Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: October 2002

October, 2002

*Wednesday, October 30th, 2002*

CCM Magazine reports today, "The next Newsboys album, slated for release February 25, will be composed of original praise-oriented material. According to Sparrow Records' publicist Jennifer Hanson, the CD will be titled Adoration: The Worship Project and will feature "moments of personal worship and corporate worship to lead listeners on a unique journey." Newsboys frontman Peter Furler teamed up once again with quirky artist/producer Steve Taylor for the effort which is also described as a "seamless" recording with no breaks in between songs."

For the last performance of his nationwide 58-city "Live Out Loud" tour, Steven Curtis Chapman donated all the proceeds of the Oklahoma City date, totaling over $70,000, to the Waodoni Tribe of Ecuador. Chapman and Mart Green, President of Mardel Stores and Bearing Fruit Communications, a non-profit organization, made this generous gift possible. Green covered all the expenses for the concert in Oklahoma City. Bearing Fruit is currently producing the feature-length documentary Beyond the Gates, a film telling the story of how God touched the lives of those in the Waodoni tribe. For more information about the documentary, please visit their website, www.beyondthegatesthemovie.com.

Looking for something to do after trick-or-treating this Thursday (tomorrow) night? Log onto http://www.kevinmax.com to chat with Kevin Max (of dc Talk fame) and to check out a preview of his new book of poetry, Slip of the Ink as well as download other previously unreleased material. The chat will kick off at 10:00 PM Central time, so log on to find out what's new in Kevin's world!

It has just been confirmed that Rebecca St. James will be the sole performer for the more than 400 employees at Wal-Mart’s Christmas Party at their corporate headquarters in Bentonville, AR. Rebecca was chosen by Wal-Mart executives to perform original material as well as songs from her Christmas album during the December 20 event.

All Star United got ready for their close ups recently as they filmed brand-new videos for "Sweet Jesus" and "Weirdo" that you'll be able to check out on a computer near you when the enhanced U.S. edition of Revolution hits store shelves November 19 on Furious Records. But video magic doesn't always come easily. In order for the clips to make it on to the U.S. release, the band had a very strict deadline they had to meet. After all, they had to Fed-ex the footage to jolly ol' England. Turns out that the night before it was supposed to go out, the guys decided the footage for "Sweet Jesus" wasn't exactly what they wanted. So Ian and the boys scrapped the old concept, prepared a new storyboard and re-shot the new video just in time to make the deadline. Whew! Other than a few bags under their eyes and a slight caffeine addiction, the guys have recovered quite nicely. And for those who've been patiently wondering when All Star United would make it to a city near you in the United States, we've got great news! The band will be hitting the road this Spring with Furious Records labelmates Delirious? for what's sure to be a rockin' night at a venue near you.

tobyMac’s “Irene”, Audio Adrenaline’s "Ocean Floor" and The Benjamin Gate’s “All Over Me” will be airing on the mainstream program Get Reel beginning November 13. The video show targets tweens, teens, and young adults, and airs on WAM! (America's Kidz Network) a part of Starz's commercial free network. Speaking of the Gate, be looking for The Benjamin Gate on the cover of Pollstar Magazine. The Pollstar staff came out to catch The Benjamin Gate at a recent Festival Con Dios date and took some live shots of the band that will be featured on the cover and with the inside story. Be looking for the edition to hit newsstands at the beginning of November.

Christmas is now less than 2 months away and you're not going to believe who's laughing around the Christmas tree together - Four Guys and a Fruitcake; better known as Chonda Pierce and 4Him! Following the rapid success of her latest project Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid, and phenomenal ticket sales on her fall tour, Chonda prepares to join yuletide forces with one of Christian music¹s most beloved groups for a hilarious and celebratory Christmas tour, Four Guys and a Fruitcake, kicking off in Savannah, GA on November 30th. "We've planned a night of music and comedy that will be a great reprieve from the shopping frenzy and a sweet reminder of what the season is all about," says Pierce. "Y'all come see us! But leave the fruitcake at home, there'll be enough of that at the concert!"

*Friday, October 25th, 2002*

It's a girl! Skillet's lead vocalist and bassist John Cooper and his keyboardist wife, Korey welcomed a baby girl into the world on Wednesday evening! Her name is Alexandria Christine Cooper. Korey arrived at the hospital Wednesday evening at 5:20PM and Alex was born at 5:55PM! Alex weighs 5 lbs. 14 oz. and is 17 & 1/2 inches long. Congratulations to the Cooper family on Alexandria's birth! The band has a lot to celebrate as they're gearing up for the November 19th release of their first DVD, Alien Youth: The Unplugged Invasion!

