The Joy Ride: July 2011

Friday, July 29, 2011

Watermelon seed spitting contest?! Oh yeah!
Wright's Market is hosting their annual Watermelon Fest tomorrow.
It could be a delicious weekend...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sanctus Real

Sanctus Real formed in Toledo, Ohio, in 1996, when founding members Matt and Chris were just in the 10th grade. Since 2002, they have released five albums through the Sparrow record label - garnered multiple #1 hits, two GRAMMY nomination and landed multiple Dove award wins and even more nominations to boot.

Really Cool: You can join Sanctus Real in sharing your story of how Jesus redeemed you. Visit SanctusReal.com and submit your story through written word, poetry or video!

Latest Album: Pieces Of A Real Heart

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: About The Redeemer

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What king of Israel was tormented by an evil spirit?

A: Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23)

Way to go Rebekah of Salisbury, MD!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Does the week ever escape you?
We've all had weeks where we wake up on Wednesday sure that it is Friday, only to be disappointed. But what about days where you think you have all the time in the world, and then someone says "Aren't you glad tomorrow is Friday?"
WOW! Where did the week go?
I guess it is true - time flies when you are having fun.
Or as a Particle Physicist might say, "Time is constant, not get out of my lab."

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Watermark

Watermark (Originally called Sons & Daughters) was a singing duo composed of husband and wife Nathan and Christy Nockels. They've been focusing on other ministries since their 2006 final album A Grateful People. Throughout the years, Nathan and Christy have played a part in the Passion Conferences, which were started by Louie Giglio.

Nathan is one of the preeminent producers in Nashville and wife Christy has continued to lend her voice to worship albums, as well as releasing a couple of solo projects. Back in 2008 the Nockels moved to Atlanta to be a founding family of Passion City Church.

Last Album: A Grateful People

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What 2 people have walked on the Sea of Galilee?

A: Jesus & Peter (Matthew 14:25-31)

Hooray for Richard of Accomac!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

I want to issue a special thanks to every Vacation Bible School director, and all you VBS volunteers.
I know what hard work goes into making a VBS happen - just know you are appreciated.
I am a living example of a child who went to VBS, grew in the Lord, and now works in ministry. So when it gets exhausting and you think you can't go on - persevere and know it is worth it!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Paul Good

Paul is a worship leader pursuing the Christian music dream in Franklin, TN (Nashville suburbs). Good and his band are working on a new album, hinging on their latest single Walk With Me.

About His Song: Walk With Me reminds us of the choice & privilege we always have to live for Christ and His purposes each day rather than our own, which never satisfys. We have the chance to live out, in each situation according to the light of the knowledge of all we are and have in Christ, bringing a closeness with God, as well as a deeper sense of his love for us. And this is what our heart truly longs for!

Latest Album: Love Thing

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Breakthrough

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What happened with Peter and John placed their hands on the believers in Samaria?

A: They received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

God is Able
by Hillsong Live | Genre: Praise & Worship

I'm All In
by Robert Pierre | Genre: Pop/Rock

Hope's Anthem
by William Matthews | Genre: Praise & Worship

Volition
by As Hell Retreats | Genre: Hard Rock

Beautiful Monster
by Thi’sl | Genre: Rap

American Dream
by Dominic Balli | Genre: Reggae

We're All In This Together DVD
by Hillsong United | Genre: Praise & Worship

Details & More: CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Bread Of Stone

Bread of Stone was founded by two brothers from Indonesia. Ben and Bill bring an international heart for ministry into this American based Christian band. And a musical diversity as well, not fitting squarely into any niche, but experimenting with sound, much like the David Crowder Band. Bread of Stone has toured with some of the top names in Christian music including the Newsboys, Stellar Kart, DecembeRadio, Petra, Building 429, Superchick and many others. This is just the beginning for this band and already, they have turned their attention away from career to focus on ministry.

The Light Project is the band's Indonesian ministry. The Light Project was founded after Ben and Bill Kristijanto, founders of Bread of Stone visited their homeland, Indonesia to do mission work with Scavengers (people surviving from trash). The Kristijantos and partners are working in with a local church in Surabaya to help spread the love of Christ one community at a time, by helping them with every day necessities such as food, transportation, and to just be there as a family in Christ. Going above and beyond in their giving to support the ministry of working with the Scavengers, Bread of Stone believes they are called not only to ask their fans for support, buy the band itself will donate an extra 10% from all of their merchandise sales to help with the ministry.

