Wednesday, June 30, 2010

It's the middle of the week. Hump day. The start of the downhill slope towards an exciting holiday weekend filled with fireworks, patriotism and hopefully ... watermelon.

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to know the Eastern Shore one thing at a time ...

#7. A walk through the Salisbury Zoo! Who doesn't love animals?! And the Salisbury Zoo has several!

#6. Good Mexican food at Cactus Taverna!

Have something to add to the list of 102.5 Shore Things (Stuff to know, do, try, experience, etc. etc. on Delmarva)?
Email them to me! jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY:
Shane & Shane

Shane Barnard and Shane Everett combined their voices and acoustic guitars while finishing up their degrees at Texas A&M University. Both Texas natives, they are annoyingly fans of the Dallas Cowboys - but since they love Jesus, I guess I can stomach them as brothers in Christ. Each album the duo puts out shows artistic and spiritual growth - tackling hard subjects like losing a parent and faith in the midst of silence from God.

The Shanes have also both tackled fatherhood in recent years. Everett started the trend, with Shane Barnard and his wife Bethany Dillon (also a Christian recording artist) are expecting their first child, a daughter, this month!

As if recording, touring, and "being fruitful and multiplying" weren't enough to keep Batman and Robin ... I mean Shane & Shane busy - they've also been teaching! The Oaks School of Leadership Southwestern Assemblies of God University made them professors of worship music! Want more on the program? Check it out: http://shaneandshane.com/2010/06/10/great-year-at-osl/

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The countdown is on to the national fireworks display this weekend! In case you forgot, or are Canadian - This weekend is July 4th! So swell your national pride by digging in to watermelon and watching explosions over our capitol ...

It is Tuesday, which means NEW MUSIC! But not from anybody you've ever heard of. Here's this week's new music highlights:

Worship:
Jeremy Horn "We Welcome You In"
Hillsong Live "A Beautiful Exchange"
Jake Schwein "Overwhelmed"
City of Life "City of Life Worship"

Blues:
Johnny Lang "Live at the Ryman"

Christian Rock:
Children 18:13 "Rains A Comin'"
Haste The Day "Attack of the Wolf King"
Silverline "Voices in the Night"
The Choir "Burning Like The Midnight Sun"
Future of Forestry "Travel III"

Gospel:
Robert Randolph & The Family Band "We Walk This Road"

Get the lowdown every week on New Music at: www.newreleasetuesday.com

102.5 Shore Things
Getting to know the Eastern Shore one thing at a time ...

#6. Good Mexican food at Cactus Taverna!

I'm a big fan of Mexican food - but everyone has a different opinion as to what qualifies as "good." Some people actually think Taco Bell is authentic Mexican. Seriously. So while I can't speak for the quality of Cactus Taverna, it was submitted by a fan of their's and I'll have to give it a try!

Have something to add to the list of 102.5 Shore Things (Stuff to know, do, try, experience, etc. etc. on Delmarva)?
Email them to me! jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY:
Jadon Lavik

Let it never be said that nothing good came out of the Pacific Northwest. Washington state native, Jadon Lavik just released his 5th studio album “Art & Soul” – this time as an independent artist.

About the new album Art & Soul, Lavik says, “I think the album title speaks well as to where I find myself as an artist: Balancing my music between the Christian music world and the Church. The truth is, I have a heart for both, appreciate both, and recognize that I value and enjoy both.”

Jadon has been a touring artist since 2004 and currently balances his travels with serving as a worship pastor in San Clemente, Ca + Jadon and his wife have two children, both under the age of 3. So it’s safe to say, his hands are full!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Is your Friday feeling more like a FRIED-day? Burnt out from a long week? Stressed out about work and life? Well, sizzle in dispair no longer! Tomorrow from 10 AM - 12 PM come hang out with me (Josh) at the Grand Re-Opening of the HALO Bargain Center (701 Snow Hill Rd. Salisbury, MD)! It'll be fun! Plus I'd really like to meet you.