The show must go on for Audio Adrenaline! On Sunday when the band stopped in Albequerque, New Mexico on this Fall's Festival Con Dios tour, they arrived without a lead singer! Mark Stewart had come down with a demobilizing case of the flu for several days. He flew in later that evening, due to being too sick to get on the plane that morning. He went straight from the airport to the hospital where they gave him medicine through an IV. Back at the venue, the band was frantically trying to find replacement vocalists for Mark for the evening show and had to teach several artists the popular Audio tunes. Adrienne from The Benjamin Gate helped in singing "You Still Amaze Me," Jeremy Camp helped sing "Big House," Bart from Mercy Me sang "Ocean Floor," Rob from Pillar sang "We're a Band," and John Ellis from Tree 63 sang "Glory." Audio started the show without Mark who showed up halfway through "Amaze Me" to help Adrienne close it out. AudioA.com reports on this and added, "He sat down a lot during the show and was pretty weak, but still gave it all he had. He tag-teamed most of the songs, singing about half of each song." By Tuesday in Lubbock, Texas, Mark was feeling well enough to perform the show himself while still feeling week. The band's planned DVD, originally slated for a November 19th release, is being frantically worked on by drummer Ben Cissell and is looking at a December street date. Please keep the band in your prayers and for Mark to have a speedy and full recovery!

In honor of the tenth anniversary of the release of dc talk's Free At Last project, ForeFront Records is celebrating the milestone with the release of the 10-Year Anniversary Special Edition Free At Last album, and the never-before-seen Free At Last Movie on December 17th. The special edition album will include added content that was not on the original release, such as audio commentary from the group on the making of the record, little known facts, and what it was like for them during that period. It will also include some new mixes, a re-make version of their #1 hit “The Hardway” produced by Matt Bronlewee, and will have alternate lyrics and different instrumentation! As a special bonus to new and old fans alike, the Free At Last Movie, featuring trailers and commentaries from dc talk and film makers, will finally be released. Shot while on the Free At Last tour, the movie showcases the history of dc talk on stage and behind-the-scenes, as well as a deeper look in the individuals.

With so many people wanting the Employee Of The Month EP on Relient K's Back to the Few tour, Gotee and Relient K have decided to add the EP to The Anatomy Of The Tongue In Cheek in all stores for November and December. So, for $13.98, you will receive The Anatomy... and the Employee Of The Month EP, which features 5 brand new songs (2 from the new album coming out in March and 3 only available on the EP). So, go buy The Anatomy..., give it to a friend and keep the EP. This will be a great Christmas gift, so get your shopping done early!

UK-bred Delirious? will defy the industry norm Nov. 19 with the release of its highly anticipated and fifth studio album, Touch. Accompanying every copy of the album sold through the band’s recently launched label, Furious Records Inc., will be a bonus disc that includes six compelling live performances of fan favorites and three highly sought after music videos. With greater creative freedom through Furious? Records Inc., and in keeping with the label’s promise to be artist driven, Delirious? chose to deliver more than even their fans expected. Known for providing one of the industry’s best live concert experiences, music buyers have eagerly waited for a live offering from the band. Answering that call, the bonus disc boasts six songs recorded during Delirious?’s US tour during June and July of this year. Included on the disc are live performances of the chart-topping hits “Deeper,” “My Glorious,” “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble,” “What A Friend I’ve Found,” “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever” and “There Is A Light.” In addition to the live songs, the disc also features the music videos: “Take Me Away,” from Touch; the video for “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever;” and the live “Sanctify” video recorded in front of an enormous, enthusiastic crowd of 50,000 at London’s Wembley Stadium back in 1997.

Please keep The Benjamin Gate in prayer as they mourn the loss of a dear friend of theirs whom was murdered on Saturday, October 19th. The band posted the following on their site: "Today is one of the saddest days in Benjamin Gate history and in each of our lives. Last night we lost one of our very dearest and closest friends, Derrick. To all his family, especially his Mom and Dad - we are so sorry - please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and we love you very much. Derrick was an unbelievably special person, gifted in so very many ways. To the girls, we are so sorry for what you have been through, and we love you and are thinking of you constantly." For more information on the heinous crime, visit the following link. We urge everyone to keep the families of the victims of this attack in your prayers, especially Derrick's.

The O.C. Supertones, Relient K, Pillar, John Reuben and Sanctus Real will be taking the nation by storm in 2003 on the See Spot Rock Tour. The tour will start mid February and run through April. Check out http://www.seespotrock.com to sign up on the mailing list and see the tour poster. Dates will be posted soon, so keep an eye on that address!

