GOSPEL MUSIC WEEK

Who's Who at GMA Week 2006
by CA Staff for Christian Activities
4/2/2006

Nashville, TN - Every year we get lists of some of the artists who will be at GMA Week to perform at concerts, showcases or just hang out doing interviews. We always try to share these lists with our readers just to give them a sampling of who's who this year at Gospel Music Week.

4HIM:After a 16-year career defining Christian music with their signature harmonies and inspirational songs, 4HIM released their final studio recorded in January 2006. This landmark group began their 4HIM career in 1990, after becoming acquainted with one another during their time in the vocal group Truth. Throughout their time together, 4HIM has received much acclaim for their 11 hit albums including an RIAA Gold certified album (The Basics of Life), 24 No. 1 radio singles, eight Dove Awards including three “Group of the Year,” and a Grammy Award nomination as well as Alabama’s Music Hall of Fame for The Governor’s Achievement Award. In addition to their numerous tours across the nation, the group has also been featured performers with the Billy Graham and Louis Palau crusades.

21:03 – PAJAM’s newest group is about to release their debut album on April 18th. Recently touring with J Moss and Yolanda Adams this trio of young guys has the authentic PAJAM sound.

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Acappella: With over 3 millions records sold to date, the group Acappella keeps going strong, evolving and changing with the times. Going from a quartet to a multi-talented quintet, these 20-something guys (some of whom are still in college) have already traveled the world to showcase their vocal prowess including recent trips to Japan, Jamaica and Guyana, South America.

Cherie Adams: Internationally acclaimed Christian recording artist, Cherie Adams, was plagued with loneliness, severe depression, and relentless suicidal thoughts perpetuated by an emotionally traumatic event in her life eleven years ago. Today, Adams is sharing her story of how God intervened during that difficult time with His tangible presence when she was at the end of her rope. With the release of her debut solo CD, The Sweet Life, Adams travels the country singing and giving support to others who have been through similar hardships.

Todd Agnew: One of Christian music’s most distinct voices and worship leaders, this Memphis resident and singer/songwriter released his sophomore effort, Reflection of Something, last August following the release of his breakthrough 2003 solo debut, Grace Like Rain. This year’s GMA Week will be a big one for Todd as he is eager to promote his current CD and the hit single, “My Jesus.” In the two years since its release, Grace Like Rain has shipped almost 200,000 copies and produced the No. 1 CHR radio anthems “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song)” and “Grace Like Rain.” Agnew has also garnered six Gospel Music Dove Award nominations.

Alathea: After a difficult year of personal trials, Alathea's Mandee Radford and Cristi Johnson return to the studio this spring with producer Matt Stansfield (Jill Phillips) to record the follow-up to their debut, What Light Is All About.

Muriel Anderson: Classical guitarist Muriel Anderson is the first woman to have ever won the National Finger Picking Guitar Championship and is the founder of the Music for Life Alliance, a non-profit organization that puts musical instruments into the hands of underprivileged children. As one of the country¹s foremost finger style guitarists, her facility across the genres of folk, classical, jazz, bluegrass and international music is revered by guitarists worldwide.

Annie Moses Band – the extremely talented pop/classical group. Major Christian TV appearances in 2005 2006 with some repeat performances in just a few weeks of each other because the response was so strong. Fans are really responding to their unique sound so they consistently have a heavy touring schedule. They are the March cover story for Strings magazine, a pop/classical publication, where the magazine touts the success of Christian music and were featured in a promotion with American Profile and Campbell’s Soup that was seen by 7.5 million readers.

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BarlowGirl: Sisters Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow are not just another girl band. The girls, who write their own music and perform their own instruments when creating their melodic blend of modern pop and heavier rock, have earned real musicians’ “cred” and their sophomore effort Another Journal Entry has received critical acclaim, sales success and five Dove Award nominations including Group of the Year. Dove performers. More Barlowgirl.

Basses Covered - Erace All-Star Night.

Brian Bates caught the attention of GMA last year when his song "I Know Who I Am" won 3rd place at the GMA’s 2005 National Song Competition. Brian also became a finalist in the performance category as well. His emotive vocals and sincere testimony of being delivered from drug and alcohol abuse have captivated audiences across the country. Brian will perform at the MPI Music Showcase on Monday night as well as the Creative Promotions Late Night Event. His new song "Eloi Eloi" will be promoted to both AC and Inspo charts for Easter.

