CA Music Notes: What’s going on inside the Christian Music and Entertainment Industry in August 2026 featuring Dolly Parton, Bash-N-the-Code, Skillet, Amy Grant, Phil Wickham, Chris Tomlinson, Mark Wills, Andrew Peterson, more!
August
Dolly Parton’s Death: Country Icon Dies at 80 After Brief Battle with Cancer – Tributes Celebrate Her Faith and Heart
Dolly Parton’s death at 80 impacts the world Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, her family and representatives confirmed on August 25, 2026. The beloved singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones, leaving the world to mourn…
Skillet Announce After the Storm EP Out October 9, Drop New Single “Lift Me Up”
Multi-Platinum rock band Skillet has announced its new independent EP, After the Storm, set for release on October 9, while unveiling the project’s newest single and anime-inspired lyric video, “Lift Me Up,” available now on all platforms. Coming on the heels of the band’s latest single “Scream,” which has already surpassed 7 million global streams, the six-song EP arrives during…
Mark Wills Grand Ole Revival Album Announced: Live Gospel Recording from the Grand Ole Opry Out Nov. 6
Grand Ole Opry member and country hitmaker Mark Wills returns to his roots with Grand Ole Revival, a rare live album of timeless country gospel songs recorded inside the historic Grand Ole Opry Circle and set for release on November 6, 2026, with Gaither Music Group. The project features an all-star lineup of country and gospel legends…
Bash-N-The-Code 40th Anniversary Reunion Concert in Brentwood, TN – October 3, 2026
Bash-N-The-Code 40th Anniversary Reunion Show: Classic Christian music fans have a rare chance to relive the high-energy 1980s sound of Bash-N-The-Code when the pioneering CCM band stages its 40th anniversary reunion show on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Roy E. Barberi Theatre in Brentwood, Tennessee. The one-night-only performance runs from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. CDT, offering a nostalgic night…
Motown Gospel Earns 11 Nominations at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards 2026
Motown Gospel is celebrating a standout year with 11 nominations at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, recognizing the powerful artistry and impact of its roster across Gospel Worship, Contemporary Gospel, and Traditional Gospel categories. Leading the nominations are Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tye Tribbett, Pastor Mike Jr., and JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, whose music continues to shape…
Books
How to Promote Your Book on a Shoestring Budget 2026
The Essential Marketing Guide for Authors — Third Edition (Coming Soon) “This isn’t publishing theory from someone who’s never signed a book — it’s a hands-on, fill-in-the-blank workbook built from four decades of real mistakes, real successes, and real dollars spent, so you don’t have to learn the hard way too.” Photo: First and Second Editions side by side 20-year…
Phil Wickham Announces New Book Everyday Hallelujah Coming in August
Phil Wickham has announced that his new book, Everyday Hallelujah, is releasing on August 11 to help readers unlock deep joy through everyday acts of worship.
Movies & Shows
10 Best Christian Movies Streaming or in Theaters Summer 2026
Looking for the best Christian movies streaming or playing in theaters right now? Faith-based films with powerful Christian messages continue to inspire audiences in 2026, offering stories of redemption, providence, identity in Christ, and living out the Gospel. Whether you prefer biblical epics, true-life dramas, or modern inspirational stories, this list highlights 10 top movies currently available to stream…
Kevin Sorbo in Elijah Peel: Actor Stars as Rock Manager in Faith-Based Film Opening August 14
Veteran actor Kevin Sorbo steps into the high-stakes world of rock-and-roll excess in the award-winning faith-based drama Elijah Peel, opening exclusively in theaters on August 14, 2026. In the film, Sorbo portrays the longtime talent manager of a stadium-filling rock star whose career and personal life are spiraling out of control due to addiction, offering audiences a powerful story of…
The Love Your Neighbor Tour arrives in Nashville on Tuesday, September 8, offering an intimate evening of music, stories, and connection along with a special sneak peek of the upcoming film Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical. The event features lead actors Mauricio Martínez and Casey Elliott, together with writer, composer, and director Ross Boothe, ahead of the film’s theatrical release…
The Mandalorian & Grogu: A Story of Fatherhood & Moral Duty Plus Star Wars: Starfighter
Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, Starring Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, Johnny Coyne, Martin Scorsese & Sigourney Weaver sets the stage for the upcoming 50th anniversary of Star Wars and the next movie in the franchise, Star Wars: Starfighter. When Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu arrived in theaters in May 2026, it brought the franchise back to the…
Season 4 of The Wingfeather Saga, Featuring Academy Award Winner Jim Broadbent Expected in August
Angel Studios, a technology company powered by over two million grassroots Angel Guild members who support wholesome, values-driven storytelling, has revealed the voice cast for Season 4 of its acclaimed animated adventure series, The Wingfeather Saga. This beloved show, adapted from Andrew Peterson’s bestselling book series, continues to captivate families with its epic tale of courage, faith, and discovery. Season 4 is expected to premiere in September.