Randy Travis' country gospel offering Rise And Shine made an impressive street week debut with over 9,000 total combined sales, securing the #2 spot on the SoundScan Top Christian Country Albums chart as well as the #8 listing on the Top Current Contemporary Christian Albums chart (mainstream/Christian sales). Country superstar Randy Travis is just back from a 10-city nationwide promotional where over 40,000 fans turned out to church performances. While on the tour, Travis had the opportunity to play the new songs of Rise And Shine as well as share his personal testimony of faith to both longtime fans and first time listeners.

In case you caught the season premiere of MTV's Tough Enough 3, you might have heard Relient K's "Breakdown" and Jeff Deyo "I Give You My Heart." And on 10/29 at 9pm EST, be sure to watch NBC's 2 hour special of Third Watch, as you will see the Grits video for "Here We Go" during a scene where Faith¹s kids are watching the Grits video on tv while Faith and Fred make dinner.

*Tuesday, October 22nd, 2002*

Sixpence None the Richer is finally releasing their long-delayed record Divine Discontent next Tuesday and lead vocalist Leigh Nash recently spoke with Pulse! Magazine about the band's label as a 'Christian band.' Leigh complains, "The 'Christian' thing doesn't follow Creed or Lifehouse around, does it?" The surprising article with the non-Christian publication continues on to take a more personal look at Nash & Co.'s feelings towards the way they're depicted in the mainstream. Nash continues, "But in 80 percent of the press written about us, 'Christian' is there somewhere, often used sarcastically, and it's so irritating. I hate it. It's always a banner, and we just don't wanna carry that around anymore." For the full article which further explores Nash's frustrations, visit: http://pulse.towerrecords.com/contentStory.asp?contentId=5693

While in Chicago, IL for a date on the successful The Eleventh Hour tour, multiple platinum and multi-GRAMMY winning band Jars of Clay performed three songs on the local FOX morning show. After their television performance and interview, members ran into the legendary Dick Clark who was also visiting the FOX studios for interview segments.

The great Inpop Aussie band Beanbag has sadly split up. Lead vocalist Hunz Van Vliet will be working on his solo work while Phil is now working on his new group Tonjip. To check out their projects, go to www.mp3.com/hunz and www.tonjip.com

Following the platinum success of Worship, the near-platinum selling Worship DVD, the recording of his second live praise & worship album Worship Again (releasing today) and the Come Together and Worship Tour, Michael W. Smith wraps 2002 with his Christmastime tour. Title sponsored by iWORSHIP, the 14-city tour launches Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 14. Smith will share stage with very special guests Point of Grace and debut artist Kara while continuing a ministry partnership with Compassion International. This is Michael’s second Christmastime tour; the first tour took place in 2000 with fellow artists Anointed and The Katinas. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I’ve recorded two holiday albums and look forward to singing many of those songs with Point of Grace and Kara,” notes Smith. “And though this is a Christmas tour, a good part of the evening will consist of worship, which is why I’m excited about partnering with our friends at iWORSHIP. Their presence will lend a unique visual element to each evening,” he adds.

SONICFLOOd is currently in the studio with producer Marc Byrd (co-producer City on a Hill, co-writer “God of Wonders,” frontman of the group Common Children) recording new material for their upcoming release. The album is tentatively titled Cry Holy and is scheduled to debut March 11th on INO Records. The band is on tour this fall with Cadet and Jason Ingram. 2003 looks like it will be a busy year for the band, as they will be performing 150 dates on the road.

In celebration of their new single from Lift (“Speak To Me”) hitting the airwaves, the guys of Audio Adrenaline will be visiting K-LOVE's morning on-air team, Jon and Sherry Rivers, at their ranch in Texas on Friday, Oct. 25 from 8-9am CST. Be sure to listen in at www.klove.com this Friday morning!

Rebecca St. James is currently working with ForeFront and sorting out the songs to be on her next compilation release to come out March, 2003. The new hits project will be influenced by the fans' choices of favorite tracks from the popular artist. Also, look for the RSJ DVD to be released November 19th, which contains footage of Rebecca in Australia plus the "Song of Love" and "Wait For Me" videos.

The Relient K Air Conditioner & Fan Club, located at rkfanclub.com, is the "coolest" fan club around. Members receive exclusive content and offers, including advance ticket sales to select events, special meet & greets with the band at select concerts events, fan club only merchandise, online store special sales, monthly contests, online chats with the band, the ability to network with other fan club members, exclusive video and audio footage, and more all for a membership fee of only $25. As a special sign up bonus, new members will receive a CD of All Work and No Play. Relient K has also recently finished recording their third album, set for release in March 2003.

