Thursday, February 28, 2013

Third Day, Josh Wilson & Colton Dixon - TONIGHT! See you there!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sara Groves

This former teacher, who lives in Minnesota with her husband and their three kids probably wouldn't strike you as a famous songwriter if you caught her in the grocery store or out at the park playing - but she's already a legend in Nashvillian circles.

When it comes to songwriting, Sara Groves influences the influencers. Her most vocal admirers range from pioneers of Christian worldview music, including Randy Stonehill, Michael Card and Charlie Peacock, to her peers today, Natalie Grant, Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman, Point of Grace and Bethany Dillon.

Sara Groves started writing songs when she was four years old. She describes her youth as being "lonesome", and she wrote about deep issues while still in junior high school. Eventually, she took a songwriting course, prompted by her husband, and she began to take the art seriously.

Home Life: Sara and her family are busy trying to sell their house and close on a hundred year old church building in St. Paul, MN. Their goal is steadily renovate the building to serve as both their family residence and an art hall for the Twin Cities.  They got the idea from projects done in Nashville and Dallas by Sara's mentor and producer, the legendary Charlie Peacock.

Album: Invisible Empire

Twitter: @grovesroad

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Eyes on the Prize



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who came first, EliSHA or EliJAH?

A:  Elijah.

Way to go, Shawonda 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!

LISTEN ONLINE

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

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

At 5:30, Tai Anderson of Third Day is calling in to talk about what we can expect at the concert TOMORROW NIGHT!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Third Day

Multi-platinum-selling rock band Third Day has played to millions of fans in numerous sold-out arenas around the world. They've garnered over 25 No. 1 singles across multiple formats—not to mention armloads of GRAMMY and Dove Awards. Yet Third Day’s most valued accomplishment is their willingness to struggle openly before fans and critics alike to show God's presence in all they do.

With a career pushing into its third decade, Third Day has impacted countless lives.  And they can impact your life tomorrow night in Salisbury!  Come to the Miracle Tour and turn an average Thursday night into something worth remembering.

Oddity: Third Day Fans are crazy.  And are called Gomers.  Cause... why not.

Album: Miracle

Twitter: @thirdday

Tour: CLICK HERE
*Tomorrow night at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center!

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Need A Miracle



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Why did Elisha curse a group of kids - who were then mauled by bears?

A:  They made fun of Elisha for being bald.

Score for Kristin in Dagsboro, DE!

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)

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Third Day. Josh Wilson. Colton Dixon. Thursday.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Need You Now
by Plumb | Genre: Pop/Rock

Swallow the Ocean
by NewSong | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Make Some Noise
by Salvador | Genre: Pop/Rock

Zion
by Hillsong United | Genre: Praise & Worship

Gold [Re-Release]
by Britt Nicole | Genre: Pop/Rock

The Worship Collection
by Kutless | Genre: Praise & Worship

This Love I Know
by The Awakening | Genre: Praise & Worship

Under Fire
by Green River Ordinance | Genre: Pop/Rock

The Electro-Pop Deluxe
by V.Rose | Genre: Pop/Rock

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Afters

When The Afters broke out onto the scene with Never Going Back to OK, it didn't seem like anything could stop them.  Their music was fun, the attitudes were joyful and nothing could slow them down!

But life's circumstances quickly changed everything. After losing their longtime friend and manager to a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, two band members decided to part ways with the band, and then there was a life-threatening car wreck, followed by a new member of the band losing a close friend just one week after joining the group.

It was a rough season of change for The Afters. Holding on to their faith and their passion for making music has kept the band focused throughout the mess of it all.  Through the pain, faith grew in abundance and that is definitely the message behind their album Light Up The Sky.

Cool: The Afters' song Light Up The Sky was featured on NBC's The Biggest Loser and their song Lift Me Up was on ABC's You Deserve It.  They've also been featured on MTV, Rachel Ray, Grey's Anatomy and Dr. Phil!

Ancient History: The four original members of The Afters met while working at a Starbucks together.  The band's original name was Screaming Mimes - but they changed it to Blisse.  Thankfully a producer talked them into the The Afters.

Album: Light Up The Sky

Upcoming Album: Life Is Beautiful is due out April 16!

Twitter: @theafters

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: You Lift Me Up



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who was Elijah's protege?

A:  Elisha.

Score for Julie!

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, February 25th, 2013

Only three more days until Third Day takes the stage!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Kutless

This Oregon based rock group is in the midst of a second musical career. After selling nearly 2 million records and touring the world as a preeminent Christian rock quintet, Kutless found a new voice producing quality worship records.

