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Category: NEWS

Natasha Owens Performs The National Anthem At CPAC 2022

Christian music powerhouse Natasha Owens made an appearance at CPAC 2022 in Orlando on Sunday, performing the national anthem for the largest and most influential annual gathering of conservatives in the world. Headlined by former President Donald J. Trump, the 4-day event featured appearances by a who’s who list of the conservative movement, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, Candace Owens, Glenn Beck, Sen. Ted Cruz, Mike Pompeo, Ric Grenell, Pete Hegseth, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sean Spicer, Kevin Sorbo, Lee Greenwood, Dr. Ben Carson and many more.

“It was such an honor to be asked to sing at CPAC 2022,” says Owens. “I love this great country of ours and I am so thankful for the military men and women that have sacrificed so much in order for us to have freedom. May we never forget the sacrifice. I am proud to sing our national anthem on such a historic stage.”

Owens is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on her upcoming studio album, PATRIOT. Produced for Radiate Music by GRAMMY-nominated and multiple Dove Award winner Ian Eskelin, the new album will be available everywhere in May.

“A portion of all proceeds generated by 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,” says Owens.

Owens exploded onto the Christian Music scene with her 2016 debut, No One But You. She suddenly found herself touring as the opening act for Christian Music’s most iconic artists, including Michael W. Smith and Jason Crabb. Her 2017 follow-up, We Will Rise, was named “Inspirational Album of the Year” at the 2018 We Love Christian Music Awards. In 2019, Owens signed to Radiate Music and released her third album, Warrior, followed by 2021’s Stand and Christmas Memories.

Instantly relatable, Owens has quickly resonated with listeners and has had extensive media coverage including appearances on Fox News, Newsmax and HLN, among others. She has toured with some of Christian Music’s bestselling artists, including Michael W. Smith, Kutless, JJ Weeks, Ryan Stevenson, Jason Crabb, Matthew West, 7eventh Time Down, Audio Adrenaline, Point of Grace and more, and serves as the host of the Warrior Event women’s conferences nationwide.

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Hannah Kerr Joins Curb | Word Entertainment Roster

Curb | Word Entertainment and Black River Entertainment are proud to announce Black River Christian’s Hannah Kerr will join the Curb | Word Entertainment roster. Brian Thiele also joins Curb | Word Entertainment as VP, Christian Promotion while Jeri Cooper is upped to SVP, Christian Promotion. Both Jen Allen and Samantha Evangelista continue in their respective roles as National Director, Promotion and Coordinator, National Promotion.

“We welcome Hannah to the Curb | Word family,” shares Mike Curb, Chairman of Curb | Word Entertainment. “Black River has done a tremendous job establishing Hannah, and we look forward to building on that success in the future.”

Gordon Kerr, Black River Entertainment President and CEO, also adds, “When we created Black River Christian, we did so with a servant’s heart. Our goal was to create music that is mission minded and to follow wherever God leads us. We’ve heard countless testimonies over the years from people whose lives have been touched by this ministry. With this next step, we know there is potential to reach countless more lives with her ministry.”

Curb | Word Entertainment most recently had the #1 and #2 songs across the Billboard Hot Christian Songs, Billboard Christian AC, Billboard Christian Airplay, Mediabase Christian AC and Mediabase Christian Audience charts with for KING + COUNTRY’s “Relate” and We Are Messengers’ “Come What May,” the latter of which spent 16 weeks at #1 on the Mediabase Christian Audience chart. In addition, Curb | Word Entertainment has five songs within the Top 30 at Christian radio.

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Sarah Reeves Takes New Music To Select Cities This Spring

Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist Sarah Reeves is taking new music to select cities this spring. Tickets for “An Evening With Sarah Reeves” go on sale friday (2/25) at 10 a.m. local time in each market.

