Renowned singer-songwriter and best-selling author, Ellie Holcomb, will be releasing her third children’s book, Sounding Joy, will be available on September 20th (B&H Kids/B&H Publishing Group).

The Christmas book explores the question of what joy sounds like as the reader travels through beautiful Christmastime scenes in the illustrated board book. The illustrator for Sounding Joy is Laura Ramos. Holcomb’s sweet and lovely celebration of Christmas encourages each reader, young and old, to lift up their voice and repeat the sounding joy! Click here to pre-order Sounding Joy.

“This book is an invitation into the magic, joy, and hope of Christmas,” shares Ellie Holcomb. “It invites all of us, from one to 92, to be kids again, to gather with the ones we love, and to lift up our voices to sing the songs of hope we have because of the Christmas story. I hope amidst the bustle and busyness and fun of the Christmas season, this book creates a moment for families, to ponder the beauty and hope of Christmas that always gives us a reason to sing.”

In addition to her book, Holcomb will also release an accompanying EP, Sing: Christmas Songs, featuring classic and original Christmas songs. Sing: Christmas Songs is inspired by the song “Joy to the World,” and it’s an invitation to sing about the hope we have because God put skin on and moved into the neighborhood.

“We were singing ‘Joy to the World’ last Christmas, and got to the line, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy,” Holcomb recalls. “It got me thinking, what does joy sound like, and what does it mean for us to repeat it? I had so much fun thinking about all the sounds I associate with joy, and remembered my most favorite story of all in the process, the Christmas story that whispers and sings over and over again that we are not alone, that Love always comes to find us, and that hope is alive in the person of Jesus. This is a story and a light that we get to sing and share, we get to go tell it on the mountains.” 

Sounding Joy is Holcomb’s third children’s board book exploring questions that spark children’s curiosity. Her two best-selling children’s books through B&H Publishing Group (Don’t Forget to Remember, 2020 and Who Sang the First Song, 2018) spent several months on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) juvenile bestseller list and was a finalist for the Christian Book of the Year in the children’s category (for Who Sang the First Song). Last year, she released her first devotional book, Fighting Words – 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness, which also spent several months on the ECPA bestseller list for all Christian books.

Vibrant girl group GFM is gearing up for an extensive Fall tour alongside hard rock heavyweights FOZZY with support from No Resolve. The tour is in support of the band’s Rockfest Records 2022 debut EP “Framing My Perception.” The long run of shows starts in Columbus, OH on September 8th with a pit stop for a massive appearance at Blue Ridge Rock Festival on September 11th. The tour continues with a string of headlining home-state shows in Florida then treks throughout the midwest and east coast until October 10th in Virginia Beach, VA. The band is thrilled to hit the road to show off their sing-along melodies, signature matching outfits, flying cupcakes, and unforgettable stage presence.

“We’re so excited to be heading back out on the road with Fozzy! We’ve heard it’s extremely rare for a band to go out a second time with them, so we’re very honored to be given this opportunity!” – Maggie, Vocalist of GFM

GFM (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh) is not your average teenage girl band, these three metalhead sisters are heavy and loud, and triumphantly taking on the stage with a genre of their own, which they have penned BEAUTYCORE. Formed by the English sisters Maggie (Bass and Vocals), CJ (Guitar), and Lulu (Drums) in Jacksonville, FL, GFM is a band set to break boundaries. They’re bringing life back to rock and metal and giving heavy music fans of all ages a space to thrive.

The sisters’ musical journey began in 2016 when they worked on their first album Identity Crisis with producers Jake Jones and Justin Forshaw (We as Human). In 2017, the girls went on their first U.S. tour and the demand was so strong for GFM that they went out again the following year on another U.S. tour, finishing out the season with their first trip to Germany for the Loud & Proud Fest where the band was met with thousands of loving fans. GFM’s live show is unmatched as the trio comes alive through iconic wardrobe designs and unparalleled charisma. They have shared the stage with artists such as Motionless In White, Breaking Benjamin, Demon Hunter, A Day To Remember, Disturbed, Halestorm, Chelsea Grin, and more.

2020 marked the iconic release of their most beloved EP to date: “Operation Take Over” and the unveiling of their “Bones” live video. Throughout the last couple of years, word of mouth has created major buzz for their song, “Give Me A Sign,” which has reached 519k streams and they have a total of 2 million overall streams on Spotify.

As a band of faith, they hope to encourage listeners to keep fighting as they are not alone. GFM’s song “Taking Over” was #1 on the Christian Music Weekly Charts for 4 weeks in a row. Their song, “Graveyard of Identities” was #6 on Billboard Christian Rock Charts. Their song “On the Inside” was #9 on the Billboard Christian Rock Charts.

