SGN Scoops Digital

Featured Performers Announced For 11th Annual AbsolutelyGospel.com Music Fest

Southern Gospel’s Biggest Names like Gold City, The Bowling Family, Aaron Wilburn, The Freemans, The Pfeifers, The LeFevre Quartet and more to Appear!

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (June 23, 2010) – Deon and Susan Unthank, administrators of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), are proud to announce the talent line-up for the 11th Annual AbsolutelyGospel.com Music Fest.

“We are always so excited about our annual Music Fest,” mentioned Deon Unthank of AbsolutelyGospel.com. “This year is no different. We’re bringing in some of our most requested acts again, as well as a lot of new faces that the crowd will love! We hope everyone can make it out this year!”

This year’s Music Fest is set to run from Monday, July 26, 2010 through Friday, July 30, 2010. The event will again be held at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee and is absolutely free to the public.

Performers scheduled to appear at this year’s Music Fest include Gold City, The Freemans, The Bowling Family, Aaron Wilburn, Naomi & the Segos, HisSong, LeFevre Quartet, Palmetto State Quartet, The Pfeifers, Driven Quartet, Three Bridges, Freedom, Rejoice!, Sharron Kay King, Crystal River, Southern Sound, Ann Downing, Brothers Forever, The Quicks, 2nd Generation, McMillan & Life, Rod Burton, Mercy Road Quartet, and Sunday Edition.

Additional artists are still being confirmed for this year’s Music Fest. The artist listing is subject to change without notice.

As in years past, this year’s convention will remain free to the public. A love offering will be taken each night.

For more information, feel free to email the site at 2010@sogospelnewsfanfestival.com . More details can be found at http://www.absolutelygospel.com .

About AbsolutelyGospel.com
AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) has grown from relative obscurity to the industry’s leading internet publication for Southern Gospel news and information in only a few short years. The site includes a wide variety of features, consisting of artist interviews, a weekly chart, late-breaking news, and much more.

Performers Continue To Be Added For 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention

BRANSON, Mo.  – Excitement continues to build for the 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention which is to be held next week at the Branson Convention Center in Branson, Missouri.

Rod & Kelly Burton, owners of YMR Productions, LLC, are excited to announce the addition of Chris Hester as well as Branson favorites The Wissman Family and Twice Adopted to the performance schedule. (It was announced earlier this week that Gaither Homecoming favorite Mike Allen was added as a featured performer as well.) Gerald Crabb has also been added as a featured performer during the Diamond Awards program, which is to be held Thursday evening, July 1, 2010 during the convention.

“God has continually amazed us,” mentioned Rod Burton. “The talent that has come on board for this convention continues to amaze us. We are so excited about what God has in store for this year’s program. We hope everyone who can come out will. This is going to be an exciting year!”

The newly announced artists will be joining more the 150 additional performers for this weeklong event in Branson, Missouri. Other artists already announced who will be appearing at the convention include Dino, the Chuck Wagon Gang, Blackwood Quartet, Russ Taff, HisSong, Hinson Revival, The Williamsons (formerly The Homesteaders), Melody Boys Quartet, Kenny Bishop, Beyond the Ashes, 2nd Generation, Freedom, Sunday Edition, Rod Burton, McMillan & Life, Young Harmony, Ricky Atkinson, The English Family, Praise Incorporated, Shannon Bunch, and many more!

This is the second year for this annual event which was just awarded the prestigious “Pacesetter Award for 2010” by the AbsolutelyGospel.com gospel music news site (formerly known as SoGospelNews.com).

In addition, several high profile companies and organizations will be present during the event – including Compassion International, AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), Sky Angel Network, Gospel Music Today, HIS Choice Music, Mansion Entertainment, Family Friendly Entertainment, Southern Spin Entertainment, SGMRadio.com, SGN Scoops Digital, and many more!

A full list of artists and organizations that will be present during the event can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com .

The 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention will take place next week, June 28 through July 2 at the Branson Hilton Convention Center in Branson, Missouri. More info is available at www.bransonGMC.com, or by calling their offices at 708-960-0111.  The Branson Gospel Music Convention is wholly owned by YMR Music Productions, LLC.

More information about the Branson Gospel Music Convention can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com or by calling (708) 960-0111.

