Beloved gospel music duo Jeff & Sheri Easter bring their signature touch to the sounds of the season with Christmas Is, a new holiday album available on Oct. 20 via Gaither Music Group.

Produced by Jeff & Sheri Easter and Greg Cole, the GRAMMY-nominated pair deliver yuletide joy with their renditions of nostalgic holiday classics — including “A Holly Jolly Christmas” with a Western swing and a country harmony-filled “Winter Wonderland”— along with newly-penned songs, celebrating the joys of Christmas.

With “Winter Wonderland” Jeff & Sheri continue their musical families’ legacies (Jeff’s father is one of the Easter Brothers and Sheri’s mother is a member of The Lewis Family), as they are joined by daughter Morgan Easter Smith the Christmas classic.

The family fun continues on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as their son and daughter-in-law, Madison and Shannon Easter, join in on the jazzy track. The group shares what Christmas Is to them — family, joy, and faith delivered through the humble birth of a child divine.

“Christmas is many things to many people,” says Sheri. “For some, it’s a big family gathering with gift-swapping and lots of laughter; for others, maybe a quiet evening with a few of the ones you love, being reflective, or maybe even a candlelight service or caroling.

Whatever your idea of Christmas, I hope it starts with a tiny baby in a manger — the tangible love of God sent down to man for the remission of sins in a sinful world — the story of Jesus, Emmanuel, and God with us.

This collection of songs is our gift to you, sharing the beauty of Christmas through what we consider to be the important stuff, the fun stuff, and the stuff that good memories are made of! For our family, this is what Christmas is!”

Christmas Is track listing
Winter Wonderland feat. Morgan Easter Smith
A Holly Jolly Christmas
If You Listen
‘Tis The Season
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas feat. Madison & Shannon Easter
Christmas Every Day
It Won’t Be The Same This Year
Miles Into Smiles
Christmas Is
Here Comes Santa Claus feat. Ryman Pauline Smith

Jeff & Sheri Easter Welcome The Holidays With New Christmas Album ‘Christmas Is’

Christmas Is is distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.

PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson will join Scotty McCreery’s Cab In A Solo Tour as direct support, marking her first-ever Country tour. The tour, promoted by Live Nation, will kick-off at Hobart Arena in Troy, Ohio on Jan. 26, 2024 and trek across the U.S. with stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston and more. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. local time at annewilsonofficial.com.

The Cab In A Solo Tour announcement coincides with Wilson’s first Country single, “Rain In The Rearview,” which impacted Country radio yesterday (10/9) as the third most-added song this week. The track penned by Wilson, Matthew West, Jaren Johnston and Zach Kale has garnered praise from critics, with MusicRow noting “vocally she’s got the goods” and Billboard citing the “acoustic coda showcases Wilson’s ceiling-scraping vocal capabilities.”

Released as part of her bold new venture that fuses the Christian and Country genres, Holler noted that the new three-pack of songs, REBEL (The Beginning), “clearly outlines Wilson’s new country-leaning mission statement,” as two of the songs simultaneously make waves at Christian radio (“Strong”) and Country radio (“Rain In The Rearview”).

Ahead of her tour with McCreery next year, Wilson is treating audiences across the country to her first-ever headlining My Jesus Tour, accompanied by special guest Josh Baldwin. The 20-stop tour, which commenced last month, has been met with overwhelming demand, selling out in every city, including Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Anne Wilson on Scotty McCreery’s Cab In A Solo Tour

Jan. 26, 2024 in Troy, Ohio at Hobart Arena

Feb. 1, 2024 in Durham, N.C. at Durham Performing Arts Center

Feb. 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Ga. at Coca Cola Roxy

Feb. 3, 2024 in Chattanooga, Tenn. at Soldiers & Sailors Auditorium

Feb. 8, 2024 in Brookings, S.D. at Dacotah Bank Center

Feb. 9, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa at Vibrant Music Hall

Feb. 10, 2024 in Omaha, Neb. at Steelhouse

Feb. 22, 2024 in Independence, Mo. at Cable Dahmer Arena

Feb. 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pa. at The Met

March 1, 2024 in Boston, Mass. at MGM Music Hall at Fenway

March 2, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. at Landmark Theatre

March 14, 2024 in Johnstown, Pa. at 1st Summit Arena

March 15, 2024 in Wallingford, Conn. at Toyota Oakdale Theatre

March 16, 2024 in Schenectady, N.Y. at Proctors Theatre

Adding to Wilson’s list of achievements, her debut chart breaker “My Jesus” just earned PLATINUM status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Wilson also recently made her debut Country award show performance at the 15th Annual ACM Honors at the historic Ryman Auditorium where she joined Jordan Davis to perform “Buy Dirt.” Her 2022 Christmas project, The Manger, is currently nominated for Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year at the upcoming 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards, following her previous wins for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded song of the Year for “My Jesus.”

Fans of two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle set your DVRs! Daigle announced on social media today that she will be appearing on NBC’s TODAY Show on Wednesday, October 11. She will be performing during the 8am and 9am ET hours as part of the Citi Music Series.