In 2022 the band was discovered by wrestling phenomenon and rock royalty Chris Jericho. This led GFM to their next chapter – a personal invitation from Jericho to join Fozzy on a nationwide tour. With new music hitting the airwaves including their “Framing My Perception” EP and a national Fall Tour on their itinerary, “operation: take over” is in full effect.

Fall 2022 GFM Tour Dates:

• Sep 08 Columbus, OH
• Sep 09  Louisville, KY
• Sep 10 Flint, MI
• Sep 11 Blue Ridge Rock Festival
• Sep 12 Grand Rapids, MI
• Sept 15 Bloomington, IL
• Sept 16  Hobart, IN
• Sept 17  Milwaukee, WI
• Sept 18  Cincinnati, OH
• Sept 19   Charlottesville, VA
• Sept 23  Tampa, FL *
• Sep  24  Sanford, FL *
• Sep 25  Jacksonville, FL *
• Sep 29  Charlotte, NC
• Sep 30  Richmond VA
• Oct 01  Baltimore, MD
• Oct 02  Syracuse, NY
• Oct 03  New Bedford, MA
• Oct 05  Clifton, NJ *
• Oct 06  Harrisburg, PA *
• Oct 07  Poughkeepsie, NY *
• Oct 08  Albany, NY
• Oct 09  Philadelphia, PA
• Oct 10  Virginia Beach, VA

*No Resolve and GFM

Keyondra Lockett is bringing NEW MUSIC to fans! Lockett outlined the track list for her upcoming album, “Cornerstone” set to release September 2.

The gospel royalty singer-songwriter continues to serve her growing fan base through her label Bella Dawn Music and MNRK Music – Nashville indie distribution division, Indie Blue Digital Distribution.

Spanning 11 songs, Keyondra Lockett – Cornerstone track list includes:

1.    Amen

2.    Liar

3.    Count My Blessings

4.    Heaven

5.    You Your Love

6.    Championed

7.    Championed Me (reloaded)

8.    It’s Working

9.    It’s Working (reloaded)

10.  Cornerstone

11.  Made A Way

The aptly titled “Cornerstone” gives us one of those rare glimpses of the talented Keyondra Lockett. The Shreveport, Louisiana native beloved gospel artist fully embraces her creative side penning every song on the fresh album – sure to give her fans a worship and praise experience as the previous releases.

The much-anticipated third studio album from Keyondra Lockett is a testament of the singer’s gifted songwriting skills and unique vocal style.

“Cornerstone” is a glorious mix of gospel treats with soulful beats, life-changing lyrics, including heavenly ballads. The album includes “Amen,” a beautifully written and arranged ballad co-produced by Trent Phillips with string arrangement by Roy Cotton that could easily be featured on a movie soundtrack. The perfect song subtly builds from one piano key to an arrangement of a ballad reminiscent of the classics. The song with Trent Phillips on piano adds the right combination to this masterfully body of work.

“Liar,” the lead single from the album,” produced by hitmaker Jeshua “Tedy P” Williams and written by BMI Award winning songwriter Keyondra Lockett delivers a smooth groove with powerful lyrics and a ‘must-have’ in your playlist. The infectious song resonates with music lovers everywhere, as the song soars on the Billboard charts.

The name of the album, “Cornerstone,” says the award-winning artist comes from understanding that everything needs a strong foundation to stand upon. “In biblical times, a cornerstone was used as the foundation and standard a building was constructed. Once in place, the rest of the building would conform to the angles and size of the cornerstone. And, if removed, the entire structure could collapse. I titled the album, Cornerstone” because you have to have a strong foundation to be resilient.”

“Count My Blessings” is a finger-popping feel good soundtrack on the album and delivers a message of hope that God will sustain you wherever you go.

“Heaven” speaks to the hope that we will see our loved ones again. The song lives up to its heavenly message with a smooth and jazzy vibe, richly mixed with the talented singer’s polished vocals.

“You Your Love,” reconfirms, God will not change his mind about you and that his love is consistent. The flow of the track from chords to lyrics blend harmonious together.

In the track, “It’s Working,” Keyondra shares about growing up modestly yet always knowing things will work out for good. The slow, and ‘bouncy’ rhythmic track puts you in a reflective state of gratitude.

“Cornerstone” the track sharing the same name as the album is a triumphant song that uplifts and inspires – a sure ‘masterpiece.’ The inspiring track with its selective choice of chords, “Made A Way” ignites the human spirit in a way that reassures us to never give up.

