NEWS SOURCE: Wortman Works
September 24, 2013

NASHVILLE, TENN. (September 23, 2013) - The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announces more performers and presenters for the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards, hosted by Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin. The line-up of extraordinary talent continues to grow with the addition of Big Daddy Weave, Capital Kings, Colton Dixon, Jason Crabb, Kristian Stanfill, Rhett Walker Band and Tasha Cobbs. In addition to already announced artists, Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Tamela Mann and TobyMac. The awards show will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee at 7:30pm CT and will be broadcast exclusively on UP on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

Brandon Heath, Candace Cameron Bure, David Mann, Joyce Meyer and Montell Jordan have been tapped as presenters. They join previously announced presenters Dr. Bobby Jones, Isaac Carree, Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae and Pastor Rick Warren.

Dove Award New Artist of the Year alumni, Jamie Grace and Chris August will host the preshow ceremony from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. CT presented by International Crisis Aid. Both the preshow and the Dove Cares Red Carpet will be streamed on www.hearitfirst.com/live.

In addition to presenting on the Dove Awards telecast, Joyce Meyer will be the special guest speaker for the annual nominee luncheon held on Monday, October 14 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center presented by Cantinas Ranch Foundation.

The show will be broadcast on Monday, October 21st at 8:00 p.m. EDT exclusively on UP, America's favorite channel for uplifting entertainment. Tickets are also available now at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville or at www.ticketsnashville.com.

GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo says, "This year's show is full of grace, glory and masterful talent. To be able to capture the diversity of the gospel through music on one stage, on one night and in turn get to share it with the world is the ultimate mission of the GMA." Patillo adds, "In addition to the amazing talent we're honored to have trailblazers of the faith, Joyce Meyer and Pastor Rick Warren participate in this celebration."

About GMA: Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community includes agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376.

About UP
UP, (www.UPtv.com) based in Atlanta, is America's favorite network for uplifting family entertainment. The network presents original and acquired movies, series, stage plays and music specials along with gMovies, the first faith-friendly streaming movie service. The UP brand is reflected in "Uplift Someone," the network's successful pro-social initiative. UP can be seen in more than 65 million homes on major cable systems including Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Charter Communications, as well as DIRECTV on channel 338, DISH Network on channel 188, and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow UP on Facebook & Twitter http://facebook.com/UPtv & @UPtv.

SPONSOR INFORMATION:
Salem Communications - Official Media Partner
(Includes: CCM Magazine, Today's Christian Music and 94FM The Fish)
Salem Communications is America's leading radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values. CCM Magazine has been the hallmark publication of Christian music since 1978, offering exclusive, in-depth coverage of Christian music news and entertainment. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns Salem Radio Network, which syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,400 affiliates; Salem Radio Representatives, a national radio advertising sales force; Salem Web Network, a leading Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing, a leading publisher of Christian themed magazines. Salem owns and operates 99 radio stations, with 61 stations in the nation's top 25 markets-and 30 in the top 10. Each of our radio properties has a full portfolio of broadcast and digital marketing opportunities.

Cantinas Ranch Foundation
The Cantinas Ranch Foundation looks to transform our modern day culture through opportunities where God can be magnified through the Arts. Our motivation is to raise up the leadership and talent within the art community, which will inspire a new generation to fall in love with our Lord. Our leaders will be equipped with the expertise, training, and Christian spiritual development to impact the world for Jesus Christ. We aim to provide opportunities for Christian leaders to be change agents that can touch lives through concerts, music festivals, community service outreaches, cutting edge technology, and the non-profit funding of music, theatre, art, dance, and media that the entire family can enjoy. Cantinas Ranch endeavors to orchestrate programs of excellence that will glorify God and send a fresh wind of His Spirit.

Food for the Hungry - Official Humanitarian Partner
Founded in 1971, Food for the Hungry provides emergency relief and long-term development programs in more than 20 countries to help the world's most vulnerable people. Learn more by visiting www.fh.org. Social connections include www.facebook.com/foodforthehungry and www.twitter.com/food4thehungry.

Kraft CPAs PLLC - Independent Accounting Firm
Since its inception in 1958, KraftCPAs PLLC has become one of the largest independent certified public accounting firms in Tennessee. Founded by the late Joe Kraft, the firm presently has 16 members and a total staff of over 150 men and women, including approximately 80 CPAs. With offices in Nashville, Columbia and Lebanon the firm provides not only audit, tax, and accounting, but also a broad range of consulting services to help clients build, preserve and transfer business value and personal wealth.

Universal KIA - Official Vehicle Partner
Universal KIA is Tennessee's Premiere KIA Dealer with 3 great locations; Universal KIA Hickory Hollow, Universal KIA Rivergate and Universal KIA Franklin. Established in 2006, Chris Bostick and his team have worked very hard to compete in an extremely competitive automotive marketplace. They are committed to excellence in service to the Nashville community as well as their 123 employees. Universal KIA's philosophy is to treat the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations and as an automotive dealer, we excel on meeting and exceeding those standards. Visit one of our 3 locations and allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence! Universalkia.com

760 The Gospel - Official Gospel Radio Partner
Nashville's Gospel station has been on the air for over 12 years. WENO strives to encompass the total and complete sound of gospel. Showcasing the best in music, ministry and empowerment segments designed to provide our listeners with information and resources for a healthy lifestyle spiritually, financially and physically. It seeks to provide listeners with the edification of true gospel and inspiration on a daily basis.

Dove Awards Social Media Platforms:
Website - www.doveawards.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/DoveAwards
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GMADoveAwards Hashtag - #DoveAwards
YouTube - www.youtube.com/GMADoveAwards