Each date will feature soulful singer and “American Idol” finalist Clark Beckham, who joined Reeves for a special rendition of “Winter Wonderland” on 2021’s critically-acclaimed holiday release, More The Merrier. This will be the first time fans will have the opportunity to see Reeves perform songs live from her latest studio album, Life Love & Madness, since she debuted the project in the middle of the pandemic. Tickets and more information are available at www.sarahreevesmusic.com.

In addition, Reeves also releases a remix of her pandemic anthem, “Years,” today. Watch the official visualizer HERE, and stream the pulsating track HERE.

The fresh “Years (Skytech Remix)” raises a glass to the unique moment in time reverberated around the world during the historic global health crisis. The introspective “Years” was written by Reeves, Ian Keaggy and John-Luke Carter during 2020’s life-altering quarantine. The singer memorializes her feelings like a time capsule, while penning a reminder that hard times often make for the best stories and the greatest lessons. The remix gets an assist from Skytech, elevating the ballad into a club banger fit for any New Year’s sendoff.

A sought-after collaborator, Reeves recently also joined forces with friends Meredith Andrews and Chris McClarney for a passionate rendition of worship anthem “Make Room.” Watch the trio of artists perform the track HERE.

“An Evening With Sarah Reeves” Tour Dates:

*All dates and cities subject to change.

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E. Dewey Smith’s Debut Single Hits #10 On Billboard

Pebble Street Record Label head, E. Dewey Smith is setting the tone for 2022 by entering the TOP 10 Billboard Gospel Airplay Charts with his debut single, “Your Presence Is A Gift”. This is the first single from his debut EP, “God Period” that held the top spot on the 2021 Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for multiple weeks. “God Period” also concluded the year finishing in Billboard’s ‘Top 50 Gospel Albums’ of 2021.

When asked about his inspiration for the single, “Your Presence Is a Gift” Dewey responded saying: “This song means so much to me because it’s a tribute to my mother who passed away a few years ago. Actually, my godmother, mother, best friend from college & sister all passed away within 28 days. After going through a major depression, I realized that I had been fixating over my deceased loved ones’ absence and not appreciating God’s presence.”

He went on to say, “Although we’ve all dealt with loss, it’s assuring to know that God’s presence is a gift.”

“God Period” is now available to be streamed on all streaming platforms. Physical copies can be ordered on edeweysmith.org.

https://youtu.be/GeN8H0yYTtw

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15th All Star Gospel Celebration To Encore February 27

The All-Star Gospel Celebration (ASGC) kicked off NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio with an unforgettable celebration in its 15th year during the NBA All-Star Weekend! The celebration hosted by 3x NBA All-Star host Jacinda Jacobs and NBA Veteran & former National Basketball Players Association Vice-President Maurice “Mo” Evans was the most anticipated event during the weekend. NBA Chaplains rocked the stage after an electrifying opening by Kierra Sherard-Kelly. Special appearances by Maverick City Music and DOE wowed the crowd, and the new artist showcase was one to remember with Anthony Hall & Keyla Richardson both giving a championship performance. Saxophonist Angella Christie, took the entire audience to church, while the Red Hand Band had the crowd on their feet. Mali Music delivered the SLAM DUNK performance to end the show. Following the show, guests enjoyed a post-reception catered by Pearl’s Kitchen.

The commemoration honored doers and game-changers in the sports industry. Co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, Valerie Daniels Carter, was given the Slam Dunk “Game Changer” award and she stepped on the stage and demanded full attention. As she flash the NBA CHAMPIONSHIP RING and offered guests in attendance the chance to put on the ring (a championship ring) in honor of ASGC celebrating 15 years. Former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association, Dr. Billy Hunter, Esq with the Slam Dunk “Faith & Endurance” award, gave a heart reaching thank you to the audience; as well as father and son duo Pastor Larry Macon Jr. and Pastor Larry Macon Sr. with the Slam Dunk “Living Legend” award, steered the crowd to laughter and words of wisdom.

