As one of the most sought-after Christian touring artists of the modern era, Grammy winner Chris Tomlin wrapped his third set of back-to-back “Worship At Red Rocks” concerts earlier this week in one of North America’s most iconic, intimate, and scenic venues. His return was his fifth visit overall (2013 & 2015) after becoming the first Christian artist in history to headline two consecutive nights in 2017, repeating that history in 2019 and again this year with a combined total of over 60,000 in attendance.
The inclement cold weather and severe rain showers during both nights, were no deterrent for the worshippers who were determined to be a part of an intimate experience at the historic venue.
“Worship At Red Rocks” followed Chris’ annual “Good Friday Nashville” (GFN) event held in person at Bridgestone Arena for the first-time post pandemic. This year’s GFN concert expanded globally with an exclusive Facebook live stream and a radio simulcast with K-LOVE and Air1. On June 1, Chris will resume the “Tomlin UNITED Tour”, a Pollstar [Live 75] Top 10 tour, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey before the tour wraps on June 17. In the first leg of the tour Chris set a career attendance record with an unprecedented concert at LA’s Banc of California Stadium.
This weekend, Chris is nominated for Worship Song Of The Year at Christian music’s biggest fan event, the K-LOVE Fan Awards and will perform his latest single “Always” which is impacting radio now. The show will be filmed to air on TBN June 3, airing back to back at both 8pm and 10pm ET.
Chris was recently asked to be a part of Nashville’s largest country music festival, CMA Fest, as a “CMA Artist of The Day” as he performs at Music City Center for the final day of the four-day event. Other featured Artists of the Day at the 2022 summer event include Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Bryan.
Contemporary Christian singer/songwriter, inspirational keynote speaker, and suicide prevention activist Briana Domenica is excited to release her new suicide prevention program, The Warrior In Me. The release of this video series is in support of Mental Health Awareness Month (May).
The introductory video from the ten-video collection premiered on Domenica’s YouTube channel on Sunday, May 22nd at Noon CST, and the remaining nine videos will be posted daily throughout the rest of the month, at Noon CST, on her YouTube channel. Watch them HERE.
The Warrior In Me video series shares the same title as her 10-song LP, and single released on World Suicide Prevention Day in 2020, which was co-written with industry veteran, Keith Ridenour, and produced by Grammy award-winning musician Nate Cornell (For King and Country). It was filmed at Ridenour Rehearsal Studios in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and produced by Tyler Adams/Sora Entertainment. Domenica added, “My hope is that this video series not only shines a light on suicide awareness through prevention, education, and the power of music, but educates, equips, and empowers each and every person watching to find the Warrior within themselves.”
This program comes at an extremely critical time with suicide numbers on the rise. Suicide and mental illness do not discriminate. There are no guidelines or rules, as it impacts people of all demographics and classes. “Nationally, we have seen COVID-19 cause increased isolation, fear, stigma, substance abuse, and economic anxieties. This has led to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, chronic trauma, and stress, which in some individuals can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. While we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, we do expect an enduring effect,” says John E. Franklin, MD/Northwestern Medicine.According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2020, 45,979 Americans died by suicide, and there were an estimated 1.20 million suicide attempts.
“Contemporary Christian recording artist Briana Domenica is taking her own personal family tragedy to save others with the new ‘Warrior In Me’ Suicide Prevention Video Series. This is the first video series I have ever seen that gives us all the signs to look for in our friends, family, and colleagues who may be struggling silently. We need to step up and be that person that ‘says something’ and Briana gives us the tools to be equipped warriors to save the life of another. Suicide awareness isn’t enough and Briana’s new video series gets to the heart and action of suicide prevention. Briana Domenica is taking her tragedy and creating triumph by helping others,” commented Ward W. Bond, PhD, host of The Dr. Ward Bond Show.