With the added bonuses of “Championed Me” and “It’s Working” remixes, the album is a beautiful combination of music offerings. “I am very excited about this album. It is filled with such powerful songs that need to be heard around the world. I believe some amazing testimonies will be shared after people listen to this project,” Lockett says.

“Cornerstone” delivers fresh melodies and arrangements from multiple chart-topping independent recording artist Keyondra Lockett, one of today’s great vocalists.

Patience Tumba as preps up for her debut album release in Abuja titled ‘Unlimited Praise’.

Just following the announcement on her social media upon release of her latest single ‘Mai Iko‘ which is off the soon-to-be-released album, Patience Tumba will be hosting a live worship concert in Abuja.

Ministering at the event includes Solomon Lange, Chris Morgan, BMi, Raqell, Manus Akpanke, Kaestrings and Nene Olajide.

Event Details

Venue: Sheraton Hotels & Towers
Time: 4pm
Date: September 4, 2022
Entry: Free

About Patience Tumba

Patience Tumba is an Abuja-based worship leader, a devote lover of Christ and people. A passionate worshipper and songwriter and a leader par excellence. Over the years she has released songs like Mai iko (Almighty) “Jesus” and Magnify the Lord and recently a remix of her debut single featuring Solomon Lange & Kaestrings.

These songs have gone up to become a favourite to many and received impressive feedback.  As a songwriter and singer, every song is birth from a heart burning and yearning for God. Each song expresses her Love and personal experiences with God.  Her debut album ‘Unlimited Grace’ is due for release at her live concert in Abuja.

Over the years Patience Tumba has shared the stage with other renowned worship leaders like Elijah Oyelade, Chris Morgan,  Solomon Lange, Minister Raqell Igila, PV Idemudia, and more..

Her mantra is simple ‘ All she want is to see Yahweh glorified and lives changed forever, to bring men back to the feet of the Master’

Patience Tumba is a founder of a Non-governmental organization ‘Value adding Woman international foundation (VAWIF)’ with a core objective of  helping the needy, vulnerable, displaced and challenged women and children in the society. Through the NGO many women have been empowered financial and can now support their families while  several young boys and girls enjoy full scholarships across different institutions of learning, to the Glory of God.

The African Praise Experience is back and better with the lineup of amazing gospel music ministers.

The African praise Experience popularly known for its acronym (TAPE) according to the organizers is an opportunity created in bringing believers from all walks of life under an atmosphere of thanksgiving, offering the highest praise to God.

The event is hosted by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of House On The Rock Churches. He is also the convener of The Experience, an annual interdenominational Gospel concert, well-known for featuring some of the best globally known musical talents and arguably the largest Gospel concert the world over.

A handful of a-list gospel musicians are scheduled for TAPE 2022. The list includes Dunsin Oyekan, Judikay, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Tim Godfrey & The Fearless Crew, Preye Odede, Kike Mudiaga, Mike Abdul, Folabi Nuel, Beejay Sax, Mr. M & Revelation, and a host of others.

Events Details:

Date: Friday 26th August 2022 & Sunday 28th August 2022.

Venue: The Rock Cathedral, Lekki, Lagos.

Time: 8:00PM On Friday & 9:00AM on Sunday.

This week, TV One hosted the official red-carpet premiere for its highly anticipated and long-awaited biopic “Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story” based on the life of gospel legend Marvin Sapp. The film premieres Sunday, August 21 at 9 P.M. ET/8C only on TV One. Held at the Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta, the event was packed with star power including the icon himself, Marvin Sapp alongside film stars Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Ambre Anderson, Stormy Merriweather, Zoe Greene and Jayden Griffin. Other notable attendees included director, Russ Parr, Executive Producers Phil Thornton and Keith Neal and President of TV One Michelle Rice.

In the days leading up to the premiere of the film, Sapp has much to celebrate. He was surprised by the Pandora team with the Billionaire Award celebrating more than one billion streams on the platform on Thursday at the National Museum of African American Music. There is also a re-release of his classic hit “Never Would Have Made It” out today. The impassioned unplugged version of the song continues to bring people to their feet 16 years after it was first released. The song is available for purchase and on all streaming platforms now.