Their first worship album was Strong Tower - and not only was it a hit with critics and fans, but it revealed the true nature of Kutless' calling - to bring people closer to Jesus. In any industry there is pressure to repeat success and Kutless approached the matter hesitantly. They didn't want to produce another worship record just because everyone loved the first one. The band knew that worship has to be authentic. With much prayer and council from their pastors, Kutless created It Is Well.

Now the band has a third worship album out called Believer.  Even with the success the band is having with worship records they want their fands to know that they exist to "..point to Christ and remind us all that there is more to worship than worship albums. We must live a life of worship." - Jon Micah (lead singer of Kutless)

The Name: Christ took our beating and paid the wages of our sin. Romans 6:23.  He took our cuts for us leaving us...Kutless.

Album: Believer

Twitter: @kutless

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: God of Wonders lyrics video



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  After embarrassing the 450 prophets of Baal, from whom did Elijah flee?

A:  Queen Jezebel.

Way to go, Cheryl in Royal Oak, 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)

Friday, February 22, 2013

Have a great weekend! Need something to do? Browse our Joy Notes.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Patrick Ryan Clark

Patrick Ryan Clark grew up in the Oklahoma Bible belt.  Church was a ritual and not spiritual for him.  Life was about having fun.  He had plenty of talents (including ruling his school's basketball court) and was a part of the in-crowd.  One night at a party, he stumbled across a friends CD collection.  One of the CD's was called "Jesus Freak."  Patrick swiped the dcTalk album and listened to it while driving home.

He says that when the song "What If I Stumble" came on, it reduced him to tears.  The realization that God really loves us just as we are, was ultimately the real game-changer.  Patrick pulled the car over and in tears prayed to accept Christ into his heart as his Savior and Lord.  That decision eventually paved the way for the life he never expected. A week later, Patrick gave up basketball and also happened to pick up his first guitar. At first strum, he was addicted.

Drawing from his life experiences and the personal stories of the people he leads in worship each week at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, the songs on his debut album Where Would I Be are rife with encouragement, hope and a grace-centered perspective.

Ministry: Patrick is the worship pastor at Watermark Community Church and he also leads Celebrate Recovery there - helping people find freedom from their hurts, habits and hang-ups.

Album: Where Would I Be

Twitter: @prcmusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Hallulujah God Is Here featuring Kari Jobe



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Elijah famously taunted 450 prophets OF WHAT GOD in a competition to see whose god would send fire to burn a sacrifice?

A:  Baal (1 Kings)

Way to go, Linda!

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)

Thursday, February 21, 2013

One week until the Miracle Tour!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Tenth Avenue North

Tenth Avenue North was born when Mike Donehey and Jason Jamison met at their Christian collge, Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The duo began writing and performing songs together, recruiting Jeff Owen to play guitar.  Getting some experience underneath their belts, the new band began booking themselves in churches and youth camps from Florida to Colorado.  When they weren't in class, they were making music.

Buzz built quickly for the group and in 2009, Tenth Avenue North won New Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards!

Album: The Struggle

Twitter: @tenthavenorth

Tour: CLICK HERE
*The Struggle Tour is stopping in Milton, DE late April!

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Struggle Official Music Video



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  While Elijah stayed with a widow, two miracles happened; one of which was that God increased her oil and flour supply. What was the other miracle?

A:  The widow's son was revived from the dead. (1 Kings 17)

Congrats to Beth in Princess Anne!

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)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning...
(Congrats to Matt Redman, who won 2 GRAMMY's for his hit song 10,000 Reasons!)

ARTIST OF THE DAY
NewWorldSon

How do you describe the sound of NewWorldSon?  According to their press release: "The award-winning band's music is a veritable melting pot of gospel, R&B, reggae and jazz fused together with an innate pop sensibility. The result is a combustion of flavor like no other that can only be fully appreciated after seeing the band perform live."

The Canadian quartet has been winning JUNO Awards and GMA Canada Covenant Awards for years.  Wildly popular abroad, we are just now falling in love with them stateside.  The group was featured on The Newsboys' wildly popular "GO" tour and received invitations to headline festivals in Australia, Germany, Holland and Sweden, quickly extending its international reach.

Joel, Josh, Rich and Mark take their musical artistry very seriously.  But they are adament that the music means nothing without Christ.  They believe that music can make you feel good, but life isn't all happy rainbows and shiny stars.  Salvation is the root of every single one of their songs.