Josh Bates, 23, was discovered by Mark Miller-lead singer of the multi-platinum country super group "Sawyer Brown." Miller is also founder of the Christian record label-Beach Street Records-with whom Josh is signed. Miller has been mentoring Josh since he was 15-encouraging his to grow his music and songwriting gifts. Since his debut in contemporary Christian with his breakthrough album. "Perfect Day"-Josh has impacted radio with his first single-"Perfect Day"-and now the follow-up single release "King Of Glory"-which he co-wrote.

Margaret Becker: Award winning recording artist Margaret Becker shares glimpses into her personal journey of life. In Coming Up for Air: Simple Acts to Redefine Your Life (Nav Press, March 15, 2006) Margaret Becker shares a unique glimpse a woman's universal search for personal purpose and authenticity. Margaret Becker is an award-winning author, speaker, producer, songwriter and recording artist who has been in the CCM industry for 19 years, garnering four Dove Awards, four Grammy nominations, a Praise Award, 20 #1 hit singles, and countless other accolades along the way. She is recognized for her unique writing style, having sold more than 2.7 million records to date. She has been on numerous world tours presenting both books and music. Her last album, a worship project entitled Faithfully Yours, released in December 2004.

Bernard is the latest addition to the Floodgate Records family. Based in Florida, Bernard makes atmospheric, intense music that is highlighted by their use of multi-media at their events. Their Floodgate debut EP will be available on vinyl at shows and for download over the internet.

Big Daddy Weave: Fervent Records. More Big Daddy Weave.

Kenny Bishop: Soloist Kenny Bishop, known for his days of traveling with The Bishops, will release his highly-anticipated, debut project with Daywind Records on May 9th. Through his unbelievable testimony, Kenny is reaching out and sharing the life lessons he has learned through the love of Christ!

Kent Bottenfield: The former Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher recently released his debut CD Take Me Back, produced by multi-Grammy Award-winner Michael Omartian. His follow-up, also produced by Omartian, is due late 2006.

Brian Free & Assurance: Nominated for TWO Doves, including their #1 hit song, "Long As I Got King Jesus," Brian Free & Assurance have proven to be one of Southern Gospel's top quartets. It's So God, their latest project from Daywind Records, is said to be the greatest from them to date. More Brian Free & Assurance.

Brother's Keeper: Philip Enzor, John Sanders and Gabe Dunlap grew up together, discovered music together and merged common passions into a powerful ministry together. The result has been over a decade of putting their hearts and talents out there for the world to see through captivating live performances and critically acclaimed records, such as their 1999 self-titled debut and 2002's Cover Me. Their career has garnered them a #1 hit radio single, and has seen them touring with the likes of the Newsboys, Rachel Lampa, Salvador, NewSong, Mark Schultz and Ginny Owens. Brother's Keeper just released their highly anticipated third album Beyond Beautiful and saw the title track hit the Top 10 on the R&R AC Indicator chart.

Building 429: Jason Roy (lead vocals, guitar), Scotty Beshears (bass), Jesse Garcia (guitar, keyboard), and Michael Anderson (drums), better know as Building 429, released their Glory Defined EP in early 2004. The project’s title track and debut single set multiple radio records, hitting the number one position on eight different radio charts. The song climbed to number one on Christian Radio Weekly’s Adult Contemporary chart faster than any other single in the publication’s history, remaining there for ten consecutive weeks. On Radio & Records, “Glory Defined” was the first single from a debut artist to hold 100% of the Adult Contemporary panel all at the same time, and only the second time for any artist, debut or veteran. This year Building 429 was voted the Gospel Music Association’s New Artist of the Year, and “Glory Defined” received additional recognition as BMI’s 2005 Song of the Year. The band has toured with Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew and most recently Casting Crowns on its “LifeSong Tour” this fall. Building 429 releases its sophomore album, Rise, March 14. Dove presenters. More Building 429.

By The Tree: Fervent Records. More By The Tree.

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Shirley Caesar: Dove presenter.

Jeremy Camp: GMA is a big time for Jeremy. He is the reigning GMA Dove Award winner-Male Vocalist of the Year and Best Rock Recorded Song (and don’t forget he’s the 2004 Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year!). Jeremy is nominated FOUR times for this year’s GMA Music Awards: For the top honor – Artist of the Year; Male Vocalist of the Year; Rock Recorded Song (for “Lay Down My Pride” as artist and songwriter, from his hit record, Restored); and Pop/Contemporary Album (for Restored) –which just went GOLD! From praise and worship to his unique blend of pop/rock, people love and WANT to know more about Jeremy Camp! He has NINE No. 1 radio hits - Stay yielded multi-format radio hits, achieving six No..1’s and Restored has achieved, so far, three No. 1 hits with “Take You Back” (#1 for 14 weeks in a row!), “”Lay Down My Pride” and “This Man.” Dove performer. More Jeremy Camp.