The Warrior In Me Suicide Prevention Program Video Series:1. Meet Briana Domenica 2. A Story of Loss 3. Silent Suffering 4. Fact & Fiction 5. Spot the Signs 6. ACT or SHINE 7. There Is Help 8. Tips & Tools 9. Feelings Aren’t Facts 10. There Is HOPE
Music is one of Domenica’s greatest passions, but she is equally passionate about suicide prevention and awareness after losing several loved ones to suicide, including her oldest brother. She has also personally struggled with suicidal thoughts. In an attempt to turn family heartache and tragedy into something good, she started a 501c3 non-profit (Angel in the Sky) in May of 2016. “Our goal through this outreach program, The Warrior In Me, is that we can raise awareness and help save lives,” Domenica commented. You can learn more about Angel in the Sky HERE.
Domenica is taking The Warrior In Me program on the road where she will speak at schools, churches, prisons, and addiction treatment centers. She is also in the studio working on new music that will be released in the fall as well as planning her annual Suicide Prevention & Awareness benefit concert, scheduled to take place on September 9th in Nashville, Tennessee. Additional details to be announced on her website soon.
This year’s chart-topping breakout soloist and Atlanta-based megachurch leader Pastor E. Dewey Smith, will host a Family Skate Night on Sunday, June 5 at the Metro Fun Center in Atlanta, GA.
The skate night is presented by Pebble Street Records, the label Smith is signed to and released his hit single, “Your Presence is a Gift”, as well as The House of Hope Atlanta where he pastors. Family Skate Night is sure to be a family-friendly environment filled with great music, roller skating, food, fellowship, and live performances.
Tickets are currently available for purchase online now through June 3 and can be purchased at the door the day of the event (CLICK HERE for tickets).
All proceeds from the Family Skate Night will benefit Tabitha’s House to support victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Tabitha’s House Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that has provided housing, counseling and intervention services to victims of sex trafficking since 2013.
Syntax Creative is excited to announce two new partnerships. The first is with the legendary Crystal Lewis while the second is with the prolific band of five Samoan siblings, The Katinas. Both of these deals involve back catalogs, in addition to new music.
Lewis spared no time in delivering new music to her new distributor with full-length album Together We Can. The eleven-track, bi-lingual offering features GRAMMY Award-winner Tori Kelly, Kate Flannery (NBC’s “The Office,” “Dancing With the Stars”), jazz-trumpet great Arturo Sandoval, vocalist Charles Jones, and Nikki Leonti (“Glee”). Together We Can is now available globally.
“I’m so grateful for my partnership with Syntax Creative,” said Lewis. “After several years of manning every aspect of digital distribution on my own, I’ve been so delighted to not only have help, but also to benefit from the expertise and experience that everyone at Syntax provides.”
Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau added, “Crystal is a true musical stalwart. In addition to being hands-on with building her own record label, she has also been instrumental in helping launch the careers of several other household-named artists.” Trudeau continued, “Mega-pop stars such as Katy Perry and Tori Kelly, specifically, have officially given credit to Crystal for being a major influence during their formative years.
“It’s an honor to work with Crystal Lewis. In other words, put some respect on her name.”
The Katinas—a literal tour de force, who travel the road year-round—have also been hard at work writing and recording new songs.
“After thirty years of making music, we are grateful and honored to announce that we are partnering with our long-time friend, Tim Trudeau and the team at Syntax Creative,” said drummer Joe Katina. “The digital space provides new opportunities for growth for us as a band. We believe that our partnership with Syntax provides the best opportunity for us to reach more people with our message and music.”
While no official street dates have been announced, the next song that will be released is “Mama Lo’u Tina,” a tribute to the matriarch of their family, sung in Samoan language as a nod to their Polynesian roots.
StowTown Records is thrilled to announce the release of a brand new recording from multi-award-winning group, The Perrys. John 3:16 features this popular group at their very best, delivering powerful songs that have made them a mainstay in the Southern Gospel Music genre for more than four decades.