102.5 Shore Things:
A list of Events, Food, & Knowledge on the Eastern Shore

#5. Spend Saturday morning junkin' at the Salisbury Flea Market!
#4. Enjoy the cornfields in November
#3. The Wachapreague Volunteer Firemen's Carnival (June 23-July17)
#2. Fireworks after a Shorebirds game.
#1. Debbie Byrd's crabcakes

Have something to add to the list of 102.5 Shore Things (Stuff to know, do, try, experience, etc. etc. on Delmarva)?
Email them to me! jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Natalie Grant

In the late 1990s, the Dove Awards earned the nickname "The Chappies" because it seemed that 80% of the awards given out were going to Steven Curtis Chapman (seriously, he has over 20). However, Female Vocalist of the Year (for an astounding 4 straight years) was going straight to Natalie Grant - one of the most powerful voices in Christian music history.

This August, Grant will add to her anthology with record number 8: "Love Revolution" - an album in the making for over a year. It's been hard juggling world tours with 3-year-old twin girls, and making things even more insane - Natalie and her husband just announced they are expecting a third child this December! To quote an ancient Hebrew expression, "Oy vey!"

New Single: Greatness of Our God on the upcoming "Love Revolution" can be heard on Joy! 102.5

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The weekend is fast approaching! Come meet me at our Live Remote this Saturday - from the Grand Re-opening of HALO Ministries Bargain Center at 701 Snow Hill Road in Salisbury (Formerly Jack's Religious Gift Shop). I'll be broadcasting live from 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, so swing by on your way to the Strawberry Festival.
102.5 Shore Things

#4. This one is a little more sentimental: Enjoy the cornfields in November. They truly are a site to behold. Though we have a lot of summer to get through first!
#3. The Wachapreague Volunteer Firemen's Carnival (June 23-July17)
#2. Fireworks after a Shorebirds game.
#1. Debbie Byrd's crabcakes

Have something to add to the list of 102.5 Shore Things (Stuff to know, do, try, experience, etc. etc. on Delmarva)?
Email them to me! jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY:
The David Crowder Band

David Crowder Band began as a challenge to get students from Baylor University in church on Sundays. Texarcana/Waco, TX is known for two things now. The birthplace of Dr. Pepper and the musical chaos that is the David Crowder Band!

Each album explores a variety of music, with the goal of creating unique, inspiring, and audacious worship music. The band's latest major release was "Church Music." The album combines elements of rhythm and blues, euro-rock, pop, electronica, and blue grass to achieve an incredible variety of sounds that somehow find a special harmony. Along with continuing to lead worship at their home church, touring and recording, the band also is very involved in the Passion movement around the US.

Their hit album "A Collision" was produced at David's home studio - built in the barn where Dr. Pepper was invented. Seriously.

This summer the band has released an iTunes only EP: Summer Happiness, which features reworked versions of some of their favorite Church Music songs.

This summer, DCB is hosting a massive worship conference. Check out the video invitation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU_oKxu64LQ

Dare to explore this powerful music group? http://davidcrowderband.com/

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

It's the middle of the week - halfway there!

Yesterday on Facebook, I posted a "random poll" to discover your favorite summertime treats, and I must say, I was impressed! Sure there were the normal "ice cream and watermelon" choices, but many of you posted fresh produce like tomatoes and corn - so healthy! To honor your health conscious selections, I grilled squash and zucchini along with salmon for dinner last night.

Note: Be sure to cut vegetables long ways if you are going to grill. I lost half of mine to the cracks.

102.5 Shore Things! Get-To-Know Delmarva
#3. The Wachapreague Volunteer Firemen's Carnival (June 23-July17)
#2. Catch fireworks after a Shorebirds game.
#1. Debbie Byrd's crabcakes.

Have something to add to the list of 102.5 Shore Things (Stuff to know, do, try, experience, etc. etc. on Delmarva)? Email them to me! jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY:
Christ For the Nations

Christ for the Nations is so much more than just worship music. Christ For The Nations is an international, interdenominational organization which exists to train and equip men and women with the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit and with a lifestyle of worship, to reach the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Providing resources for the completion of church buildings, caring for orphans, supporting the nation of Israel, humanitarian relief efforts, establishing and strengthening international Bible schools and the distribution of Christian literature. On top of that multi-layered ministry is the CFNMusic label, producing modern worship music and training worship leaders to carry the cause of Christ around the world.

FMI: http://www.cfnmusic.com/index.php

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

And this week - we have new music! It's New Release Tuesday. Here are some highlights from Christian artists putting out new music to be illegally downloaded by their "fans."