Candlefuse is a rock band based out of north Alabama. For the past six years, the band has been traveling across the southeast, performing at churches and venues of all sizes. This year they will play over 100 shows. Their mature songwriting and unique alternative rock sound have landed them slots opening for national artists like Kutless, Disciple, and BarlowGirl as well as toured with the 2005 Extreme Tour and performed at Cornerstone Festival in Orlando, FL. In August of 2005, the band taped a guest appearance and performed live for Steel Roots TV, a national television program geared towards extreme sports and cutting edge music.

Casting Crowns: Dove presenters.

Casting Pearls' latest endeavor is The 180 Tour. This spring they are traveling with Columbine survivor Crystal Miller, conducting motivational assemblies at high schools (both Christian and Public) around the nation. More Casting Pearls.

Circleslide: A four-piece band whose music blends folk rock, British pop and 80s new wave, Circleslide's distinctive Americana-Brit pop style has been compared to everything from Bob Dylan and Neil Young to U2 and Radiohead. Following last year's independent release of its acclaimed four-song EP, Connectology, the band is preparing to launch its national debut, Uncommon Days, from strong independent newcomer Centricity Records. With the release of Uncommon Days, Circleslide chronicles the hours and days of our lives through a perfect blend of musical ingenuity, lyrical accessibility and a touch of artfulness. More Circleslide.

Curt Collins: This Southern Gospel favorite has made multiple appearances on TBN's Praise the Lord and The Jim Bakker Show in recent months. He is currently in the studio with Jamie Slocum recording his sophomore effort, due this summer.

Cool Hand Luke took a year off of touring, Brandon finished school and did paintings. Chris finished school. Mark played drums for the Chariot and toured raising awareness for the Invisible Children of Uganda. For 2006, the band is releasing an EP for Easter that will available on vinyl at the band's showdates, and downloadable through the internet. In the intense creative way that Cool Hand Luke is known for, this Easter project will inspire and challenge the listener to take a new look at Easter and what it means. More Cool Hand Luke.

The Crabb Family was formed in humble surroundings, singing in a small, storefront church in rural Kentucky, and they have seen their ministry grow to take them to the largest and most prestigious stages in the United States. The Crabb Family has become one of Gospel music's greatest success stories and one of the freshest and hottest acts to hit the music industry in recent memory. Siblings Jason, Kelly, Aaron, Terah and Adam Crabb, ranging in age from 23 to 29, have been honored with numerous awards, including eight Dove Awards and three GRAMMY nominations, as well as unprecedented radio success with 16 number one songs. Dove presenters.

Andrae' Crouch- Dove presenter.

Cross Culture: Formed in 1998 by school friends Justin David (lead vocals, guitar) and Chris Wright (backing vocals, drums), Cross Culture, then known as Color, relied on the diverse cultural backgrounds of its seven-member group to shape a sound that combined Latin, rock, R&B, hip-hop and ska. Today, Cross Culture’s three members: Justin, Chris, and guitarist, Dan Harris, still have a knack for style-mixing. Proof Positive is the band’s national debut on Selectric Records. Released Feb. 7 to both CBA and general market retail, it is eclectic and energetic, fusing the band’s repertoire of genres for an 11-track album.

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Dalton; Combine Texas rock with the sensibilities of British pop and you capture the essence of a band like Dalton. This brother-fronted foursome from New Braunfels, Texas offers up stunning pop melodies against a backdrop of massive, soaring guitars in a forthright delivery about faith, hope, love and rock ‘n roll. Dalton’s debut…Taste the Sky, releasing May 2.

Jessie Daniels: New York teen talent Jessie Daniels began her thriving career on the stage and small screen, acting in off-Broadway plays, musicals, independent student films as well as commercials for MTV and The Lifetime Network. Daniels’ stellar vocal ability, extraordinary stage presence and great passion for music led her to pursue singing full-time, and she released a buzz worthy independent EP in 2003. Daniels will release her highly anticipated first national project June 6. Daniels’ full-length debut, also self-titled, features 12 power pop-rock songs, all written by the eighteen-year-old.

David Crowder Band is nominated for six Doves including Group of the Year and Crowder himself is nominated for four individual honors. The band shares the Passion stage with fellow sixstepsrecords’ Tomlin, but offers a harder edge to their take on worship music. Dove performers. More David Crowder Band.

Day of Fire's new album Cut and Move on Essential Records will be in stores June 6.