Line Up:
Ben Kristijanto
Bill Kristijanto
Tim Barnes
Wesley Holt

Latest Album: Saturate

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Hard at work in the Studio

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What happened to the children who made fun of Elisha's bald head?

A: They were torn apart by bears (2 Kings 2:23-25)

Way to go, Josh from Port Republic, MD!

Monday, July 25, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It's Christmas in July, today on the Joy Ride! Whenever you hear a Christmas song, be the first to call 410-543-9652 to win a Phil Wickham Christmas present: his entire CD library! Merry Christmas!

RECAP

The Delaware State Fair was awesome - my coming in last place at the Mountaire Jumbo Chicken Wing Eating Contest ... not so much.

Though I will add that the secret sauce devised by Mountaire, Peppers and Georgia House was quite tasty. I would not recommend speed eating anything in 105 degree heat. Ever.

Check out the pictures HERE!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Casting Crowns

In just six years Casting Crowns has wracked up 4.5 million album sales, a GRAMMY Award, an American Music Award, 23 Dove Awards and 8 chart-topping radio singles! Even with such success the band still resides just outside of Atlanta and lead worship for their churchs' youth ministry as they have for over 18 years.

Hall says, “Our main purpose, above all else, is to know Him more.” It’s that unwavering desire and the intent of a personal friendship with Jesus that drives Casting Crowns.

This fall the band is launching a massive 40-city Come To The Well tour to introduce their new songs - due on their new album in October. Joining Casting Crowns on the road is The Afters, Sanctus Real and Lindsay McCaul. Hopefully they'll make a stop within driving distance!

Random Fact: Mark Hall had a Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite desk in his home office, which he recently auctioned off for charity.

Line Up:
Mark Hall
Megan Garrett
Melodee DeVevo
Hector Cervantes
Chris Huffman
Juan DeVevo
Brian Scoggin.

New Album: Come To The Well (Release Date: October 18, 2011)

Latest Album: Until The Whole World Hears

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Sneak Peek of Courageous (from the upcoming album Come To The Well)

Scriptural Pursuit

Q:What was Jesus' first public miracle?

A: Turning water into wine

Way to go, Amy!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Rodney is on the Joy Ride today, because Josh ... well, Josh is making a fool out of himself right now.

Josh is representing for Joy at Mountaire Farms' Jumbo Chicken Wing eating contest this afternoon at the Delaware State Fair. He's no competitive eater, just a small town boy with big city dreams...

If you are headed for the fair, go check out the competition!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham is originally from and currently serves at Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, CA with his wife Mallory. Phil was raised in a Christian home, the second of three children (brother Evan, sister Jillian), and after feeling the need to "make his faith his own" he began leading worship for his youth group at 12 years old. Wickham's father is currently a worship leader, and both of his parents were at one time members of Jesus movement band Parable.

As if Phil Wickham wasn't awesome enough, he's helping us celebrate CHRISTMAS IN JULY! On Monday, anytime you hear a Christmas song, be the first to call in and win Phil Wickham's ENTIRE CD LIBRARY! That's 4 awesome albums of Wickham!

Latest Album: Heaven & Earth

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Heaven Song

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Mountaire is hosting their annual Chickin' Pickin' contest at the Delaware State Fair tomorrow evening at 5 PM. And Josh is participating in the kick-off event - a Celebrity Jumbo Chicken Wing Eating contest!

He'll race to eat as many jumbo wings as he can in 12 minutes! This is the moment he's been training for all his life! Or at least the last couple of afternoons. The Wing contest is at 5 PM sharp, so if you are headed to the state fair this afternoon, go cheer him on.

We'll post pictures on Facebook as soon as we have them.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Joel Hanson

Joel Hanson was/is the lead singer/guitarist for PFR (basically the Beatles of early 90s Christian music). They get together and take a break more often than they release music. For the last decade he has occasionally recorded some music, when he's not leading worship at his home church in Minnesota.

Joel is an active songwriter who has collaborated with several artists across the music industry, including Sara Groves, Geoff Moore, Jason Gray, Phillips, Craig & Dean, and Phil Keaggy.

