Bell Symphony Concert To Air On CTS
Jun 13th, 2008
Winnipeg artist Steve Bell’s concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is being broadcast by Crossroads Television System (CTS) on Saturday, June 14.
Ontario and national satellite viewers will be able to catch the program from 9-10 p.m. (EDT), while the concert will be featured in Alberta from 8-9 p.m. (MDT).
The broadcast exclusive to CTS was produced with some funding provided by the Christian-based television network.
“CTS viewers will enjoy the brilliant musical arrangements that blend the sound of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the musical style of Steve Bell that we all know and love,” said CTS Programming Manager, Rob Sheppard.
Bell’s 15-year, 14-album career has produced multiple Juno and Covenant Awards and a host of other industry accolades. His 2007 album, Symphony Sessions, showcases his music in an orchestral setting — something Bell never dreamed he would pursue.
“Viewers are in for a glorious experience! Steve’s heart, the music, and the pictures all reflect in perfect harmony the beauty of the Lord,” said CTS Alberta Regional Production Manager, Drew Martin. “It’s a delight to the senses on every level.”
More information is available at http://www.ctstv.com.
Concert Accident Victim's Recovery Promising
May 5th, 2008
CHILLIWACK, BC — Debbie Helsloot, the 41-year-old woman who suffered severe spinal injuries after the floor collapsed at a Starfield concert in nearby Abbotsford on April 25, is showing promising signs of recovery.
Five days after the accident, it was reported that she had “movement in both arms and her upper body seems to be responding well.” At the time, tubes that had been keeping her airwaves open due to swelling were removed and she was able to breathe on her own.
Signs of healing have been even more encouraging of late. This past Saturday, Helsloot’s husband wrote in an e-mail that she found the massages relaxing and remarked, “When my feet are rubbed, I can still feel that they are there.”
Today, a physiotherapist is scheduled to evaluate Helsloot’s strength and movement levels.
Updates on Helsloot’s condition are regularly posted on the website of her home congregation, Promontory Community Church at http://app.razorplanet.com/acct/40173-1650/tmpl/index.php?nid=4378&s=hm&preview=true. On the home page, there is a “Debbie Helsloot Updates” link.
Helsloot was moved on the weekend from the Intensive Care Unit to the Spinal Ward at the Vancouver General Hospital. The facility is considered one of the top hospitals in the world for treating patients with spinal injuries.
Albertans Capture Top Songwriting Honors At Doves
May 5th, 2008
NASHVILLE, TN — A couple of Albertans took home the top songwriting honors at the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards on Wednesday, April 23.
Bernie Herms, who is originally from the province, won the Song of the Year award for co-writing East To West along with Mark Hall. Appearing on the best-selling Christian album, The Altar And The Door, by Casting Crowns, East To West was also selected as the Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. Meanwhile, Natalie Grant, who has been married to Herms since 1999, was chosen as the Female Vocalist of the Year.
Taking home the Dove for Songwriter of the Year was Cindy Morgan. Morgan lives in Red Deer, Alberta, for half of the year, along with her husband, author Sigmund Brouwer. One of Morgan’s songs, How You Live (Turn Up The Music), released by Point of Grace, won the Dove for Country Recorded Song of the Year.
A complete list of 2008 Dove Award winners can be found at http://www.doveawards.com.
Maher Shares Stage With Pope
May 5th, 2008
YONKERS, NY — Canadian recording artist Matt Maher shared the stage with Pope Benedict XVI at a massive Catholic youth rally held at St. Joseph’s Seminary on April 19. The event coinciding with the current Pope’s first visit to the U.S. also featured contemporary Christian artists Third Day and TobyMac.
For Maher, it is the second time he’s appeared at a papal rally. He also performed during Pope John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis in 1999.
Maher’s first CD, Empty & Beautiful, was released by Essential Records on April 8. It debuted at number 3 on the Christian Retail sales charts in the U.S.
Maher was born and raised in Newfoundland but made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ only after moving to Arizona in his early 20s. He continues to be involved in local church ministry at St. Timothy Catholic Community in Mesa, AZ, while travelling as a “musical missionary.”
Artists who have performed songs written by Maher, include Bethany Dillon and Phillips, Craig & Dean as well as Chris Tomlin with the popular worship chorus, Your Grace Is Enough.
The April 19 edition of Billboard magazine features an opinion piece by Maher entitled, What Would Jesus Download?