Album: Rebel Transmission

Twitter: @newworldson

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Live in the Netherlands



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to the author of 1 Kings, which Israelite king "did more to provoke the Lord to anger than all all before him"?

A:  Ahab (1 Kings 16:33)

Nicely done, Laura in Lexington Park!

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)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

This day will go down in History as the Tuesday after President's Day!

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Your Great Name
by Paul Wilbur | Genre: Praise & Worship

Deeper
by Christine D'Clario | Genre: Praise & Worship

Nothing Is Wasted
by Elevation Worship | Genre: Praise & Worship

Jesus Shuttlesworth: The Mixtape
by Heath McNease | Genre: Rap

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Tommy Renfro

Tommy Renfro is just a small-town boy from Ohio who is pursuing a Christian music career in Nashville.  It's a career building around Renfro’s passions: Music, faith, hope, and love.

An accomplished songwriter, Renfro began putting together his first full-length album in May of 2010. After building relationships with industry pros across the Midwest and Southeast it was time to begin production. Fellow artist and personal friend Jimmy Dooley (Cincinnati, OH) got the call to spearhead the production team for Renfro's debut.

This summer Tommy Renfro will hit the road to tour the Christian music festival circuit and is booking church stops now!

Album: Til They Ask Why

Twitter: @tommyrenfro

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Giving It To God



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to 1 Kings, King Shishak of WHAT COUNTRY attacked Jerusalem and took all of the treasures of the House of the Lord and the king's residence? (Hint: Israel has a very long and bad relationship with this country.)

A:  Egypt (1 Kings 14)

Way to go Maddie in Lexington Park!

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, February 18th, 2013

It's a brand new week, full of hope and promise!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
33 Miles

Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton are 33 Miles. After the breakout success of One Life, their first album, founding member Collin Stoddard left the trio to follow God's calling on his life to be a full time worship pastor. Now the duo (Chris and Jason) press on, having created a far richer sophomore album, Today.

While the band happily admits their country music roots, but they worked hard to bring a more distinguishable sound to the new album. What Chris says about Today:

    “Nothing we can accomplish in business, no amount of education—nothing compares to Jesus,” says Chris, “But how our salvation translates to how we live today is the question. To wake up every day and make the choice to live with heaven in mind, to not let the circumstances of this day override that choice. It’s easier said than done, but getting up every day and trying makes it more and more possible.”

Album: Acoustic Sessions Vol 1

Twitter: @33miles

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: What Grace Looks Like Official Music Video



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  King Shishak of WHAT COUNTRY attacked Jerusalem and took all of the treasures of the House of the Lord and the king's house?

A:  No correct answer today...

Try again tomorrow to win Francesca Battistelli's Hundred More Years album!

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)

Friday, February 15, 2013

Today is the day all the heart-shaped candy goes on sale!
Hooray!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Josh Wilson

Josh Wilson grew up the son of a preacher in Lubbock, Texas. His debut album Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup became one of 2008's biggest success stories. The album was called “the future of Christian pop." and his songs Savior Please and Before the Morning rocked Christian radio coast to coast. In 2012, Josh Wilson released See You and a Christmas album called Noel - both of which have already garnered him awards and accolades, along with radio hits.

I Refuse evolved as Josh was reading David Platt’s book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. While reading the book, Nashville was hit with a huge flood. It was devastating to Josh's community and spurred him to not just cop out with prayer and go along his merry way - but to step out in action to help his community.

Skillz: Josh is quite the accomplished musician, playing 20 instruments on his latest record, including, ukulele, hammered dulcimer, and the glockenspiel!

Awards: This summer at the ASCAP Christian Awards (held in Nashville), Josh Wilson was awarded for his songs I Refuse, Fall Apart and Jesus Is Alive - PLUS at the end of the night we was awarded as the ASCAP's Songwriter/Artist of the Year!

New Music Alert: According to Josh's Twitter account - we can expect a new album in April!

Album: See You

Twitter: @joshwilson

Tour: CLICK HERE to order tickets for The Miracle Tour - Feb 28th at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center!

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Refuse with the literal Josh Wilson Band



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Which king of Israel had 700 wives and 300 concubines?

A:  Solomon (2 Kings)

Congrats to Jim in Preston, 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)

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chase Callahan

Born and raised in Greenville, SC, Chase Callahan is the Creative Director and Worship Leader for his home congregation, Marathon Church, which attracts thousands across three campuses each Sunday.

