A book that encapsulates a band still beloved by legions of fans, Swimming with the Blowfish is much more—an unpretentious, emotional story of one man’s spiritual path to a more fruitful life. The ultimate front-row seat to the rise, fall, and rebirth of a band that was—for a time—the biggest in the world, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Jim Sonefeld’s shattering and redeeming spiritual path from addiction to recovery and a more fruitful life.
“We loved, fought, cried, laughed a lot, and did whatever it took to play the music that we knew was very distinctly ours. . . . Jim ‘Soni’ Sonefeld has lived a life that is rife with fun and pain, light and darkness, but always with an amazing amount of love. The way he sees the world is one of a kind and his story is one for the ages.” — from the foreword by Darius Rucker
In Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride (Diversion Books; June 28, 2022; $28.99 Hardcover; ISBN 9781635767674) Jim Sonefeld, drummer and one of the group’s principal songwriters, reveals their humble beginnings, meteoric rise, Grammy Award-winning musicianship, sudden fall, and ultimate rebirth—and opens his heart to readers about addiction, recovery, and faith.
Porter’s Call, a non-profit dedicated to providing counsel, support, and encouragement for touring and recording artists and their families, is pleased to announce its 13th annual “Evening Of Stories” will take place on August 30, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., at the newly opened Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University.
As in years past, “Evening Of Stories” will feature an eclectic group of storytellers and musical guests who weave their unique, moving, and often humorous tales and talents into the fabric of a magical evening. This year’s featured storytellers will include British sailing legend and author Tracy Edwards, MBE and People’s Choice Award winner and author Carlos Whittaker. Musical guests will be Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Scott (Lady A), Cody Fry, and Anne Wilson. All proceeds from “Evening of Stories” support the work of Porter’s Call.
ABOUT THIS YEAR’S STORYTELLERS: Tracy Edwards, MBE is a British sailor who won international fame as the skipper of the first all-female crew to sail around the world competing in the Whitbread Round The World Race. She has written two books about her experiences and now uses her yacht, Maiden, to raise funds and awareness for girls’ education. “Maiden,” which tells Tracy’s story, is an award-winning film that in premiered in 2019.
Carlos Whittaker is a self-proclaimed “Hope Dealer” who spends the majority of his time telling stories on stages and phone screens across the world that lead people toward action. He’s a People’s Choice Award winner, author of three books, and the host of the popular podcast, “Human Hope with Carlos Whittaker.”
Previous “Evening of Stories” artists and storytellers have included Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Scott Hamilton, Poet Laureate Billy Collins, Bear Rhinehart, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Holly Williams, Bob Goff, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Ben Rector, David Wilcox, Andy Gullahorn, Nichole Nordeman, Jill Phillips, Devon Gilfillian, Emily West, Lindsay Ell, Ian Morgan Cron, Donald Miller, Jon Acuff, poets Amena Brown and Kevin Young, and many more.
Acclaimed as a powerfully curated evening combining art and hope, while promising to uphold its reputation for putting the “fun” back into fundraisers, Porter’s Call is honored to be one of the first events held at The Fisher Center, Nashville’s prestigious new performing arts facility.
“Every day, our team has the privilege of offering a safe and confidential space for artists to be off-stage and deal with the issues they face,” shares Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews. “Thanks to the sponsors and others who support and attend our annual event and believe in the art, wellness, and health of artists, we pride ourselves on creating a hope-filled event that is not just talent-packed but heart-changing. By being a part of ‘Evening of Stories,’ you can become a part of the larger story with us. We hope to see you there to share in an amazing evening at a world-class venue.”
Porter’s Call has been bringing well-being and relief to recording artists and their families for more than 20 years, offering counsel, support, and encouragement at no charge in a confidential and private environment. To date, the Porter’s Call team has spent more than 60,000 hours working for and with their clients, saving them millions of dollars on counseling fees. As a 501-c3 non-profit, its unique mission is sustained entirely by donations and Evening of Stories sponsorships.