Prayers Urged For Injured Concert Goers
Apr 28th, 2008
Members of Starfield are still in shock after the floor collapsed at a concert in their hometown of Abbotsford, BC on Friday, April 25, sending more than 40 people to hospital and leaving one person critically injured. It was only the second date on the Christian rock band’s three-week Canadian tour spanning from Victoria, BC to Montreal, QC. Starfield had just begun their second song. Hundreds among the near capacity crowd of 1,200 at Central Heights Church crowded in front of the stage, jumping to the music. Suddenly lead singer Tim Neufeld yelled out at the crowd to “Stop! Stop!” But it was too late. Two towers holding lighting and sound equipment began to topple onto the audience. As this was happening, a section of the floor measuring about 24 feet by 24 feet gave way plunging 70 concert goers almost five metres down into an unfinished basement. With the people followed pews and debris combined with water showering from broken pipes. A total of 44 people were taken to hospital, including one person with a compound hand fracture and another with a broken leg. But prayers are especially sought for a 41-year-old woman who was attending the concert with her daughter and remains in critical condition at the Vancouver General Hospital. Suffering serious neck and head injuries, she immediately underwent about eight hours of surgery and is feared may end up a quadriplegic. “I hope to never see anything like that again in my entire life,” said GMA Canada board chairman Harold Wiens. When the incident happened, Wiens had just come from the back stage where he had been talking with Starfield’s Tim and Jon Neufeld prior to them starting their set. “I thought for sure 20-30 people were dead,” Wiens recalled in horror. “I ran down into the basement to help pull people out of the debris, thinking that I wasn’t sure I wanted to see what I was going to see. Thankfully, no one was killed…actually, it’s a miracle. I met Jon and Tim in the basement. Tim jumped into the hole and started pulling people out.” On Starfield’s website, http://www.starfieldonline.com, they have posted a noticed stating, “At this moment, we are consumed with concern and compassion for those who were injured, especially for those described to be in serious condition. Our hearts are with them. We ask that you join us in prayer for them. As a less important side note, none of the members of our tour were injured in the accident. The band would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of encouragement and support that we are receiving.” The tour headlining Starfield also includes Nashville recording artists Bethany Dillon and Shane & Shane, along with youth speaker David Nasser. It is being put on by the Ontario-based Unite Productions, winners of the GMA Canada industry award in 2007 for Promoter of the Year. Counselling and follow-up for the tour is being handled by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Meanwhile, Canada Fire and the Canadian Bible Society have partnered to give out copies of the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs at each of the tour stops. A concert booked the following evening in Burnaby was postponed and today’s Red Deer concert was cancelled, but the show was held as scheduled in Kelowna on Sunday night. Concerts in Edmonton on Tuesday and Calgary on Wednesday are reportedly going ahead. Interviewed by the Globe & Mail, 17-year-old Stephanie Swanepoel said that just before the accident occurred, “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t think the floor is supposed to be bending like this.’ ” Rescued by a schoolmate, Swanepoel estimated she was unconscious for about 10 seconds after falling into the basement. Meanwhile, 42-year-old Christian bookstore employee Rob Nieman told the Associated Press, “It was like a pile of wreckage, bodies laying everywhere, people running and scattering.” Recalling his days touring with Arlen Salte, Wiens of GMA Canada said, “I have been at many shows where the floor would shake. I thought back then that something like this could happen, but I guess you push it out of your mind.” While the investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, it is believed that it may take many months to repair the church floor. On Sunday, Central Heights Church held its services at Columbia Bible College. Senior pastor Chris Douglas delivered a sermon to the 1,500 people in attendance on dealing with hard times. “I don’t know why this happened,” he said. “We are going to have adversity in this lifetime. This world is not perfect. There are going to be things like this that happen.” Prior to the beginning of the tour, Starfield’s Tim Neufeld talked with Kevin Pollard of B.C. Christian News. “Our first love is for Canada, and we are excited about bringing this tour to Canada,” Neufeld said. “This is the most ambitious tour we’ve ever embarked on, bringing more sound and lighting than ever before.” In the aftermath of the tragedy, continued prayer is being sought for the woman with critical injuries, along with her family, and others who were hurt or traumatized at the concert. Prayer is also requested for Paul Kelly of Unite Productions and all those still on tour including the various artists, musicians and crew members.Greg Sczebel Wins John Lennon Songwriting Award
Mar 10th, 2008
Salmon Arm, BC-based singer-songwriter, Greg Sczebel, was awarded a 2007 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize in the Session II Gospel category for his song “Homeland”.