For 15 years, a Female-Black-Owned Production Company has produced All-Star Gospel Celebration during a male-dominated sports weekend. Executive Producer Tomeka B. Holyfield takes pride in producing such an epic and celebratory event. ASGC, whose theme this year is “Faith and Philanthropy,” has been exceptionally successful during NBA All-Star weekend paying tribute to NBA players, wives, coaches, high-profile individuals, and community leaders who effect change in the lives of others while portraying an inspiring and motivating image. The 15th Annual All-Star Gospel Celebration will celebrate faith and philanthropy during NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND in Cleveland by bringing together unity, diversity, peace, love, and power!

National Attention has been brought to the Christian Community in each city NBA All-Star Weekend has traveled, leaving a lasting impression on individuals who’ve attended these events. Some of the Hottest Gospel/Christian Artists have graced the stage as everyone enjoys three hours of Crazy Praise year after year! This year, ASGC will once again honor some extraordinary individuals as our Slam Dunk Honorees and Celebrate the Faith during NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND!

15th All-Star Gospel Celebration Encore Presentation

Sunday, February 27, 2002

4pm EST/1pm PT

FACEBOOK @AllStarGospel

YOUTUBE: @AllStarGospel

Tomeka B. Holyfield was selected by the NBA All-Star Entertainment Division in 2006, to produce an Inspiration component in conjunction with NBA All-Star Weekend. For 15 years, her “All-Star Gospel Celebration” (ASGC) has kicked off the weekend of festivities. ASGC has become the flagship showcase within the RCM Media Productions portfolio, which provides a one of a kind platform bringing together; Gospel Artists, the NBA Chaplains Association, NBA Wives Association, NBA Players, their families, and their fans locally and from around the globe – in one arena for one night, to kick-off NBA All-Star Weekend, An evening full of inspirational praise and philanthropy. “A Party with/a Purpose”

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5X-Grammy Nominated Gospel Icon Ricky Dillard and His New Generation Choir Deliver Powerful Performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Chicago native and American gospel powerhouse Ricky Dillard appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to perform his chart climbing single “All Of My Help,” from his newest live album Breakthrough: The Exodus via Motown Gospel.

Dillard and his beautifully-boisterous New Generation Chorale have been iconic in the industry for over three-decades, helping him garner a number of accolades ranging from multiple Grammy and Dove Award nominations to several Stellar Awards and an NAACP Image Award. Clarkson showed her appreciation for the gospel luminary, describing Dillard as “a living legend.”

https://youtu.be/wUmjpKG3fpo

Last month, Ricky Dillard – the “legend in his own right” (Flaunt Mag) – shared his newest album and sophomore release with Motown Gospel, Breakthrough: The Exodus. Accompanied with live recordings and video performances for each song, Dillard and his New Generation Chorale deliver breathtaking harmonies and dynamic range.

In 2020, Dillard released the Grammy nominated album Choirmaster, which he views as a “part one” of Breakthrough; he even goes on to describe the two releases as Sunday Morning and Sunday Evening recordings respectively. Having been a source of inspiration for artists ranging from Kirk Franklin to Kanye West, Breakthrough: The Exodus is Dillard’s latest and most thrilling chapter in a career that spans thirty years. 

Stream and watch Breakthrough: The Exodus HERE Order Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live) HEREBreakthrough: The Exodus (Live) Tracklist

 Connect with Ricky Dillard

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

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Lawrence Flowers & Intercession Debuts on Multiple Billboard Charts

Multi-award winning independent gospel ensemble Lawerence Flowers & Intercession latest project MERGE (Anderson Music Group) makes an impressive debut on multiple Billboard charts. Released on February 11th, the project debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Album chart#3 on Top Gospel Album Consumption chart, and #28 on Current Album Sales chart (all-genres). Additionally the project landed at #1 on iTunes Top 200 Christian/Gospel Digital Albums chart.

