Central City Productions announces the first round of performers set to take the stage for the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, July 20. 

Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8PM and 11PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4 at 8 PM ET/PT. The Red Carpet Xpecial will be available via Xumo Play on-demand on August 10. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards to be available on September 9.

“I’m so happy to be co-hosting the Stellar Awards again. Nothing stirs my soul more than gospel music, so celebrating this genre is truly an honor,” shares co-host, Rickey Smiley.

Joining previously announced honorees, Kim Burrell (Aretha Franklin Icon Award) and Tye Tribbett (James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award), are newly announced performers: Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann. Willie Moore Jr. has been announced as the official blue carpet host. Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and Angel Taylor will also make special appearances.

“I am very honored to be co-hosting the Stellar Awards this year. It will be a fun and blessed good time!” shares co-host, Loni Love.

The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is Sponsored by Procter & Gamble with Presenting Sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer and Daniel Moore as Music Director.

Tickets to the taping of the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com. A full list of the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit https://www.stellarawards.com/ and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.

Five-time GRAMMY-nominated Christian artist and songwriter Matthew West notches his 13th No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart with “Don’t Stop Praying,”which rises to No. 2 on the Billboard Monitored AC chart and the Top 5 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart this week.

The achievement ties West with TobyMac for the most No. 1s among solo artists on the 2003-launched ranking. Penned by West and Jeff Pardo, the inspirational track marked the largest debut streaming week in the history of West’s monumental career upon release in January and is on track to be his most-streamed song to date.

“Just heard the news about ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ hitting No. 1, and I’m so blown away!” shared West. “Getting that call from my record label will never get old! I’m thankful for all of the radio stations sharing this song with their listeners around the world.

More important than any chart position, I have always aimed to put songs into the world that hit people’s hearts with a message they needed to hear, and the minute this song was written I felt in my heart that this was a message for our world right now. I hope we can all be reminded to pray for our nation right now. The Bible tells us that we have a God who hears us when we call out to him. So whatever it is you’re praying for, and no matter how long you’ve been praying, don’t stop!”

As the powerful track continues to unify fans and listeners, West, “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated Latin Christian Band Miel San Marcos for “Sigue Orando (Don’t Stop Praying),” the Spanish version of “Don’t Stop Praying,” released last Friday (7/12). The duet intertwines both powerhouse artists’ vocal ranges, sung by West in English and Miel San Marcos in Spanish, further emphasizing the message that prayer is a universal language. LISTEN: “SIGUE ORANDO (DON’T STOP PRAYING)”

West sets his sights on the road for his headlining Don’t Stop Praying Tour in partnership with Awakening Events. Kicking off Oct. 30 in Pensacola, Fla., the tour will span across 17 cities nationwide this fall and winter. Already seeing sellouts, West prepares to take his music to fans across the country inspired by his Christian radio single “Don’t Stop Praying.”

A six-time author, West has notched 34 No. 1 songs as an artist and songwriter combined and has received five GRAMMY nominations and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He awaits the fall tour to continue sharing his music’s encouraging message nationwide. Keep up with West and his upcoming announcements at matthewwest.com and on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.

Don’t Stop Praying Tour dates:

Oct. 30, 2024 in Pensacola, Fla. at Saenger Theatre

Nov. 1, 2024 in Knoxville, Tenn. at Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church

Nov. 2, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. at Beach Church

Nov. 3, 2024 TBA

Nov. 7, 2024 in Clarksburg, W. Va. at Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center

Nov. 8, 2024 in Bensalem, Pa. at Christian Life Church

Nov. 9, 2024 in Frederick, Md. at International Community Church

Nov. 10, 2024 in Anderson, Ind. at Madison Park Church of God

Nov. 14, 2024 in Naperville, Ill. at Calvary Church

Nov. 15, 2024 in Gaylord, Mich. at E-Free Church Gaylord Campus

Nov. 16, 2024 in Fond du Lac, Wis. at Lighthouse Christian Church

Nov. 17, 2024 in Lincoln, Neb. at Lincoln Berean Church

Nov. 18, 2024 in Mt. Vernon, Ill. at Central Christian Church

Nov. 21, 2024 in Searcy, Ark. at Searcy High School Performing Arts Center

Nov. 22, 2024 in Leesville, La. at Christian Living Fellowship

Nov. 23, 2024 in Abilene, Texas at Abilene Convention Center Auditorium

Nov. 24, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas at Oak Hills Church – Crownridge Campus

Multi-GRAMMY Award winning duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING + COUNTRY announces six select 2024 performances for its “A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | THE 2024 TOUR EXPERIENCE” starting December 1 – December 20. The highly-anticipated holiday spectacle will come to select cities:  Los Angeles, California at The Peacock Theater; New York, New York at The Beacon Theatre; and in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry House.