More information about YMR Music Productions, LLC. can be found at http://www.ymrmp.com or by calling 708-960-0111.

Joe Loaring Joins Faithful Crossings

CLERMONT, Fla. – Florida-based family group Faithful Crossings is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Loaring to the group. Joe will be singing the baritone part for the group.

Joe has been very active in ministry since rededicating his life to the Lord seven years ago. In addition to his work with Faithful Crossings, Joe works full-time at Lighthouse Ministries – a local homeless shelter.

“Joe has a great heart for ministry – and that is just the kind of person we were looking for,” mentioned Tammy Sumner of Faithful Crossings. “He’s a talented singer, and we can’t wait for our friends to hear him with us!”

Joe will be joining the group immediately. You can find out more information on him at the group’s website – http://www.faithfulcrossings.com .

Faithful Crossings will be featured on the television show Atlanta Live on Atlanta’s WATC this weekend. More information on that will be released later.

More information on Faithful Crossings can be found at their webpage – http://www.faithfulcrossings.com.  You can also visit their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/faithfulcrossings.

For booking information – call Arnie Shipp and AWS Management at (864) 981-5811.

About Faithful Crossings
Faithful Crossings is a Southern Gospel ministry based in central Florida. At the heart of the ministry is Tammy Sumner, former member of the acclaimed all-women’s Southern Gospel quartet, Sweetwater Revival.  Tammy is joined by her husband Curtis Sumner and children Taylor and Lauren as well as new group members Al Mercer and Lisa Nielsen.

Southern Plainsmen Quartet Featured On SouthernGospelTimes.com

HORNBECK, La. – (June 23, 2010) – West-Central Louisiana’s Southern Plainsmen Quartet are currently featured
on the popular Southern Gospel website SouthernGospelTimes.com.  The Southern Plainsmen are the featured interview on the much read “And Now, Introducing…” article.

“And Now, Introducing…” is a series of articles designed to introduce upcoming or emerging artists in the Southern Gospel community to a new batch of fans.  The article on The Southern Plainsmen focuses on their history as a performer and minister, their biggest spiritual and musical influences, the future of their ministry, and much more.

“We are honored to be featured on such a great website,” mentioned Marcelle Slaughter. “The folks at SouthernGospelTimes.com do a great job, and we are so excited to be a part of it!”

To read the article on the Southern Plainsmen Quartet, visit SouthernGospelTimes.com.

The Southern Plainsmen recently announced their recent partnership with humanitarian organization World Vision.  The Southern Plainsmen Quartet are now artist advocates for the organization – spreading the word at concerts, churches, and various other dates that the quartet may perform at.

For more information on the Southern Plainsmen Quartet, visit their website at http://www.southernplainsmen.com/ .  You can also visit the group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Southern-Plainsmen/273186055053 .

About the Southern Plainsmen Quartet
The Southern Plainsmen Quartet was organized in May 1978 in the rolling pine-hills of West-Central Louisiana, and is an outreach of the Southern Plainsmen Ministries, Inc., a non-profit Christian organization.  The group has released 20 recordings in its impressive 30 years history.  The group currently consists of Marcelle Slaughter, Jordan Mothershed, Allen Doyle, Mike Burkhalter, and Aaron Allen. The group’s current release – Simply…Faith! released last year.

Mike Allen Named As Featured Performer for 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention

BRANSON, Mo.  – The Branson Gospel Music Convention is excited to announce Gaither Homecoming favorite Mike Allen has been added to the concert lineup.  Allen is a regular on the Gaither Homecoming concerts, videos, and cruises, and has a long history of gospel music with The Weatherfords, Phil Cross and Poet Voices, The Blackwoods, and more.

Rod Burton, co-owner of the Branson Gospel Music Convention said, “We’re so thrilled to add Mike to the lineup this year. His heart for ministry is matched only by that perfect bass voice. Our audiences are going to love his sweet spirit and amazing talent.”

Mike will be joining more the 150 artists for this weeklong event in Branson, Missouri. This is the second year for this annual event which was just awarded the prestigious “Pacesetter Award for 2010” by the AbsolutelyGospel.com gospel music news site (formerly known as SoGospelNews.com).