Buy or Stream MERGE here: https://cinqreleas.es/merge

“This body of work is all encompassing of vintage sounds fused with contemporary melodies. It caters to a wide spectrum of listeners influenced by their generational sound. It’s timeless!! Its powerful lyrics and colorful stories are sure to up lift, encourage, restore hope and merge agendas to a singular belief and or idea all clothed in love! Merging lives everywhere to a common connection called family & Faith.” says Lawrence.

The 14-track album is written by Lawrence Flowers and produced by Larry Wilson, Flowers, Jonathan AndersonTerrill Jackson, and Justin Ford. “Way” serves as the album’s current lead single.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Lawrence Flowers is an American Gospel music singer, actor, songwriter, producer, educator, speaker, founder of LFi Music Group LLC. MERGE is the group’s latest album and the follow-up to Champion, which was released in 2017. Best known for their highly acclaimed praise & worship hit single “More” (garnered 1 million+ views on Youtube and 5 million+ audio streams).

ABOUT ANDERSON MUSIC GROUP:
In 2021, Award-winning music executive Jonathan Anderson launched a new boutique label for artists, songwriters and producers. “The process is multifaceted and deserves our full attention if you want to be successful. Here at AMG we are dedicated to the process.” Anderson Music Group is home to Lawrence Flowers & Intercession, M.K. Ngenge, and Bart Orr.

Connect with Lawrence Flowers & Intercession:

Facebook: /teamLFI | Instagram: @lfintercession | Website: www.lfimusic.com

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Worship Leaders Bryan & Katie Torwalt and Benjamin Hastings Join Together for a Night of Worship Tour

Worship leaders Bryan & Katie Torwalt and Benjamin Hastings have joined together to announce the upcoming “A Night of Worship” Tour presented by Transparent Productions. Tickets are currently available for this intimate and powerful night of worship. Click here to purchase tickets.

“We can’t wait for these worship nights with one of our favorite artists Benjamin Hastings,” shares Bryan & Katie Torwalt about the upcoming tour. “We’ve spent the last couple years listening for what we felt God speaking in this season, and we are so excited to share these new songs! We’ve felt like these songs are meant to bring encouragement, hope, and strength to the body of Christ, and feel like these nights are going to be really special, and filled with the Presence of God.”

“Can’t tell you how excited I am about this tour,” shares Benjamin Hastings. “Come spring I’ll be on the road with my good friends the Torwalt’s and it’s gonna be a blast. Really hope you can make it!”
The tour will hit 12 cities up the West Coast as well as dates in Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. The complete list of dates and markets is listed below.

May 12, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Spokane, WA
May 13, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Everett, WA
May 14, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Vancouver, WA
May 15, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Sacramento (Roseville), CA
May 17, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Denver, CO
May 19, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Long Beach, CA
May 20, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Costa Mesa, CA
May 21, 2022 – 7:00 pm | San Diego, CA
May 22, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Phoenix (Mesa), AZ
May 24, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Dallas (Fort Worth), TX
May 25, 2022 – 7:00 pm | Houston (Richmond), TX
May 26, 2022 – 7:00 pm | San Antonio, TX

ABOUT BRYAN & KATIE TORWALT:

Bryan and Katie Torwalt are artists on the Jesus Culture Music label and have been part of the Jesus Culture team since 2010. They reside in Sacramento, California with their beautiful daughter Indigo and are part of the Jesus Culture Sacramento. In addition to their latest EP, Anticipation, the Torwalt’s have released four albums; including their debut album, Here On Earth, which features the Grammy-winning original song “Holy Spirit.” Bryan and Katie have also been part of five Jesus Culture Live albums; including the latest release, Church Volume 1 & 2. Bryan and Katie are passionate about writing songs for the church. Together, they live to see the earth transformed to Heaven’s likeness and for this generation to encounter the real Jesus.

