Recently in Christian music events Category

GMA In The Rockies, one of the Gospel Music Association's premiere events for aspiring songwriters, worship leaders and Christian music artists, has moved to Nashville and changed its name to IMMERSE.

IMMERSE is scheduled for July 29 to August 2 on the campus of Belmont University, and will feature training, professional and personal feedback, one-of-a-kind concerts and a sense of community designed to uniquely equip creative Christians to impact culture through music both in and out of the church.

This weekend, I volunteered at a youth event called Youth Extreme that brought together hundreds of junior and senior high students for an evening of games, extreme sports events and music, as well as a message about Jesus. It was a great time, and almost 40 students decided to pursue relationships with Jesus. (I say that because I hate the number counting about who "got saved;" instead, I like to think that students were awakened to God's spirit and conciously began to pursue a relationship with Him.)

I'm always interested in local Christian bands, what bands are new, what bands are still around after years, and why these musicians do what they do. And I was reminded this weekend about how important your local Christian band can be to your ministry.

A lot of times, churches and ministries are looking to do big events and try to bring in big name bands. There's the thought, sometimes correct, that a bigger name band will draw more people to an event. But if you're looking to really impact the lives of your students, here are three reasons why you should bring in the unknown band that's right in your backyard.

I'm leaving in the morning for Gospel Music Week in Nashville, the week when Christian music artists, hopefuls, media and industry folks all get together for a week of showcases, interviews and networking. The week will culminate in the Dove Awards on Thursday, April 23.

While I'm gone, I'll be updating periodically throughout the week. I'll be attending media events with Tooth and Nail, Centricity Records and about two dozen interviews. (See the list of artists) I'm also meeting with a friend, who gets together with some other folks in the media every year to decide on the year's worst in Christian music. I'll definitely update you on that!

On Monday, filmmaker Dan Millican will be my guest blogger; he'll be talking about God, creativity, and cheesy christian movies. You won't want to miss it.

Check in during the week for GMA updates. I won't be attending the Dove Awards, but if you're going let me know. You can give us the update! (I don't have cable so I can't even watch it on TV.)

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Have you ever wished you could ask your favorite Christian music artist a question?

Gospel Music Week doesn't happen until April, but I'm already gearing up for the event, which brings together artists, media and industry professionals for a week of showcases, interviews and other fun stuff, all in the heart of Nashville.

I've attended for quite a few years and thought I'd try something fun this year: letting YOU be the interviewer! Between now and April 18th, when I leave, I'll keep a running list of the artists that I have time scheduled with, and I want you to leave your questions in the comments section. Be sure to leave your first name, because I may video tape the responses so the artist can address you personally.

Even if you don't see your favorite artist listed, still leave a general question. Not only am I still booking interviews, I'm attending some events where there are a lot of artists hanging out and mingling. So while I may not have a specific interview time with, say Hawk Nelson or Jeremy Camp, I'll be having lunch with them.

Some of these artists are up-and-coming, some are veterans. (Haven't heard, for example, if my interview request with Third Day is going to be accepted.) So take some time to check out the unfamiliar names - they may be the "next big thing."

The week culminates in the Dove Awards; I won't be attending this year. To be honest, media sits in the press room and while we get to see winners and presenters after they've appeared we don't get to see the show. This year, I need to be home the next day so I'm skipping the event. But you can watch the event live, for the first time I think, on the Gospel Music Channel. (Usually, you have to wait to see it in syndication.)

Interviews scheduled so far include (list is constantly be updated as artists become available for interviews):

On Saturday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m., nine days after the New York Yankees home opener, Joel and Victoria Osteen will hold "A Night of Hope" at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y.

The event, which will be the first non-baseball event at the stadium, is expected to draw tens-of-thousands from around the tri-state area to hear an inspirational message from Joel and Victoria as well as the electrifying music of Grammy Award winning artist Israel Houghton, Dove Award winning artist Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff, and the Lakewood music team.

The event will also be carried live throughout the U.S. and around the world on the 33 international satellites of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world's largest Christian television network. Tickets for the event are $15.00 and are on sale now at Joel Osteen's website or Ticketmaster outlets.

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