Friday, May 31, 2013

It's the last day in the month of May.
Make it count!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris & Conrad

Chris and Conrad came together as a duo in 2007 after being introduced to one another as solo artists and potential co-writers. Along with writing their own music, the duo wrote for other bands.

Street Cred: Chris Kuti wrote We Want The World To Hear for Big Daddy Weave.

Irony: While both Chris and Conrad are accomplished songwriters, their first and biggest single (Lead Me To The Cross) was written by Brooke Fraser.

The band, unfortunately, is no longer touring together. Conrad Johnson opperates their recording studio, Inertia Sound Studios in Lakeland, FL.  Chris Kuti is currently serving as worship pastor at LifeChurch.tv.

Album: Chris & Conrad

Twitter: @chrisandconrad

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I'm At Home



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What chapter of Proverbs discusses the "virtuous wife"?

A:  31

Way to go, Helen 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!

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Oh weekend - so close, yet so far away...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Sonflowerz

The Sonflowerz are a British-American sister duo.  They got their start in 1999 when Elissa Leander began writing worship songs. (She was only 14!) Encouraged by her youth pastor to form a band with her sister, Becca, they began performing at various venues across Colorado. The act’s first album, You Remain was released in 2002. Their sophomore effort, Alive in You, was released in 2005.

Good Company: The Sonflowerz have shared the stage with: Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Barlow Girl, Needtobreathe, Sanctus Real and Phil Wickham.

Girls: The Sonflowerz' vision is to inspire young women to live boldly and beautiful for Christ. The sisters have joined LifeWay Women and author/speaker Vicki Courtney for “You and Your Girl”, an event that has reached 18,000 moms and daughters in 22 churches, including a nationwide simulcast with 66 hosting sites.

Weird Family: The girls have always been close - and since they were both engaged at the same time, they decided to have a double wedding ceremony.  Convenient since many of their relatives live in England and only had to make one trip.

Album: By Faith

Twitter: @sonflowerz

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: All Over The World featuring Splat Experience



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:

A:



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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The week is already half-over!
Praise God for government holidays...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Brandy Allison

Brandy Allison hails from Union, South Carolina.  She's the daughter of a two mill workers who married at 16 - and was raised with an older brother and a gaggle of boy cousins.  Needless to say, she was a bit of a tom boy.

Start: Brandy says that it was while she was in daycare at 3 years old that she discovered her love for music and singing!  The daycare center was doing a special Christmas song and Brandy did her best to be the loudest voice in the crowd.  By 17 Brandy had been singing throughout the region - and even had her own country band while working in the mill with her friends and family.

But life has not been easy for Brandy.  As a young adult she and her husband Josh battled substance abuse, the inability to have children, the loss of her husband's mother, home foreclosure, job losses and ultimately, a motorcycle accident that claimed the life of her husband.

It was after all of this heartache that Brandy surrendered her life to Christ.  Now she uses her talent to sing about God's love and share her heartbreaking story.

Album: Walkin' On Faith EP (Coming June 4th)

Twitter: @Brandy__Allison

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Walkin' On Faith Official Music Video



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to Proverbs, who is the borrower a servant to?

A:  The lender! (Proverbs 22:7)

Way to go, Shawonda in the SBY!

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

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

So NOW it starts to feel like Summer...

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

No new releases in Christian music this week, in honor of Memorial Day.
But next week, check back for the first summer blitz of new albums!

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Justin Unger

Justin was raised in a Christian home in Phoenix, AZ. He says that it was in 8th Grade when he really made his faith in Christ his own. Middle School is usually a time when we search for our identity - and Justin found his identity solely in Jesus Christ. It was in the summer after 8th grade that Justin wrote his first song titled To Know You Love Me with his grandfather.

After winning a songwriting competition in Colorado in 2000, Justin moved to Nashville (still in high school) to nail down a recording contract with Atlantic Records. He joined the group Across The Sky and began touring - opening for Mark Schultz, Avalon, Downhere and many others. Two years of touring passed quickly. Justin got married and he and his wife welcomed their first child, Carson.

The Unger family then headed to Prescott, AZ where Justin became the worship leader at The Heights Church. Flash forward to today - Justin is still leading worship and recording and touring on the side. Now his family is four kids strong and life is full!