This latest recording features 10 songs with masterful production, powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics from several of gospel music’s most prolific writers, including Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Joseph Habedank and Marcia Henry, just to name a few. In addition to the title cut and first single, “John 3:16 Is Calling Out to You,” co-written by Joel Lindsey and Val Dacus, other cuts include “I Think I’ll Just Go On,” “Heaven To Me” and the timeless classic, “That Sounds Like Home To Me,” written by legendary writers Eddie Crook and Aaron Wilburn. For The Perrys, the song that will be especially meaningful is “Calvary’s Touch,” which was penned by Karen McPherson and the late Kyla Rowland. Just before Kyla’s passing earlier this year, she gave this song to The Perrys for this album, and it may very well be the final new recording of a Kyla Rowland song.
Led by longtime group member, Libbi Perry Stuffle, The Perrys have enjoyed numerous honors and accolades, as well as dozens of radio hits. “It has been amazing to see how God has worked in the lives of Libbi and The Perrys over the years,” states StowTown Records President Landon Beene. “They have endured some very difficult times, but God has honored their faithfulness and their desire to always present the message of the Gospel. StowTown is delighted to have the privilege to present this project to listeners worldwide.”
John 3:16 offers listeners victory, encouragement and redemption, as well as the undeniable message of the saving power of Christ. “John 3:16 is probably the most well-known scripture in the world,” Libbi states. “We have never been ashamed to proclaim that message every time we step on stage. It’s ageless, and we will never grow tired of sharing it.”
For Libbi and The Perrys, it was a thrill to be back in the studio with the group’s longtime producer and friend, Wayne Haun. It was also thrilling to have the opportunity to record songs from several writers who have impacted their musical journey in a profound way. “With all the changes we have experienced over the past few years, we are truly blessed to be able to look back and find consistency,” Libbi shares. “Wayne is a longtime friend and producer and always pushes us to do our very best in the studio. He is also great with helping us find just the right songs. We were blessed to be able to include songs written by some very special friends who have afforded us the opportunity to deliver the eternal message that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 is distributed by Provident/Sony and is available at digital and retail outlets worldwide.
The award-winning band Sanctus Real celebrates the recent RIAA Gold certification of their hit single “Confidence.” The song is from 2020’s Changed, their first full-length from the band’s indie label Framework Records, and features the group’s new lead vocalist Dustin Lolli.
On the heels of the success of “Confidence,” their single “Won’t Let Me Go” goes for adds at radio today. The song is also the title track on their latest five-song project, which was released on April 22. “Won’t Let Me Go” was produced and co-written with David Spencer (“In Jesus Name [God of Possible]” from Katy Nichole).
Chris Rohman, Sanctus Real’s guitarist, shares, “We’ve spent the last two years, as many have, wondering if we had taken for granted the sense of ‘normal’ we initially longed for in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. It didn’t take long for us to realize that nothing about this life is normal! There’s no hiding the fact that we live in a broken world and in that brokenness, we have always had an anchor through the good and the bad.”
He continues, “We wrote most of these new songs in response to seeing God’s faithfulness all around us during an incredibly difficult time. ‘Won’t Let Me Go’ is a statement of worship to our Savior, a profession that even in the darkest places, even when our faith is shaking, we know that God will never let us go. We’ve seen this to be true and we hope others can find solace in the simplicity of that statement as well.”
“Won’t Let Me Go” follows “My God Is Still The Same,” which held its spot on the Billboard Audience chart for more than 40 weeks, peaking at No. 2 while accumulating 13MM total streams.
Additionally, Sanctus Real wraps their latest tour this weekend in their home state of Ohio. Touring around the U.S. this spring with Stars Go Dim and Tim Timmons, Sanctus Real partnered with Destiny Rescue to help spread its message to everyone who was able to experience the tour.
“We are incredibly grateful to have a platform where we can share the heart behind an organization like Destiny Rescue,” the band shares collectively.