The annual high-octane show that brother duo Joel and Luke Smallbone have become known for, will showcase an extraordinary production blending festive visuals and stunning lighting and staging effects. In its fifth consecutive year, forKING + COUNTRY will perform at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, marking their second concert residency at the historic venue. See below for markets/dates.

Ticket presales for “A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | The 2023 Tour Experience” will go live on July 23 at 10 A.M. local time, and fans can text the word DRUMMER to 615-257-9555 to receive their unique password. Tickets for the general public will be available on July 26 starting at 10 a.m. local time.

A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | THE 2024 TOUR EXPERIENCE IS AS FOLLOWS:

• 12/1/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Peacock Theater
• 12/9/24 – New York NY – Beacon Theatre
• 12/17/24 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry House
• 12/18/24 – Nashville, TN –  Grand Ole Opry House
• 12/19/24 – Nashville, TN –  Grand Ole Opry House
• 12/20/24 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry House

Additionally, this Fall, the duo will embark on a 31-city U.S. tour titled “for KING + COUNTRY LIVE: The UNSUNG HERO 2024 Tour,” that kicks off on September 19 in Evansville, Indiana. The tour, which will feature music from their current “UNSUNG HERO: The Inspired By Soundtrack,” continues through November 10 in Dallas, Texas, with stops in Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Boston, Oklahoma, and many more. The show promises to give audiences an innovative new production unlike any other for KING + COUNTRY show to date.

for KING + COUNTRY recently released “UNSUNG HERO: The Inspired By Soundtrack” simultaneously with their new biopic film, “UNSUNG HERO,” which garnered $20+ million at the box office; and is now available on streaming services. The soundtrack album includes both reimagined iconic classics and new songs such as “Place In This World” feat. Michael W. Smith; “Checking In” with Lee Brice; “To Hell With The Devil (RISE)” feat. Lecrae & Stryper; “Lead Me On” feat. Amy Grant; and much more. It also features the title track of the film, “Unsung Hero,” from their Grammy® nominated and AMA, Billboard and Dove award-winning album, “What Are We Waiting For?”

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY winner Michael W. Smith is thrilled to announce his 2024 EVERY CHRISTMAS tour. Audiences will be engulfed in the joy and true meaning of the season as Smith and his award-winning very special guest, Riley Clemmons, perform his most popular Christmas classics. A special ticket pre-sale will take place today (Wednesday, July 17), and general on-sale begins Friday, July 19.

Smith says, “Christmas is always my favorite time of year.  It’s a time that families are intentional about coming together and celebrating the reason for the season.  I’m honored that so many people consider our tour dates part of their Christmas traditions.  I cannot wait to share these songs and some special surprises as we go across the entire country.”

“Michael has been the soundtrack of my Christmases, so this is genuinely a complete dream come true for me. He’s also been a long time inspiration to me as both a songwriter and musician. It’ll be quite surreal & full circle to take the stage alongside him and his incredible band singing beloved Christmas songs together. I mean it when I say I couldn’t be more excited. Nothing is more Christmassy than Christmas with Michael W. Smith,” adds Clemmons.

The highly anticipated tour will showcase a range of selections from Smith’s extensive Christmas repertoire, blending a vast collection of traditional classics and critically acclaimed holiday albums, including his latest holiday release Every Christmas. Smith’s recordings have become a cherished part of the Christmas season for families worldwide, and his holiday tour is celebrated as one of the season’s premier events, delighting fans year after year at sold-out shows across North America.

For more information on the upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, visit: MichaelWSmith.com.