Justin Unger wants to create - just like the Creator - "..as a songwriter I believe that each new melody and lyric is nothing shy of a miracle, and even a gift from the Chief Creator Himself."

Album: Some Good Advice

Twitter: @JustinUnger

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Promise To (with Falon Unger)



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to Proverbs 16, what goes before (or leads to) destruction (or a fall)?

A:  Pride. (Proverbs 16:18)

Way to go, Gale in Delmar!

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

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Monday, May 27, 2013

I hope you are having a wonderful LONG Memorial Day weekend!
Enjoy the music and hope all day on Joy 102.5!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Lindsay McCaul

Lindsay McCaul is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.  She graduated with a focus in linguistics and translations - hoping to secure a job translating the Bible into other languages.  Born in Abilene, Texas, McCaul moved to Florida when she was nine and lived so close to the Space Center that she remembers hearing the Shuttle rattle her windows when it launched.

Lindsay rememebers sneaking out of bed to turn on her radio and listen to Christian radio late into the night.  She'd sing along, she'd cry and worship each night.  It became her passion.  She started writing songs before she even turned twelve.

Songwriting became the filter through which McCaul explored her relationship with God and expressed what He was revealing to her. She continued to write after she moved to Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute.  A worship pastor at the school signed her up to lead worship, despite Lindsay's begging to not do it.  She faced her fears and flourished.  Soon she began leading worship at Chicago’s Harvest Bible Chapel, a 14,000-member church.

Her original songs became favorites with the congregation and began to attract notice outside the church. McCaul’s music came to the attention of industry titans Mark Hall, of Casting Crowns, who invited her on tour with the band; and Jason Ingram, who helped produce her album.

More recently, Lindsay and her husband moved to suburban Nashville to join the huge collection of Christian artists.

Familial Fact: Lindsay has a twin sister.

Say Yes To The Dress: Lindsay McCaul was featured performing at a wedding for the TLC show Say yes To The Dress: Atlanta.

Album: If It Leads Me Back

Twitter: @lindsaymccaul

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Where Do You Go



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

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Friday, May 24, 2013

Have a marvelous Memorial Day weekend!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Matt Brouwer

Matt Brouwer is originally from Nova Scotia - which is not a program on PBS as I originally thought, but the frozen tundra of the Great White North.

After making his debut in 2001, Matt stepped away from a hectic touring schedule to focus on missions and took extended trips to Venezuela, Poland, Jamaica and Guatemala. Like most who see God at work outside of the confines of North America, Matt was struck by how deep faith was when put together with abject poverty and persecution.

It was those convictions that spurred him onward in his musical career, crafting songs that were at once worshipful and unafraid to ask hard questions about faith and God.

Matt is keeping it real (Canadian).  This year his album Til The Sunrise was nomicated for Best Gospel Recording at the East Coast Music Awards in Halifax!

Album: Til The Sunrise

Twitter: @mattbrouwer

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Sometimes acoustic



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
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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Can you smell Saturday?
It's like it is in the oven, but still needs another hour to finish baking...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Natalie Grant

Natalie Grant is an award winning singer and songwriter. She won four consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Awards (2006-2009) at the Dove's and is never far from the top of the charts.  In fact, her latest single Hurricane became the #1 most added song to Christian radio in its first week of release!

Born in Seattle, she currently lives in Nashville with her Canadian music producer husband, Bernie Herms, and their three daughters which includes a set of twins.

Beyond her artistry, Natalie Grant is an advocate for victims of human trafficking. Abolition International, which Grant founded in 2005 under the name The Home Foundation, has raised over a quarter of a million dollars to fight the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Natalie is also singing and speaking as a part of the Dare To Be Revolution conferences for women.

About Hurricane: "Feeling battered by the waves of your circumstances? God is reaching for you," Natalie says."God knows exactly where you were an hour ago, where you’ll be tomorrow, and where you are now. You are not alone."

Album: Hurricane (TBA)

Twitter: @NatalieGrant

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Hurricane (Official Lyric Video)



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to Proverbs 14, what does idle chatter lead to?

A:  Poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)

..can't believe no one got this...