HOW CAN YOU ATTEND THIS NOT-TO-BE-MISSED ANNUAL EVENT? As the sole fundraiser for Porter’s Call, “Evening of Stories” seeks to raise nearly one-third of the organization’s annual operating budget, thus allowing more time and attention to be focused on the mission of serving touring and recording music artists and their families. Sponsorships are available for individuals, businesses, foundations, churches, or any group that wants to support the mission of Porter’s Call. They include priority seating for the show, a VIP reception, and recognition within marketing materials, and sponsorships are tax-deductible, less the cost of goods and services received.Sponsor packages, which include an exclusive VIP reception, can be purchased through Ashley Holland at [email protected] or by calling 615-414-6291. Individual tickets for this year’s event will be available in early August. Click on the tab below to find out more about the Sponsorship packages available!
RCA Inspiration celebrated the BET Awards 2022 show, with a night of powerful music and words of inspiration, as Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) took the stage performing with Maverick City Music, and garnered a win this year.
The sixteen-time GRAMMY®-winning artist/songwriter/producer and GRAMMY®-winning group Maverick City Music teamed up for a vibrant live performance of their single “Kingdom” and Franklin’s beloved hit “Melodies from Heaven.”
Their new single “Kingdom,” is featured from the newly-released Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin album Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), which also includes their new recording of “Melodies from Heaven.”
Separately, Kirk Franklin took the stage again, as the previous five-time BET Award winner was honored with his sixth career win. Winning the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, Franklin won this year as a co-performer with Lil Baby, for their collaboration on the Lil Baby x Kirk Franklin track “We Win.” The #1 hit song was released in May 2021, featured from the Space Jam: A New Legacy Official Soundtrack, which was released by Republic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Franklin also delivered an inspiring moment during his acceptance speech, inviting Maverick City Music on stage and passing the baton to celebrate them as the next generation. The BET Awards 2022 show was held in Los Angeles on Sunday June 26th and hosted by Taraji P. Henson. Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin are continuing to perform live across the country this summer on their Kingdom Tour.
Check out the BET Awards performance with Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music
Check out Kirk Franklin’s BET Awards acceptance speech:
Dr. Paul Oluikpe has announced a music challenge centered around his hit song “I Give Myself to You“. The first time he ran a music challenge in 2019, the winner was KWIN who received a cash prize and also was given a recording contract for a single. That contract produced OBULIWOM ELU, one of the popular gospel songs in Nigeria.
This year’s challenge details are as below:
I GIVE MYSELF CHALLENGE
ENTRY STARTS 26th JUNE AND ENDS 15TH JULY
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1. Download the audio of I Give Myself to you by Paul Oluikpe HERE
2. Do a 1 minute video of yourself singing any part of the song.
3. Post it on Instagram and Facebook.
4. Tag @iam_drpaul_ and follow him on Instagram
5. Use the hashtag #igivemyselftoyou
6. Tag your friends and followers to like the song on Instagram and Facebook.
PRIZES TO BE WON
1st Prize 100k
2nd Prize 50k
3rd Prize 30k.
Judges will select winners based on most likes, most viewed and finally, vocal quality.
The ball is in your court. Enjoy and we wish you success in this challenge.
Central City Productions has announced the nominees for the 37th Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the annual celebration honoring excellence in Gospel music. The Stellar Awards will return to Atlanta for the live-taped ceremony on Saturday, July 16, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, as part of an illustrious weekend of events that will include a special announcement about the upcoming launch of the Stellar TV Network. Stellar Award-winning artists Jekalyn Carr and Kierra Sheard will co-host this year’s event, which will air on BET, BET HER, and BET International in August, and will be syndicated in various local markets across the country between August 13 and September 11.
Leading this year’s nominations is Gospel music legend CeCe Winans, widely considered the best-selling female Gospel artist of all time. Winans has 9 total nominations including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, all stemming from her critically acclaimed album, “Believe For It.”