On a national level, he had the opportunity to release the album That Was Then This Is Now with the band CHASEN, as they partnered with INO Records. The debut saw immediate radio success, with the first two singles, On And On and Castaway, both going #1. He and the band was also able to tour and share the stage with acts such as Kutless, Jeremy Camp, The Afters, Hawk Nelson, and Casting Crowns among others.

Now, entering into a new season, Chase is focusing on his passion to lead and write songs for the Church that lead them into a time of worship. He has partnered with EMI Publishing and WorshipTogether.com to make this a reality. Chase is continually writing and recording new music.

He recently released a new EP, entitled Something New, which can be downloaded at iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers as well as at his LIVE events.

Album: Something New EP

Video: Forgiven Forever (acoustic)



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who wrote Song of Songs?

A:  Solomon.

A very Happy Valentine's Day for Angela!

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)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  Husbands be warned. There are expectations.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Aaron Shust

Aaron Shust is first and foremost a worship leader. In fact, he wrote his first hit songs for his church. My Savior, My God was destined to be more than just a local favorite on Sundays. That song topped six different charts at once on its way to becoming the most played song of 2006 on Christian radio!

After living in Atlanta for ten years, in early 2010 he and his wife made the decision to pull up stakes and and move their young family back to Aaron’s Pennsylvania hometown. In less than a year, he was invited to take on the role of worship leader in the church he had grown up in.

The support of their local church became critical to Aaron and his wife as they walked through their son’s medical issues. Diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, a rare and extremely painful condition, two-year-old Nicky was unable to take in any nutrition.  After many failed treatments, Nicky responded to some medication.  It was a mixed blessing because the treatment would require him to be on strong medications and steroids for all of his life.

Then came a miracle.  Their son’s tests came back normal. It was as if he’d never even had the condition. What was considered to be a permanent disease seemed to have disappeared. The doctor could offer no explanation as to why.

Album: This Is What We Believe

Twitter: @aaronshust

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: To God Alone



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What famous African queen visited and bestowed great riches upon Solomon?

A:  Sheba

Congrats to John in Vienna, 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)

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Happy Mardi Gras!

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Reckless
by Jeremy Camp | Genre: Pop/Rock

#1's Vol. 2
by Steven Curtis Chapman | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Top 25 Southern Gospel Classics 2013 Edition
by Various Artists | Genre: Southern Gospel

Illusion
by Spoken | Genre: Hard Rock

OMG
by XROSS | Genre: Rap

Faith Hope Love
by Je'Kob | Genre: Urban

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Karyn Williams

Karyn is the eldest daughter of Orlando Magic Senior Vice President and founder Pat Williams. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Karyn felt a calling to head to Nashville to pursue a career in music.  Armed with nothing more than big dreams, a trusting heart, and unrelenting determination, Karyn took the leap of faith and left home for Nashville, TN and a musical dream.

"..Christian music is the music that has always moved my heart and made me want to use my voice to draw people closer to the Lord. I used to sit in my room for hours listening to the lyrics of songs that I loved. I guess I was studying songwriting before I realized it.”

Family: No stranger to the world of adoption, Karyn is an artist partner with Holt International, the adoption agency through which eight of her brothers and sisters joined her family.

Kind Words: Michael Tait, who sings with Karyn on her new song Hey There describes Karyn's voice as "pure HONEY!"

Book: The Takeaway (co-written with her dad, Pat Williams)

Album: Only You

Twitter: @karynwilliams

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Just May Be



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What type of timber was offered to Solomon for the Temple? (Hint: It was from Lebanon)

A:  Cedar (1 Kings 5)

Score for Mike in Pocomoke!

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, February 11th, 2013

Valentine's Day is coming up in a few days.
I'll be honest - it's my least favorite holiday.
Just under "Grandparents Day."

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Nicole C Mullen

Nicole C Mullen started her music career as a background vocalist/dancer/choreographer. But her talent went far beyond support. She wrote "Redeemer" and the Jaci Velasquez hit "On My Knees."

Both hits were named Song of the Year at the Dove Awards. With that distinction she joined the ranks of Gloria Gaither and Michael W. Smith as the only songwriters to ever have two songs honored as the Song of the Year.

In fact, she is the first African American to ever win a Dove Award in the category!

When NCM began the writing process for Captivated, she set out to craft a funk album - but God had other plans. As she began writing and recording it became evident that Captivated would be a worship album. Nicole had shyed away from making a worship project up to this point, not wanting to be trendy, but authentic.

Let's Dance: Nicole is putting together a Christian music themed dance-work-out DVD. Yep. CLICK HERE.