In addition, several high profile companies and organizations will be present during the event – including Compassion International, AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), Sky Angel Network, Gospel Music Today, HIS Choice Music, Mansion Entertainment, Family Friendly Entertainment, Southern Spin Entertainment, SGMRadio.com, SGN Scoops Digital, and many more!

A full list of artists and organizations that will be present during the event can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com .

The 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention will take place next week, June 28 through July 2 at the Branson Hilton Convention Center in Branson, Missouri. More info is available at www.bransonGMC.com, or by calling their offices at 708-960-0111.  The Branson Gospel Music Convention is wholly owned by YMR Music Productions, LLC.

More information about YMR Music Productions, LLC. can be found at http://www.ymrmp.com or by calling 708-960-0111.

Rob Patz on Gospel Music Today

Rob Patz was interviewed by our good friends Ken & Jean Grady at Gospel Music Today. Click here for the video, featured on their site this week! Click here to watch.

2nd Generation Announces Departure of Jimmy Hoskins

OAK GROVE, Ark. – (June 8, 2010) – Diamond Award nominated trio 2nd Generation regretfully announces the departure of group member Jimmy Hoskins from the group. Jimmy has been an integral part of the ministry of 2nd Generation for over three years.

“After much prayer and consideration, it is my belief that God is calling my wife and I in a different direction in pursuit of a family music ministry,” said Jimmy.  “We have been so very blessed to be able to have been a part of this incredible group for the last three years, and we have been a witness to a mighty move of God in our personal lives as well as in the altars.  I have nothing but the best wishes for 2nd Generation and am praying that God continue to pour out His blessings in their ministry as well as guide and lead our family in the direction He has purposed for us.”

Brenda Denney of 2nd Generation said, “We know that our ministry has been extremely blessed to be able to utilize a talent like Jimmy for the last three years. Elaine and I wish Jimmy and his wife Sharon the absolute best in this new family music ministry! We know that God will continue to use them in a mighty way for His kingdom! We will miss our ‘Jimmy Jam’!”

“We are excited for what God has done and what He is doing in 2nd Generation Ministries,” continued 2nd Generation’s Elaine Parks.  “We are about ministry! We know that we have been called for ‘such a time as this,’ and we know that He has someone already picked out to join 2nd Generation.”

Jimmy will stay with 2nd Generation through the months of June and July or until a replacement is found in those months. The group is still planning to record their follow-up to the breakthrough recording I See a City later this year.

2nd Generation is currently reviewing resumes and CDs for the position. Those interested in auditioning for the position can email Brenda Denney at secondg@yahoo.com or call (913) 710-5227.

Fans are encouraged to be listening for 2nd Generation’s new single, “I’ll Not Fear the Crossing,” at Southern Gospel radio.

For more information on 2nd Generation – visit http://www.2ndgenerationministries.com.

You can also find out more information about the group on their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/2generation.  The group’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/2ndgeneration.

Heavens Highway Reaches Booking Agreement with Rivergate Talent Agency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Powerful Counry/Southern Gospel group Heavens Highway is excited to announce a recent partnership that will assist the group in the area of booking and appearances. The popular group signed a booking agreement with Bonnie White and the Rivergate Talent Agency.

Bonnie White opened the doors of Rivergate Talent Agency in 1993.  Since entering the gospel music industry, Bonnie has made a lot of friends all over the world. Her down home friendly voice personifies her warm personality. She is always eager to work with churches, promoters, fairs, and other venues to fulfill talent needs at a reasonable price. Bonnie’s goal for Rivergate Talent Agency is to further the Gospel throughout the world with song through the ministry of Christian artists. Other artists with the Rivergate Talent Agency include the Dixie Echoes, Down East Boys, Gann Family, Four Fold, and others.

“We are very excited about working with Bonnie White,” mentioned David Timms of Heavens Highway. “She is a class act and works very hard for her artists! We know that this is going to be a fantastic partnership for our ministry!”

For more information on the Rivergate Talent Agency – visit http://www.rivergatetalent.com .

Heavens Highway has been making their mark at Southern Gospel radio. Fresh on the heels of scoring their first Singing News Top 40 hit, Heavens Highway recently released their new single to Southern Gospel radio.