Day One truly believes in their mission to be a light to the world. More than just a musical group, Day One has built their ministry on serving others. The band created “Operation Backpack” that gives school supplies to needy families, as well as “The Noel Project” that gives bikes to inner city kids at Christmas time. These 2 projects were made to empower local churches to get out of their comfort zones and into their communities. The band also supports missionaries across the world, and with the support of their fans, Day One has been able to donate $200,000 to the Red Cross Relief Efforts in New Orleans. Their latest project “Obedient” was released in November through SHELTERecords/Word Entertainment

Wayburn Dean: Christian Acapella Music Awards lifetime achievement award winner and former lead singer of the Dove and Grammy nominated group Acappella, Wayburn Dean has a heart for Christ that has touched many other lives in the US and around the world. And with his recent album release, Immeasurable on WayJade Music / Exalt Music Group, he is touching a lot of hearts these days. The first single, "Each Day of My Life," bolted up the charts to land at #2 on the R&R Inspirational chart, #3 on the CRW INSPO chart and #3 on the PDAdvisor chart. The song was also ranked #27 on the year-end CRW INSPO 2005 Top 100 Audience Impression Chart. The album's second single, "Peace Child," recently released to Inspo radio and is going for adds on stations nationwide. Dean also plans to release a video in early 2006.

DecembeRadio: SpringHill Music.

Decyfer Down:New S/R/E Recordings band DECYFER DOWN has already received solid airplay from mainstream modern and active rock stations in their hometown region of North Carolina, including WARQ in Columbia, South Carolina. Commenting on their early support of the band, the station’s Music Director Mark Lee remarked, “From the first time I saw Decyfer Down, I knew that they were something special… incredible stage presence….brilliant live show…pulsing melodies with heartfelt, deep lyrics that ANY rock fan will be quickly turned on to. WARQ has been spinning Decyfer Down's "I'll Breathe For You" for a couple of months to a wonderful response from our listeners.”

Disciple - S/R/E Recordings/Columbia band Disciple is a seasoned rock-n-roll band of four Tennessee natives fusing together heavy guitar riffs and lyrically strong choruses forming a message for today’s young generation. Disciple’s self-titled album follows the band’s previous success of six No. 1 rock hits, four Dove nominations, and their independent project Back Again (2003), selling more than 35,000 copies. The success of their current album this year has led to the band being nominated for two GMA Music Awards including Rock Album of the Year. More Disciple.

Shirley Dobson (Focus on the Family). Dove presenter.

Dove Brothers Quartet is one of SG's most awarded artists. They are nominated for six 2006 SGN Music Awards. Their recent #1 hit is "Anything But Ordinary, Everything But Typical."

Phil Driscoll - From Grammy awards to the applause of presidents, as well as, prisons to missions of mercy, the sound and message of the music coming from the heart of Phil Driscoll rings strong and true. From performances and recordings with rock and roll legends like Joe Cocker and Blood Sweat & Tears to classical music recordings with the London Philharmonic orchestra at CBS, the trumpet and voice of Phil Driscoll is the equivalent of greatness. His new album Drops of Praise is being released on May 2nd.

Julian Drive: Contemporary-rock artist Julian Drive took home first place at Exalting Him 2004. Their self-titled debut from Vital Records is capturing the hearts of young people all over the country. They will be a part of the Crabb Family's Blur The Lines Tour.

Bryan Duncan: With over 30 years in Christian music and over 1 million records sold, recently released A Nehosoul Christmas, and he and his band are working on the follow-up due later this year. Dove presenter.

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Ed Crawford & the Mystery Men Quartet: The former Kingsmen's new group just released a new live recording. The group will host the Smokey Mountain Getaway later this year featuring Sunday Edition, Sharie, and more.

Peder Eide: Peder sold 150,000+ cds last year and is again hosting the massive Sonshine Festival in his home state of Minnesota, and has appeared on national tv shows such as The 700 Club, At Home Life on FamilyNet, LeSea Broadcasting and CTV, to name a few. Peder has been a praise & worship singer/songwriter for youth conferences for over 11 years now. His new CD, TASTE & SEE, combined with his new Live "Taste Worship" events geared to teaching families how to worship together, promise to put Peder on the radar screen of this industry in a big way.

Eleventyseven: Matt Langston (lead vocals, guitar), Caleb Satterfield (bass), and Jonathan Stephens (drums) have been cranking out their brand of teenage, fun-frenzied music for nearly four years. Greenville, South Carolina has served as home base for the band, which quickly expanded its domain to include a majority of the East Coast. With three well-received independent releases already to its credit, the trio has maintained a non-stop touring schedule, proof of its extreme likeability and work ethic.