UPDATED TOUR DATES AND VENUES:

• Nov. 15 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
• Nov. 16 – Durham, NC – Carolina Theatre
• Nov. 17 – Atlanta, GA – The Woodruff Arts Center
• Nov. 20 – Landsdowne, PA – Landsdowne Theater
• Nov. 21 – Easton, PA – State Theatre Center for the Arts
• Nov. 22 – Tysons, VA – Capital One Hall
• Nov. 24 – Gas City, IN – Gas City Performing Arts Center
• Nov. 25 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place
• Nov. 26 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
• Nov. 30 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall / Auditorium (*On Sale 7.23)
• Dec. 1 – Kennewick, WA – Retter and Company Theatre / Toyota Center
• Dec. 3 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
• Dec. 4 – Sacramento, CA – SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
• Dec. 5 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
• Dec. 7 – Bakersfield, CA – Fox Theater
• Dec. 8 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove of Anaheim
• Dec. 9 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Convention Center
• Dec. 10 – Tempe, AZ – ASU Gammage Auditorium
• Dec. 12 – Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
• Dec. 13 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
• Dec. 15 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
• Dec. 16 – Houston, TX – Cullen Performance Hall
• Dec. 17 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
• Dec. 19 – Nashville, TN – The Fisher Center
• Dec. 20 – Nashville, TN – The Fisher Center
• Dec. 21 – Nashville, TN – The Fisher Center

Legendary, long-running metal band STRYPER is set to return with their 12th studio album ‘When We Were Kings,’ out September 13th via Frontiers Music Srl. The band celebrates the announcement with not one but two new singles! “Loves Symphony” is a classic meets modern rock track while the more pop-leaning “Grateful” shows the band’s continued commitment to faith-based music. Both tracks are accompanied by music videos and follow up the first single “End of Days.”

STRYPER‘s current lineup includes original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, and Oz Fox, along with bassist Perry Richardson, as they create what they consider their finest and most powerful music yet.

About “Loves Symphony” Michael Sweet shared this: “We’re always trying to merge the past with the present. Trying to incorporate the classic sound that older fans miss with the modern sound that newer fans hope for….‘Love’s Symphony’ is a great combination of both. It not only represents who we were but also who we are. We really are excited about this one and we hope you all are too.”

About “Grateful” Sweet added: “ Grateful’ is an answer to all the fans that have been wanting to hear a throwback to songs like “Calling on You”. It’s a different side of the band musically with a straight ahead, pop/rock melody and groove. It’s also a message of gratitude and being grateful for what you have, no matter who you are.”

These new singles set the stage for a great year for STRYPER who begin a 40th Anniversary Tour this fall. After an appearance at the Alive Music Festival today, the anniversary tour dates kick off September 11th in Greenville, TN, and conclude November 16th in North Myrtle Beach, SC. A full list of dates is below.

‘When We Were Kings‘ Track List:

1. End Of Days

2. Unforgivable

3. When We Were Kings

4. Betrayed By Love

5. Loves Symphony

6. Trinity

7. Rhyme Of Time

8. Raptured

9. Grateful

10. Divided By Design11. Imperfect World

40th Anniversary Tour:

9/11 – Greeneville, TN @ Niswonger PAC

9/13 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino

9/14 – Shippensburg, PA @ Uprise Festival

9/15 – Akron, OH @ The Goodyear Theater

9/17 – Columbus, OH @ TempleLive at the Columbus Athenaeum

9/19 – Anderson, IN @ Paramount Theatre

9/20 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre

9/21 – Shipshewana, IN @ Blue Gate PAC

9/23 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom

9/24 – Cedar Park, TX @ The Haute Spot

9/25 – San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre

9/26 – Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel PAC

9/28 – Arlington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall

9/29 – Fort Smith, AR @ TempleLive

10/19 – Wichita, KS @ TempleLive at Wichita Scottish Rite Center

10/21 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater

10/25 – Stateline, NV @ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe @ South Shore

10/29 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre

10/30 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre

10/31 – El Paso, TX @ The Plaza Theatre

11/3 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre

11/7 – Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts

11/8 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

11/9 – Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theater

11/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!

11/13 – Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre

11/14 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre

11/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage

11/16 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

Global rock sensation Thousand Foot Krutch is honored to announce the July 26 Endurance Music Group release of The End Is Where We Begin: REIGNITED along with the band’s groundbreaking and critically acclaimed 2012 album The End is Where We Begin that has been completely remastered and available in Dolby ATMOS.

