Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

SGN Scoops – July 2011

The July online edition of SGN Scoops is filled with features related to the 3rd annual Branson Gospel Music Revival and much more! Check out interviews with BGMR creators Rod and Kelly Burton, Gold Harbor, and young faces of gospel music. Read about the devastating floods in Ozarks and Ms. Lou’s monthly thoughts, plus new music from beyond the Ashes and a little something about C.S. Lewis. As usual, we cover a wide variety of bases. Check it out and share with your friends!

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Branson Gospel Music Revival To Be Held At Tri-Lakes Center Next Week

Four-day event to include Dino, HisSong and others and will benefit Convoy Of Hope Disaster Relief

BRANSON, Mo. – (June 23, 2011) – The Branson Gospel Music Revival (formerly Convention) is returning to Branson, Missouri for the third time next week. The four-day annual event heads to a new venue this year, the Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 State Highway 248 in Branson.

Taking place Tuesday, June 28 – Friday, July 1, the gospel celebration consists of daily matinee and evening concerts featuring approximately 75 Gospel musicians from across the United States.

Dino, HisSong, Beyond the Ashes, Kenny Bishop, Ann Downing, Mike Allen, The Williamsons, Praise Incorporated, 2nd Generation, Voices of Glory, Jay Stone Singers, McMillan and Life, Rod Burton, Lynda Lynn, Sunday Edition, Mystery Men, and more will be part of the Revival, which organizers say puts the spotlight on the gospel message.

Also returning will be the popular SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, as well as the Tribute to Albert Brumley and  “Piano Praise” segments. Additionally, a  “New Faces” afternoon concert geared toward teens and those “young at heart” has been added. A Branson GMR Prayer Team, who will pray with audience members and artists alike during the week, is a new addition this year as well.

“We continue to learn and grow and are striving to make this an even more enjoyable event, one that continues to attract new people to this great city every summer,” co-owner and host Rod Burton stated. “Meanwhile, our focus continues to be on fostering a time of refreshing and encouragement for our artists as well as the audience.”

Having won the “Pacesetter of the Year” award from AbsolutelyGospel.com for the second consecutive year, Burton and his wife and partner, Kelly Burton, look forward to building on the success of what they still consider a very new event.

“It has been a true honor to receive some Gospel industry accolades,” Kelly mentions. “What we hope that sort of recognition translates to is more people coming to hear the truly fantastic artists who gather here with us in Branson every summer, so they can receive the message of faith being offered through gospel music.”

On that note, the couple has announced that Wednesday, June 29, will be “Disaster Relief Night” at the Revival, with a portion of all ticket and program book proceeds going to aid victims of Branson and Hollister area flooding as well as the recent catastrophic tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Donations will be made to the Assemblies of God relief organization Convoy of Hope, which has already provided substantial assistance throughout the region.

Concerts are scheduled daily Tuesday, June 28 through Friday, July 1 from noon-4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $18.00 per day for adults and can be purchased by calling the Tri Lakes Center at 1-800-785-1550 or 417-336-0219.

More information about Branson Gospel Music Revival can be found at www.BransonGMR.com or by calling 615-530-3726.

SGN Scoops Digital Announces Hosts for 2011 Diamond Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (June 16, 2010) – Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops Digital, home of the Diamond Awards, are proud to announce the hosts of this year’s 2011 Diamond Awards program. This year’s awards will be hosted by multiple Diamond Award nominees Christy Sutherland and Beyond the Ashes.

Christy Sutherland is a prized songwriter and celebrated vocalist in the Southern Gospel community. Her songs have been recorded by such artists as Sandi Patty, Triumphant Quartet, Prelude, Rizen, Kim Hopper, The Greenes, and many more. Sutherland took home the award for Traditional Song of of the Year earlier this year in the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards for penning the Triumphjant Quartet hit single “Somebody Died For Me.” Sutherland has been nominated for five Diamond Awards this year – including Songwriter of the Year.

Beyond the Ashes has made great strides in the industry over the last couple of years – including a recent appearance on the Grand Ole Opry as a part of CMA Music Week. Consisting of group members Anthony Facello, Casey Rivers, and Kellan Monroe, the trio recently released their debut recording for Vine Records – Treasures Unseen. The group took home the 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and is nominated for two Diamond Awards this year – including Trio of the Year.

Christy Sutherland said, “I’m looking forward to co-hosting the Diamond Awards this year with Beyond The Ashes.  I’ve had the chance to visit with these guys before, and we immediately hit it off.  I know it’s going to be a blast sharing the stage with them. What girl wouldn’t want to share the stage with such talented, funny men?!”

Anthony Facello of Beyond the Ashes said, “Beyond The Ashes considers it such an honor to be asked to co-host the 2011 Diamond Awards in Branson, Missouri this year.  I’m not sure if the Diamond Awards know what they are getting themselves in to.  We know that this year is sure to be the best yet.”