Pastor Mike, Jr., the 2021 Stellar Award winner for Artist of the Year, received 8 total nominations, including Producer of the Year, Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, tied to “I Got It: Single’s Ministry Vol 1.” 2018 James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Tamela Mann, Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music, and Todd Dulaney all received 6 nominations, with Mali Music receiving an additional nomination for a feature on a separate project. Kelontae Gavin received 5 nominations. Other artists with several nominations for this year’s Stellar Awards include Maverick City Music, Israel Houghton, Ricky Dillard, E. Dewey Smith, and Jason Clayborn, all of whom received 4 nominations each.
The 37th Stellar Gospel Music Awards will feature performances by Tye Tribbett, Marvin Sapp, Maranda Curtis, Ricky Dillard, Kelontae Gavin, Rudy Currence, Chrisette Michele, DOE, James Fortune, Jason Nelson, Travis Greene, Darrel Walls, and Jor’Dan Armstrong.
“Gospel music has encouraged millions of people through more than two unrelenting years of the pandemic, and the Stellar Awards will, again, deliver in bringing the praise and recognizing the artists who bless us with their inspirational sounds,” said Don Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Central City Productions, which established the Stellar Awards. “Those who love Black, faith, and family-centric programs can look forward to both the Stellar Awards and to all that our Stellar TV Network has to offer when it premieres in September.”
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards also bestows special honors to industry titans who continue creating a legacy of excellence that reaches and influences the masses, both within and outside of the Gospel genre. Six-time Grammy Award-winning hitmaker and producer Aaron Lindsey will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Aflac, and renowned choir leader and recording artist Ricky Dillard will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Toyota. The Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award is presented to Candi Staton, a music pioneer who, for nearly seven decades, has been a captivating Gospel music artist.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is proud to be presented this year by AT&T Dream in Black. This year’s sponsors also include Proctor & Gamble (P&G), Walmart, State Farm, Toyota, McDonald’s – Black & Positively Golden, and Aflac. The Stellar Gospel Music Awards are also proud to partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Spotify.
For a full list of nominees and for additional updates, follow The Stellar Awards on social media — @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter and Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook — and check out the Stellar Awards website.
On the heels of announcing his 36-city fall tour, Awakening Events and Awakening Foundation are excited to share that multi-GRAMMY® and GMA Dove Award® winning artist and songwriter Zach Williams will continue touring this holiday season with his “I Don’t Want Christmas To End Tour.” You will not want to miss an amazing night filled with music and fun to celebrate the true reason for the season!
Featuring special guest Ben Fuller, Williams’ holiday tour will hit eleven markets, beginning in Athens, Georgia on December 1 and wrapping on December 17 at Nashville, Tennessee’s newest venue, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. Tickets go on sale today* along with a Fan Appreciation sale, allowing fans to save 20% on tickets (with the exception of VIP tickets). The special discount will run through July 8. Click HERE or on the tour poster below for more information.\
The announcement of Williams’ Fall and Christmas tours follows the success of his 2022 spring tour, where 30 of the 35 shows sold more than 90% of their capacity and 23 tour stops officially sold out. As it was touted with his fall tour, Williams’ Christmas stops will offer something even more special than ever before for VIP ticket holders. In partnership with the Salvation Army, for every VIP ticket sold a food box will be given to a family in need in the community, providing enough meals to feed a family of four for an entire week. All VIP ticket holders will be able to participate in the VIP Exclusive Eat & Greet Experience, which includes:
One (1) entry to pre-show VIP Eat & Greet full-course gourmet dinner prepared by Napa Valley, CA-based professional Chef Paul Fields
The opportunity to meet Zach Williams and get a photo**
Premium concert seating
Early access to shopping at the merch table
A commemorative VIP tour laminate and gift bag
Enjoy an amazing meal while also making a difference in your local community. This is a very limited offer and additional specifications apply. Visit HERE for more information.