Anthony Evans: Anthony will be busy this GMA promoting his upcoming sophomore release, titled Letting Go. This Dallas-based singer is already widely recognized for his distinct and dynamic vocals, his joyful expression of passionate faith, and for his insatiable thirst to understand matters that are important in his relationship with God. Anthony is the son of Dr. Tony Evans (Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas and President of The Urban Alternative) and is a second-generation minister and well-seasoned performer. Anthony grew up singing in the church and decided to make it a career, much to the satisfaction of such notable fans as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Franklin Graham, to name just a few. More Anthony Evans.

Everlife just signed to Hollywood Records, just got their first Gold album for Disney Mania 3. They are on numerous soundtracks for movies and tv shows, and are currently in LA recording the title track for an upcoming Disney feature! More Everlife.

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Falling Up: BEC Recordings’ band Falling Up continues to gain momentum with their sophomore release Dawn Escapes, which hit stores this past fall. Dawn Escapes is the follow-up to the hit 2004 release Crashings. Most recent success includes landing their fourth R&R CHR Rock No. 1 radio single since their debut release. Dawn Escapes debuted #4 on the Billboard “Heatseekers” chart selling more than 6,000 units during the first week of sales. When they are not relentlessly touring across the country, Falling Up calls Albany, Oregon home. After the Heart of Innocent tour, they will join the “Art of Breaking” tour for 25 cities featuring Thousand Foot Krutch, Hawk Nelson and special guests. This band, formed while in high school five years ago, is composed of Jessy Ribordy (lead vocals), Jeremy Miller (bassist), Josh Shroy (drums), and Joe Kisselburgh (guitar).

Fireflight: Comprising Dawn Richardson (lead vocals), Wendy Drennen (bass), Glenn Drennen (guitar), Justin Cox (guitar) and Phee Shorb (drums), Fireflight formed five years ago in Orlando, Fla. A fixture of the local rock scene, Fireflight is familiar to national music audiences as well. Its self-released EP, On The Subject of Moving Forward, produced by James Paul Wisner (Underoath, Further Seems Forever, New Found Glory), sold thousands of copies independently. Additionally, Fireflight was named “Band of the Year” in 2004 by Songwriters Showcases of America. Fireflight will release its first national label release, also produced by Wisner, on Flicker Records this summer.

The Original First Call: Yes, the rumors are true! Mel Tunney has rejoined Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall to record their first full-length project together in over 15 years. What makes this even more monumental is this will be the group's FIRST Hymns project. Can you believe First Call never did a hymns record? PLUS -- it is A Cappella!!! And may I say -- it is absolutely breath-taking! There are arrangements on this album that can only be done by a vocal group with the depth of talent of these 3 people. You will be amazed! First Call will be performing at the MPI Music showcase on Monday night.

Flyleaf: Flyleaf is a band is truly a light in a dark world as they live in the world of clubs and mainstream music. Flyleaf recently released their self-titled debut project this past fall on SRE Recordings to the Christian market and on Octone Records (Maroon 5) to the mainstream market. The lead singer, Lacey has a great story as she came from a family of 6 with a single mom. Her family moved from place to place making ends meet. Eventually this led Lacey to hit the bottom almost committing suicide and then finding hope by attending church with her grandmother. “One of the record’s theme is about God saving me,” Mosley reveals. “If that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be here. The struggles that I went through are what the Bible says produces perseverance, strength and character. I wouldn’t take back any of my past because it’s exactly what brought me to this point.” They have been touring with POD, Stained, and Cold this spring.

Jimmy Fortune: The former tenor for the Statler Brothers was recently nominated for two SGN Music Awards - including Fan Favorite Artist of the Year. He is a favorite among fans of Country, Contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel, and Christian Country audiences.

Kirk Franklin: is one of gospel music’s best selling artists of all time and his latest CD, Hero, is a signature Franklin – an eclectic and energetic mix of R&B, modern rock, hip-hop, pop, jazz, gospel. In addition to hosting the GMA Music Awards and performing on the show, Franklin will be contending for three Dove Awards, including for Urban Album of the Year for Hero. 2006 Dove Awards co-host and performer.

Staci Frenes: Like business savvy songwriters Aimee Mann and Jonatha Brooke, Staci Frenes', independent status and work ethic have carved out a unique niche for her music; while staying true to her spiritual roots, Frenes creates music is described as melodic acoustic-driven pop. She is an attentive artist who knows her audience intimately--they are twenty and thirty-somethings who demand more from their music than what MTV offers.

