Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News, April 2009: JARS OF CLAY WRAPS STREET WEEK WITH HONOR AT GMA DOVE AWARDS

JARS OF CLAY WRAPS STREET WEEK WITH HONOR AT GMA DOVE AWARDS

Band Awarded Gospel Music Channel’s “Gospel Angels Award” for Work in Africa

Jars Of Clay with Jenna Nardella of Blood:Water Mission
(photo credit: John DiBiase)

NEWS SOURCE: Provident Label Group
April 23, 2009

(Nashville, Tenn.) April 23, 2009 – Jars of Clay, who launched its 10th project The Long Fall Back To Earth on Tuesday and performed at a fundraiser for the African Children’s Choir with Big Kenny, Faith Hill, Third Day, Keith Urban and others last night, has long been known for its innovative, intellectual brand of rock music, but it’s equally known and respected for its humanitarian efforts, specifically those that serve the continent and people of Africa. Tonight, live at Nashville’s Opry House during the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards, the band was honored with the Gospel Music Channel’s “Gospel Angels Award” for its tireless efforts.

Founders of the Blood:Water Mission, the non-profit organization launched in 2001, Jars of Clay has funded more than 650 water projects, along with hygiene and sanitation training, in 11 African countries. These projects have impacted more than 500,000 people with clean water since its inception and the band is on track to build its 1000th clean water well, in early 2010.

“Gospel Music Channel brings the wonderful music and talents of Jars of Clay to millions of people across the country every day,” shares Charley Humbard, President & CEO of Gospel Music Channel. “We are proud to honor Jars with our annual Gospel Angels Award for using their platform to activate and inspire others to positively change the lives of people. We commend them for the transformative and sustainable impact they are achieving with Blood:Water Mission.”

“We’re humbled, and surprised, by this honor – we had no idea we’d be getting this tonight,” shares Jars of Clay’s lead singer, Dan Haseltine. “We appreciate Gospel Music Channel for recognizing the work of the Blood:Water Mission, and drawing attention to those who most need our help. We would like to thank Blood:Water Mission’s executive director, Jena Nardella and our fantastic teams, both in the US and in Africa, and to the countless donors who have helped change lives, half a world away.”

Immediately following the GMA Dove Awards, Jars of Clay hit the road to kick off its 23-city spring 2009 "Two Hands Tour" on Friday in Lincoln, Neb. (The run of dates will conclude in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. on June 19.) The "Two Hands Tour" also features special guests Seabird, the emerging Credential Records rock act recently honored by its hometown as the “2008 Artist of the Year” at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The "Two Hands Tour" itinerary and ticket information is posted on www.JarsofClay.com.

Co-produced by Jars of Clay and veteran helmsman Ron Aniello (Guster, Lifehouse, Leigh Nash), The Long Fall Back To Earth expands on the musical palette developed for Jars' last project, Good Monsters: driving songs with more synth, beats and loops, but keeping the band's hard-won appreciation for rock guitars intact. The effect is a sweeping musical landscape full of detail, contrast and richness.

About Jars Of Clay
Jars of Clay launched its breakout career with its multi-format hit, “Flood,” in 1995. Since then, it’s amassed more than six million in career sales (4 Gold, 2 platinum and 1 double platinum certification), an American Music Award nod, 17 No.1 radio hits, and numerous film credits and BMI honors for songwriting and performing.

While celebrated for its music and writing, Jars of Clay is most concerned with the needs in Africa. Compelled to make a difference, members Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark and Charlie Lowell founded the Blood:Water Mission in early 2002. The first effort of this non-profit was the “1000 Wells Project” with a goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This year Jars of Clay will celebrate the building of the 1000th well which will help bring clean water to more than 450,000 people. (www.bloodwatermission.com)

Earlier this month, the Joy FM network's WJIS in Sarasota, which broadcasts across central and southwest Florida, surprised Jars of Clay with a $1,000 check for Blood:Water Mission. The donation came from the station's morning show--The Morning Cruise with Dave, Bill and Carmen--via its participation in 40 Days of Water, a grass-roots campaign to divert money normally spent on beverages, into a donation pool.

And for more info on Jars Of Clay, visit the JFH Artists Database.