Produced by Aaron Sprinkle, TFK vocalist / songwriter Teerawk (aka Trevor McNevan) and TFK bassist Joel Bruyere, REIGNITED includes performances by Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, RED,Citizen Soldier, James Michael of Sixx:A.M., Adelitas Way, New Medicine, Saint Asonia and Adam Gontier, Icon For Hire, The Funeral Portrait and more.

“Endurance Music Group has done a great job pulling this together,” says Teerawk. “It’s truly humbling to be honored by so many great artists and to hear a fresh take on these songs again. Big thanks to all of our Rock family who participated and made this something special. These songs and this album will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“Massive thank you to Mark [Ahlberg, Endurance Music Group Senior VP] and the Endurance team for bringing REIGNITED to life,” adds Bruyere. “I had an incredible time working with friends new and old on these 10-plus-year-old sessions, hearing their fingerprint added to them while simultaneously being brought back to day one of the original recordings. Such a special moment to be part of.”

The original The End is Where We Begin, which was released independently by Teerawk, Bruyere and drummer Steve Augustine, has received over two billion streams to date and sales approaching one million units. In 2023, the popular song “Courtesy Call” achieved RIAA Platinum sales. The track “War Of Change” went Gold in 2021.

Thousand Foot Krutch Releases ‘The End Is Where We Begin – REIGNITED’ July 26

Stream & Enjoy

The full list of songs, along with special guest artists, on REIGNITED follows:

01. We Are (featuring James Michael of Sixx:A.M.)

02. Light Up the Sky (featuring Icon For Hire)

03. The End Is Where We Begin (featuring The Funeral Portrait)

04. Let The Sparks Fly (featuring Saint Asonia & Adam Gontier)

05. I Get Wicked (featuring RED)

06. Be Somebody (featuring Citizen Soldier)

07. Courtesy Call (featuring Ronnie Wood and SVRCINA)

08. War Of Change (featuring Adelitas Way)

09. Down (featuring New Medicine)

10. All I Need to Know (featuring Eva Under Fire)

11. Fly On the Wall (featuring GREYLEE & UNSECRET)

12. So Far Gone (featuring Art of Dying)

13. Courtesy Call (Trailer Remix) Featuring COFER (Digital Version Only)

“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” [Colossians 3:1-4]

We may never choose to embrace the love that God so urgently wants to give us. Even so, there is no way for us to remove Him from the equation. As His creation, He is a part of our journey through this life. We may try and hide, but He will always find us and never stop waiting for us to return home. We were made for such a time so His glory can be seen.

“‘God Is In Your Story’ is a song of hope for the hopeless. By the end of the song, the listener will know that God hasn’t given up on them yet.” – Spoken Worth

Releasing on July 19, 2024, Spoken Worth returns with his first single since his ‘Holy Week’ EP earlier this year.

God Is In Your Story is not an anthem, it is a moment. It is truth and brutal honesty with equal parts inspiration and uncomfortableness. In his latest release, Spoken Worth provides listeners with the joy of scripture’s promises while demonstrating that it is okay to not be ashamed of our shortcomings.

Handling the track’s creation process from start to finish, Spoken Worth continues to lead the charge when blending spoken word poetry with the fabric of hip-hop culture. He has found a unique way of connecting with believers and doubters alike as his art takes on the natural characteristics of the human experience. While our paths may be different, God remains the one constant in all of our lives.

God Is In Your Story is ready to be added to your playlist on your favorite music streaming platform!

New York Times bestselling author, Lysa TerKeurst will be joined by nine-time GRAMMY® nominee, Natalie Grant for the Trust Again Tour hitting 11 cities this fall. Each night, audiences will be treated to a powerful combination of TerKeurst’s profound insights and Grant’s uplifting music, creating a space for attendees to experience joy, peace and a deeper connection with God.

“To the woman who has been hurt and is trying to trust again … I deeply understand the kind of pain and skepticism you feel,” said TerKeurst.