Album: Captivated

Twitter: @nicoleCmullen

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Forgive Me



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  How did Solomon propose solving the dispute between two women who both claimed a child belonged to them?

A:  Cut the child in half.

Way to go Brian 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!

LISTEN ONLINE

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

Friday, February 8, 2013

There's something about a sideways rain that makes me long for a giant blanket and my pajamas.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Salvador

Salvador is a jam band. More jazz influenced than anything else, they take the stage every night without a set list. They are prayed up and ready to see where the Holy Spirit will take them! The band hails from Texas and brings a country sensibility, with heavy Latin influences to their modern praise and worship music. And they are ok with a 10 minute guitar solo smack in the middle of the song!

Family Ties: Front man Nic Gozalez is married to Jaci Valasquez. It's safe to say that Christian music is their lifeblood.

It's been over four years since the award winning band created new music together.  To spark the creative flame, Nic Gonzalez decided to go back to the very beginning.  He transformed his garage into a band room - stringing up Christmas lights for effect, and covering everything with carpet to protect his neighbors ears.  The band piled in and did what had done as teenagers - they practiced and practiced and wrote a ton of new songs.

Bi-Lingual: Salvador releases their albums in both English and Spanish.

Album: Make Some Noise (Due Out 02/26/13)

Twitter: @salvadormusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Higher Love Acoustic



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What did Solomon ask for in response to God's offer of anything he wanted?

A:  An understanding heart. (2 Kings)

Score for Taylor in Snow Hill, 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)

Thursday, February 7, 2013

If you have needs to be met, or a desire to meet some needs - check out CONNECTIONS!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Revive

Sure, you can plug away at the church and club scene - playing every show you get offered and working for food and a closet to sleep in. Or you can score a chance to open for Third Day - get noticed by Mac Powell who then moves you from Australia to Atlanta, produces your album and gets you nominated for New Artist of the Year at the GMA's.

Option 2 is the route that Australian band Revive took.

Smart move, dudes.

Of course that sort of change can be daunting. In fact, after the initial success with their debut album, original guitarist Tyler Hall, never truly able to ease the discomfort from leaving his homeland, decided to move back to Australia with his wife.

The rest of the band carried on, eventually finding a new guitar player in AJ Cheek.  Another big break for this Australian import came when ABC featured their music on both Secret Millionaire and Rookie Blue.

The Ending: Recently the band decided to part ways and head back home to Australia.  Still, 10 years after a garage band from the Sydney suburbs first formed, a stellar international career is no small feat.

Album: Blink

Twitter: @reviveband

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Winning the Dove - A musical video plea to win New Artist of the Year



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  True or False: David's son Absalom was extremely ugly.

A: False.

Way to go, Edward 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!

LISTEN ONLINE

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

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

You can't help but yearn for Spring on such a beautiful day.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Francesca Battistelli

Francesca Battistelli is busy.  She has a two year old son (Matthew), an award winning music career that includes her husband who plays drums in her band, lots of #1 radio hits, music videos to shoot, she just got off a nationwide Christmas tour and is beginning to tour in support of the Deluxe Edition of Hundred More Years coming out in March!  I'm exhausted just looking at her calendar page.

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. (Casting Crowns’ release in 2003 was the last debut album to receive RIAA Gold certification)

Sneak Peak: CLICK HERE

Album: Hundred More Years (Deluxe Edition due out 03/12/13)

Twitter: @francescamusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: This Is The Stuff



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What was the name of David and Bathsheba's second son?

A:  Solomon

Way to go, Paula in Princess Anne!

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)

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

So now we wait until March 31st...
(Opening game for the MLB season)

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Run
by Sanctus Real | Genre: Pop/Rock

The Becoming
by Jenny Simmons | Genre: Adult Contemporary

The Invisible
by Daniel Bashta | Genre: Praise & Worship

Pure and Simple Volumes One & Two
by Bill and Gloria Gaither | Genre: Southern Gospel

Unholy Anger
by Those Who Fear | Genre: Rock

Release The Panic (Deluxe Edition)
by RED | Genre: Hard Rock

Grace
by Tasha Cobbs | Genre: Gospel

God Chaser
by William Murphy | Genre: Gospel

I Got This - Live
by Dottie Peoples | Genre: Gospel

God's Been There
by The Wardlaw Brothers | Genre: Urban

CJ Talks
by Canton Jones | Genre: Urban

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Big Daddy Weave

Mike Weaver is a big guy, hence the name Big Daddy Weave! Simple, funny, slightly self depreciating - and yet once you get past the fun of simply saying "Big Daddy Weave!" you find a worship band that is sincere in there desire to lead others to throne of God.