JOIN THE TEAM!
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Happy anniversary to my wonderful, beautiful, spectacular wife of NINE YEARS!
I love you, Elena.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Fee

Steve Fee fronted this Atlanta praise and worship band.  Hence the name.  He was a part of the Passion movement founded by ATL resident mega-pastor Louie Giglio - and a part of the dominance of Atlanta, GA in Christian music.  After all, the ATL is home to Casting Crowns, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Nockels... It's basically what Nashville used to be.

Fee may be named after its lead singer and principal songwriter, but Steve is most excited when he talks about the fact that he, Matt, Heath, and Brandon “look, feel, act, and exist as a band . . . an amazing collection of brotherhood.” In context, these four men were lucky to find each other, first meeting at the 23,000-member North Point Community Church in Georgia.

Scandal: A couple years ago the band split in the midst of scandal. Steve Fee confessed to having an affair with another band member's wife. He stepped back from music and is taking the time to seek counseling and repair his damaged marriage.

While Christian music is no stranger to this type of scandal, it always hurts and disappoints people.  Fortunately Steve is deeply entwined with his church community and receiving the help his family needs.  I'm reminded of King David - a man who committed adultery and murder - yet is responsible for penning some of the most beautiful worship songs ever created.  God uses broken people to accomplish His will.

Album: Hope Is Rising

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: All Because Of Jesus

Fee - All Because of Jesus from fee-band on GodTube.

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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to Chapter 8 of Proverbs Who/What has been established "from everlasting, from the beginning before there was ever an earth"?

A:  Wisdom

Way to go, Jenny in Hurlock!

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

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

If you are here today - it's a gift.
Join us in prayer for the communities hurting in Oklahoma.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

All This for a King: The Essential Collection
by David Crowder*Band | Genre: Praise & Worship

Roots for the Journey
by Yancy | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Love Come Down
by Tara Jackson | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Heart Full of Soul
by David M. Edwards | Genre: Praise & Worship

Love Stands Forever
by Nathan Jess | Genre: Praise & Worship

Tu Gran Nombre
by Paul Wilbur | Genre: Spanish Praise & Worship

Victorian Hymns
by Craig Duncan | Genre: Instrumental

Love is a Verb
by Devin McGlamery | Genre: Southern Gospel

To Dad with Love
by Various Artists | Genre: Pop/Rock

Worship in the Now - Live
by Javen | Genre: Urban

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Daniel Doss Band

The Daniel Doss band is just getting started and they have already had several radio hits.  In 2012 they released their sophomore album through Mission House Music in Nashville.

Their motto: Christ-follower and worship leader first. Chart-topping Christian recording artists second. The Daniel Doss Band seeks to engage people at the spiritual level, and evoke God-sized encounters through worship.

Kind Words: Mark Hall of Casting Crowns says, “I have spent a lot of time with these guys and they are the real deal. Daniel’s writing is sincere, honest, and speaks clearly about God’s love and hope in Christ. Their music will impact anyone who hears it.”

Church: Currently Daniel and family is helping plant a church in Valparaiso, IN.  Daniel is leading worship and his childhood friend Ben Lamb is pastoring.

The Band:
Daniel Doss - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Kenny Davis- Drums
Will McKelvey - Electric Guitar
Bryan Wolski - BGV, Bass

Album: Live From Grace Point

Twitter: @DanielDossBand

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Have Decided Live



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  About an "immoral woman" - Solomon says her lips drip with what?

A:  Honey (Proverbs 5)

Score for Matthias in Houston, 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!

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Monday, May 20, 2013

Today is a gift from the Creator of the entire universe.
Let that sink in...

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 sold their house, downsized to a smaller space and bought a hundred year old church building in St. Paul, MN. After months of renovating the building, they opened Art House North - a public art house inspired by Charlie Peacock's work in Texas.

The Groves Mission Statement: We believe every person has a next step with God. Whether you're an atheist or the ninety-nine-year-old woman who's served God all of her life, I'm writing music about those processes, those moments to pause and ask, ˜Where am I on the road, and where would God have me go next?"

Album: Invisible Empire

Twitter: @grovesroad

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: It's Me

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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  In Chapter 2 of Proverbs, Solomon says that Wisdom should be sought out like hidden treasures and what specific precious metal?