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Brock Gill is among the top-touring illusionists today and is known for his unique stage show, wit and mind-blowing escapes. This year at GMA, Brock will be hosting the Word Label Group and Curb Records “Fuge Live” showcase on Tuesday, April 4 at 7:00pm at Rocketown. Dove presenter.

Gold City: The most sought after male quartet in Gospel music today, Gold City has been nominated for eight 2006 SGN Music Awards.

Natalie Grant, one of Christian music’s biggest pop voices, is the most nominated female for this year’s Doves, including nods for Artist and Female Vocalist of the Year. The success of the critically-acclaimed watershed release Awaken, one of 2005’s best selling records, and her first Christmas album, Believe, has firmly placed Grant among the premier female artists in Christian music. Erace All-Star Night concert. Dove performer.

Grits - EMI/Gotee Records hip hop crew GRITS had a very busy year having 10 #1 Christian hip hop singles, Dichotomy A/B selling nearly 120,000 copies, sharing the stage with Outkast and Jay-Z, receiving a Billboard Video Award, 4 Dove Award’s (Christian Grammy), and most impressively their Dichotomy B album was nominated for Best Rock Gospel Album of the Year at this year’s GRAMMY AWARDS. Grits has been recognized by such media as The Source, XXL, SPIN, VIBE and many more. Their songs have been featured on MTV Cribs, The Real World, Pimp My Ride, Made, Boston Public, Kevin Hill as well as such feature films as “Something’s Gotta Give” and “The Perfect Man.” More Grits .

Group 1 Crew: Fervent Records new, 3-member group comparable to Black Eyed Peas. Debut album hits stores September 26, 2006. They are fluent in English and Spanish and already have a well-established fanbase.

Sara Groves: Sara just returned from Rwanda on a trip with Rick Warren and his PEACE plan. This effort, her last minute drive to provide baby supplies to Katrina victims last September, her involvement with the International Justice Mission, Teen Challenge, DATA, The One Campaign and many others, bring to fruition Sara’s message in her new album, Add to the Beauty. On a lighter note, Sara Groves continues her career trek as one of the most critically-acclaimed singer-songwriters in our industry, recently having her latest CD lauded as CCM Magazine’s Album of the Year, and currently touring with Jars of Clay and Derek Webb. More Sara Groves .

Shaun Groves: Fresh on the heels of last summer's critically-acclaimed White Flag, Shaun Groves is currently finishing a book covering the same themes of the Sermon on the Mount in greater depth.

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Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is a Southern gospel quartet that considers itself relevant today in image and attitude but whose music and stage performance pays homage to the great quartets from the past such as the legendary Statesmen and the Cathedrals (of which Haase is the tenor vocalist). The group is nominated for Southern Gospel Album of the Year for their self-titled recording. Dover performers.

Mark Hall, the lead singer of Casting Crowns, distinguished himself last year after being awarded the Doves for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, but he has also been singled out for his own vocal talent with back-to-back nominations as Male Vocalist of the Year. Dove performer.

Bernard Harris - Erace All-Star Night.

Larnelle Harris: Larnelle's ministry has only improved with time as he continues to tour year-round here in the States and overseas. His trip to Africa was a big influence on the songs of his new cd, I Want to Be a Star. Sit down and chat with one of our industry's most renowned and admired vocalists. Larnelle will perform at the MPI Music showcase on Monday evening.

Hawk Nelson: This powerhouse, punk foursome has won the hearts of fans and media nationwide since their debut release in June 2004 with Letters to the President. Since their debut, HAWK NELSON has appeared on NBC’s American Dreams, had a cameo appearance in the hit Nickelodeon film Yours, Mine, & Ours, where they played their original song “Bring Em Out,” as well as had their songs featured on WB’s Smallville, Summerland and NBC’s 2004 Summer Olympic commercials. This past year, Hawk Nelson has landed in the mainstream magazines Tiger Beat and Popstar along with a television special with Drake Bell for Yours, Mine & Ours. On April 4, 2006 Hawk Nelson will release their sophomore studio release, Smile, It’s The End Of The World. This project takes a quantum leap forward in musically and lyrically from their debut project. Hawk Nelson is excited about bringing this new project to their devoted fans (those who voted them New Artist of the Year in CCM...landing them on the cover of the Feb. issue!). Smile, It’s The End Of The World is a positive response to a negative situation. This project is a more intense and deliberate in what the band has to say, yet it has all the fun, energetic elements that the fans have come to know and love.