ABOUT BENJAMIN HASTINGS:

Benjamin Hastings is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter. Raised on the streets of Belfast but spending the better part of his twenties in Sydney, Australia; Hastings fell in love with A beautiful girl who too shared a love for words, and six months later they decided to share a name. Around the same time Hastings fell in with a church crowd and that motley crew was Hillsong United. Since featuring on “So Will I (100 Billion X) he has written a whole lot of songs which, if you add them all together have been streamed over 500 Million times (not quite 100 billion but we’re on the way!!). His latest solo offering explores the ongoing wrestle of excising faith and to be honest is maybe a little more honest than you’re used to hearing. But his hope is that somewhere in its humanity, you find something divine. After all; sometimes you gotta lie in the dirt just to stare at the stars.

ABOUT TRANSPARENT PRODUCTIONS:

For over two decades, Transparent Productions has been one of the largest producers of Christian concerts, tours, and festivals across the U.S. in churches, theaters, arenas, and amphitheaters. In 2022 the company will produce nearly 400 dates nationwide. Visit them at www.transparentproductions.com

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Emerging Gospel Singer, Ajasegun Set to Release New Single “Aanu” (Cry for Mercy)

Rising Gospel artiste and Songwriter, Olusegun Emmanuel a.k.a Ajasegun has announced the release of yet another inspirational single titled “Aanu” from his upcoming album “Undefeated by Grace”.

“Aanu” which will be the single to usher in his upcoming project, is a song to inspire and encourage Christians out there going through any sort of tribulations and turbulent times.

“Aanu” is a Cry for Mercy through bringing your supplications, afflictions, tribulations and even thanksgiving to the creator. To call on him and be saved. “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” Romans 9:16.

“Aanu” will be available on all digital stores on the 11th March 2022.

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Dante Bowe Is #1 On Billboard’s Gospel Chart

Fresh off New York Fashion Week, where Five-time Grammy nominated artist, Dante Bowe, mingled with the likes of Ivy Getty, Lilly Buffet, and Ezra J Williams, at Oscar de la Renta and Vogue100’s Fashion Week Fête; to closing out New York Fashion Week, Bowe made his very first runway debut at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show. The award winning artist was handpicked by Tommy Hilfiger himself to wear his timeless brand during the show, which paid homage to fashion icon and its former host, the late great André Leon Talley, while raising awareness to prostate cancer.

It’s safe to say that Dante Bowe is living his dream. 

And now, “Joyful,” the lead hit single from multi-platinum recording artist Dante Bowe’s sophomore album, circles, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart, and No. 3 on Hot Gospel Songs. The introspective album which reflects on the death of his grandfather and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, making it the highest solo charting position of Bowe’s career. In addition, Bowe closed out the season with top ten placements on three different Billboard Year End Charts, hailed as the Top New Gospel Artist of 2021–No. 9 overall for Top Gospel Artist, No. 4 for Top Male Gospel Artist, and No. 4 on Top New Christian Artists.

With music’s biggest night on the horizon, Dante Bowe is also making history as the first artist to have the greatest number of simultaneous Grammy nominations in both Gospel & Christian genres with 3 solo and 2 group Grammy award nominations for the upcoming 64th Grammy Awards including Best Gospel Performance/Song twice for “Voice of God” and “joyful,” Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Wait on You” with Elevation Worship & Maverick City MusicBest 5 Gospel Album with Maverick City Music for Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album with Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music.

Known for his distinctive raspy vocals, Bowe won his first Dove Award at the 52nd GMA Dove Awards for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “joyful.” The award-winning songwriter made history with “joyful” again and became the first artist to have his song chart on both the Billboard’s Gospel Airplay and Christian Song charts, bridging the gap between Gospel and CCM formats.

Recently seen on The Tamron Hall Show, Bowe shared his humble beginnings and historic Grammy nominations, along with an exclusive performance of his fresh, feel-good anthem,“joyful.” The chart-topping artist was also recently featured at the 49th American Music Awards red carpet, and has been featured in Variety, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, Vogue.com, and BET.

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