October 2009 Archives

In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the L.A. Dream Center, an outreach to the homeless and needy in L.A. & across the U.S., American Idol's Danny Gokey recently performed at a special media event hosted by Jason Kennedy of "E! News Daily," Suzanne Marques of "Good Day L.A."

At the event, Gokey, along with Dream Center founder, Matthew Barnett, announced that the Dream Center's Youth Outreach Center will be named after Gokey's late wife, Sophia. The announcement recognizes Gokey's commitment to the work of the inner-city relief organization through his recently formed foundation, Sophia's Heart, created in his wife's memory.

Denise Jonas - better known as the mother of pop teen sensation The Jonas Brothers - spoke last week at an iMom event in Brooklyn.

iMom Mornings are monthly get togethers that offer neutral ground for moms and kids to have fun bonding over topics such as peer pressure, obedience, the Internet, nutrition, organization, and building self-confidence.

In a press release, Denise Jonas kicked off her new role as iMOM ambassador by sharing some personal principles she's acquired in her own ups and downs as a sometimes-working/sometimes home and often-on-the-road mom:

Since I'm in NY, I wasn't able to attend last night's show at Rocketown with The Black Dahlia Murder, Toxic Holocaust, Skeletonwitch and Trap Them. And Keith didn't make the show either. (That is a bummer; I was looking for a recap of the show.)

One thing I'd like to say is that I feel badly that the discussion about Rocketown veered so far off base and turned into an Us vs Them finger pointing tirade.

I think it's appropriate, on a Christian music blog, to talk about a Christian ministry booking bands with a clear anti-Christian message and discuss where we cross the line when we reach out in ministry. I think most folks who know anything about Rocketown would agree that there is ministry that takes place there, that it's a great, encouraging, safe place for kids - and if you didn't know that you heard stories from the kids themselves.

At the same time, there are some of us were like ... what? Those bands at Rocketown? And wanted to know more about why they'd book them.

I did try to contact Rocketown as well as one of the bands. But to no avail.

So I'll ask you: tell me about the show last night at Rocketown. If you're in the band, how was the experience? Did you mind playing at a club with a mission to share Christ's love? If you're a fan, did the chatter on this blog influence your decision to go or not go? Was it what you expected?

Since I couldn't be there, it's up to you, my friends, to give me the report!

RELATED POSTS:
The Rocketown controversy gets spotlight by News 2 in Nashville
Christian club Rocketown plays host to night of 'satanic' rock
Rocketown and secular bands: some thoughts from the other side of the issue
VIDEO: Rocketown's 2009 fundraising campaign

Click here to subscribe to Gospel Soundcheck by email and have the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter!

Generally, I try to avoid rumors, but I got a news tip this morning that the Gospel Music Association may have voted to disband, shut the doors or otherwise call it a day.

The news - or rumor, depending on where you stand - has been spreading like wildfire on Facebook and email and other Christian music networking venues.

Given the fundraiser that GMA held a few weeks ago, it might seem plausible, at first glance. But rather than speculate, I picked up the phone and called GMA.

Here's the deal: I spoke with someone at the GMA offices who told me that GMA is not closing its doors. And she told me that came right from the Chairman of the Board this morning.

GMA, like every other responsible Christian ministry, is seeking ways to use its resources wisely to better serve GMA membership and Christian music in 2010 and beyond. Any changes or additional news will be forthcoming.

So for now, let's let the GMA rumor mill be still for a bit, and let GMA fill us in as they move forward.

RELATED POSTS:
Gospel Music Association rumors and problems; where does GMA go from here?
GMA offering online auction of autographed memorabilia to raise funds
Big Changes at Gospel Music Association

Click here to subscribe to Gospel Soundcheck by email and have the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter!

Stryper will give an unplugged performance on the popular nationally syndicated TV morning show "Daytime" tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet and guitarist Oz Fox will perform an acoustic version of "Peace of Mind" from their new album Murder by Pride, as well as their classic hit song "Soldiers Under Command."

The show is hosted by Cindi Edwards, Dave Nemeth, and MTV's "Real World" Lindsay MacDonald and airs daily in 200 markets nationwide. Previous celebrity guests include Tim McGraw, Oprah Winfrey, Jay Leno, Donald Trump and many more.

For more about "Daytime" and to find out when it airs in your city, visit the show's website.

For more about Stryper, visit the band's website.