saw over 600 people take action to bring love to Haiti’s orphaned and abandoned children.  

Fan voting for the popular awards show will kick-off on May 1.  Voting for the K-LOVE Fan Awards is more that just a vote - with every 500,000 votes, Hands and Feet Project commits to building a family-style home, caring for up to 8 orphaned or abandoned children.  More information can be found at www.KLOVEFanAwards.com. 

"We are thrilled and humbled to be apart of such an outstanding event," explains Mark Stuart,Executive Director and Co-Founder of  Hands and Feet Project.  "The Hands and Feet Project was launched 10 years ago with the help of Christian music fans and those fans continue to play a vital role in fulfilling our mission of caring for Haiti's orphaned and abandoned today. The K-LOVE Fan Award's Run For Love is a celebration of what we can do together as the Hands and Feet of Christ." 

The work of Hands and Feet Project is multi-faceted.  Under the guidance of Haiti’s Child Social Services, the agency provides holistic, residential care for children in crisis by building and operating Children’s Villages with multiple family-style homes lead by Haitian House Mothers.  Additionally, they help to create sustainable and dignified jobs to push against the poverty-driven child abandonment and child slavery cycles. 

Participants can join Elisabeth Hasselbeck and other K-LOVE celebrities for the annual charity run.  To take part in Run for Love 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards Celebrity 5k, click here.  For more information about the work of Hands and Feet Project, click here.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville will serve as host for the 2015 K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend on May 29-31, 2015.  Live from the historic Grand Ole Opry House, the third annual, fan-voted K-LOVE Fan Awards will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron.  For KING & COUNTRY and Newsboys led this year’s nominations which honor artists, authors and athletes who impact popular culture in a positive and encouraging way.  Additional categories will be announced soon. 

For a full list of events for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, presented by Pepsi, click here.

Click here to request media credentials to cover the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards.

ABOUT K-LOVE FAN AWARDS
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.  This year’s show will be hosted by FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron.  Previous hosts for the event include Phil & Kay Robertson and Jase & Missy Robertson from A&E TV’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West. For more information on this year’s exciting lineup and award show hosts, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is a John Sanders LLC/World Hope Event.

ABOUT K-LOVE
K-LOVE plays positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music with a message designed to draw people toward an authentic relationship with God while living out real life in the real world. The radio network has 446 signals in 47 states with an estimated weekly audience of over 14 million. Now with their Fan Awards, their mission is to create a unique and fun fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers, who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.  

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective 

Colton Dixon's Current Single "Through All Of It" Resonates With Fans As It Climbs the Christian Radio Charts

Colton Dixon takes home three We Love Christian Music Awards

Nashville, Tenn. (April 23, 2015) — Colton Dixon's current single "Through All Of It" is resonating with listeners everywhere, soaring into the Top 20 (and rising) on the AC Indicator, Hot AC and National Christian Audience charts.

Fans have been able to identify with the lyrics, which remind listeners that God is with them through all the ups and downs of life – even in moments that feel hopeless.

Dixon has championed the message of the single through a successful social media campaign, #ThroughAllOfIt, challenging fans to share a pivotal moment of joy or pain where they knew God was with them. In response, fans have boldly shared their personal accounts of God's faithfulness.

Along with an outpouring of responses from fans, Dixon recently asked his own family and friends to share their personal stories of how God has been with them through all of it:

Colton Dixon's family and friends talk about how God has been with them "Through All Of It."

"Through All Of It" is the follow up single to the No. 1, most played Hot AC track of 2014, "More of You" from Dixon's latest release, ANCHOR. The single spent three weeks at No. 1, and this week, Dixon's record label honored him for that achievement.

Pictured (L-R): Writer Ben Glover, Colton Dixon and Producer David Garcia 

Recently, Dixon took home three We Love Christian Music Awards (NewReleaseTuesday.com) including Male Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for "More Of You" and the Fan Impact Award, for which fans wrote in the artist who made the biggest impact on their lives in 2014. 

For the second year in a row, Dixon is nominated for Male Artist Of The Year for the K-LOVE Fan Awards, to be held at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House May 31.