My first experience in Christian radio was talking to Joel over the phone when he was in studio at my local Christian station. I was 12 years old and he thought I was a girl.

Latest Album: What If It Is

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Live at Joyful Noise Festival 2010

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Whose rod was turned into a serpent and swallowed the Egyptian sorcerer's serpents?

A: Aaron (Exodus 7)

Kudos to Rob - getting it right and scoring the latest Newsboys album!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Today begins the fasting process. Not for spiritual growth, though. Josh is prepping for the Jumbo Chicken Wing eating contest for Mountaire Farms at the Delaware State Fair on Friday evening at 5 PM! Come see him make a glutton of himself!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Pocket Full of Rocks

In 1995, Michael Farren and drummer David Rollins started Pocket Full of Rocks to lead worship in their local Texas church. As time passed, the band branched out to colleges and churches throughout Texas and Arkansas. Later on teaming up with organizations like Street Rock Ministries, Pocket Full of Rocks began to crisscross the country from Washington, D.C., to California, leading worship at youth conferences and retreats.

Pocket Full of Rocks owes its name to a song from its early days. They wrote a song called Pocket Full of Rocks and became known as the Pocket Full of Rocks band at youth events. The story behind the song is the story of David—before he was ever a great king, he was simply a boy with a "pocket full of rocks," believing God would do something great using any of the small things he himself could offer.

Line-Up:
Michael Farren (vocals)
Alisa Farren (vocals, Michael's wife)
David Rollins (drums)
Jody Crump (bass)
Ryan Riggins (electric guitar)
Kyle Lee (rhythm and acoustic guitars)

Latest Album: More Than Noise

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Let Our God Be Praised (acoustic)

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What happened to the manna that the Israelites horded?

A: It rotted and was filled with maggots (Exodus 16:20)

Congrats to Mark of Berlin, MD - scoring the latest album from Chris Tomlin!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Burlap To Cashmere
by Burlap To Cashmere | Genre: Americana/Folk

Starla Over the Fences EP
by The Gloomcatcher | Genre: Americana/Folk

thegodmachine
by Phinehas | Genre: Hard Rock

To Those Perishing
by A Past Unknown | Genre: Hard Rock

Want more info? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Echoing Angels

Echoing Angels have survived. After initial success on their INO Records debut album the band hit the road, aiming to take their music and the Gospel to the world. But circumstances led to some serious problems. The band ended their relationship with the record label, they lost their booking agency and their long-time manager passed away. This and some line-up changes should have spelled the end of Echoing Angels, but God had other plans.

The band continued touring and were very open about their challenges. Their songs dealt with reality from the perspective of faith and that connected with listeners. Fans who had lost jobs, loved ones and marriages were eager to hear that they were not alone, and to find community and worship at Echoing Angels concerts.

In the end, the self-titled sophomore release is a rebirth of the band. The songs are meant to be a mouthpiece of optimism, patience, and perhaps most of all, perseverance in God’s plan for each and every listeners’ life.

Facts: The band was initially formed by bassist Josh Armour and drummer Jon Poole under the name Two Bare Feet in 1999. Since its inception, John Poole (AKA JP) is the only remaining original member.

Current Line-Up:
Trey Heffinger – vocals
Shannon Cochran – guitar
Jon Poole (JP) – drums
Josh LeBlanc – bass
Neil Tankersley – keyboards

Latest Album: Echoing Angels

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Live Performance of You Alone

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: The nation of Israel crossed the Red Sea on dry ground and also crossed a river on dry ground. Which river?

A: The Jordan (Joshua 3)

Congratulations, Bonnie! Scoring the awesome new album from Building 429!

Monday, July 18, 2011

What a night - what a game! Ok, so the Shorebirds didn't turn out a win, but hanging with so many believers out at the ball park was fantastic! Plus, The Reminders and fireworks were the icing on the cake! Thanks for making this year's Faith & Family Night so spectacular!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Kutless

With two million records sold across its first five efforts, Oregon rock band Kutless had already made a strong name for itself. It Is Well marks the band's second worship album, and an expression of their growth. In fact, the guys spent many weeks praying and seeking council before making the record. They knew their hearts must be in a place of worship to make the art God was inspiring in them. The temptation to make a worship record for success was overwhelming.