Addison Road "Stories"
Revive "Blink"
Darwin Hobbs "Champion"
Josh Wilson "Josh Wilson"

Along with these 4 there's a hodgepodge of Christian metal, rap, and gospel releases. Get the full scoop at: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/new_release.php

102.5 Shore Things:
#2 - Catch fireworks after a Shorebirds game!
#1 - Debbie Byrd's crabcakes.

Have something to add to the list of 102.5 Shore Things (Stuff to know, do, try, experience, etc. etc. on Delmarva)? Email them to me! jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY:
Point of Grace

Did you know that POG has 27 #1's in Christian radio? No other group has ever done that in any radio format! It all started in 1993 with "I'll Be Believing." The group formed as a trio fresh out of Ouachita (Washitaw) Baptist University and immediately began touring the church concert circuit. The group has seen several line-up changes, but that early 90s female harmony sound is still front and center - albeit with a more country twang these days.

2010 saw the release of "No Changin' Us" along with a companion cook book "Cooking With Grace." (I bet the secret ingredient is love ...) POG also hosts several "Girls of Grace" conferences for women and teenage girls. It's a pretty busy schedule filled with being moms, wives, rock stars, acclaimed authors, and motivational speakers.

Want to learn more about Point of Grace? Check out: http://www.pointofgrace.net/

Monday, June 21, 2010

Happy Summer! Today is the official kick-start to Summer 2010 - and also the looongest day of the year (The Summer Solstice). After today, the days will grow shorter as we head towards fall. Which after the last few days of 90+ weather, I doubt we'll have too many complaints about the impending Autumn.

This summer, every afternoon I'll be dropping some local-flavored knowledge on the masses in the form of 102.5 Shore Things! It's a list of stuff to do, try, know, experience, taste, etc, etc - all here on Delmarva! Many of you have already emailed in items for the list. I'd love for you to contribute - just email me jmillwood@wolc.org.

Here's Numero Uno on the list:

1. Debbie Byrd's crabcakes! Debbie is the General Manager here at WOLC, and claims to make the absolute best crabcakes. She claims this with great passion - yet she has not yet made any FOR ME! But she is my boss, so she gets top billing on the list.

Have something to add to the LIST? Email me: jmillwood@wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY: FFH

The Deibler's are from Lancaster County, PA - but are not Amish or related to the Hershey family in any way. Jennifer and Jeromy started a 4-part a Capella group called Four For Harmony in the early 90s. That became Far From Home when instruments were added, and then shortened to FFH.

Just a few years ago, the band "took a break" for the Deibler's to do mission work in Africa and deal with the onset of Jeromy's multiple sclerosis (MS). Now back in action with "Wide Open Spaces," FFH is digging deeper in their faith than ever before. Lyrically the new album deals with the hardships of faith, and the frustrations the come when God's way is not what we had hoped for.

Want more on FFH: http://ffh.net/

Friday, June 18, 2010

Hooray it's Friday! This weekend, I'm planning on hitting OC beach for the first time, so Monday, I'll probably be a little sunburnt. No matter how much sunscreen I use, even fully clothed, I will burn. It's how I roll. Speaking of rolls, I guess I do sort of resemble the Pillbury Dough Boy.

This weekend - GO TO CHURCH! It is important. We were not meant to walk this life of faith on our own. Jesus surrounded himself with friends to worship with - so if it is good enough for Jesus - you can bet we ought to emulate that! Find a church here: http://www.wolc.org/acd/

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Sara Groves

How do you go from teaching Kindergarten in Minnesota to being considered the preeminent female songwriter in Christian music? Well, ask Sara Groves because that is her life! Her use of poetry and prose woven through heartfelt, almost lullaby style music has garnered her multiple Dove Nominations, successful albums, radio hits, and most importantly the chance to serve God, while using her gifts to create art!

Her latest album is called "Fireflies & Songs" and it is a collaborative effort between Sara and musical legend Charlie Peacock. Sara would write and record songs at the piano from her home, then send them to Charlie to add other instruments. Back and forth - time and again - they created a beautiful masterpiece without the stress of locking themselves away in a studio, under pressure from the record label to stop wracking up the bill!

Learn more about Sara: http://www.saragroves.com/

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Any CS Lewis fans out there? My in-laws are sort of obsessive when it comes to the Chronicles of Narnia, and low and behold, when I signed on to Facebook this morning I discovered a movie trailer for "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" - which is my second favorite of Lewis' Narnia series.