Dixon is currently on the road, joining Matthew West on the Live Forever Tour, which wraps up in May. For additional dates and ticket information, click here.

About Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show American Idol, and his career has been on the fast track ever since. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist and the No. 9 best-selling album of 2013 in the Christian genre overall. Colton Dixon has also been named the latest Steinway artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort ANCHOR, released last fall and includes the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1. Following in its footsteps, Dixon's new single "Through All Of It" is already racing up the charts, breaking into the top 20 on the AC Indicator, Hot AC and National Christian Audience charts. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. For the second year in a row, Dixon is nominated for Male Artist Of The Year for the K-LOVE Fan Awards, to be held at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House May 31.

Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com 

Michael W. Smith Joins President Clinton and Others in Heartfelt Memorial on the 20th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing

GRAMMY Winner Receives Top Recognition from 
Belmont University

Nashville, Tenn. (April 23, 2015) – Michael W. Smith  joined President Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and others in remembering victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing, and celebrating the "Oklahoma Standard" during Sunday’s memorial service marking the 20th anniversary of the attack.  The three-time GRAMMY® winner alsoreceived the prestigious 2015 Applause Award from the Nashville-based Belmont University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Program on Saturday, April 18.  

"It was such an honor to be with President Clinton, the other dignitaries and especially the good, strong people of Oklahoma on this significant date in their history.  The strength and resolve of the people of Oklahoma City reminded me that God can take what was meant for evil and turn it to our good,” shares Smith.  "I am so proud of Belmont University.  I’m proud to be a Trustee and I’m proud to recommend Belmont to so many kids that are looking for a great education.  And to hear them perform my music - - I have to admit to shedding a tear or two.  It was a very emotional experience for me."

The Applause Award is the highest honor given by the Belmont College of Visual and Performing Arts.  Past recipients include Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Ricky Skaggs. Belmont performers honored Smith with variations of his songs, culminating in a rendition of ‘River is Rising’ performed by Smith, a 90 piece orchestra, an 18 piece jazz band, and over 300 accompaniment singers.

Photo Credit: Belmont University

After the university event, Smith traveled directly to Oklahoma City where he joined former President Bill Clinton, former Governor Frank Keating, current Governor Mary Fallin, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and others.

After 168 seconds of silence to honor the 168 men, women and children who lost their lives in the attack, Smith sang the National Anthem as part of the somber memorial to honor the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. 

Michael W. Smith with Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating

About Michael W. Smith: 
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Also in 2014, Smith was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) for his impact on the Nashville entertainment industry. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. In 2014, Smith released Hymns, his first-ever classic hymns album available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, as well as his first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, released during the fall of 2014 and received critical acclaim from The New York Times, USA Today and more. Featuring Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald, the project was one of the top-selling Christmas albums of the season. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

Get Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.theMcollective.com

MercyMe Releases Compelling New Music Video for “Flawless”

Welcome To The New Rakes In Three Billboard Music Award Nominations 

Nashville, Tenn. (April 22, 2015) — Autism, cancer, down syndrome and more are among the real-life challenges featured in GRAMMY® acclaimed MercyMe’s newest music video for “Flawless.” The powerful new video, which depicts the realities of band members and several others, originally debuted on WAYFM.com. To view the video, click here. Known for creative viral projects, the award-winning band also released a paint-filled behind the scenes piece: https://youtu.be/aXlShznlvQE. Produced by Brody Harper and Ryan Slaughter for TwoSevenTwo Media, Carl Diebold and Brody Harper directed the new music video and Jay Morris served as art director. 

“We have people in the video that society may look at as flawed, but as the song says, no matter the bumps and bruises, the cross makes us flawless,” shares MercyMe Frontman, Bart Millard. “We’re excited about it.”

“Flawless” is the most added single at radio this week with 49 total stations adding the song in the first week alone.

Earlier this month, MercyMe garnered Billboard Music Award nominations in every Christian category: Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album (Welcome To The New) and Top Christian Song (“Greater”). The Billboard Music Awards will air live on ABC on May 17 at 8 p.m. ET.