Tom Hemby: Veteran guitarist, award-winning producer and songwriter Tom Hemby has experienced several banner years in a row. Hemby is a four time Dove Award winner, the most recent of which was his 2004 win in the "Instrumental Album of the Year" category for his solo project An Acoustic Christmas with Tom Hemby. He played guitar on Michael McDonald's latest project and produced two albums for Gospel/R&B singer Bebe Winans. My Christmas Prayer, the Starbucks Store exclusive CD that he produced, featured Winans and Grammy Award winner Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) on the title track. Hemby's other production work with Winans, Dream, was nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award in the "Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album" category, as well as in the "Contemporary Gospel Album" category for the 37th GMA Music Awards, which will take place April 5, 2006. With the upcoming release of Hemby's second solo instrumental project scheduled for summer 2006, he is poised for another exciting year.

HisSong: The 2003 Diamond Award Trio of the Year is preparing for the release of their new project - Watching & Waiting - produced by Dove Award winning producer Wayne Haun. The group is celebrating fourth year in ministry.

Dave Hollister – New Gospo Centric Records signing and former Platinum-Selling artist Blackstreet (“No Diggity”) singer Dave Hollister will be releasing his new album on June 27, 2006. The album will be produced by Dave and “friends.”

Hope's Call: This group continues to push the boundaries of Southern Gospel in the same vein as the Crabb Family or the Martins. They just started working with Compassion International and are the Southern Gospel Music Guild New Artist of the Year.

George Huff: Word Records 2006 Dove nominations for New Artist of the Year, Urban Recorded Song (“A Brighter Day”), and Urban Album (Miracles).

Hundred Year Storm is the latest in the Floodgate Family. We’re announcing their signing next week. Based in Austin, TX HYS is a band that works insanely hard, has built an amazing grassroots following by playing over 200 dates a year. I’m announcing their signing next week, and will have a lot more info on them soon. Music can be heard at www.myspace.com/hundredyearstorm

Hyper Static Union: Discovered by Third Day and produced by Mac Powell, Northwest band Hyper Static Union will release its debut CD, Lifegiver, on May 9 on the new RKT Music imprint. Listen for first single, "Overhead," on CHR/Rock stations near you. Pre-releases and bio available now--also, listen at myspace.com/hyperstaticunion. 

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ImperialsThis genre defying group is still touring and winning fans over in all genres of music - including contemporary, inspirational, rock, Black Gospel, country, and Southern Gospel. The Imps are a GMA Hall of Fame Inductee. They have two new recordings in the works this year - new studio album with pop/rock twist and classic remakes of old Imperials' hits. More Imperials.

Inhabited: Fervent Records. More Inhabited.

Israel & New Breed has broken cultural and musical barriers as the worship band for Joel Houston’s Lakewood Church in Houston, one of the most racially diverse and largest churches in the country. Israel & New Breed has earned multiple nominations for both the group and its leader thanks to its infectious praise-and-worship that knows no stylistic boundaries, embracing gospel, funk, rock, pop, R&B, and world music. Dove performers. More Israel & New Breed.

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J Moss – Gospo Centric artist J Moss has had an incredible year! GMA Awards, Stellar Awards, Soul Train Award nods and more from his highly successful PAJAM produces album The J Moss Project. The J Moss song “We Must Praise” retained the #1 position on the gospel chart for a remarkable 11 weeks according to Radio & Records and his album has sold nearly 200,000 to date.

Jackson Waters: Word Records new band comparable to Maroon5. Debut album hits stores August 29, 2006. They already have awell-established fanbase.

Jaime Jamgochian – a major breakout artist this year with great media and radio support on her new project, “Reason To Live.” Cover story in the May issue of Brio & Beyond, 5-star review in About.com, CCM review, upcoming features in Christian Music Planet and Christian Single, etc. The CD is being picked up by Word Distribution this summer.

Jars of Clay: Dove presenter.

Jimmy Needham & Foolish Things: When Inpop Records asked our street team reps who the hottest indie artists of the hour in America were, the response we got was overwhelmingly "FOOLISH THINGS" and "JIMMY NEEDHAM." We were lucky enough to sign both artists this year, and both have debut projects releasing in June on Inpop Records. Jimmy brings his passionate, acoustic sound, lyrical depth and amazing vocal abilities to the roster, while Foolish Things gives off a pop/rock sound that's catchy, melodic, and proven to move people. After years of touring independently, this band is solid onstage and passionate about their ministry to bring listeners closer to Christ.