Kutless has watched gospel-based acts like Israel Houghton and aspired to bring similar passion and dedicated musicianship to their own rock concerts. They’ve spoken with recent tour mates Casting Crowns, adopting its practice of walking through the empty performance halls ahead of show time, touching the seats and praying for those who will be in attendance. It's this maturity that drives them into the second decade of musical ministry.

"We’re getting a flood of e-mail from people about how the song is impacting their lives," concludes Jon Micah. "Our continuing prayer is for the entire record to point to Christ and remind us all that there is more to worship than worship albums. We must live a life of worship."

Latest Album: It Is Well

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: Everything I Need

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Apostle was released from prison by an angel who opened the prison's iron gate?

A: Peter (Acts 12:1-19)

Hooray for Kimberly!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Take me out to the ball game ... and provide me with fireworks and a free post-game concert! That's what is happening this Saturday night at Faith & Family Night! CLICK HERE FMI!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Meredith Andrews

Just a couple of years ago, Meredith Andrews was a recent college grad working as the worship leader at Chicago's Harvest Bible Chapel. But then Word records released her debut album The Invitation. And her world changed. Fast! Songs like "You're Not Alone" saturated Christian radio and Andrews found herself touring with Michael W. Smith on his A New Hallelujah Tour. Since 2008, Meredith has released two hit albums, garnered Dove nominations, gotten married and had a baby!

A native of Wilson, NC, she began singing in church when she was only six-years-old, and by the time she was in high school, she was writing songs and leading worship. Andrews went on to attend Liberty University (like our own Rodney Baylous!), majoring in family and child development. Meredith originally planned to work at an orphanage. However, during her junior year at Liberty, she felt God calling her into music ministry.

Her commitment to the craft of songwriting is evident on both of her releases. Meredith wrote or co-wrote every song featured on her albums.

Latest Album: As Long As It Takes

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Story Behind Can Anybody Hear Me

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the first anointed king of Israel?

A: Saul

Way to go, Steve!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Robbie Seay Band is based out of Houston’s Ecclesia Church. Robbie's brother Chris is the lead pastor at this very different style of church. While they hold traditional church services, during the week the building is used almost soley to aid the homless in Houston and treat many types of addictions. Ecclesia, along with a host of other Houston churches have also had the opportunity to minister to an influx of the poor and violent from New Orleans post-Katrina.

Robbie Seay says, "For the first time in a long time, I’ve been proud to say I was part of this bigger picture—a bigger church. We’re always focused on what’s wrong with the church today, but seeing how communities responded to such immediate and desperate need—it was amazing."

Ecclesia has a collection of artists who sometimes paint scenes of worship during the services. They try to spend all of their creative juices on finding unique ways to worship - not just with music. But music they have. Aside from touring, the Robbie Seay Band can be found leading worship for the several weekly gatherings at Ecclesia.

Latest Album: Miracle

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: About Song Of Hope

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was Moses' brother?

A: Aaron

Kathy from Westover, MD just won the latest album from Laura Story!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wednesday has arrived - just days to go until you can take yourself out to the ball game - with us! CLICK HERE FMI.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
New Life Worship

New Life Worship in the music ministry of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. They've released numerous worship projects under the banner of New Life Worship and Desperation Band. Not only have they produced great resources for churches but they created an educational program (New Life School of Worship) to develop up and coming worship leaders and artists.

School: The New Life School of Worship is a nine-month program designed to train worship pastors for local churches. Based out of Colorado Springs, CO, the program is designed to provide holistic training in local church worship ministry through classroom instruction, hands-on ministry experience, and private music lessons.

Latest Album: You Hold It All

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: Great I Am

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who had a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals?

A: Peter (Acts 10:9-16)

Whoo hoo! Ashley just won the latest worship album from Glenn Packiam!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Today at DQ Grill & Chill (in Salisbury) 10% of all sales are benefiting Halo! Can you think of a better excuse to get a Blizzard? I didn't think so...