Buzz has reached a fever pitch since the world premiere of the trailer exclusively within the Stellar Awards last month. Fans and industry insiders alike have been waiting to see the retelling of this legendary journey told through the lens of the man who lived it. From an intimate screening in his home state of Michigan to a prestigious showing during the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and a special premiere at his home church The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas, “Never Would Have Made It” has resonated with audiences through its powerful storytelling and dynamic cast. In Nashville this week, the film will wrap up its movie premiere run with a special screening at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

Marvin Sapp’s biopic chronicles the prominent gospel music artist and preacher’s Michigan upbringing, battle against teenage alcohol abuse, love for his wife MaLinda Prince, rise in the music industry and growth in his faith. Sapp came into prominence more than 30 years ago as a member of the iconic gospel group Commissioned and is widely known for his award-winning, chart-topping crossover hit “Never Would Have Made It.” Currently, he is an author, radio show host and senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas and pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan – the church he founded with his late wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp.

The film is directed by Russ Parr and produced for TV One by Swirl Films, with Eric F. Tomosunas, James Seppelfrick and Keith Neal serving as Executive Producers. Additionally, Marvin Sapp and Phil Thornton are Executive Producers. For TV One, Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting and Susan Henry is Senior Director of Original Programming and Production.

Capitol CMG artist and songwriter Anne Wilson is set to open her heart in her first ever book, My Jesus: From Heartache To Hope, set to hit shelves on October 25.

Wilson released her debut full-length album of the same name in April 2022 to critical acclaim. The title track had unprecedented success following its release and earned Wilson her first Billboard Music Award Nomination. “My Jesus” was the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart of 2021 for seven weeks total. The song also made Wilson the first female artist to hit the top of the Billboard Christian Airplay chart with a debut song.

My Jesus: From Heartache To Hope is set to expand on Anne’s testimony of her life’s triumphs, devastating loss and everything in-between. Although she has lived through the tragic season of losing her brother at a young age from a car accident, she is also in a new season of seeing God sustain her and her family during hard times.

Former member of popular CCM band FFH, singer/songwriter and now solo guitarist Jonathan Firey, has released his first acoustic instrumental album titled, Taste of the Valley, featuring a collection of nine original songs inspired by the iconic Santa Ynez Valley, a new place he and his family call home. The album is available across all digital platforms starting today.

Produced, performed and written by Firey, the Oklahoman native creates musical stylings that are complex, soulful and textured, layering together a sound that can be characterized across multiple genres. Sometimes described as BlueGrass, Folk or Country, Firey’s music is a blend of styles inspired by his musical greats like James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.

“As a touring musician for the last 20 years I have been fortunate to see many of the beautiful places around the world,” says Firey. “I never dreamed I would someday get to live in one of them. I knew early on after relocating my family to  the Santa Ynez Valley in CA that something was different and special about this amazing place and musical inspiration hit within days of moving here. So much music has been born over the last few years and Taste of the Valley is a collection of some of my favorite compositions that this valley has given me.”

With tracks named after mesmerizing landmarks throughout the Valley from “San Marcos Pass”, “Cachuma Sunrise” to “Fig”; all locations are where Firey has had memorable experiences and moments that have helped him feel connected to the new town that he calls home.

Firey moved to Santa Ynez in 2016, where he currently serves as a Music Minister at Valley Christian Fellowship, after spending nearly 12 years in the “music capital of the world,” Nashville, Tenn. Firey’s career consisted of performing in FFH for over a decade, garnering 11 No. 1 hits on the CCM chart, over two million albums sold, composing a catalog of over 170 acoustic songs that listeners may recognize from national commercials and campaigns for major brands like Target, Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Lifeway. He has played at historical venues like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and Blue Bird Cafe with bands such as Far from Home, The Henningsens, Junior Brown and the world renowned electric guitarist, Grammy Award-winning Phil Keaggy. Additionally, he’s performed alongside CCM favorites Point of Grace, 33 Miles, Aaron Shust, Wes King and more.

After great contemplation, Firey decided to retire from life on the road and relocate his wife and two young daughters to the Santa Ynez Valley. It was here, where he began a new journey in life and music.  Shortly after, the Taste of the Valley was born. The blend of passionate and spirited acoustic ballads, this new project demonstrates the heart and admiration to a place that Firey describes as simple, rich and deep – one of the few places like it on earth.

“My hope is this record will  make people want to come visit this magical place themselves,” shares Firey. “And if they can’t visit, I hope my music gives the feeling of what it’s like to be surrounded by the beauty and artistic culture that thrives in this small-town hidden wonder on the California Central Coast. I want to be the soundtrack to their day, so that people can listen to this album, be transported to the Valley and it brings them joy.”