“But here’s what I’ve come to know: Having your trust broken can be life-altering, but it doesn’t have to be life-ruining. I’ve learned so much from my own personal journey and I want to share it all with you … the scriptural wisdom I’ve gained, the tools that have been helpful, the setbacks, the victories, and the deepest wrestling through questions like How can I trust God when I don’t understand what He allows? and Why does it seem like the people who hurt me got away with it? That’s why I’m so excited to come to a city near you for the Trust Again Tour with my friend and worship leader, Natalie Grant. After leaving these one night events, you’ll have the confidence and courage to walk into the future full of possibilities, knowing the risk of trusting again is worth taking.”

“I’m so excited to be hitting the road with Lysa TerKeurst for the Trust Again Tour,” added Grant. “This isn’t just about the music or the messages; it’s about coming together to find hope and healing. I am believing that Faith will be renewed and lives will be changed.”

Broken trust complicates every bit of the parts of love that should be comforting. Perhaps a friend, family member, spouse or leader has disappointed or betrayed you, leading to doubts about God’s trustworthiness. You’re not alone. Lysa TerKeurst has been in your shoes and understands the deep wrestling that happens when you don’t think you can trust again. 

But she also knows the peace that is still possible when you know how to repair trust or can recognize when distrust is actually the wisest choice to make. Join her and worship leader Natalie Grant on the Trust Again Tour this fall for a night of worship, Biblical insight, and practical guidance to renew trust in God, offering stability amid uncertainty.

Tickets for the Trust Again Tour are on sale now. The tour kicks off Thursday, October 17th in Columbus, OH before making stops in Chattanooga, TN; Montgomery, AL; Fort Myers, FL; and others before its final stop on October 30th in Anderson, IN. For a full list of cities and dates, see below. For more information, visit transparentproductions.com. 

DATE	VENUE	CITY	STATE
Thursday, October 17, 2024	The Naz Church*	Columbus (Grove City)	OH
Friday, October 18, 2024	Abba’s House	Chattanooga (Hixson)	TN
Saturday, October 19, 2024	North Monroe Baptist Church	Monroe	LA
Sunday, October 20, 2024	Vaughn Forest Church	Montgomery	AL
Monday, October 21, 2024	Calvary Christian Center	Ormond Beach	FL
Wednesday, October 23, 2024	Community Christian Church	Fort Lauderdale (Tamarac)	FL
Thursday, October 24, 2024	First Assembly of God	Fort Myers	FL
Sunday, October 27, 2024	First Baptist Church Bentonville	Bentonville	AR
Monday, October 28, 2024	Heartland Church	Paducah	KY
Tuesday, October 29, 2024	Evangel University’s Spence Chapel	Springfield	MO
Wednesday, October 30, 2024	Reardon Auditorium	Anderson	IN

*Natalie Grant not appearing

This week, two-time Dove Award-winning Christian hip-hop artist Aaron Cole announces an upcoming tour to support his latest release, Sorry, I Changed. This is Cole’s first album released under RCA Inspiration.

Showcasing his gripping lyrical delivery and musical versatility as a rapper, singer, and songwriter, Sorry, I Changed is Aaron Cole’s third full-length album, featuring thirteen tracks including “Two Cents,” “SBTN (feat. Kirk Franklin),” “Infinity (feat. DOE),” “Safe Haven” and more. On “Proof,” Cole sings a soul-stirring anthem, with an unwavering reassurance on God’s steadfast presence and strength alongside us, through any of life’s challenges. With captivating verses and infectious hooks, Cole testifies that faith requires no further proof.

Renowned songwriter/worship leader Phil Wickham shared on social media this weekend that he is working on a new Christmas album that is slated to arrive in 2024! The 14 track LP features new arrangements of holiday classics in addition to new original music.  The album will feature guest vocals from Anne Wilson, CHPTRS and Evan Wickham. The first single is tentatively scheduled to arrive in September. You can see the tracklisting below from Phil’s journal; stay tuned for more details to come.

What’s wild about Christmas albums is that I’m usually recording them in the dead of summer. Singing songs like “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” with sandals and a tank top on. Yes, it’s a bit jarring, but I actually really love it. I’m reminded that the story of God sending His Son to rescue us should not be saved for sermons and conversations 1 month a year.

Singing these songs outside of the context of the holidays brings a clarity and a weight that is melting my heart. God never gave up on us. He went on a rescue mission to save what we lost. To correct what we messed up, to make weight all the wrong we made. Thank you God for your crazy relentless love!! Can’t wait to share this music with you. -Wickham