Formed at the University of Mobile, the quintet—Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Joe Shirk, Jeremy Redmon and Jeff Jones—has earned a reputation both for the musical conviction that has carried their songs to the top of the charts and for the joy and passion that have made their live performances such moving and memorable experiences.

The band's latest album Love Come To Life took three years to make. And the band literally went through the fire while writing and recording the project.  A devastating fire swept through guitarist/producer Jeremy Redmon's house and studio halfway through the recording process.  That along with health issues, exhaustion and a number of other trials have served to deepen the faith of this band of brothers (technically Mike and Jay are actual brothers).

Jeff the drummer adds that Love Come To Life is by far the most intimate look into what God has been doing in the lives of the band-members.  Through the process, Jeff Jones has been led to retire from BDW and begin a journey of motivational speaking, music teaching and international mentorship.  His last concert with the band was January 20th.  While the guys are sad at his departure, they are partnering with him in this new adventure.  Learn more about Jeff The Drummer by CLICKING HERE.

Album: Love Come To Life

Twitter: @bdwmusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Redeemed



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who came to David and rebuked him for his sin with Bathsheba?

A:  Nathan (2 Samuel)

Congrats, Ashley in Atlantic, VA!

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, February 4th, 2013

Special thanks to David Wilson for filling in on the Joy Ride for Josh!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Brandon Heath

Since his 2006 debut, Christian music has twice honored Brandon Heath as Male Vocalist of the Year, he's been nominated for five GRAMMYs, an American Music Award, and holds a variety of honors in GMA Dove Awards.

Off stage, Heath seeks opportunities to merge his public platform with his heart for community, regularly working with Young Life, Blood:Water Mission, Restore International and unofficially volunteering for many other human rights agencies on a global scale.

Brandon Heath created the annual “Love Your Neighbor” benefit with songwriter Jason Ingram, in partnership with Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, Tennessee, for a night of music to raise funds and gather volunteers for a focused need in the Nashville community.

His Story: When he was just 3 Brandon's parents divorced. Growing up, Brandon was bitter towards his family, but he found comfort in Christ while in high school. At age 16 Brandon was invited to a Christian camp with some friends. He accepted Christ and began to learn about forgiveness.  A journey he is still on.

Album: Blue Mountain

Twitter: @brandonheath

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Jesus In Disguise



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

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)

Friday, February 1, 2013

Go Ravens!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Connections

Connections is a brand new branch of the ministry of Maranatha Inc. Maranatha includes Joy 102.5, The Manna Magazine and our Southern Gospel streaming station, The Ark.

This new ministry is a way to make connections between people in need with resources in our communities.  It also seeks to connect volunteers with agencies and projects who need help.

If you are looking for help - ranging from finding shelter to needing a few extra groceries this month, let us help you get connected with the groups who can fill your need. Maybe you work for a church and need a volunteer to help you set up a website - Connections is here for you.

Here are the ways you can participate in Connections:

• Call us (410-543-9652) to sign up as a volunteer. You can list your specialty - whether you're an accountant or an artist, there are groups who could use your help. We will help you find a project or agency who can put your skills to use.

• Call us (410-543-9652) to list your project. If you need volunteers, we can get you connected.

• If you're in need, please call us (410-543-9652) with your request.

• You can help us build our database of agencies and groups who help those in need by calling to sign up.

Want More? CLICK HERE

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  How did David kill Uriah?

A:  He ordered his troops to leave Uriah exposed in battle. (2 Samuel)

Congrats to Nancy in Selbyville!!

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)

GROUNDHOG DAY

Tomorrow is Groundhog Day.  It's sort of the most unusual holiday in America.  Where we look to an over-sized rodent to find out if Winter will come to an early end.  

But have you ever asked yourself WHY?  I mean other than getting a yearly viewing of a Bill Murray classic, why do we have this weird holiday?

When German settlers were piling into Pennsylvania during the 18th and 19th century, they brought a lot of traditions with them.  Pretzels, sausages and the belief that at the beginning of February, a badger or sacred bear would forecast the weather.  

Totally normal stuff.  

They called the beginning of February Candlemas Day - and the tradition holds that if it is cloudy, Winter is almost over.  If it's a sunny beautiful day, prepare for another month and a half of cold.  

So if the Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on a sunny Saturday, that must mean Winter isn't over.

Of course, meteorologists will tell you that Winter doesn't end for another 6 weeks no matter what the rodent says.