A:  Silver. (Proverbs 2:4)

Way to go, Tim in Lexington Park, MD!

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

LISTEN ONLINE
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Friday, May 17, 2013

WEEKEND!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rita Springer

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

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

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

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

Album: The Playlist

Twitter: @ritaspringer

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Call You



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

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

A:  Knowledge.

Way to go, Robin in Ocean City!

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

LISTEN ONLINE
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Smile.  Harder.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Francesca Battistelli

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

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

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

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

Album: Hundred More Years (Deluxe Edition)

Twitter: @francescamusic

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Strangely Dim Live on Good Day NY!

New York News | NYC Breaking News

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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

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

A:  Job (41)

Score for Robert in Salisbury!

JOIN THE TEAM!

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

LISTEN ONLINE

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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

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

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

Ultimate Collection
by Robin Mark | Genre: Praise & Worship

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

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

Paradyme Shift
by ReadyWriter | Genre: Urban

Goin' Home
by Whosoever South | Genre: Rap

Something More
by Altars | Genre: Hard Rock

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
NEEDTOBREATHE

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

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

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

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

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

Album: The Reckoning

Twitter: @needtobreathe

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Keep Your Eyes Open



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

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

A:  Saul.

Way to go, Bruce in Delmar, MD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

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

LISTEN ONLINE

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Monday, May 13, 2013

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

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Point of Grace

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

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

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

Album: A Thousand Little Things

Twitter: @PointofGrace

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: How You Live (Acoustic)



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

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

A:  Your heart!

Way to go, Ken in Mechanicsville, MD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

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

LISTEN ONLINE

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Don't forget - SIDEWALK PROPHETS CONCERT TOMORROW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jason Castro

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

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

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

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

Album: Only A Mountain

Twitter: @jasoncastro

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

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

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Rise To You Official Music Video



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

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

A:  Jesus on the cross.

Congratulations, Susan in Stocton!

JOIN THE TEAM!

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

LISTEN ONLINE

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

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

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sidewalk Prophets

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

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

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

Album: Live Like That

Twitter: @swprophets

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Mean (originally by Taylor Swift)



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

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

A:  The Lord!

Score for Diane!

JOIN THE TEAM!

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

LISTEN ONLINE

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

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

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Dan Macaulay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Album: From You For You

Twitter: @danmacaulay

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Live Like You're Free Official Lyrics Video



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

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

A:  A fool. (Psalm 14)

Score for Kayla in Seaford!

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

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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Hey, where's the sun?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

On My Way To the Sun
by John Elefante | Genre: Rock
* The former lead singer of Kansas - this all new album was fully funded on Kickstarter.

Pulling Me Through
by Todd Dulaney | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Hannah Rose
by Hannah Rose | Genre: Pop/Rock

Heart Like Your Own
by Steve Hare | Genre: Pop/Rock

God In Me
by Allan Scott | Genre: Praise & Worship

Kingdom Inspirations
by Percy Bady | Genre: Gospel

Release the Sound - Live
by Madelyn Berry | Genre: Gospel

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Museum

The Museum took shape when singer Ben Richter and guitarist Geoffrey Ashcraft moved from Texas to Georgia and plugged into a church where drummer/programmer Josh Kirk was the janitor. Soon they were leading local worship services together and then traveling on musical mission trips overseas.

Joined by bassist Chris Brink in 2009, The Museum is continuing its commitment to global outreach while also developing an important bond with churches across the United States. Ben’s passion for staying rooted in a spiritual community brought the group to Briarlake Church near Atlanta where they still leads worship most Sundays. Additionally, the guys have helped out at neighboring North Point Community Church’s partner Atlanta locations and around the country as well as Ben leads at the multi-site Elevation Church in North Carolina on a recurring basis.

What's in a Name: The Museum is actually named after a revolution. During a 2008 musical mission trip to Romania, drummer Josh Kirk found himself at a ceremony commemorating the end of Communism in that country twenty years earlier. “There was a small, humble museum near the square that told the story,” he recalls. “Turns out it was a group of Christians that actually brought about that political and social revolution.” Twenty years later the political changes were celebrated but the spiritual center of the revolution had been mostly forgotten. Kirk saw little evidence of Christian influence in the culture. “That little museum remained though,” he adds, “offering a glimpse into the kind of faith that can turn a nation upside down.”

