Friday, May 17, 2013

WEEKEND!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rita Springer

"My heart has always been to see people come into a perspective of worship that leads them to lifestyle membership and true ownership in Jesus. I have learned that He truly is the Best Friend, Father, Savior, and Lover of my soul." - Rita Springer

Rita Springer has recorded over half a dozen albums and toured the world, sharing her music and her heart with anyone who will listen. Her powerful vocals, unabashed lyrics, and philosophy of complete and utter openness before God have made her stand out in the worship community. Rita's live albums capture her passion for unscripted, spontaneous worship.

After years of sensing God was calling her to step up her responsibilities in mentoring the next generation of women in the worship arts, Rita Springer started DIVE (Deep Innovative Vertical Expression) - a mentoring program that focuses on small groups of women.

Gifted: Rita has been playing piano and writing music since the age of 11.  She's about to launch a clothing line called WEARING JUSTICE - and also speaks at the Finding Eve conferences for women.

Album: The Playlist

Twitter: @ritaspringer

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Call You



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  In Proverbs, Solomon says "fear of the Lord is the beginning of ____"?
      HINT: It's not wisdom.

A:  Knowledge.

Way to go, Robin in Ocean City!

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Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

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CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Smile.  Harder.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Francesca Battistelli

At only six years old, Francesca was an aspiring actress. She longed to be on Broadway - singing and dancing and acting. Francesca’s passion for life on the stage wasn’t all that surprising, given her mom and dad’s extensive theater background. In fact, they met when her dad was the assistant conductor for the national tour of “The King and I,” while her mom played Anna, the show's female lead opposite Yul Brynner.

And when Francesca was 15, she put her skills to good use in an all-girl mainstream pop group in Orlando, an experience that helped pave the way for what she does today. But when the gig eventually ended, Francesca says she was thankful for an opportunity to clear her head. “Not long after, I recharged my batteries by going to this youth ministry that I absolutely loved,” Francesca shares. “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.”

Honored: In September, Francesca was surprised on stage by the President of Word Entertainment - who awarded her a gold album for her debut, My Paper Heart.  This marks the first debut album from a CCM artist in nearly a decade to receive RIAA-certified Gold status for sales in excess of 500,000 units.

Family: Francesca and her husband have two kids - a three year old son and toddler daughter.  And I'm pretty sure that keeps her busier than even a crazy tour schedule...

Album: Hundred More Years (Deluxe Edition)

Twitter: @francescamusic

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Strangely Dim Live on Good Day NY!

New York News | NYC Breaking News

What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  In Psalm 74, Asaph mentions a large creature called "Leviathan" - what other book in the Old Testament refers to Leviathan?

A:  Job (41)

Score for Robert in Salisbury!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

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CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

If you are here today - it's a gift.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

How Mercy Looks From Here
by Amy Grant | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Bring Your Nothing
by Shane & Shane | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Ultimate Collection
by Robin Mark | Genre: Praise & Worship

Then Sings My Soul
by Katie Ainge | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Before/After
by Lights Align | Genre: Praise & Worship

Paradyme Shift
by ReadyWriter | Genre: Urban

Goin' Home
by Whosoever South | Genre: Rap

Something More
by Altars | Genre: Hard Rock

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
NEEDTOBREATHE

Named after the acclaimed University of Alabama football coach Bear Bryant, brothers Bear and Nathaniel Bryant "Bo" Rinehart were born and raised in rural Possum Kingdom, SC, where their pastor father ran a church camp.

In 2008, Needtobreathe was nominated for two Dove Awards at the 39th annual GMA Dove Awards and in 2009, Needtobreathe's song Washed by the Water was nominated and won the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year.

Formed in 1999, Needtobreathe built an impressive regional following, playing throughout the Southeast. They toured non-stop, recording at their home studio and got noticed by Hollywood producers, who have used their music in television and film.

Current Events: The band is currently in studio working out the kinks of a 5th full length album.  But not one to leave their hungry fans without new music, they've released an EP called La Diferencia - which you can only get at one of their concerts.

Let's Duet: Bear sings a duet with Bart Millard on the newest MercyMe album - and it's incredible!

Album: The Reckoning

Twitter: @needtobreathe

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Keep Your Eyes Open



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who was David hiding from when he wrote Psalm 57?

A:  Saul.

Way to go, Bruce in Delmar, MD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

LISTEN ONLINE

CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
CLICK HERE for The Ark on WOLC.org (Southern Gospel)

Monday, May 13, 2013

If you missed the Sidewalk Prophets concert Saturday - you REALLY missed out...
But if you were there - share your pictures with us on Facebook!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Point of Grace

Point of Grace first came to be 20 years ago at Ouachita Baptist University. Despite two decades of Christian music stardom, at the group's essense are three women just trying to live their lives right, be good wives and raise their children the best they can.

Recipes: POG released a cookbook, Cooking with Grace, featuring personal photos and stories to help raise money for an African orphanage.