Other
Nashville Publisher Kathryn Darden Pens Article for Influential Women
Christian Activities publisher Kathryn Darden was recently featured on the Influential Women website with a new guest article, “30 Years Before the Spotlight: Why Real Influence Is Built in the Quiet Years.” The piece reflects on the 30-year history of Christian Activities since its founding in 1988 and the importance of long-term consistency in publishing. You can read the full article at InfluentialWomen.com.
Band Reeves Releases “How To Forgive” – New Christian Album August 21, 2026 on Centricity Music
Band Reeves has announced the release of their highly anticipated debut album with Centricity Music, How To Forgive, set to drop on August 21, 2026. The title track is available now on all major streaming platforms, offering fans an early taste of the heartfelt, faith-filled music that has quickly made the Texas-based brothers one of the most promising new voices…
Trump Administration Ends Medicaid Funding for Sex (“Gender”) Transitions for Minors, Protecting Children from Irreversible Harm
~ Trump and RFK Jr. Announce End to Medicaid Funding for Sex Transitions for Minors ~ The Trump administration has finalized a rule ending federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for sex (“gender”) transitions for minors, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, marking a major victory for child protection and family values. See What Is Gender?
What Every Christian Needs to Know About AI and Faith
AI and the Christian Faith: Navigating Technology, Truth, and Biblical Wisdom in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we work, learn, create, and even interpret the world around us. For Christians, the growing influence of AI raises questions about artificial intelligence and Christianity that go far beyond efficiency or innovation. How should followers of Christ…
AI on AI: the Alternatives to Large Data Centers
I was recently quite concerned after researching AI data centers as well as troubling occurrences of rare books being destroyed to feed the data to private AI for my recent articles. There is so much potential for problems with the existing systems. See Why AI Data Centers Are So Controversial: Energy, Water, and Rising Electricity Costs for more details about…
September
Sing! SEPTEMBER 7–9 · GAYLORD OPRYLAND · NASHVILLE
Join the ten-year anniversary gathering of Sing! in Nashville as we mark 500 years of the English New Testament and consider how God’s Word shapes worship, discipleship, ministry, and everyday life. Sing! takes place Sept. 7-9 at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville.
Skillet Announces “Comatose: 20 Years, Still Screaming Tour” for Fall 2026
Rock powerhouse Skillet has officially announced their highly anticipated Comatose: 20 Years, Still Screaming Tour. Produced by Live Nation, this major fall 2026 headline run celebrates two decades of the multi-platinum album Comatose while delivering fresh music from one of rock’s most … Read more
Chris Tomlin Announces Return of Worship Under The Stars for Fall 2026: Three Iconic Outdoor Nights
~ Chris Tomlin Announces Second Season of the First-Of-Its-Kind Concert Series ~ Grammy-winning worship leader Chris Tomlin, hailed by TIME magazine as the “most often sung artist in the world” and known for his 21 No. 1 radio singles, more than 12 million albums sold, and over 8 billion global streams, is bringing back his acclaimed first-of-its-kind concert series, Worship Under…
November
Daniel in the Lions’ Den Nashville: New Family Musical at TPAC Polk Theater November 14
Families in Nashville and across the Southeast are in for an exciting treat this fall as The Originals Live brings one of the Bible’s most inspiring stories to the stage with Daniel in the Lions’ Den, an all-new live familymusical adventure. The production makes its Nashville debut at TPAC’s Polk Theater on November 14, 2026, as part of a…
Jonas Brothers at Bridgestone Arena
Amy Grant The Me That Remains: Nashville Concerts, Tour Dates
The full list of Amy Grant’s 2026 concert dates through December
Related:
- CA Music Notes July 2026 with Lauren Daigle, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Skillet, Andrew Peterson, Phil Wickham, More
- CA Music Notes June 2026 with Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Skillet, Andrew Peterson, Phil Wickham, More
- CA Music Notes May 2026 with Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Andrew Peterson, Phil Wickham, Wes McClelland, More
- CA Music Notes April 2026 with Chris Tomlin, Andrew Peterson, Wes McClelland, Kathryn Darden, More
- CA Music Notes March 2026 with Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Third Day, Lyle Lovett, More
- CA Music Notes Feb. 2026 with Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Kid Rock, Third Day, Lauren Daigle, Gaither Vocal Band, More
- CA Music Notes Jan. 2026 with CeCe Winans, Colton Dixon, Jonathan McReynolds, Third Day, Gaither Vocal Band, More