Daigle’s full self-titled album arrived last month. The project’s first ten songs arrived in May, with another thirteen songs released in the fall. All twenty-three tracks showcase the multi-faceted artist’s stunning and powerful voice, rich storytelling, and incredible musicality.

Led by GRAMMY-winning producer Mike Elizondo (Twenty One Pilots, Mary J. Blige, Fiona Apple, Carrie Underwood) and featuring co-writes with award-winning songwriters, including Natalie Hemby, Amy Wadge, Jason Ingram, Lori McKenna and Jon Greene, Lauren Daigle marks a new creative chapter for the Louisiana-born artist.

Daigle recently embarked on her highly-anticipated US arena tour – The Kaleidoscope Tour – which kicked off on September 6 in Memphis, TN. 

On Monday, October 2nd, at the National Quartet Convention, Tribute Quartet re-signed with Daywind Records, extending their highly successful long-term relationship. Tribute’s Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches, and Ian Owens were on hand with Daywind representatives to celebrate the past achievements and dream about the future. At the signing, the group was presented a plaque recognizing their eight #1’s with Daywind Records.

Gary Casto, Tribute Quartet founder stated, “It is truly an honor for Tribute Quartet to continue our relationship with Daywind Records! Being a part of this great team allows us to share our music with the world. We look forward to many more years with our family at Daywind Records.”

Dusty Wells, director of artists and repertoire for Daywind Music Group, commented, “Daywind Records has enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Tribute Quartet since 2013, and we are thrilled and honored to renew our partnership with them. Gary, Josh, Ian and Gus are absolutely incredible to work with. They are truly one of the finest quartets ministering today, and this re-signing will ensure that their amazing music will continue to inspire and uplift their audience of fans and friends all across the land. We are so excited to be on the journey with the Tribute Quartet.”

Look for the Tribute’s latest installment in their Quartet Tribute series, “Tribute Quartet’s Quartet Tribute Volume 3,” wherever you buy or subscribe to music.

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced the second round of performing artists for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Performers include Blanca and Jekalyn Carr, Elevation Worship, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and Take 6, and Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott. There will also be a special performance from TobyMac, GRITS, Hulvey and Social Club Misfits to celebrate both the history and future of Christian hip hop. Host Tauren Wells announced performers live on-air with SiriusXM The Message’s The Olivia Lane Show.

The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and The TBN App, Friday, October 20th at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET and the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message (ch. 63) and on the SiriusXM App. An encore presentation of the broadcast will air on TBN October 27th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET. 

Today the GMA also announced the all-star line-up of presenters including Brian Courtney Wilson, Brooke Ligertwood, Chris Tomlin, Christine D’Clario, David Leonard, Dennis Quaid, Jenn Johnson, Jonathan McReynolds, Joseph Habedank, Julie Chen Moonves, Lauren Daigle, Limoblaze, Naomi Raine, Pastor Michael Todd, Point of Grace, Rachael Lampa, and Riley Clemmons.

Celebrated platinum-selling musician, preacher and public speaker, Tauren Wells, was recently announced as host and performer for this year’s awards. Tickets have sold out for the in-person Nashville event happening October 17th at the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University.

Key partners for this year’s Dove Awards include Christian non-profit Cantinas Arts Foundation, whose mission is to support artists who share their talent and faith through Arts and Media, WieRok Entertainment, an organization passionate about creating and supporting Christian creatives in making and distributing great content, and Lipscomb University, who is now in its 10th year as venue host for the Dove Awards.

Industry veterans Scott Brickell and Ron Smith have announced a joint partnership within their respective companies. Scott Brickell, CEO and Founder of BrickHouse Entertainment, and Smith, who helms SMP Consulting, will operate cohesively under the BrickHouse Entertainment name.

Brickell and Smith, along with Chase Swayze, are managing partners of the company, while Kim Davis, who has been with the company for 24 years, has been elevated to COO. Rounding out the team are Caleb Gauntt and Jared Johnson.

With their combined artist roster, BrickHouse Entertainment represents MercyMe, CAIN, Micah Tyler, Caleb & John, Iveth Luna, Micah Christopher, Christian Paul, and Bay Turner.

“With our common mission of supporting artists to develop lasting careers in the industry, it made complete sense for us to bring our companies together,” said Brickell and Smith. “We look forward to what will certainly be an exciting new chapter ahead for BrickHouse Entertainment as we continue to support artists and grow our roster.”

The news of the partnership comes on the heels of BrickHouse Entertainment celebrating its 25th anniversary as a company. Additionally, they are enjoying MercyMe’s latest single, “To Not Worship You,” to hold the No. 1 spot on the radio charts for its fifth week, along with CAIN releasing their latest album, Jesus Music, this Friday, Oct. 13 accompanied by their new TBN series, “Chasing CAIN,” set to premiere next month.

Adding to the accolades, Micah Tyler’s “Praise The Lord” is currently top 5 on the radio, and Caleb & John’s “Hallelujah Feeling” recently hit the top 10.