“The work they do helps to save, on average, seven victims a day from sex trafficking. In a world where there are roughly one million children trapped in this industry, we feel a desperate need to get the word out on how we as a community of believers can help. Destiny Rescue is making a huge impact for the Kingdom with the work they do by not only saving those forced into unspeakable circumstances but by providing education and Christian rehabilitation for those they rescue. As a band whose mission has been for more than 20 years to share about God’s goodness and redemption, it’s an honor to speak on behalf of this organization and allow our audience the opportunity to become rescue partners!” Find out more HERE.
Ten-time GRAMMY nominee Tauren Wells will kick off an extensive headline tour in support of his new album, Joy In The Morning, on October 6 in Tampa, FL. The North American run will bring him to such historic venues as The Town Hall in New York City (October 17), Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre (November 5), The Soundstage at Graceland in Memphis (November 12) and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (November 15). Special guests Aaron Cole and Lakewood Music will support on all dates. See below for itinerary.
Tickets for The Joy In The Morning Tour will go on sale on Monday, May 23 at 10a local time. This outing is Well’s third headline tour, following last year’s sold-out, 23-city run.
“Performing is my favorite part of what I do. I love it,” says Wells. “I love the entertainment aspect of it – just being able to get out there and dance and sing and crack jokes and tell stories. It is life-giving and it’s a great privilege to have people showing up every night to go there together.”
Joy In The Morning will be released by Capitol Records/CCMG on June 10. Wells will celebrate with an appearance at the GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live on June 13. The evening, which is part of the museum’s “The Drop” series, will feature an intimate conversation with Wells, moderated by television host Jason Kennedy, and a performance. Tickets are available HERE.
Fans who pre-order the digital edition ofJoy in the Morningwill instantly receive the first three singles – “Come Home,”“Empty” and “Fake It” (feat. Aaron Cole). View the official video for “Come Home”HERE and watch Wells performance of “Empty” on the “Tamron Hall Show” HERE. Check his exclusive Vevo performance of “Fake It”HERE.
He will co-host the KLOVE Fan Awards with Matthew West at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on May 29. Wells is nominated for Male Artist of the Year. The show will air on TBN on Friday, June 3. On August 5, he will headline the second night of KLOVE’s multi-artist concert at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Get tickets for Red Rocks HERE.
Wells has amassed over one billion combined global streams and 225 million video views in his career to date, charted six No. 1 radio singles and earned one RIAA Platinum certification and two Gold records. “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix),” Wells’ 2021 duet with H.E.R., was honored with GRAMMY and NAACP Image Awards nominations.
On Friday, June 17, GRAMMY award-winning music collective Maverick City Music and 16-time GRAMMY winner Kirk Franklin will bring the injustices around mass incarceration – and the voices of 1,300 inmates – to center stage with the release of their collaborative album KINGDOM Book 1, out June 17th via Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Entertainment / RCA Inspiration. A cornerstone to the thought-provoking collection and the first glimpse into what’s to come, the album’s title track “Kingdom” is available today (5.20).
Taking the idea of “prison performance” to another level, the genre-transcending, 11-track project made entirely from the grounds of a Florida prison, features Maverick City Music and Franklin recording the experience alongside more than ninety-percent of those who remain incarcerated at the location.
Joined by men from every walks of life – different gangs, races and backgrounds – ‘Kingdom Book 1′ evolved from an unfiltered message of love and universal acceptance and became a passionate, powerful movement that embodies the collective’s core beliefs of inspiring and helping others.
“I think this album is for every fan that loves music, and our hope is that these songs and the stories behind them will serve as a way to raise awareness to the challenges that people face everyday – many of which are forgotten about,” Maverick City Music’s Jonathan Jay explains. “For me, the most impactful part of this experience was the prisoners’ reaction to simply being remembered as humans. It was an overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement that carried through every day we spent with these men. It was unbelievable, and I think if more people would just become aware of these feelings, they would want to help find a solution for the issues that come with incarceration.”