Costa from The Benjamin Gate celebrated his birthday last week, on the 16th to be exact. On his birthday, the band had a day off from Festival Con Dios so Costa spent the day relaxing in sunny California. Costa received some good news on his birthday - he will be the August artist featured in the 2003 D’Addario product calendar. Costa was chosen out of the hundreds of artists who also endorse D’Addario strings to be included in the calendar. Costa is featured along with artists like Jeffrey Cain from Remy Zero, Brad Delson from Linkin Park, John Mayer, and Gillian Welch. The calendar will be distributed to all D’Addario retailers throughout the country!

The Elms have just finished their video for their new single “Speaking in Tongues,” from their new album, Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll which hits shelves today!

And then there were three -- three Cornerstones that is! The 20th Anniversary of the biggest Christian musical festival in the world will also include two more Cornerstone Festivals! Florida and North Carolina will be hosting events in May and August respectively. For more info, go to www.Cornerstonefestival.com

Ardent-Enthusiast reports that Kevin Max's independent acting film Soupernatural is still going to happen. Although the script has been rewritten, investments are still coming in and production will begin this fall.

Sparrow recording artist Nichole Nordeman, on the heels of her third recording, Woven & Spun, (September 24th), has a lot to be happy about these days. “Holy,” her first single from Woven & Spun just reached the #1 spot for AC radio, and in just three weeks has already scanned over 21,700 units, making Woven & Spun Nordeman’s best-selling release to date.

Still waiting for All Star United's new record to make its transition from the UK to the U.S. on November 19th? In the meantime, hear clips from the upcoming album on "Revolution Radio" on the site before its US release that will also include extras like brand-new band photos and videos for "Sweet Jesus" and "Weirdo."

Congratulations are in order to the young group that make up Souljahz. According to R&R, Souljahz now have the new #1 single ("All Around the World") at Christian pop radio. This marks the first time a hip hop group has topped this chart!

Everyday Sunday's debut album Stand Up has been flying off the shelves in the past two and a half weeks since it has been released. They just finished up their leg of Festival Con Dios where they had the chance to play across the country for the first time. Their position on the tour has been replaced by new labelmate and Flicker artists The Swift. Flicker President Bob Herdman says of Everyday Sunday, "I knew they were going to do well but I was surprised to see how fast people are embracing them and their music. We usually count on these things taking awhile. I thought they would do a slow and steady rise like Pillar has."

ForeFront Records will release the latest music compilation inspired by The BreakThrough series, written by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez. The six-song musical companion to the third book, A Life God Rewards in Dr. Wilkinson’s best-selling series is inspired by the connection between what you do today and what you will experience in eternity. The songs featured on this project are worship songs reflective of the book’s message.

Mark Salomon of Stavesacre fame recently released a book on his views of the music industry. To order Simplicity, go to www.skeletonkeypublishing.com. Also, be sure to pick up their brand new self-titled record on Nitro Records.

Hard rockers Chevelle will be hosting MTV2's The Rock Show all week beginning October 21st at 6 PM Eastern. Their brand new album Wonder What's Next is now #14 on the Billboard Top 200 too. Congratulations guys.

In other break up news, the hardest band we know, Evelynn, is also biting the dust. Their last show will be on November 1st in Texas with our friends Anne Hutchinson and others. Five dollars, cheap merchandise and Evelynn's last show -- this is not to be missed.

From time to time Eli's songs get played on TV shows like Party Of Five, Providence, Tuff Enough (on MTV) and twice now on Dawson's Creek! The latest song was "Now The News" on the October 9th episode of Dawson's Creek. They even put a link to Eli's website on the Dawson's Creek homepage. In other Eli news, stay tuned to EliNews.com where info about a new live album from Eli will be released only to fans via EliNews.com!

Now's the chance to vote for your favorite faith-driven artists who impact pop culture. Sixpence None the Richer, GRITS, P.O.D., Kirk Franklin and Jars of Clay come to mind immediately. We also think of folks like Jennifer Knapp, Mary Mary, Gotee's visionary Toby Mac, Switchfoot, Out of Eden and artists on the verge like Relient K . To vote in Rolling Stone Magazine's 2002 Reader's Poll go to: http://www.rollingstone.com/readerspoll2002/

Troy and Dale Thompson of the legendary metal band Bride are busy organizing music and lyrics and will soon embark on putting together the next Bride CD. Thus far, one thing has been agreed upon… "Make it heavy!" If all goes as planned, this will be a self-produced, self-financed CD and will be released in 2003. Bride would appreciate your input, your prayers and continued support.