Track Listing:

1. San Marcos Pass
2. A Warm Day in Winter
3. Taste of the Valley
4. The Taverns
5. Cachuma Sunrise
6. Lover’s Loop
7. Roots & Wings
8. Fig
9. Santa Rosa Road

GRAMMY Award-winning artist and songwriter, Brandon Lake, will lead worship at The Dangerous Good Conference at Celebration Church in Georgetown, Texas on Aug. 27. The one-day event hosted by Every Man Ministries (EMM) aims to inspire attendees with the truth about masculinity, equipping them to have a positive impact on their families and communities.

“These past couple of years, I have been more honest with myself about the mental battles I have faced as a man. I believe that the people of God should be the freest people on the planet,” said Lake. “This is why I am so excited to be a part of The Dangerous Good Conference. I believe we need honest songs, but we also need warfare songs to come against those attacks that try and keep us from being everything God wants us to be and from living truly free.”

As a worship leader for gatherings around the nation, Lake encourages followers of Jesus into a posture of freedom and confidence. Lake has been nominated for five GRAMMY awards over the course of his professional music career. In 2022, he was awarded his first GRAMMY for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album,” in recognition of the record, “Old Church Basement.” He also previously won several GMA Dove Awards including 2021 “Songwriter of the Year” and “Worship Recorded Song of the Year” for “Graves Into Gardens” and 2019 “Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year” for “This is a Move,” co-written with Tasha Cobbs Leonard. The song was also nominated for a 2020 GRAMMY Award.

Lake’s most recent full-length album includes “HELP!” which serves as a declaration of truth and a “me too” in response to anyone who struggles with mental health. His album, “House of Miracles,” was released in 2020 with a desire for the songs to become beacons of hope in homes across the world. Believing that people have so much more inside of them than they think possible, Lake longs to see Christians “live free and to be everything that God has called them to be.”

“Brandon is an amazing addition to our line-up for The Dangerous Good Conference,” said EMM Founder and President Kenny Luck. “He is the definition of the ‘dangerous good’ man. He is authentic, honest, humble and a great leader for God’s people. His influence has changed the hearts of many, and we know many more will feel impacted by his words at the conference.”

In addition to Lake, The Dangerous Good Conference will feature a timely message from Luck as well as music from other worship leaders including:

• Capitol Christian Music worship leader, Mack Brock;
• Hillsong artist and global worship leader, Chris Davenport; and
• Chris Quilala of Jesus Culture.

The Dangerous Good Conference on Aug. 27 starts at 4:00 p.m. CDT and ends at 9:30 p.m. CDT. Admission is free, but registration is required. Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m. and food trucks will be available during the dinner break. Celebration Church is located at 601 Westinghouse Road in Georgetown, Texas.

To register, visit https://brushfire.com/celebrationchurch/events/536009/details.

The Awakening Foundation announces the “Mac Powell & Friends” tourkicking off October 25th with tickets going on sale this Friday, August 19th at Noon ET (click here). Concert-goers can expect a night of songs filled with faith and the stories behind their creation. Designed like a Nashville songwriter’s round, this intimate concert experience will bring you closer to the music and allow you to see the heart behind the songs you love. This is Powell’s first CCM solo headlining tour since his time as the frontman of the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Third Day.

“I have always loved songs and the process of writing them,” Mac Powell shares about the inspiration behind this tour. “For a long time, I’ve thought there should be a tour that focused specifically on the songs in their raw form. Each night on tour, we’re going to be sharing stories of faith and playing the hits you know and love in an intimate setting like they were written in. I’m honored to have Mike Donehey, Josh Baldwin, and David Leonard, who are great friends and incredible songwriters, joining me for this one-of-a-kind night and tour!”

The “Mac Powell & Friends” tour is supported by K-LOVE, Air1, ChildFund, and Altrua HealthShare. The tour will visit 12 cities, kicking off on October 25th in Arkansas and wrapping up on November 20th in Kentucky.

Standard tickets purchased through September 2nd will receive 20% off with the fan appreciation launch discount by using the code INSIDER (discount does not apply to Group Ticket Sales). The tour dates and markets are below.

• Oct 25th – Jonesboro, AR
• Oct 26th – Siloam Springs, AR
• Oct 27th – Longview, TX
• Oct 28th – Birmingham, AL
• Nov 1st  – Dunn, NC (Fayetteville)
• Nov 2nd  – Marietta, GA
• Nov 3rd – Fairhope, AL (Mobile)
• Nov 4th – Cleveland, TN (Chattanooga)
• Nov 17th – Mt. Vernon, IL
• Nov 18th – Somerset, KY
• Nov 19th – Roanoke, VA
• Nov 20th – Lexington, KY