Specializing in artist and brand management, live tours, publishing, movie and book deals, strategic partnerships, and endorsements, Brickell and Smith’s collective teams boast an astounding 80+ multi-format No. 1 songs, along with decades of experience within the entertainment industry.

Representing many of today’s top-selling, chart-topping, and award-winning artists, they have also worked with Switchfoot, VeggieTales, Phil Wickham, Audio Adrenaline, Rend Collective, and magician Justin Flom, among many others.

Pastor and best-selling author Levi Lusko and theological scholar and Bible teacher Lisa Harper join together for the “Recapturing the Wonder of Advent” Tour during this Christmas season. The family-friendly, biblically sound, belly-laugh, and tear-inducing wake-up call holiday tour will begin November 29th and conclude December 16th.

Rediscover the true meaning of Christmas and put down the busyness and weight of the season for an evening to experience a spectacular encounter with joy. Levi and Lisa aim to rekindle that sense of awe, reminding us that the scaffolding of our belief system isn’t a human construct but a divine love story–a rescue mission–wherein the King of all kings came to invade our hearts.

“Levi Lusko is one of my favorite people on the planet and Christmas is my favorite time of year, so I am more excited about our upcoming tour than I am about an all-you-can-eat chips & queso buffet…which is saying a lot,” shares Lisa Harper.

While unpacking the story of Advent from a fresh perspective, this event will be filled with genuine joy and laughter and also offer deep healing for those with heavy hearts during the holidays. This season invites us to joyfully journey toward the greatest spectacle in history-the birth of Jesus–and fall on our knees in awe of Him!

Levi Lusko adds, “I believe that the Advent journey offers us the ability to encounter deep and lasting delight in the Savior! I can’t wait to join Lisa and Fresh Life Worship for these evenings that we hope are an opportunity for you to discover defiant hope in the face of pain and experience a spectacular encounter with joy!”

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will host a free performance featuring Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Kirk Franklin on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at New Birth, located at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The pop-up performance comes on the heels of the release of “Father’s Day,” Franklin’s critically acclaimed studio album.

“We are beyond thrilled to host this special pop-up performance and listening experience featuring one of the most internationally acclaimed and revolutionary artists of our time,” said New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant.

“Kirk’s unique ability to transcend generations, race, culture, and music genres speaks to his undeniable gifts in music and ministry. We are blessed to have him at New Birth for this enlightening, uplighting, and life-changing experience.”

For KING & COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone is starring opposite Academy Award Nominee Antonio Banderas in the first-ever musical retelling of the Christmas story coming to theaters nationwide on November 10 from Sony’s AFFIRM Films. JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM is a joyous and fresh take on Mary and Joseph’s journey, combined with the infectious music turning this amazing story into a Christmas classic. Get an inside look at the upcoming project with Joel Smallbone in this new video.

Starring Fiona Palomo (“Outer Banks,” “Control Z”), Milo Manheim (Disney’s ZOMBIES series, PROM PACT, SCHOOL SPIRITS) and Antonio Banderas (THE MASK OF ZORRO, UNCHARTED, PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH, upcoming INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY), in addition multiple Grammy award-winning artists Joel Smallbone (for King & Country, PRICELESS) and Lecrae (GOOD LORD, BREAKTHROUGH) with music by Adam Anders (“Glee,” HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, DESCENDANTS, THE PASSION), Peter Barsocchini (High School Musical franchise), Nikki Anders (Glee, High School Musical, Descendants) and Peer Astrom (ROCK OF AGES, Glee, High School Musical, Descendants).

Full throttle ahead for MATTHEW WEST as he is set to perform the National Anthem as well as give the pre-race Invocation at NASCAR’s playoff showdown, Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, October 8. Be sure to tune-in to NBC or listen on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio or the Performance Radio Network at 1:45pm est for pre-race festivities.

With no signs of slowing down, today, West also releases a duet version of his current single “You Changed My Name” featuring Jon Reddick.

Earlier this week, West was honored with ASCAP’s prestigious Golden Note Award, presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Prior winners include Garth Brooks, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Reba, Jay-Z, Usher and more. Additionally, he celebrates another milestone success – he notched his 30th number one song as an artist-songwriter combined with Big Daddy Weave’s “Heaven Changes Everything.”

“I’m usually focused on what’s next,” shares West. “The next song, the next tour, the next record. But this ASCAP honor forced me to stop and reflect on my journey thus far and the result was a feeling of overwhelming gratitude for all the opportunities I’ve been blessed with to make music and share it with the world. And I feel like I’m just getting started! This is definitely an exciting and creative season and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Dubbed by Billboard as “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters,” his latest album, MY STORY YOUR GLORY, is out now. Composed of 22 tracks, the first part of the double album, MY STORY, embodies the countless stories fans have shared with the songwriter over the years as well as personal experiences, while the second part, YOUR GLORY, marks the first official Gospel worship album. The 5x GRAMMY nominee is gearing up to continue captivating audiences across the country on his MY STORY YOUR GLORY Fall Tour with special guest Micah Tyler.