“This is a huge honour and I’m still a little in shock since I seriously never saw it coming. So exciting,” write Sczebel in a message to his fans. “It’s funny, this song was one of those that came together so fast. It pretty much just wrote itself. But sometimes those are the ones that connect with people the most. And when that happens, it’s a pretty special thing.”
“Homeland” was written by Sczebel while a close friend and his family shared their last hours together with their father and husband. Despite a long and courageous battle with cancer, he finally reached his “Homeland”. You can hear the song here.
In 2005, Sczebel’s song “Here To Stay” was the Grand Prize winner in the Gospel category and was one of 13 songs competing for Song of the Year. For 2007, each category was divided into two sessions. The Grand Prize Winners of Session I and Session II will now compete head-to-head in an online voting battle to become the Lennon Award Winner in their respective category and will then be considered for Song of the Year. Sczebel’s song will go up against Session I Grand Prize winner Carmen Calhoun’s “Life”.
2007 Session I finalists included Christine Evans whose song “Show Me The Way” was a finalist in the Gospel/Inspirational category. Her collaboration with Tim Langley, “Surrender”, was a finalist in the Pop category.
Sczebel will be rejoining Paul Brandt on the Risk Tour for several dates in Western Canada starting April 1st. Visit http://www.PaulBrandt.com/touring.htm for more information.
Sebastien Demrey among winners of the 7th annual Independant Music Awards
Dec 20th, 2007
Montreal based artist Sebastian Demrey is among a diverse group of independent musicians named as winners of the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards. This Canadian Pop singer has enjoyed much success this year with his debut release “Searching” including #1 radio hits across Canada and GMA Covenant Award for Pop Contemporary Album of the Year, along with nominations at the notable Toronto Independent Music Awards. Some of his songs even made it to the top of the Christian charts in France and the UK. The Year 2008 should be a great year for this promising new artist.
All IMA winners were selected by a panel of celebrity and industry judges and will receive year-long marketing support to enhance the campaigns for their current projects and careers. The winners encompass both established and emerging talent including Koko Taylor (Best Blues Album), the legendary, GRAMMY® Award-winning Blues artist; Joan As Policewoman (Best Pop/Rock Album – Tie), who’s debut album is among the critically-acclaimed success stories of 2007; and The Apples In Stereo (Best Pop/Rock Song), a mainstay on Indie & mainstream as well as the touring circuit.
IMA winners will appear in the updated, 10th anniversary edition of The Musician’s Atlas 2008 – the independent musicians’ and entrepreneurs’ definitive guide to the music business, available on December 26, 2007. Developed and coordinated by Music Resource Group, publisher of The Musician’s Atlas, the Independent Music Award program delivers a variety of premiums to Winners including:
· Year-long marketing campaigns, partnerships and distribution alliances, that will place the Winners in front of millions of music fans and industry decision makers around the world.
· Music promotion to college & public radio stations by The Planetary Group, a leading radio promotions company with access to 700 stations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
·An arrangement with eMusic and Pure Volume that makes their IMA Winning tracks available for download to several million consumers.
·Winners in the album and song categories will have a song included on the IMA Winners CD compilation Now Her This which will be distributed to 5,000 music fans and industry movers and shakers at music conferences and festivals such as SXSW, The Warped Tour, Popkomm, Folk Alliance, London Calling and other events throughout the year.
Other notable winners include: Johnny Dowd (Best Alt. Country Album), who’s pastiche of rock, country, blues and jazz is earning a much deserved worldwide audience; Miguel Migs, (Best Dance/Electronica Album) who is already among a handful of pioneers in the DJ community; Ernie Watts (Best Jazz Album), the legendary sax player who, in addition to his own recordings, has worked with The Rolling Stones, Quincy Jones, Frank Zappa, Cannonball Adderly, and other luminaries; Ari Gold (Best R&B Song) a luminary in the R&B community; and Girl In A Coma (Best Punk Song) who recently signed with Joan Jett’s Blackheart Record label.
The IMA Program awarded more than 50 honors in categories that recognize achievements in Music, Design, Music Video and College-run Record Label releases.
The IMA Winners were determined by a celebrity and industry judging panel that included: Snoop Dogg, Susan Tedeschi, Ray Davies, Suzanne Vega, Charlie Musselwhite, Frank Iero, Judy Collins and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, among an assortment of other celebrity and industry judges.