“We want awareness around the topics that affect the community that we represent, as black and brown people, primarily,” Maverick City Music’s Tony Brown continues. “It’s important that we’re able to not just share our songs, but also share the heart and the lives that these songs are coming from. Most of us, in some way, have been impacted by these issues, and as we mature as artists, the things that matter to us the most need to take precedence. This is one of them.”
“In addition to awareness, I hope this album motivates people to do something about these issues,” says Brown. “It’s being proactive – giving to foundations that help figure out how to stop mass incarceration, volunteering in communities that are grossly affected by it, and acknowledging that this is a real thing. If we can get a small amount of people to simply acknowledge this issue exists, then that’s a huge win for us.”
This year is poised to be the biggest yet for the young pioneers of Maverick City Music. The group just won a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and completed a historic televised performance on the show. Nominated across four categories at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, with triple nods in one category, and receiving three 2022 K-Love Awards nominations earlier this week, the group will take the music and the movement behind ‘Kingdom Book 1’ on the road this summer with their headline ‘Kingdom Tour’ alongside Franklin. Set to kick off on June 1 in Miami, the extensive, 37-date trek hits arenas across the nation through the end of July, and fans can purchase tickets to the nearly sold-out tour HERE.
‘Kingdom Book 1’ Tracklist
Kingdom – Feat. Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore
Fear Is Not My Future – Feat. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore
Bless Me
Jealous – Feat. Chandler Moore, Lizzie Morgan
Talkin Bout (Love) – Feat. Chandler Moore, Lizzie Morgan
The One You Love – Feat. Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore
My Life Is In Your Hands – Feat. Chandler Moore
Melodies From Heaven – Feat. Chandler Moore, Maryanne George
I Smile – Feat. Lizzie Morgan
Why We Sing – Feat. Brandon Lake
Take Me Back – Feat. Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Ryan Ofei
The Kingdom Tour: Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin
Wed., June 1 | FTX Arena| Miami, FL
Thu., Jun 2 | Amway Center | Orlando, FL
Sat., Jun 4 | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre | Tampa, FL
Sun., Jun 5 | Lakewood Amphitheatre | Atlanta, GA
Tue., Jun 7 | Legacy Arena at the BJCC | Birmingham, AL
Thu., June 9 | PNC Music Pavilion | Charlotte, NC
Fri., June 10 | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | Raleigh, NC
Sun., June 12 | Prudential Center | Newark, NJ
Tue., June 14 | Budweiser Stage | Toronto, ON
Thu., June 16 | Capital One Arena | Washington DC
Sat., June 18 | Little Caesars Arena | Detroit, MI
Sun., June 19 | PPG Paints Arena | Pittsburgh, PA
Tue., June 21 | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids, MI
Wed., June 22 | Schottenstein Center | Columbus, OH
Thu., June 23 | Chaifetz Arena | St. Louis, MO
Tue., June 28 | T-Mobile Center | Kansas City, MO
Thu., June 30 | Bridgestone Arena | Nashville, TN
Fri., July 1 | FedExForum | Memphis, TN
Sat., July 2 | Brandon Amphitheater | Jackson, MS
Thu., July 7 | Paycom Center | Oklahoma City, OK
Fri., July 8 | The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | Houston, TX
Sat., July 9 | AT&T Center | San Antonio, TX
Sun., July 10 | Dickies Arena | Ft. Worth, TX
Wed., July 13 | Walmart AMP | Rogers, AR
Sat., July 16 | USANA Amphitheatre | Salt Lake City, UT
Tue., July 19 | Climate Pledge Arena | Seattle, WA
Wed., July 20 | Moda Center | Portland, OR
Fri., July 22 | Concord Pavilion | Concord, CA
Sat., July 23 | Five Point Amphitheater | Irvine, CA
Sun., July 24 | Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles, CA
Wed., July 27 | CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre | San Diego, CA
Thu., July 28 | Ak-Chin Pavilion | Phoenix, AZ
Fri., July 29 | Michelob ULTRA Arena | Las Vegas, NV
Sun., July 31 | Ball Arena | Denver, CO
Tue., Aug. 2 | T-Mobile Center | Kansas City, MO
Thu., Aug. 4 | Blossom Music Center | Cleveland, OH