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Brokenness Aside EP Vol 1
by All Sons And Daughters | Genre: Praise & Worship
*a part of the Know Hope Collective

10,000 Reasons
by Matt Redman | Genre: Praise & Worship

You Got My Attention
by Dara Maclean | Genre: Pop/Rock

Come Down O Love Divine
by Fernando Ortega | Genre: Americana/Folk

Turn Up The Music: The Hits Of Point Of Grace
by Point of Grace | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Let It Rain: The Best Of Pocket Full Of Rocks
by Pocket Full Of Rocks | Genre: Praise & Worship

Kingdom Days In An Evil Age
by Sleeping Giant | Genre: Hard Rock

Stop The Funeral
by The Ambassador | Genre: R&B

These Simple Truths (Deluxe Edition)
by Sidewalk Prophets | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Holy Hip Hop Vol. 11
by Various Artists | Genre: Rap

Want more information? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Nichole Nordeman

Back in 1998, Nichole Nordeman's album Wide Eyed burst onto the scene with a sincerity that had been lacking in Christian music. Songs like To Know You and Who You Are were so faitful, but unafraid to tackle doubt that the album really ushered in a new era of songwriting in Christian music.

13 years later (and 8 Dove Awards) - Nichole's voice is still a recognizable meloncholy that grabs your attention. Though it has been several years since she's recorded a full length album, Nichole Nordeman has been busy song writing with and for other artists, including Bethany Dillon and Amy Grant. She wrote and recorded music for Music Inspired By the Chronicles of Narnia and VeggieTales' Sweetpea Beauty.

Most recently, she and Amy Grant co-produced the song I'm With You. The song is about suffering through loss without losing sight of God's love and the love of those close to you. It's based on the Bible story of Ruth & Naomi and is featured on the companion album for the Bible narrative The Story.

Latest Album: Recollection: The Best of Nicole Nordeman

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Beautiful For Me (from VeggieTales: SweetPea Beauty)

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who brought Peter to Jesus?

A: Andrew

Way to go, Leticia of St Leonards, MD! She scored Alive Again from Matt Maher!

Monday, July 11, 2011

It's Monday.
Even a beautiful Monday can still be Monday. You know what I'm saying?
But this afternoon, we shall try to take Monday and make it FANTASTIC!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Atmospheres

Atmospheres is the worship ministry at C3 Church Asheville, NC. The collective of musicians and singers based in C3 Church Asheville have crafted a powerful sound, with unexpected quality out of a church plant in the not so urban area of the Smokey Mountains.

C3 challenges any music ministry to add their songs to their worship line-up, but with the warning "you'll need a strong electric guitarist" because "there ain't much acoustic-worship leading here."

Latest Album: Atmospheres

The Church: C3 Ashville

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who were the sons of Zebedee?

A: James and John

Way to go, Pete from Bishopville!

Friday, July 8, 2011

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

The Massive $70,000 June match was a success!
Together you raised just over the needed $70 k, which when added to the match equals over $140,000 for the ministry of Joy 102.5!
Praise God - and thank you!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Amy Douglas

Growing up in the small town of Red Oak, Texas Amy Douglas has always shared a passion for music and a Love for the Lord. At the age of 17 Amy felt God calling her to ministry but was unsure of direction. Upon attending college and graduating with a bachelors in music. Then Amy and her husband Jared created Get A Life Ministries to minister full time through music and speaking.

Get a Life ministries has taken the Douglas' all over the country visiting and effecting thousands upon thousands of individuals for the body of Christ. Amy Douglas recorded two self produced projects and in 2005 the Douglas family proudly welcomed daughter Jayden Faith to the fold. Since that time, Amy has been more focused on family life than life on the road, but she says about traveling that it didn't take long to learn how to most effectively get baby Jayden through airport security.

Latest Album: Heart Of Courage

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What tribe of Israel did all the priests spring from?

A: Levi (Exodus 4:14)

Way to go, Kim from Mardella Springs!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Jason Gray is a guy who grew up as a chronic stutterer in an abusive home. A guy whose life was radically changed by the love of Christ. A guy who writes songs with such honesty that you might feel like yelling "Amen" or cry softly to yourself.

Jason's approach to songwriting: "To the dismay of some people I operate with pretty much full-disclosure. If I'm struggling with something, you're probably going to hear about it whether you want to or not. Perfect people don't need grace, only broken people do."