Be on the lookout for Playdough and KJ-52 appearing on a soundtrack for the new Left Behind movie called Tribulation Force releasing to video this month. The soundtrack also features Out of Eden, P.O.D., Cross Movement, DJ Maj, Toby Mac, and several others. More info on this one at: http://www.flyingleaprecords.com

*Thursday, October 17th, 2002*

The P.O.D. DVD originally scheduled for Fall 2001 is finally hitting shelves! Still Payin' Dues brings you closer to P.O.D. than ever before... From their humble beginnings in a Chula Vista, CA garage, to the years in a van bringing the Warrior movement to kids across the country, to their global multi-platinum success and sold-out tours around the world. Still Payin' Dues also features never seen before footage shot by P.O.D.'s road crew during the Youth of The Nation 2002 World Tour, as well as over 200 photographs from the band's personal collections. The DVD will include all of P.O.D.'s groundbreaking videos: "Southtown," "Rock the Party," "Alive," "Youth of the Nation," "Boom," "Satellite" and their rare indie video, "Selah." Also included is live performances of "Hollywood", "The MessenJah" and "School of Hard Knocks." Still Payin' Dues hits stores November 12! In other P.O.D. news, the band was invited again to perform with the legendary Carlos Santana, this time, in P.O.D.'s hometown of San Diego, CA. Last weekend, Sonny and Marcos joined Santana on stage at the sold out Coors Amphitheater to perform their new hit song, "America." Marcos and Santana jammed together and brought the house down! A beautiful and unexpected moment for the 25,000 plus in attendance.

MxPx is back in the studio with famed producer Dave Jerden to make the third record for A&M / Interscope and their 11th record of their career. Currently there is no working title and the band is in the process of screening some 46 songs that have been recorded over the last 8 months. Release is slated for the first three months of 2003.

Michael W. Smith and StarOne Networks have announced the debut of Friends Online, a subscription-based fan site offering exclusive benefits and features. The premium site follows the recent re-launch of michaelwsmith.com by StarOne Networks. To kickoff Friends Online, michaelwsmith.com will host a web cast from Michael’s Worship CD platinum celebration hosted by Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine and Reunion Records. “It’s really important for the people that follow my music to have a unique place -- a community -- to interact with me and each other,” says Michael. “Teaming up with StarOne Networks to develop and manage the site ensures a great online experience giving members unique access to my music and my ministries.” To kickoff Friends Online, michaelwsmith.com will feature a behind-the-scenes web cast from an event to honor Michael for the platinum certification of Worship. Produced by Ryan Smith, the webcast will air on michaelwsmith.com on Tuesday, October 15, from Noon to Midnight, EST and will re-air on Tuesday, October 22, from Noon to Midnight, EST.

Skillet will be featured in the December issue of Seventeen Magazine! Skillet, along with Relient K, Katy Hudson, Superchic(k), and John Reuben will be featured in an article about the Christian music industry. Check out Skillet's new DVD, Alien Youth: The Unplugged Invasion on November 19th!

With the release of their third critically acclaimed album, Reaching, LaRue is preparing to hit the tour circuit on the second-leg of the Bebo Norman Fall Circa 2002 Tour. The tour will hit 20 markets including Birmingham, AL; Lancaster, PA; Wheaton, IL among others. "The Circa 2002 Tour is the perfect partnership of Bebo and LaRue with the college market. The tour targets the core audience LaRue specifically feels called to reach out to and will expose them to a new audience from their previous two projects." notes Keri Turner, sr. director of marketing. The tour, which began early September and will run through mid-December, also features Ten Shekel Shirt, as well as headliner Bebo Norman. LaRue will begin the tour on October 22 in Jackson, MS.

TruthQuest: California, a FamilyNet Television based reality show, kicked off its premiere episode on October 3 with Daily Planet's hit single "Flying Blind" as the theme song for the 13 episode series. "We went through stacks of CD's in our search for the right music to set the tone for TruthQuest California," said R. Martin Coleman, vice president of production at FamilyNet, "and Daily Planet's song 'Flying Blind' best embodied what we are trying to accomplish. We were excited about finding the perfect song and then low and behold we find out it's number one on the charts. That demonstrates two things. We should get [the song] out more, and two, this song is connecting with people in a huge way." Daily Planet released their debut album, Hero, on August 22 and garnered their first CHR radio No.1 with "Flying Blind". Daily Planet is currently out on the fall SHOUTfest tour with Salvador, Jeff Deyo and Rachael Lampa among others through mid-November.