The first two movies were produced by Disney, but the third one "jumped ship" (That's a pun - The Dawn Treader is a boat) to Fox Searchlight. It focuses in on the younger two Pevinse children, and their obnoxious cousin. Are you a fan of the series? Here's the link to the preview:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid96726512001?bctid=96363587001

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Building 429

Jason Roy fronts B429 along with his friends Michael Anders and Jesse Garcia (and an every changing line-up outside of those three). The name comes from Ephesians 4:29. I'd list it for you, but I'd rather you look it up in your Bible. Go ahead. I'll wait.

It's all about what comes out of your mouth, the struggle to be an encourager. The Bible talks at lengths about how the tongue is the most dangerous part of the human body. Especially for college guys - which is when the band formed.

Building 429 won new artist of the year at the 2005 Dove Awards - but having toured as an independent act for years before receiving critical and radio reviews, they were a little bothered at being considered "new."

FMI on Building 429: www.building429.com

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Not only is it the middle of the week - but halfway through June - and very nearly halfway through 2010! My how this year is flying by! So today, let me encourage you to stop and take account of what you have been through thus far in 2010.

Me personally? Well, I started the year in New Orleans, LA with an eight month pregnant wife ... so things have changed quite a bit. Now I'm in Salisbury, MD with a nearly 5 month old daughter, a new job ... basically a new everything! It's been eventful. Often times very hard. But overwhelmingly amazing.

What's the reason for the look back through the year thus far? In staff Bible study we've been reading through the story of Abraham. Just this week we got to the part where Abraham sends his servant back South to find a proper wife for his son Isaac. I was and am very touched by the servant's reaction to every impossible thing that happens along his journey. He stops and worships. Every single time!

All too often when God answers a prayer, or brings something to pass from way out in left field, I have the tendency to shrug it off and press forward to the next great calamity. That, I believe, is just flat our wrong. I'm trying to practice what the servant in the story did - to stop and worship God when He does something (anything) and I'm there to witness it.

So this Wednesday - give thanks for the previous days, weeks, months - and search your heart to find what God has been doing, and worship Him for it!

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Jonny Diaz

"There's no crying in baseball!" - Tom Hanks A League of Their Own

A full-ride baseball scholarship to Florida State University. A family pedigree that includes two older brothers already in the Majors. Jonny Diaz had a legacy to live up to, but instead of hustling along through Spring Training, Diaz picked up a guitar and started writing songs that were pouring out like a flood!

Emotional, acoustic, semi-country songs about heart break, peer pressure, self-confidence and worship led Jonny away from a full ride at FSU and into full-time musical ministry. That's a leap of faith (and potential income). After putting out two indie albums and wrapping up college, Jonny headed to Nashville. He joined the INO team (MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, etc) and before you know it, we were all singing "More Beautiful You."

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Happy Tuesday everybody! So there's nothing new coming out in Christian music today - which makes this sort of a lame New Release Tuesday ... so ... sorry.

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Meredith Andrews

Meredith grew up in Wilson, NC, where she started singing when she was six years old. She attended Wilson Christian Academy, and later attended college at Liberty University in Virginia - so a good ole southern education.

Her parents were foster parents to many children while Meredith was growing up – 3 of whom are now her adopted siblings. In 2008, Meredith married Jacob Sooter and the couple is expecting their first child this August!

Her major label debut was the album “The Invitation” and this Spring she released “As Long As It Takes.”

Monday, June 14, 2010

If "rainy days and Mondays always get (you) down" - that's unfortunate. As for me and my house ... well we are going to rock this Monday! We've got Barlow Girl on Artist of the Day and a full recap of all the random stuff I found at the 4th Annual WOLC Yard Sale! (Spoiler alert: it's mostly baby clothes ...)

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Barlow Girl

Alyssa, Becca, and Lauren have been leading worship with their parents since they were preteens. Now in their early 20's the girls are household names and rising stars - not to mention incredible role models for young girls.

It all started when the band Superchick made friends with the girls while on tour. They were such spectacular young women of God, that Superchick wrote a song about them (entitled "Barlow Girls") - the song was a #1 hit - so the girls figured, "Hey, why not take advantage of this new-found fame and record a record?" The rest is (recent) history!

Oh - and guys - they are all three single ...

Friday, June 11, 2010

Friday is here! Hip, hip (hooray!)