Jason's ongoing work on behalf of AIDS orphans as a World Vision artist has for years been a vital, shaping influence in his life and his art, affording him the opportunity to travel to impoverished areas of Africa, and bringing him recognition as one of "Ten Outstanding Minnesotans."

Latest Album: A Way To See The Dark (due out Sept. 13, 2011)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Am New

Scriptural Pursuit

Q:What is the only parable of Jesus to have a priest as a character?

A: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:31)

Congratulations, Darlene from Fishing Creek, MD!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Dan Macaulay is a Canadian transplant, leading worship at a church just outside of New York City. Having shared the stage with the likes of 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, USA, 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 the fundraising website called KickStarter.com. 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!

Free Download: The Listening

Latest Album: The Listening EP

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What priest received the boy Samuel as a servant?

A: Eli (1 Samuel 2:11)

Way to go, Bill from Seaford!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Give Me Rest
by Hands | Genre: Hard Rock

Unity
by Garage Hymnal | Genre: Alternative

Am I A Soldier Of The Cross? (Single Mix)
by Francis Blight | Genre: Alternative

Want more info, reviews or to purchase? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Fike & Dana

The Fikes moved to Colorado Springs, after marrying, to join the ministry of Vanguard Church. It was there that they were inspired to write worship songs for their church, resulting in their first two independent worship CDs. Their 3rd album, Make A Sound, was honored as the “Song of the Year” at GMA in the Rockies 2008 as well as a first round Dove Award Nomination for the Easter Choral program done to their song “Ascend To Heaven.”

Since the release of Make A Sound in early 2009, Fike signed as a writer to Integrity Music Publishing, and Fike & Dana were featured in Worship Leader Magazine, WLM’s SongDiscovery Disc, and selected as the top new worship band for 2009.

Sharing Is Caring: Fike & Dana offer free tabs, charts and instructional videos to playing their songs. CLICK HERE to learn!

Bring In A Show: To book Fike & Dana for your event, workshop or church worship service, please contact them at fike@fikeanddana.com.

Latest Album: Make A Sound

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Ascend To Heaven (Live)

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What king and Priest of God in the Bible is mentioned as having no mother or father?

A: Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:3)

Congratulations, Danelle of Laurel, DE!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011 - Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!
We are incredibly blessed to live in America - and today, as we celebrate our awesome nation, be inspired about how your life is a living sacrifice to bring others into our ultimate nationality - the Kingdom of God!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Katinas

The Katinas have accomplished something unheard of in today's fast paced, they have had a 21-year success filled career with the same original line-up! Of course it helps that the five Samoan guys that comprise The Katinas are all brothers. With 17 children between the five growing families, the guys still have a passion and love for music that is showcased in their 10th English language album: Collage.

Music is important, but with a growing family, the guys have found incredible joy by partnering with mission organizations around the world - including Samaritan's Purse, Greg Laurie’s Harvest Crusades, Compassion International and World Vision.

Fun Fact: The guys in The Katinas are just 5 out of 12 kids in the family!

Album: Collage

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Home

Friday, July 1, 2011

Today is the beginning of Independence Weekend!
I can't wait to showcase my patriotism with controlled/colorful explosions!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Gungor

A lot has changed in the past few years for Michael Gungor and his bandmates: new band name, new location, new church, a stellar new sound, and most importantly a new understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. “The story of God has gotten bigger to me,” relates Michael Gungor, who is perhaps best known for co-writing distinguished songs like “Friend of God” and the Dove Award-winning “Say So.” “We had become ‘professional’ Christians. We got to the point where we needed to figure out how to be the church in a more honest way for us.”

Front man Michael Gungor has been leading worship since he was 12 years old, if you count an audience of 2- and 3-year olds. From there he graduated to children’s church, then youth group, then adults. Gungor studied jazz in college, then connected with teen ministry Acquire the Fire and a position at Resurrection Life Church in Michigan.

He and his wife Lisa (co-lead singer/songwriter in the band) moved to Denver and eventually founded a community of believers called Bloom. The connection between worship and social justice became concrete in Denver, and the outcome is evident on Beautiful Things.

Fun Fact: Gungor defines their musical style as Liturgical Post-Rock: a blend of musical styles that is at it's essence Church music.

Album: Beautiful Things

Want More? CLICK HERE