“Christmas traditions are one of my favorite things,” Zach Williams shares. “They give us something to look forward to when the seasons get long, when it’s hot, and when we need a little hope. My new favorite Christmas tradition is the ‘I Don’t Want Christmas to End Tour,’ and this year, my good friend Ben Fuller is coming along with me on this holiday adventure. Join us this December and make this concert a new tradition for your family. I’ll see you there!”
Today, RCA Inspiration released Kingdom Business: Season 1 Soundtrack. The album features music from the popular BET+ original series, Kingdom Business, which is now streaming.
Making its debut alongside the soundtrack is the album’s powerful first single, “Dear God” featuring Serayah and its accompanying video. In addition to “Dear God,” the Kingdom Business: Season 1 Soundtrack features twelve more dynamic tracks by superstar Gospel and Inspirational artists including Yolanda Adams, Serayah, ChandlerMoore, Koryn Hawthorne and Ahjah Walls of The Walls Group. All of the songs on Kingdom Business: Season 1 were written by legendary, award-winning hit-makers Kirk Franklin and Warryn Campbell. Franklin also serves as one of the series’ executive producers.
Brought to the small screen by the series’ creators and showrunners, Kerry Lenhart and John J. Sakmar and executive producers, DeVon Franklin, Holly Carter, Kirk Franklin, Michael VanDyck, Kerry Lenhart, John J. Sakmar and Keesha Brickhouse, Kingdom Business provides audiences with an in-depth look into the world of the Gospel music industry, which is as complex and riddled with conflict, money and fame as it is with faith. The series stars Yolanda Adams, Serayah, Chaundre A. Hall-Broomfield, Michael Jai White and Michael Beach.
Kingdom Business: Season 1 is available now on all major digital streaming platforms (https://KingdomMusicSoundtrack.lnk.to/AlbumPR) and all eight episodes of Kingdom Business, the series, are streaming on BET+.
…what limits? Exuding the brave confidence it takes to defy all impossibilities, Christian-Rock Artist Jodi Essex’s upcoming six-track EP, “Fearless,” is a call to build the Kingdom with the strength of a warrior. Having survived cancer at 25, Essex’s courageous perspective on life is powered by an innate sense of mission and belief all people have immeasurable worth.
In the face of turbulence and adversity, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel, “Fearless” is about learning to fear less, conquering fear with unshakable faith; “Fearless” lyrics implore listeners to be “steadfast in [their] fight” in the title track and music video out June 24, 2022, and the “Fearless” EP out July 8, 2022. “Fearless” is available now.
“We are encouragers called to serve,” Essex declares, “regardless of what that looks like in our respective lives. We must be bold and fearless in our leadership, proclaiming the unrelenting and powerful sway of our Almighty.” She goes on to ask, “When did Jesus shy away from doing what must be done?!?!”
Through an inspired collaboration with Artist/Producer Josiah Prince of Disciple, Jodi Essex’s EP was co-written at Prince’s renowned studio, “The Ranch,” in Nashville, TN. With a process Essex describes as having “an easy ebb and flow,” Prince has raised the bar with respect to her rock-infused sound; the EP also features creative collaborations with Mix Engineer Matthew Arcaini, Sam Moses of Moses Mastering, PR with The Marketing Mixtape and Endeavor for Content Creation. As Essex went into the studio for this music project, there was a desire for transparency to answer age-old questions about how to stave off fear. Woven throughout all six songs are themes of fearlessness from previously-released singles “Offend,” about speaking one’s beliefs boldly, to “Unravel,” peeling back layers of vulnerability in God’s presence. In addition to the title track, “Fearless” includes “Lean,” encouraging listeners to boundlessly lean into God during struggles while also resisting the chaotic flow of culture, “Bandaid” about embracing instantaneous tenacity and “Shine,” a reggae-rock track about exuding the inextinguishable light from within.