Lifest, one of today’s top festival promoters in positive family entertainment, announces the key lineup and more for the bourgeoning LIFEST MUSIC CITY 2022 at Storytellers Hideaway Farms in Bon Aqua, Tennessee July 28-30, 2022. Tickets are currently on sale to the 3-day family-focused extravaganza featuring musical greats Casting Crowns, Skillet, Stephen Curtis Chapman, comedians, unique speakers/seminars focusing on building your faith and protecting your community. All proceeds benefit Dignity Revolution, a youth mental health and wellness program presented in schools across the United States. Life Promotions is based in Wisconsin and has produced the most successful Christian festival for years in Oshkosh and looks to build a unique and welcoming event to Middle Tennessee. For more information, please visit here.
Tickets are available for the full 3-day event or a 1-day purchase. Ticket prices for the 3-day event are on sale for $66 for adults, $33 for ages 8 to 15. Ticket prices will continue to raise up to the festival, with gate prices of $78 full event tickets for adults, $39 full event tickets for ages 8-15 and $36 one day ticket price for adults and $18 for youth 8-15.
Featuring five unique stages, patrons will have the opportunity to main stage headliners in the world Christian music, positive internationally renowned speakers, comedians, and local talent on the Nashville’s Big Back Yard stage. Activities include family hours, archery, blood drives, movies, crafts, inflatables and more. Additionally, some of Middle Tennessee’s top food trucks will provide unique and fresh menus.
Life Promotions President and Chief Visionary Officer Bob Lenz states, “We are honored to return to Middle Tennessee with Lifest Music City this year. Our inaugural festival in 2021 spread a swath of excitement for our team and the attendees that came from over 30 states and 3 countries to our base camp in Bon Aqua, Tennessee at the farm of the legendary Johnny Cash. Knowing that this land became a special part of his spiritual journey solidifies the location for this uniquely curated festival. Our goal for this party with a purpose is to benefit the Dignity Revolution to engage in saving lives of those who are suffering with mental health. Dignity Revolution has partnered with the Professional Educators of Tennessee and virtually trained Tennessee educators on the Dignity Revolution Curriculum in 2021. The training is on the Professional Educators website and is available for any of the members to watch. In October of 2021, Dignity Revolution presented Humphreys County Schools with $500 to be used for their school system flood relief efforts. They were also gifted two Dignity Revolution assemblies ($4500 value). In addition to their involvement with the Professional Educators of Tennessee, Dignity Revolution has also trained educators from over 15 schools in the Tennessee area.
Governor Lee commented on the event saying, “We’re excited to welcome Lifest Music City to Tennessee this July,” said Gov. Lee. “It’s an honor to welcome visitors from across the nation for an event that will showcase our state’s rich musical heritage, boost local tourism and support Middle Tennessee’s thriving economy.”
We are committed to making Lifest Music City an annual destination for those who want to grow in their faith, enjoy amazing music and speakers and an experience that is felt throughout the year and beyond. Thank you to the Nashville and Middle Tennessee partners helping create the experience.”
GRAMMY nominated, internationally renowned artist collective Bethel Music has earned three nominations at the 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards.
The nominations include Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year for “Too Good To Not Believe” with Brandon Lake and Jenn Johnson. In addition, Dante Bowe’s GRAMMY nominated single “joyful” is up for Breakout Single. Voting for the 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards is now open HERE.
The 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards will take place Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry House and will air exclusively on TBN Friday, June 3, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT.