And what are you doing this weekend? Coming to the Joy 102.5 Yard Sale of course! I just learned today that there will be food vendors present this year. Scrapple, pretzels, and coffee while you dig through previously loved treasures? Now THAT is what I call a Saturday morning ...

I hope that you have a place to worship this Sunday - but if you don't, Joy 102.5 wants to help get you connected. Check out our Area Church Directory to find a place near you, where you can worship and grow.

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Third Day

Are you a Gomer? That's what Third Day uber-fans go by. Named after Hosea's wife in the Old Testament, the Gomer nation is pushing 100,000 members and you'll recognize them at any Third Day concert as the people wearing bright orange!

You know you've hit the Big Time when your fans organize to that sort of level. Third Day has been rocking the world for nearly 20 years now. 11 albums - dozens of Grammys and Dove Awards - Endless mission involvement - there isn't much Third Day hasn't accomplished!

But don't expect them to come play your birthday party. They cost upwards $100,000 to book. That's definitely not in the budget ...

Thursday, June 10, 2010

It's just 2 days away - the GIANT 4th Annual Joy 102.5 Yard Sale! There was some confusion - we will not be selling "yards." But you can come and sell all your previously loved items ON our yard...

Want more information? http://www.wolc.org

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Phil (wicky, wicky) Wickham

Originally from SoCal, Phil started leading worship for his church youth group at age 12! He comes from a musical background. His parents were a part of the Jesus movement group Parable, and they always encouraged all three of their kids in music.

Having toured with MercyMe and Casting Crowns, Phil continue to write, record, and tour aggressively. As a special "thank you" to his fans, he released a live worship album "Singalong" for free. His latest project "Heaven & Earth" features Bart Millard of MercyMe singing backup. Now that is good solid backup ...

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS! It's is officially the middle of the week! That means you have survived - perhaps even thrived - half the way to the weekend. Of course we don't live just for the weekend, but there are a lot of things to look forward to about this weekend. Namely: The Joy 102.5 Yard Sale! It all begins at 7:00 AM Saturday at the Joy 102.5 studios in Princess Anne. So please come - please sell stuff - good stuff - because I just moved here and I need some more stuff ...

ARTIST OF THE DAY: Plumb

Tiffany Arbuckle Lee is the voice and face of Plumb - named after a song from the 90s (not the fruit or color). Her goal - to bring authentic, emotional depth to the music you hear on Christian radio.

And I'd say she's accomplished that! From raging rock anthems in the late 90's to a more lullabyish/motherhood genre she's crafting today, Plumb brings a serious beauty to the airwaves.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

It's Tuesday! Hooray! For ... Tuesday ...
Ok, so Tuesday is not what we would usually call a motivated day. It's not the beginning. It's not the end. It's not even the middle yet!

But Tuesday does have it's own special somethin'-somethin' - new music! Tuesday is the day when Artists and Bands release their new albums. What's new from your favorite Christian artists?
* Hawk Nelson "Hawkology: A Hawk Nelson Anthology"
* Group One Crew "Space Bound EP"
* Forever Jones "Get Ready"
& More! Check out the rest: New Christian Music Releases For June 08, 2010 - NewReleaseTuesday.com

Artist of the Day: 33Miles

Basically a Modern-Country Boy-band, 33Miles rocketed to popularity with their debut self-titled album three years ago. Now with their sophomore album climbing charts and a nationwide summer headlining tour breezing around North America it's hard to imagine the Christian charts without them!

So where did their latest hit "Jesus Calling" come from? Find out today at 5:30 on the Joy Ride with Josh!

Monday, June 7, 2010

A new day has come for the Joy Ride! My name is Josh Millwood and I'll be manning the steering wheel weekday afternoons on Joy 102.5. I'm from New Orleans, LA but very excited to call DelMarVa my new home. Today is my first time hosting the Joy Ride, so I hope you will enjoy getting to know me as I get to know you.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jamie Slocum is today's featured artist. He's originally from Oregon, but has called Nashville, TN his home since the early 90's.

He was a staff songwriter for Curb records for nearly a decade before launching a solo career which is just now beginning to take flight.

Learn all about Jamie and his songs today at 5:30 PM!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Good Afternoon and welcome to the Joy Ride! Hope you had a great and safe holiday weekend.

Artist of the Day

Francesca Battistelli will be featured today at 5:30.