Welcome To the New released in 2014 and landed at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, the highest new debut of the week. The album received rave reviews, gathering affirmation from USA Today, Rhapsody and more. The popularity of the initial single “Shake” led to a performance on NBC’s TODAY Show and over 2 million music video views on several social platforms.  Welcome To The New's most recent single "Greater" lived up to its name, spending 16 weeks at No. 1 on Christian radio.  

About MercyMe:
Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, American Music Award and multiple Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 8.5 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered 26 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/Top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (Top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade, with an additional No. 1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry's most notable talents. MercyMe made history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. MercyMe has sold out venues across the nation, including Radio City Music Hall, and has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CNN, Fox New Channel's Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS This Morning and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard and more. Their eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, received two GRAMMY ® nods and three Billboard Music Award nominations.  

Get Connected with MercyMe:
Website // www.mercyme.org
Facebook // www.facebook.com/mercyme
Twitter // www.twitter.com/mercyme
iTunes// http://smarturl.it/MMNewiTunes
Amazon// http://smarturl.it/MMNewAmazon  

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Media Contact:
Courtney Hyder & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com 

Crowder Celebrates Success of First Solo No. 1 Single with “Come As You Are”

Greg Bays (Executive Vice President, Capitol Christian Distribution), Peter York (President, Capitol Christian Music Group), David Sylvester (Vice President of Marketing, Capitol CMG Label Group), Brad O’Donnell (Vice President of A&R, Capitol CMG Label Group), Toni Crowder, David Crowder, Louie Giglio (Visionary Architect and Director of the Passion Movement), Shelley Giglio (Chief Strategist, sixstepsrecords), Grant Hubbard (Vice President of Marketing, Capitol CMG Label Group), Mike McCloskey (Artist Development & Management, sixstepsrecords)

Photo Credit: Matthew Simmons

Nashville, Tenn. (April 15, 2015) - GRAMMY®-nominee and folktronica artist Crowder celebrated his first career No. 1 single for "Come As You Are” after a performance last night in Nashville. 

“’Come As You Are’ is my favorite song that I have ever been a part of writing, and I am so grateful I was able to be a part of this thing coming to life,” shared Crowder at Tuesday night’s celebration.  “Matt (Maher) and Ben (Glover), thank you for writing this song with me.  I am grateful to Gabe (Scott) and Ed (Cash) for making all of the music come around it in a way that echoes the grandness of the lyrics that God breathed out of us.  To the entire team that has supported and invested in us for the last 15 years, this is just beautiful – thank you.”

“Come As You Are” received a slew of powerful responses from fans, industry, radio and media.   The song first reached the number one spot in January on the Christian AC Indicator Chart, and continues to remain in the top 10 on both Christian AC Indicator and Inspo Charts.   The track earned Crowder the first solo GRAMMY ® nomination of his career, and a nod for “Best Worship Song” at the upcoming K-LOVE Fan Awards taking place in Nashville on May 31, 2015.

“To see the first No. 1 come after 15 years of working with David (Crowder) is a reminder that it is worth the time and investment to keep believing.  God has obviously been doing something great the whole time, we have experienced it, but we are seeing something amazing in these recent days.  The best is yet to come, and I think tonight is proof of that,” remarked sixstepsrecords' Chief Strategist Shelley Giglio.  “There are so many people that have been a huge part of this process – band members, radio teams, writers, producers and more – we want to thank them for their hard work.  We congratulate David because he has carried the song so incredibly well.”

Crowder has been taking his front-porch stage across the country, joining the all-star line-up of  “The Rock & Worship Roadshow” tour and headlining an extended version of his “Neon Steeple Tour” which will wrap at the end of this month.

Get Connected with Crowder:
Website // http://www.crowdermusic.com
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/crowdermusicofficial
Twitter // https://twitter.com/crowdermusic
Instagram // http://instagram.com/crowdermusic
iTunes // http://smarturl.it/CrowderNeonSteeple
Spotify// http://open.spotify.com/artist/39xmI59WrIMyyJjSDq6WCu

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.theMcollective.com