Rachael Lampa recently performed throughout Europe in support of her critically acclaimed projects Live For You and Kaleidoscope, as well as her upcoming anticipated release, Blur, which features edgier versions of her best-selling recordings. Touring such countries as England, Germany, Scotland, Sweden, Holland and Norway, 17-year-old Lampa garnered enthusiastic responses at each venue while showcasing her trademark vocals. In addition to a significant performance at Norway’s largest church, the Oslo Christian Center, Lampa also hosted jam-packed in-store promotional visits in Glasgow, Scotland and Gouda, Holland. The event in Holland was such an overwhelming success that it had to be relocated to a larger venue to handle the vast crowd. She also performed at an international sales conference and gained considerable attention from several key European publications and radio stations, incluing HebbeZ! Magazine, the Netherland’s largest publication dedicated to Christian entertainment.

Things have been quiet in the ZAO camp since their tour ended this summer. Each of the band members have been working on side projects, in February 2003 Solid State will be releasing the re-recorded version of All Else Failed with Dan Weyandt on vocals. All Else Failed was ZAO’s original debut with a totally different vocalist. Guitarist’s Russ and Scott have formed a new project called Jade Meridian and are in need of a vocalist. As the band says: “Vocal talents wanted for Jade Meridian, a new hard rock project featuring Scott and Russ Cogdell from ZAO. Qualifications include the listening appreciation of the artists as follows: Cave In, Foo Fighters and FAR. If you are a serious app and are able to relocate, email questions Jademeridian@hotmail.com"

*Monday, October 14th, 2002*

Congratulations are in order for Michael W. Smith who's project Worship, released on 9/11/2001, was RIAA certified platinum on August 6. His management team, Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine along with Reunion Records partnered to honor Smith this week in Nashville. In addition to family, friends and many appreciated industry partners, a very special guest was on hand to share in the event as well. Franklin Graham surprised Michael and made a trip from North Carolina to say a few words in honor of his friend. The project's sequel, Worship Again release October 22nd.

Knowdaverbs doesn't exist anymore, it is now just Verbs. His third album, Unlocked will be released 02.25.03. You can download 2 of the new songs at his old mp3.com site by clicking this link http://www.mp3.com/Knowdaverbs He felt it was time to re-introduce Verbs and his new musical sound. A new website will be launched soon at http://www.verbs7.com

Congratulations go out to the talented Phillip LaRue, of the brother/sister duo LaRue, who recently got engaged to his girlfriend Lia. The young couple first met when their pastor set them up on a blind date! They're currently looking forward to a May 2003 wedding!

Rebecca St. James’ new book “Wait For Me,” published by Thomas Nelson, is now in a 5th printing since its August release date! Sales of the book are reflected in its’ current ranking at #11 on the Amazon.com Religion/Spiritually-Teens chart.

This week, while the guys are on the road with Festival Con Dios, Audio Adrenaline will be slipping off to various sites to conduct photo shoots for their upcoming early 2003 release.

Here's an update on Toby and Amanda McKeehan's recent adoption: The twins are four months old. The boy’s name is Moses and the girl’s name is Marley. The bi-racial siblings are tobyMac's new pride and joy. Congrats again, guys! In other Toby news, you can look for tobyMac to appear in the December issue of Seventeen Magazine. The magazine will be running a feature on Christian rock, which will also include live photos of tobyMac from the Inside Out Soul Festival.

Mark your calendars now so don't miss these TV appearances! Sixpence None The Richer will be performing on the "Wayne Brady Show" and the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno", both airing on Thursday, November 7th. Stay tuned for info on other upcoming TV performances... You can also check out the band's newly re-designed website for up-to-the-minute information: www.sixpencenonethericher.com. And be sure to pick up a copy of Divine Discontent when it hits shelves on October 29th.

A special "Collector Series" DVD is being released from Chordant Music Group and the first Gotee artist to participate is Out Of Eden. The DVD will feature the music videos for "Meditate" and "Lookin¹ For Love." It also includes an exclusive all access interview session with the Kimmey sisters about sisterhood, musical tastes, hobbies, and most embarrassing moments. The OOE DVD will be released November 19 and only costs $5.99. Other artists to release DVD's in the "Collector Series" include The O.C. Supertones and Audio Adrenaline.

The Benjamin Gate bassist, Costa, has recently received his driver’s permit and is currently working on preparing for his driver's test to get his first license in the States. Beware! Costa is taking turns driving the van to the FCD shows so he will be able to pass his driver's test with flying colors!