Awards: The two-time Grammy nominees have sold more than 6.5 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They’ve also won 10 Dove Awards and they produce a weekly radio show that is syndicated across the country.

Album: A Thousand Little Things

Twitter: @PointofGrace

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: How You Live (Acoustic)



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  The Psalmist in Psalm 37 says that if "you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires.." of what?

A:  Your heart!

Way to go, Ken in Mechanicsville, MD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

LISTEN ONLINE

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Don't forget - SIDEWALK PROPHETS CONCERT TOMORROW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jason Castro

“I’ve heard it said that music is the language of the soul. I think it’s something God created for our souls to be able to rejoice in.” - Jason Castro

Jason Castro is the bright eyed, dreadlocked Christian who captivated the nation on Season 7 of American Idol.  The Texan had his pick of music careers after the show and chose to make music aimed at worship.

Raised in the church by a musical family of Colombian descent, Castro started drumming at 11, playing music in the youth ministry, and joined his father in leading worship. As a drummer, Castro loved the intensity of bands like MxPx and Switchfoot.  While in college Jason moved from being the crazy drummer to the introspective song-writer.  Which meant transitioning from behind the drum kit to behind the microphone.

Jason Castro finished in fourth place on his season of American Idol. That's saying something for a guy who never really thought he had the chops to be a professional singer/songwriter.  As a vocal member of the I Am Second movement, Jason has proudly broadcasted his faith, but with his naturally gentle spirit.

Album: Only A Mountain

Twitter: @jasoncastro

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE
*He's here with Sidewalk Prophets tomorrow night at Salisbury Christian School!

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Rise To You Official Music Video



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who is Psalm 22:14 prophesying about when it says "I am poured out like water and all my bones are out of joint"?

A:  Jesus on the cross.

Congratulations, Susan in Stocton!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

LISTEN ONLINE

CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Tune in this afternoon to listen to Josh interview Dave Frey of Sidewalk Prophets!  We'll find out what to expect at Saturday's concert!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sidewalk Prophets

Integrating worship with real life - that is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. Dave Frey and Ben McDonald founded the band in college, having no idea that in just a short time they would have a successful record and a loaded touring schedule. A demo tape landed them in a campus talent contest, which somehow connected them to Audio Adrenaline's Will McGinniss, landing them an opening gig for Audio Adrenaline which formed the template for their life now spent on the road over 150 days of the year.

Sounds like a fun life, right? Sure, if you want to leave family and friends to live on the road for half of each year, sleeping in the janitor’s closet at some venues, and making due with beans and cornbread, while trying to practice, write and record in between shows. Exhausting? Yes. Worth it? To Sidewalk Prophets, they'd have it no other way!

Dave and Ben rounded out their band with a bassist and drummer (Cal Joslin and Justin Nace) they found on Craigslist. So you never know who will respond to your ad!

Album: Live Like That

Twitter: @swprophets

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Mean (originally by Taylor Swift)



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  In Psalm 18, who did David call upon to save him from his enemies?

A:  The Lord!

Score for Diane!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

LISTEN ONLINE

CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The half-way point has been reached - hold on!
It's all downhill from here!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Dan Macaulay

Dan Macaulay is a Canadian transplant, leading worship at a church just outside of New York City. Having shared the stage with Mandisa, The Katinas, Avalon, Starfield, Kevin Max, Paul Coleman, Darrell Evans and more - Dan is no stranger to the road. But with a heart for the local church, and as a worship pastor at his home church in Greenwich, CT, Dan endeavors to keep his ministry grounded and relevant; focused on serving pastors and worshipers.

As an independent worship artist, Dan Macaulay raised funds for a new album through KickStarter.  With 125 financial partners, he was able to fully fund the recording and production of a new album! Very cool!

Plus Michael W. Smith came into the studio to help record a cover of a classic MWS song. Imagine recording a song by one of your heroes as he stared at you in the recording booth. Yikes!

Positive Outlook: “Leading worship these days is better than ever,” he says. “What an exciting time in history we live in. I believe God is using the uncertain to heighten our awareness of the One certain thing that we desperately need more than ever—Him. I’m just helping people see that, make the connection, and turn their focus on Him to carry them through.”

Canadian Radio: Dan Macaulay had 2 songs (#62 and #98) on Canadian Christian Radio's Top 100 songs played in 2012!

Accolades:  Dan's latest album From You For You racked up four GMA Canada Covenant Award nominations (Canada’s Dove Awards) including 2012 Praise & Worship Album of the Year.

Album: From You For You

Twitter: @danmacaulay

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Live Like You're Free Official Lyrics Video



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What does Psalm 14 call a person who says that there is no God?

A:  A fool. (Psalm 14)

Score for Kayla in Seaford!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

LISTEN ONLINE

CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
CLICK HERE for The Ark on WOLC.org (Southern Gospel)