Jodi Essex’s music has caught the attention of industry gatekeepers and listening audiences alike. In “Fearless,” the relentless six-track series continues Essex’s unapologetic proclamation of the Gospel. Her debut album released Summer 2020, “Irreverent,” instantly resonated with listeners as featured tracks rose into top-20 ranking. Essex’s music has been celebrated by outlets including NewReleaseToday, CCM Magazine, JesusFreakHideout and Worship Leader Magazine who gave it rave reviews. In addition, Essex’s debut album quickly racked up over 70k streams on Spotify, where its songs landed on several prominent playlists, including “New Music Friday Christian.” With the album release for “Irreverent,” Essex took to the [cyber] stage with a livestream performance, proving her ability to bring ground-breaking messages to life in person.
No matter what walls may exist in her listeners’ lives, “Fearless” was created to help them tear it down with the profound might of a living, breathing relationship with Jesus Christ. “In turn,” Essex offers, “the same can afford us the opportunity to build ourselves back up stronger and more fearless than we could ever imagine.”
Don’t miss the single and video release for “Fearless” on June 24th, 2022 and full EP July 8th, 2022 as you await what’s up next for Jodi Essex, including a CCM Magazine Cafe performance early July. From there, the future is both fearless and bright as she is building her repertoire with another EP, hoping to produce a multi-artist concert to benefit Ukraine Refugees and moving forward with plans for an exclusive tour experience led by female artists.
Best known as a Christian music powerhouse with five studio albums under her belt, Natasha Owens is taking a stand with her upcoming album, American Patriot. Produced for Radiate Music by GRAMMY-nominated and multiple Dove Award winner Ian Eskelin, the new album will be available everywhere on July 1, 2022.
Owens exploded onto the Christian Music scene in 2016 and quickly found herself touring with Christian Music’s most iconic artists, including Michael W. Smith and Jason Crabb. Her sophomore album, We Will Rise, was named “Inspirational Album of the Year” at the 2018 We Love Christian Music Awards, which led to a deal with Nashville-based Radiate Music and extensive media coverage including appearances on Fox News, HLN, Newsmax and more.
With American Patriot, Owens is taking a new direction and offering up a bold, proud, powerful concept collection that bridges an unwavering love of country with the themes of faith and family that have always played a significant part in her artistry.
“The definition of a patriot is ‘a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors,’” says the Texas-native. “Put the word ‘American’ in front of it and it describes me perfectly. I’m proud to be a patriot…I love this country so much. I can’t look at a flying flag without tearing up. It’s the same way for me when I see a cross. We owe everything to God for saving us on the cross. But we owe all of our freedom to the military men and women. Freedom is the most expensive thing we own, and most of us, including me, have not earned it. Every year, our society keeps moving further away from God and further away from patriotism. America, even with all of its flaws, is still the greatest and place on earth. I just thought it was time to help people remember what makes this land so great. I’m just so thankful to be an American.”
That stance is evident throughout the new album, which is full of anthems that combine a contemporary pop sound, live strings, and a cast of all-star collaborators. The album kicks off with “America First,” a subtle tip of the hat to America First Policy Institute. Says Owens, “What is wrong for the President of the United States to say he wants to put Americans first? I am all about giving to other countries, but at the end of the day, I want my president or my elected official to be looking out for me, us, the American people, American children, American veterans and American homeless first. And if they can’t say ‘America First,’ then they don’t deserve to lead.”
The album is also sure to get attention for the pro-life anthem, “Stand For Life.” “This one was written for the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group, for every pro-life organization and pro-life person,” explains Owens. “It’s just a declaration that I stand for life, boldly in front of God and the whole world. Hopefully it will give others enough courage to stand up, vocalize and fight for the cause. Life is precious. Life starts at conception. An embryo is not a clump of cells. It is a miracle from God. Everything that has a heartbeat is alive.”
The new collection of songs also includes “Freedom Is The Song,” “Prayer For America,” and the soaring ballad, “Broad Stripes, Bright Stars,” as well as powerful new renditions of iconic standards: “God Bless America,” “My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee,” “America The Beautiful,” “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless The U.S.A.”