Music industry pros that were not part of this year’s judging panel and music fans can cast their vote at the IMA site. Winners of this “Vox Populi” poll will be announced in 2008.
See IMA winners in the album and song categories below:
For a complete list of winners and categories go to:
http://www.independentmusicawards.com/pages/jukebox2008.asp
ALBUM CATEGORIES
ALT. COUNTRY – Johnny Dowd, ‘Cruel Words;’ AMERICANA – Hannah Blaylock & Eden’s Edge, ‘Lights Of Home;’ BLUES – Koko Taylor, ‘Old School;’ CHILDREN’S – Kira Willey, ‘Dance For The Sun;’ CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN – Sebastian Demrey, ‘Searching;’ COUNTRY – Chris Gray, ‘It’s All About Me;’ DANCE & ELECTRONICA – Miguel Migs, ‘Those Things;’ FOLK/ SINGER-SONGWRITER – Drew Pilgram, ‘Magnetic Sideways Pull;’ GOSPEL – The Minister John Butler, ‘The Tribute – Phase II;’ HARD ROCK/ METAL – Ashes Are Nutritious, ‘Frustration +;’ JAM – Jason Seed Elixer Ensemble, ‘Where The Corners Meet;’ JAZZ – Ernie Watts, ‘Analog Man;’ LATIN – Jose Conde & Ola Fresca, ‘Revolucion;’ LIVE PERFORMANCE – Marco Benevento, ‘Live At Tonic;’ NEW AGE – Priscilla Hernandez, ‘Ancient Shadows;’ POP/ROCK (TIE) – Joan As Policewoman, ‘Real Life,’ – and – No More Kings, ‘No More Kings;’ R&B – Aja West & Friends, ‘Total Recall 2012;’ RAP/HIP-HOP – Zeph & Azeem, ‘Rise Up;’ WORLD FUSION – Cholo Soy – Jamie Cuadra, ‘Peruvian Waltz Chillout;’ WORLD TRADITIONAL – Alasdair White, ‘An Clàr Geal’
SONG CATEGORIES
ALT. COUNTRY – Yarn, “No Future Together;” AMERICANA – Boulder Acoustic Society, “Does It Really Matter;” BLUES – Little Miss Higgins, “In The Middle Of Nowhere;” CHILDREN’S – Kira Willey, “Caterpillar, Caterpillar;” CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN – Vincent Joseph Manzo, “Only By Grace;” COUNTRY – Miko Marks, “It Feels Good;” DANCE & ELECTRONICA – Midville, “Wicked;” FILM/TV & MULTIMEDIA – Jennifer Kreisberg, “Have Hope;” FOLK/ SINGER-SONGWRITER – Tannis Slimmon, “Ernest, Charlie & Allan;” GOSPEL – Robbin Thompson, “Move On Down The Line;” HARD ROCK/METAL – Pløk, “I Do Not Live In A Condo;” JAM – The Frequency, “Jim Gordon Part II;” JAZZ – Stanley Maxwell, “Mousetrap;” LATIN – Zoraida Santiago, “Canciones Por Todas Partes;” NEW AGE – Jeff Oster, “Saturn Calling;” POP/ROCK – The Apples In Stereo, “Same Old Drag;” PUNK – Girl In A Coma, “Clumsy Sky;” RAP/HIP-HOP – Animate Objects, “El Dorado;” R&B – Ari Gold, “Love Wasn’t Built In A Day;” SOCIAL ACTION – Kenny White, “How Long;” WORLD FUSION – Luca Mundaca;” WORLD TRADITIONAL – Lionel Loueke, “Kponnon Kpètè.”
Christmas with The LaPointes: A Holiday Tradition
Nov 2nd, 2007
East Coast Music Award-winning and Juno Award-nominated group, The LaPointes, are ushering in the holidays with a Yuletide concert, The LaPointes This Christmas, on Thursday, December 13th and Friday, December 14th at The Fredericton Playhouse.
The LaPointes will once again be celebrating the season with sparkling lights and a spectacular array of music and entertainment. Adding to the excitement this year, the LaPointes will welcome the dynamic Connaught Street School children’s choir. Dancers from the Bonnie Kilburn School of Dance will also grace the stage. And of course there will be a special guest appearance by none other than Bill LaPointe, the very proud father of this harmonious family who brings his own rich history of music to the show.
