SGN Scoops Digital

MARK209 Releases New Radio Single

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (June 6, 2013) – Gospel music mainstay MARK209 celebrates the release of their new radio single “It Takes Faith.”

MARK209 has been referred to by some music business insiders as “The best group you have probably never heard.”  With the release of “It Takes Faith,” they hope to change that.  “It Takes Faith” was written by Kenna Turner West who is one of the most prolific gospel songwriters of today.

The apostle James said in James 2:17, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”  In “It Takes Faith” we feel Kenna has done a wonderful job putting the theme of this scripture to song.

Not only has MARK209 gotten a great song from a great writer, but they have utilized some of the best musicians in Nashville.  The rhythm section is comprised mostly of the band members of country legend, Ronnie Millsap.  The musicians playing on this song consist of on Guitars: Bruce Dees (played on over 70 #1 country records), Jamie Brantley (Ronnie Millsap’s lead guitar player, bandleader, and music director), Kerry Marx (member of the staff band at the Grand Ole Opry, and was guitar player on the TV show, Nashville Now); Bass Guitar: Steve Brantley (played with James Brown, Dave Loggins and Gary Morris); Piano and B3 Organ: Adam Hampton (keyboard player for Ronnie Milsap); Drums: Rodney Edmondson (drummer for Ronnie Milsap); Harmonica and Fiddle: David Johnson.  Recording Engineers are Jamie Brantley and Kerry West (Ronnie Millsap’s sound engineer) and the project is co-produced by Billy Coren and Jamie Brantley.

This first radio single comes from their CD entitled “On A Roll”, which is soon-to-be released.

2012 was a banner year for this electrifying quartet, highlighted by appearances at the 35^th Anniversary of ELVIS WEEK at Graceland on the main stage, an appearance on the main stage at the North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville, NC, and with Ronnie Milsap.  Later this year the group is scheduled to perform at the legendary Wheeling Jamboree in Wheeling, WV during the Jamboree’s 80^th year celebration.

The brand new MARK209 website was recently launched which includes a “Kids Corner” that features puzzles and coloring pages for children 12 and under. You can visit MARK209 online at www.MARK209.com.  You can also find the group on any number of social networks, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/mark209), Twitter (www.twitter.com/mark209music), and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/mark209music).

About Mark209
MARK209 is the most exciting Gospel quartet touring the country today. The intricate harmonies, detailed arrangements, energy, and versatility place this group in a league of its own. In a time when mediocrity is widely accepted, this group has raised the bar and exceeds everyone’s expectations.  As Mark Bishop said when describing MARK209, “this isn’t your granny’s music.”  MARK209 consists of Nathaniel Justice, Jym Howe, Bryan James Hatton, and Ray Woconish. 

Dates and Featured Performers Announced For 13th Annual Absolutely Gospel Music Fest

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (June 13, 2012) – The administrators of AbsolutelyGospel.com are proud to announce the dates and talent line-up for the 13^th Annual Absolutely Gospel Music Fest.

“Once again, we are so excited about bringing in some of the biggest artists in our industry to the area for a weeklong festival of Gospel music! Every year we get more and more artists who ask to be a part of the Music Fest, and this year is no different! We know that everyone is going to love the talent line up we have this year!”

This year’s Music Fest is set to run from Monday, July 16, 2012 through Friday, July 20, 2012. 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, Karen Peck & New River, Buddy Jewell, The Bowling Family, Tribute Quartet, Three Bridges, HisSong, Adam Crabb, Wilburn & Wilburn, Beyond the Ashes, Eighth Day, John’s Call, The Hemphills, Freedom, Southern Sound, Crystal River, Sharron Kay King, Mark 209, Tim Hill, The Beelers, Jim Sheldon, Jeff & Sue Duffield, and Sunday Edition.

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 chris@absolutelyGospel.com . More details can be found at http://www.absolutelygospel.com .

Buddy Jewel to Headline Country Gospel Tonight at War Memorial CMA Week

{EHA-Nashville, TN} While thousands of Country Music fans fill the streets of Nashville next month during CMA Week, the War Memorial Auditorium will be filled with great Gospel music, as Country Gospel Tonight takes place for Southern Gospel and Christian Country fans. Slated to perform in the concert on Friday night, June 8: Adolfo Lee Mayo, Donna Frost and Friends, Wendy Word + Forgiven, Diamond Award nominated; Mark 209; that includes popular, Jym Howe, formerly with the Mystery Men. Featured during the concert will be the USA Network’s “Nashville Star,” Buddy Jewell. Buddy, a fan of great Gospel Music, released, “I Surrender All,” in honor of his mother, won “Cross Over Artist of the Year” and “Entertainer of the Year in the ICGA. His Country, “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out the Rain” (Lacey’s Song) firmly placed him in the hearts of Country Music fans, and with his Gold status on his debut album, fans around the corner at LP stadium might want to join the crowd at War Memorial, as Buddy is sure to rock the building. Country Gospel Tonight, hosted by: Southern Gospel Today, is an HHMC Entertainment Production. For more info visit: www.SouthernGospelToday.com

.

Mark 209 Special guest on Gospel Music Today

The members of southern gospel quartet Mark 209 are the guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today. The Feature Group is The Drummond Family, and Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. Gospel Music Today visits Christ’s Church, in Owasso, OK, to hear The Nelons sing. Jean reviews a new CD by The Williamsons, and the show features singing by Brian Free and Assurance and a vintage video by The McKameys. The latest edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, www.gospelmusictoday.com.

Mark209 Shares the Stage with Country Music Icon Ronnie Milsap

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 5, 2012) – Gospel music mainstays Mark209 had the distinct privilege of performing onstage with Country music icon Ronnie Milsap at a recent concert event.

At Ronnie Milsap’s request, Mark209 accompanied The Milsap Show to Palmetto, Florida to perform as a part of Bill Bailey’s Winter Gospel Music Convention, the largest winter gospel music festival in the United States.

Mark209 opened for The Milsap Show, and Ronnie asked the quartet to join him on stage to sing some selections, which included “Peace In The Valley” from his gospel CD, Then Sings My Soul.

Ronnie said from stage, “If you’ve got such a quality quartet as Mark209, you just have to do an Elvis song just like he did it.”

The group then backed him on Elvis’ “Love Me.” Also on the evening’s program in Palmetto, Florida were Karen Peck & New River, the Collingsworth Family, and Wilburn & Wilburn.

Dominic Korzecki was in attendance and posted on Ronnie Milsap’s Facebook page: “These guys [Mark209] have to be one of the best Southern Gospel groups I’ve heard since The Stamps.”

Jym Howe of Mark209 states, “We have had people ask us what it is like to sing with Ronnie Milsap and to be honest, Kenny Rogers said it best, ‘There is no greater thrill, and at the same time no greater fear, than singing with Ronnie Milsap.  He is, quite simply, as good as he has to be to be better than the person he is singing with.’  It is an honor to share Ronnie’s stage and a thrill to sing with him.  Each time we have performed with him, his band and crew has actually treated us like we were somebody.” Read more »