Owens has been making regular appearances on the conservative circuit in recent months, including frequent visits to Mar A Lago and a main stage appearance at CPAC 2022 in Orlando, performing the national anthem for the largest and most influential annual gathering of conservatives in the world. She also performed for nearly 50,000 at this year’s Hero’s Honor Festival alongside Toby Keith and Craig Morgan.
“My plan is to blaze a trail and spread as much hope as I can,” says Owens. “I would love to sing to as many veterans, military soldiers and police officers as I can, to let them all know how much appreciation I have for them. There are so many people that feel the way I do. These soldiers need to hear that. They do not always hear appreciation. I sang at a Hero’s Honor Festival and I cannot describe to you the feeling that I had when I saw the tears and smiles on the faces of our veterans. It gave me such fulfillment.”
Owens’ path to a successful music career is unique, rooted in agonizing heartache and unbelievable tragedy. Twelve years ago, her father died suddenly while cleaning his guns when one misfired, placing a bullet in his chest. She somberly recalls. “I downward spiraled into depression and almost didn’t make it. I was in a battlefield of the mind and a fight for my life. God gave me the opportunity to walk a road of music to help give people hope and encouragement, that they could make it and that God would get them through. I am a living example of that. I wouldn’t be alive today if God had not crossed my path when he did.”
“Each album has been another chapter of my recovery. From making it through, to rising above, to being a warrior and standing on a firm foundation for Christ, I have been very vocal about being a proponent for mental health. I feel like this is just an expansion of my ministry. Solders are true warriors physically on the battlefield. But service to this country creates scars. They come back home physically, but then the real battle starts, from PTSD, to physical disabilities to pure brokenness. They try to be strong and they try to hold it in, but the battlefield in their mind rages. Society and the church has failed in the mental health arena. For so long, it has been a taboo to really talk about it. And the church is so faith-based that they just say, ‘well, you don’t have enough faith’ or ‘you just need to pray more.’ There are circumstances that paralyze us so much that we are lucky to get between breath to breath. We are just in survival mode. Jesus is the way out. I am a survivor, so I have to say things in such a way that people can feel the empathy. Then I can show them my friend Jesus.”
Adds Owens, “A portion of all proceeds generated by American Patriot will go to support, pay tribute, and invest directly into our servicemen and women — and to ensure those who sacrificed for freedom are never forgotten.”
Multi-talented singer songwriter Blessing Offor will be making his national television debut today, Monday, June 20th, performing his hit track “Brighter Days” on NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show. The Nashville-based, Nigerian-born artist recently released the Brighter Days (Live Sessions) EP, featuring intimate live versions of tracks from his debut EP Brighter Days. The Kelly Clarkson Show airs on NBC, check local listings for time. To listen to Brighter Days (Live Sessions), click HERE.
A testament to its widespread appeal, “Brighter Days” is currently a Top 5 hit, slotting in at a cool No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart. With its lively colors, heartfelt scenarios, and message of optimism, the “Brighter Days” music video can be seen HERE.
Filled with thought provoking lyrics alongside his powerful voice and expert musicianship, Blessing’s debut EP Brighter Days is full of infectious optimism that jumps right out of the speaker. Blessing’s ability to bring emotion to life is apparent, and each song acts as a window into his extraordinary story. The seven-song passage takes us through the layers of Blessing’s character as he takes his life experiences and turns them into foot stomping revelations.
The youngest of six siblings, the Nigerian-born singer/songwriter immigrated to the United States with his uncle at the age of six. Born blind in one eye, Blessing’s parents sent him to the United States in an effort to restore his vision, though unfortunately he lost his complete eyesight by age 10. Gravitating towards the piano before losing his vision, Blessing’s school teachers helped nurture his talent, and he soon found himself at Belmont University honing his craft in Music City. Hints of pop, Motown, and soul flourish across Blessing’s music as he sings of optimism, hope, and finding silver linings in dark clouds. Blessing’s seven song EP Brighter Days is out now via Chris Tomlin’s Bowyer & Bow imprint in partnership with Universal/Capitol Christian Music Group.