As they blend their voices in rich harmony with carols and other Christmas favourites, The LaPointes are guaranteed to warm your heart, make you want to sing along and bring you to your feet.
Come and enjoy an exciting evening of both new and traditional Christmas selections that are sure to get you in the mood for Christmas! At the Fredericton Playhouse Thursday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. and two performances on Friday, December 14th, at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Tickets are available at The Playhouse box office, located at 686 Queen Street, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by calling The Playhouse box office at 506 458-8344 or by ordering online at www.theplayhouse.ca.
In addition, The LaPointes are also performing at Rock Church in Halifax on Saturday, December 1st at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Blessings Christian Bookstore by calling 902-450-5740 or toll free at 1-866-253-7728 and Rock Church at 902-864-3553.
Inpop Records Signs Covenant Award winners newworldson
Nov 1st, 2007
Home to today’s most influential Christian music artists, including newsboys, Mat Kearney, Shane and Shane, Superchic[k], and Canada’s Article One, Inpop Records readies to launch its next big act with another Canadian band, 2007 Covenant Award New Artist of the Year recipients, newworldson. Featuring an energetic blend of pop, soul, and gospel, newworldson will release its national label debut on February 12th, 2008.
L-R: President and Chief Executive Officer of EMI Christian Music Group Bill Hearn, newworldson’s Rich Moore, Mark Rogers, Josh Toal, and Joel Parisien, and Inpop Records President Dale Bray
The St. Catharines, ON based group comprises of singer-songwriter Joel Parisien, drummer Mark Rogers, bassist Rich Moore and guitarist/vocalist Josh Toal. Each a gifted musician in his own right, the members of Newworldson are collectively winning fans across the country, currently opening on labelmate newsboys’ highly successful “GO” tour.
newworldson weaves its diverse musical influences and talents into a unique tapestry, passionately underscoring the spiritual content of its lyrics each time the band performs. As with its forthcoming album, Newworldson’s music inspires fellow Christians to actively seek God, encouraging listeners to unite in praise, share fellowship and experience revival. The band’s eclectic sound, combined with its compelling live show, draws a diverse audience of Christians and non-Christians alike, creating a demand for Newworldson’s music at churches, outreach events, and festivals.
“Newworldson is something special; I have yet to see this band perform live without receiving a standing ovation,” says Inpop President Dale Bray. “The band connects with our souls and excites us with its performance. Newworldson is a band with meaning, integrity and limitless talent, bringing life to an industry that needs air.”
The band’s February release, Salvation Station, produced by newworldson and Justin Koop (Billy Talent, Silverstein), features the title track and debut radio single, Salvation Station, going for adds at both Christian Adult Contemporary as well as Christian Hit Radio on November 2nd. The band’s independent release Roots Revolution is currently available at Christian retailers across Canada.
GMA Inducts New Class Of Hall Of Famers
Nov 1st, 2007
The GMA Foundation (GMAF) inducted the 2007 class of Christian and gospel music legends into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame this past Monday night at a dinner and ceremony held at the Richland Country Club in Nashville.
The new Hall of Famers included artists Phil Keaggy, the Statler Brothers, Larnelle Harris, The Winans and former music executive Joe Moscheo. The sold-out event featured performances by inductee Harris, Melinda Doolittle, Wes King, Scott Denté (Out of the Grey), Ian Keaggy (Phil’s son), The Booth Brothers, Grandstaff and The Glory Bugles.
“This year’s class of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees are each unique in their significant contributions to the heritage and diversity of gospel music, but together share a legacy of creating redemptive music that has inspired music audiences for decades,” said John W. Styll, president of Gospel Music Association.
Photo credit: Aaron Crisler
Pictured here are the 2007 inductees into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. From left to right: Inductee Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers; Inductee Don Reid of the Statler Brothers; Steve Brallier, executive director of the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame; Inductee Michael Winans of the Winans; Ed Harper, chairman of the GMA Foundation Board of Directors; Inductee Carvin Winans of The Winans; Inductee Marvin Winans of The Winans; Inductee Phil Keaggy; John Styll, president/CEO of Gospel Music Association; Inductee Joe Moscheo; Inductee Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers; Inductee Larnelle Harris; Inductee Phil Balsley of the Statler Brothers. Ronald Winans of The Winans and Lew DeWitt of the Statler Brothers were inducted posthumously.