The single, titled “When God Makes a Promise,” was released to Southern Gospel radio earlier through both Spin-N-Motion Promotions and Patterson Promotions. The new single can be found on Spin-N-Motion Radio Promotions March 2010 disc and Patterson Promotions Compilation, Vol. 1. This song was penned by Dove Award-winning songwriter Tina Sadler.

“When God Makes a Promise” is the follow-up single to “Longing to Go” – the group’s first Singing News Top 40 hit. The song spent several months on the chart before peaking at #34. In addition, the song was a regular fixture on the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Chart, SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart, and other Southern Gospel radio reports.

Both “When God Makes a Promise” and “Longing to Go” are on Heavens Highway’s latest recording – Deep Roots.

For more information on Heavens Highway, visit their website at http://www.heavenshighwaymusic.com .  You can also visit the band on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/heavenshighwaygospel .

Additional Performers and Special Events Named for 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention

BRANSON, Mo.  – Additional performers and special events continue to be planned for the 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention which returns to Branson, Missouri this month. Gospel music enthusiasts and fans from all across the country will gather this month to celebrate Gospel music as excitement continues to grow for the event!

In addition to the already planned Diamond Awards – the Branson Gospel Music Convention will host a special concert featuring many of the brightest keyboardists in the Southern Gospel community. This “Piano Jubilee” will be hosted by award-winning pianist Zack Swain. The “Zack Swain and Friends Piano Jubilee” will take place on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. during the daily matinee concert.

Also, a special All-Star Choir will gather on Friday afternoon, July 2, 2010 for a special tribute to Albert E. Brumley. That event will also take place during the matinee concert.

YMR Music Productions recently announced many of the headlining performers for the 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention – including names like Russ Taff, Blackwood Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Kenny Bishop, Dino, HisSong, Young Harmony, Ricky Atkinson, and others. Rod & Kelly Burton, of YMR Productions, LLC, are also proud to announce the addition of many new names to the performance roster – including, but not limited to, Dan Keeton & The Keetons, Freedom, Twice Adopted, and The Williamsons (formerly known as The Homesteaders).

In addition, several high profile companies and organizations will be present during the event – including Compassion International, AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), Sky Angel Network, Gospel Music Today, HIS Choice Music, Mansion Entertainment, Family Friendly Entertainment, Southern Spin Entertainment, SGMRadio.com, SGN Scoops Digital, and many more!

“It’s so amazing to see how God works in this convention,” mentioned Rod Burton. “New opportunities present themselves everyday, and we’re so excited to see where the Lord continues to take this event!”

A full list of artists and organizations that will be present during the event can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com .
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Dale Forbes Returns To The Anchormen

Nashville, TN (June 4, 2010) – The Anchormen are thrilled to announce the return of Dale Forbes to the group.  Forbes sang with the quartet for three years in the 90’s. He stepped away to answer a call to preach.  While he and his family are grateful for that season, they have tremendous peace about his return to the road.

Forbes will be singing lead for the quartet.  He joins them on the heels of their 30^th Anniversary in Gospel music.  He will be replacing Michael Bartlett, who will be transitioning from music ministry to church ministry.

“We are extremely happy and supportive of Michael as he accepts this calling to serve in church ministry,” expressed group’s owner, Tim Bullins. “Dale and I have remained such good friends over the years. When he told me he felt God was leading him to return to the Anchormen, I couldn’t have been happier. I know fans will appreciate his solid talent and his heart for God. His charisma both on and off stage will definitely be something audiences will enjoy. Dale was a big hit at the 30-year reunion last year and people will be quick to see his talent is stronger than ever.”

In addition to being a pastor for the last 14 years, Forbes has been teaching at the renowned Steve Hurst School Of Music for the past 5 years.  He shared, “God has been so good to me and my family. We have appreciated every ministry opportunity we have experienced, but for me to have the blessing of returning to the road after 15 years away, to live out my heart for music ministry and for people, is a dream.  I am so thankful to have pastored the church God brought to our lives for 14 years, but I am also grateful for the times He speaks to redirect us to a new season.  I look forward to seeing all my friends on the road and to making many new ones too.”

Forbes will make his first appearance back with the group on July 9, 2010 in Asheboro, NC.

To learn more about the Anchomen or to schedule them for your church or concert event, visit theanchormen.com.