Fun & Games: If there's a basketball court nearby, that's where you'll find the guys of The Museum during tour stops.  Plus, now that it's baseball season you'll find them proudly supporting the Atlanta Braves.

Album: My Only Rescue

Twitter: @TheMuseumMusic

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE
* The Museum will be in OC, MD this November!

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Love Will Find You



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  The author of Psalm 10 asks God to do what to the "wicked man"?
      A. Forgive him or
      B. Break his arm

A:  Break his arm (Psalm 10)

Way to go, Katie in Lexington Park, MD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

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

LISTEN ONLINE

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

Monday, May 6, 2013

Today is a great day...
Just keep repeating it to yourself.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Mark Schultz

With numerous chart toppers, Dove Awards, and album sales - Schultz has become a staple on Christian radio around the world.

After touring to support his album Come Alive, Mark took some time to rest.  He travelled with his wife, wrote a novel, recorded an instrumental album, biked across America for orphans and then went back to work... Honestly, his idea of a vacation sounds exhausting.  Now, a new label home and a new album (All Things Possible) breathes fresh life into an already stellar career.

This past weekend Mark wrapped up his All Things Possible tour.  I think he's earned a break, but he'll probably do something else incredible - like bike across Canada... on a unicycle... for orphans.

Starbucks Order: Double short latte with 2 raw sugar packets.

Album: All Things Possible

Twitter: @mschultzmusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Letters From War



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

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Which of his sons was David fleeing when he wrote Psalm 3?

A:  Absalom (Psalm 3)

Way to go, Laura in Lexington Park, 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, May 3, 2013

Time to start practicing your high school Spanish...
Cinco de Mayo is Sunday!
Have a great weekend!

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

Instagram: CLICK FOR PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Give Us Clean Hands



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!

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Today is the National Day of Prayer.
CLICK HERE to see how believers all across America are praying.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
An Epic, No Less

The story of An Epic, No Less began with Todd Larson.  Todd was aware of God's calling on his life to lead worship - but he fought it.  He refused to play Christian music because he felt it wasn't cool enough - it didn't challenge the artist in him enough.  So he played in several rock bands - not living a depraved lifestyle - but not not following God's calling either.

During a mission trip with his church, Todd found himself scraping cement off of hollow walls in a slum somewhere in Uganda.  He was alone, bored and a little scared - and it was in this place that God showed Todd what praise and worship really is.  His heart was forever changed - and his determination to answer God's call.

With his best friend, drummer Daniel Chancellor - and Daniel's wife Hannah, An Epic, No Less was formed. All three were committed to worship and also to exploring musically what that might sound like.  Their sound is certainly a different take on praise and worship - a musical genre dominated by acoustic guitar and a G, C, D chord progression.  But as determined as the group is to create lovely music - they stand on one simple goal: to help people in worship and prayer.

The Name: The band's name comes from a John Eldridge quote, “..because they knew the Christian life as an epic, no less than the greatest myths the world has ever known.”

About a Song: Mercy Light emerged from the Biblical account of the request of Moses to behold the glory of God. The chorus voices that desire. “You’re my mercy light, in the darkest night. All I ask, don’t hide Yourself from me.”

Album: Echo of Love

Twitter: @anepicnoless

Instagram: CLICK FOR PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Echo of Love



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)

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

May Day! May Day!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jamie Grace

This GRAMMY Award nominee is only 20 years old!  Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Jamie Grace is a college student who aside from her career and touring as a singer-songwriter, is also studying children’s ministry.

At age 11, Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, and has since traveled the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking.

Web Star: Jamie was discovered by tobyMac on YouTube.

Singing and songwriting just isn't enough for this new power player in Christian music.  She aspires to act as well (especially in musical comedy).  Jamie has a secret Twitter account (@thegrapejam) where she posts her thoughts on whatever she is watching on TV.

Accolades: Jamie Grace won New Artist of the Year at the 2012 Dove Awards and was nominated for several others, too!

Album: One Song At A Time

Twitter: @jamiegraceh

Instagram: CLICK FOR PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: With You



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)