Currently on Rebecca St. James’ Worship God tour, modern worship band Fusebox is holding a contest for people interested in singing with them live on stage! The song “Light the Fire” (a duet with Rebecca on their album, Lost in Worship) is the piece that’s up for grabs for girls interested in trying out. The winner of each audition will sing with Fusebox that same night. For more details and contest rules, go to www.fuseboxmusic.com

Chris Tomlin's going back to college? Not exactly... Singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin isn't signing up for any classes, but on October 24, he'll perform live at over 200 college campuses simultaneously via the Passion '03 Satellite Link. Tomlin, whose songs are becoming standards in many churches and on Michael W. Smith recordings, has just released his sophomore album, Not To Us, featuring the hits "Famous One" and "Enough." He's on tour now with Rebecca St. James and is also meeting with worship leaders in each concert city to promote next year's Passion Conferences. In addition, St. James and Tomlin are even providing free sheet music resources to youth leaders at their shows.

You know her Dove Award-winning voice from hits like "Testify To Love," "Adonai," and "The Glory." On November 5, Avalon member Janna Long flies solo for a little while with her debut project, Janna. Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant), Mark Hammond (Nichole Nordeman), and Anthony Michael Taylor (Stacie Orrico, TobyMac), Janna embraces pop, R&B, and gospel songs that are high on energy and deep with emotion. Husband Greg Long makes a special guest appearance as well.

Jaci Velasquez made a visit to White House last week for a National Hispanic Heritage Month reception. Jaci performed "Imagine Me Without You" for President Bush and a host of other guest attendees. In fact, at the onset of her performance she took a moment to thank the President of the United States and tell him how much he was appreciated by the nation. In perfect-Jaci fashion, she summarized her overall gratitude by saying, "I think you're really cool!" Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona took Jaci's lead in his speech to the attendees by commenting that he wished he "was as cool as the President."

Sandi Patty was honored to be a part of the recent National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's memorial services. The weekend ceremonies honored 438 firefighters who died in the line of duty since last year, including the 343 who died at the World Trade Center. Patty sang the "The Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" for a crowd of 14,000 attendees.

Be sure to watch the Life Today with James Robison program on your local TBN affiliate on Tuesday, October 15. Geoff Moore and his wife Jan and their daughter Anna Grace will be the featured guests, talking about their experiences in adopting Anna Grace from an orphanage in China.

*Monday, October 7th, 2002*

It was just over one year ago that Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, with their daughter Shaohannah, were in Washington, DC to perform and be awarded the Angel In Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) at their annual banquet. Due to the events last year of September 11th, of course the gala was cancelled. For this year’s banquet, held on Tuesday, Sept. 24th, Chapman was invited to return to perform at the event. As he would have last year, Chapman performed "When Love Takes You In" and “A Mother’s Prayer,” a song that he has never recorded, for members of Congress along with 270 individuals who were recognized this year for their advocacy for adoption, as well as the 2002 Angels In Adoption award winners. He and Mary Beth were also officially awarded their Angel In Adoption Award, due to not receiving it last year.

Work is continuing on Rebecca St. James's budget DVD with the Wait For Me and Song of Love videos on it plus recently filmed Australian footage. It should be out in November. Also, Rebecca will be at the headquarters of Focus on the Family on today to tape a segment of Focus on the Family Radio. Rebecca will be joined in the studio by Brio magazine editor, Susie Shellenberger and will discuss her new book on abstinence, “Wait For Me,” published by Thomas Nelson and released last month. Stay tuned for air times.

While Delirious? is gearing up to release Touch on Nov. 19th to the U.S., UK fans are also anticipating a brand new project on Nov. 30th. Out soon is Access:d, the next chapter from Delirious?. Where Live And In The Can offered an experience, Access:d reloads, updates and lays down the very latest d:worship experience. With all the passion you'd expect from a Delirious? gig, Access:d captures the life-blood that has fired the band over recent years: everyday anthems for life-loving people. Leaning to the side of Glo in its selection of tracks, Access:d puts you front and center. It features special double CD packaging including: "My Glorious," "God's Romance," "Investigate," "Bliss," "Love Is The Compass," "Take Me Away" and more!

Flicker Records’ rock quartet Pillar continues to heat things up with their sophomore release Fireproof which hit stores nationwide May 21, 2002. After only 16 weeks at retail, the album has sold an astonishing 70,000 plus units, making it one of the fastest selling Christian Hard Rock albums since P.O.D. Since the album’s debut at #4 on the Christian Retailing chart, Fireproof has remained one of the top ten selling albums in the Christian marketplace. (from jimmyswan.com)

According to CMCentral.com, Jason Wade of Lifehouse confirmed rumors that have been flying for a while now that Wade wants to record a worship album. Wade himself personally confirmed it when asked about it by this fan. Wade further went on to say that he'd already written the entire album but doubts the record will be released under the name "Lifehouse." We'll keep you posted with any further news we receive.