Brian Johnson is the latest addition to the Found Records family. He is the lead worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, CA and is a favorite at worship conferences across the west coast. His independent CD Undone sold over 17000 copies with no distribution. Now his national debut will release in April, and was produced by Steven Tracy and Jeremy Edwardson of The Myriad

Jonah33: Stemming from his own life experiences of extreme despair and addiction, band leader Vince Lichlyter has a story to tell, and he is using his platform to share his heart in a brutally honest manner. At the young age of 13, he ran away from home and began living a life on the streets in Seattle becoming heavily involved with drugs and residing with his crank dealer. Lichlyter soon found himself in a situation where his life was on the line hanging between committing suicide or seeking redemption from his parents. “I actually called my parents, and I decided that if they would help me out, I’d go home,” he said. “If they didn’t, I’d pull the trigger, and kill myself.” Two days later, he found himself traveling to his parents’ hometown in Arkansas where he was met with open arms and compassion. Through a series of many events that led him to Christ, Lichlyter discovered his passion and calling to use music to share his story. The sophomore release from Jonah33 will be released on December 26 on Ardent Records/SRE Recordings.

Jonas Brothers: On their Spring 2006 debut project, It’s About Time, releasing on INO Records (which also releases on sister label Columbia Records), the Jonas Brothers’ pop-punk style gives life to uplifting, positive lyrics from this talented band of brothers – Kevin, Joseph and Nicholas Jonas. You may already be familiar with the name Nicholas Jonas – INO was going to release a solo record on this 13 year-old vocal powerhouse but after recording some background vocals with his brothers, Joseph, 16 and Kevin, 17, the producers realized how great they sounded as a trio. So Jonas Brothers was formed!

Jontez:This former member of the multi-platinum group God's Property released his solo debut And So It Is... in October to rave reviews. Jontez spent the last part of 2005 on the Shoutfest Tour and Joy to the World Christmas Tour. More Jontez.

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Phil Keaggy: As one of the world¹s most loved and revered guitarists, Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner Phil Keaggy is readying for the May 2, 2006 release of his latest album, Jammed!, an instrumental album spanning three decades of Keaggy¹s work. The project showcases his fun nature and amazing God-given talent. Blending the genres of rock, blues and funk with hints of fusion and jazz, the album features many of Keaggy¹s longtime friends and collaborators‹all of whom are renowned musicians in their own right. Featuring production notes penned by Keaggy himself, the thoughts and personal stories behind each of these tracks give listeners an inside look at this virtuoso and his boundless mastery of the guitar. Erace All-Star Night.

Kids in the Way: Straight from Indianapolis, Indiana, Kids in the Way represents a new generation of artists whose desire is to re-establish the integrity of rock. The band has made strides towards this goal with its two Flicker Records releases, Safe From the Losing Fight and Apparitions of Melody. Last year, Kids in the Way was a featured artist on Rhapsody.com and was selected as Fuse TV and MySpace.com’s Next Big Video Star. Its song “Apparitions of Melody” was featured on MTV’s teen drama “Laguna Beach” as well.

Kutless – Tooth & Nail/BEC Recordings band Kutless was nominated in three categories for GMA Awards this year: Group of the Year; Worship Song of the Year for their #1 hit song “Strong Tower,” and Special Event Album of the Year for their collaboration on the Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack. To date, Kutless has sold nearly 650,000 copies of their last four albums combined and the band has played in front of 1.6 million people in the past few years. Their upcoming album Hearts of the Innocent will be in stores nationwide on March 21st. Dove performers. More Kutless.

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Larissa Lam: Soulful singer-songwriter Larissa Lam's latest album, "Revolutionary," is now available in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Her new single, "Breathing More," is quickly being added to Rhythmic formats across the U.S. Larissa is a former Nitro Praise singer and can currently be seen as one of the on-air personalities of JCTV. In 2005, she was named one of the top independent artists by the Independent Artist Registry. She will be touring the U.S. and abroad in the summer/fall and can be seenduring GMA Week at the GoGlobal showcase Sat. Apr. 1st at 3:30pm at the Red Iguana Whiskey Island Bar 305 Broadway – Downtown Nashville.

Rachael Lampa: Word Records. Erace All-Star Night. More Rachael Lampa.

Leeland debuts late summer/early fall of '06 on Essential Records.

LeFevre Quartet: This is the newest incarnation under the LeFevre name. Owned and operated by Southern Gospel favorite Mike LeFevre (formerly of Gold City and Greater Vision) , the group is currently working on two brand new recordings.

Brian Littrell: Raised in Lexington, Ky., Brian Littrell was brought up attending church with his family. At age 18, through cousin, Kevin Richardson, he relocated to Orlando, Fl. and became part of the pop super-group Backstreet Boys. Ten years, multiple worldwide, sold-out tours, countless accolades and sales of more than 69 million albums, Brian now has his first Christian market album with Provident’s Reunion Records. Dove presenter.

More Who's Who at GMA Week: M-Z

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