Did anyone see Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie this weekend? (We wanted to, but it wasn't in our area!!) If you've seen the movie, save your ticket stub! Send your Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie ticket stub dated from Oct. 4th, 5th, or 6th to Rocketown Records and immediately be entered in a contest for one of several exclusive Rocketown Records/Big Idea Softball Jerseys and a Rocketown Records CD Collection including Chris Rice, Ginny Owens, Watermark, Shaun Groves, Ronnie Freeman, Exodus, and Out of the Grey. Here's the address: Rocketown Records // 2035 Mallory Ln. // Franklin, TN 37067 // Attn: Veggie Contest

Audio Adrenaline, Rebecca St. James, Out of Eden, Skillet, OC Supertones and Kutless are launching Collectors Series, an exciting new DVD line offering fans more access to their favorite artists than they have ever had before. Releasing on November 19 and loaded with music videos, EPK footage, artist commentary and song clips, Collectors Series is required viewing for even the most casual fan.

In January 2003, ForeFront Records will release, Mixdown, an album full of never-before heard remixed versions of your favorite songs from various artists including dc talk, tobyMac, Audio Adrenaline, Jennifer Knapp and GRITS, all newly mixed by Mookie Taylor.

Essential Records' True Vibe readies to embark on a 25-city "Pure Pop" tour alongside fellow pop artists Plus One, Phat Chance and Souljahz. The tour, kicking off in Oklahoma Oct. 13, will visit major American cities including Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Chicago, while also incorporating several Canadian concert dates. The tour comes on the heels of a successful record launch for True Vibe, whose August 20 sophomore release, See The Light, continues to win favor among critics and at radio.

Sparrow Records’ newest rock band Sanctus Real will release its national debut, Say It Loud, Dec. 24. Fans and a national audience will have the opportunity to preview a portion of the recording’s title song tonight on FOX Network’s highly publicized new drama, John Doe. This week’s episode, entitled “Doe Re: Me,” will air at 9:00 p.m. EST/8:00 p.m. CST. Sanctus Real will also be mentioned on the show’s website. Already receiving fan acclaim for its music, the show’s website, www.fox.com/johndoe/main.htm, will be adding a song list for each episode on a “recap” page on the site. According to the site, they are adding the song information due to an overwhelming number of requests for the music.

Geoff Moore was asked to sing his song, “When All Is Said And Done” at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, North Carolina this Tuesday, October 8th. Kyle and Pattie Petty are founding this camp in honor of their son, Adam Petty, also a NASCAR driver, who was killed on the track in May of 2000.

Critically acclaimed UK-based singer-songwriter, Graham Kendrick is releasing his latest praise and worship album, What Grace, in the United States November 19 on the newly formed Furious? Records USA, a branch of Furious? Records UK founded by critically acclaimed and multi-million selling artist Delirious?. The famed songwriter of “Shine Jesus Shine,” Kendrick brings another stirring set of Christ-centered, Bible-based praise and worship songs with What Grace, his first worship album in seven years. What Grace speaks less of personal testimony and more of what Kendrick calls “the divine testimony.” “Experience-based songs are still important, but it's more a matter of balance, as we worship in spirit and truth,” says Kendrick. This landmark album is also a display of unity across the generations as Graham enlists the help of friends and popular worship leaders Martin Smith (Delirious?) and Matt Redman, as well as producer Andy Piercy (Delirious? / Cutting Edge, Matt Redman, Rita Springer).

NewSong is putting finishing touches on their next studio record set for release next year. Their hit song "The Christmas Shoes" was turned into a NY Times best-selling novel last year - this year a CBS Movie of the Week. The Christmas Shoes will air December 1st on CBS, 9PM-11PM EST.

You’ve all heard the story of how Stacie Orrico was discovered at Estes Park when she was 12. But did you know that Jars of Clay was the reason she went to Estes Park in the first place? She went as a fan to see them perform, and came out with a record deal. And now the 16 year old’s sophomore album is due out early 2003.

Jason Ingram, co-writer of the top ten hits "Resonate" from Sonicflood and his own "Restore Me," has recently returned from a summer international tour that took him from Latin America to Asia. "To take my music outside the borders of America was a huge blessing," Jason says. The first leg of Jason¹s international tour took him to Latin America where he split his time between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mexico City, and Monterrey, Mexico. "What I discovered was how similar we are in our passion for worship. They love to sing and they love to worship. Their worship services are 3 hours long and what kept it interesting was that there were 1000 people singing, dancing, and praying all together. It was simply amazing," Jason adds.