The 2011 Diamond will once again take place at the Branson Gospel Music Revival.  The show will take place on Thursday, June 30, 2011 in Branson, Missouri at the Tri-Lakes Center.  The awards program will precede the Thursday evening concerts and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the Diamond Awards – visit the SGN Scoops Digital website at https://www.sgnscoops.com .

Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Allen Asbury To Lead Worship Nightly at Branson Gospel Music Revival

BRANSON, Mo. – (May 24, 2011) – The Branson Gospel Music Revival (formerly Convention) is proud to announce that acclaimed singer/songwriter Allen Asbury will be leading worship nightly at this year’s event.

Allen Asbury is currently the worship leader of Branson’s Tri Lakes Center. He has released three critically acclaimed projects, and his debut album, Somebody’s Praying Me Through, spawned off three #1 hits at Christian radio. The song “Somebody’s Praying Me Through” was the theme song for the 2003 National Day of Prayer and Presidential Prayer Team.

In addition, Asbury is known around Branson for his portrayal of Simon Peter in the long-running passion play The Promise.

“I saw Allen sing live for the first time last year at a Branson radio show,” mentioned Kelly Burton of the Branson Gospel Music Revival. “His passion had me out of my seat! As we continue to refine what Branson GMR is all about, having him lead our artists and our audience into worship each night is a perfect fit.”

For more information on Allen, visit his home on the web at www.allenasbury.com .

Over a hundred gospel artists from across the country will be at the Branson Gospel Music Revival to perform, including returning favorites Dino, HisSong, Beyond the Ashes, Kenny Bishop, Voices of Glory, The Williamsons, Praise Incorporated, 2^nd Generation, Jay Stone Singers, McMillan and Life, Rod Burton, Lynda Lynn, Sunday Edition, Mystery Men, The Greesons, Shannon Bunch, Johanathan Bond, The Shireys, and Homecoming favorites Mike Allen and Ann Downing and more.   Tickets have gone on sale and can be purchased from the Tri-Lakes Center box office by calling (417) 336-0219.   More information about Branson Gospel Music Revival can be found at www.BransonGMR.com or by calling (708) 362-8172.

Driven Quartet Nominated for 5 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – (May 18, 2011) – Popular Southern Gospel group Driven Quartet received word earlier this month that they have been nominated for an impressive five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards.Driven Quartet

The nominees were announced last week in the May 2011 issue of SGN Scoops Digital. Driven Quartet received nominations in many major categories – including Favorite Song (for “Mercy Saw Me”), Favorite Album (Driven Quartet), Favorite Male Quartet, Favorite Christian Country Group, and Favorite Artist Website (www.drivenqt.com).

“We are honored to be mentioned in so many categories in this year’s Diamond Awards program,” mentioned Jason Funderburk of Driven Quartet. “We are delighted that our fans would think enough of us to nominate us for such prestigious awards. Thank you so much!”

Fans can now vote for their favorites from the Top 5 ballot. The online ballot is designed for fans to vote for their favorite artists and individuals for each award.  Fans and industry supporters are encouraged to visit the SGN Scoops Digital website to place their votes.  The Diamond Awards home on the web is located at https://sgnscoops.com.

The 2011 Diamond will once again take place at the Branson Gospel Music Revival.  The show will take place on Thursday, June 30, 2011 in Branson, Missouri at the Tri-Lakes Center.  The awards program will precede the Thursday evening concerts and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the Diamond Awards – visit the SGN Scoops Digital website at https://www.sgnscoops.com .

Driven Quartet saw a strong surge in radio support for their latest single. The song – titled “Story of My Life” –charted on various industry publications over the last couple of months. “Story of My Life” is the second single from Driven Quartet’s much-talked-about self-titled release and is the first single from the group to hit Southern Gospel radio in over a year.

This new single is the follow-up to the group’s previous hit single “Between a Rock and a Hard Place.”  The song was written by John Darin Rowsey and Justin Rivers and did exceptionally well for the group.  The song reached Top 20 on both the Gospel Music News Top 100 (#14) and SoGospelNews.com (now AbsolutelyGospel.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart (#12) and Top 40 on the Singing News Top 80 (#27).  The song also charted exceptionally well on the  SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

Individuals interested in booking Driven Quartet for their church or concert event can visit the Dominion Agency’s website at http://www.dominionagency.com or call (910) 484-6996.

For more information on Driven Quartet, visit their website at http://www.drivenqt.com .  Fans are also encouraged to visit Driven’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/drivenministriesjnf .

Branson Gospel Music Revival Announces Details for 2011 Talent Search

BRANSON, Mo. – (April 27, 2011) – The Branson Gospel Music Revival (formerly Convention) is proud to announce details regarding the 2011 Talent Search. This year’s event is sponsored by Pathway Records, a Division of Mansion Entertainment.

Entries for the talent search can be made online at www.bransongmr.com. First place winners will be signed to Pathway Records, and receive a full track project with up to two days of vocals and one day of mix. CD soundtracks of all songs and 100 CDs are also included. There are also 2nd and 3rd place prizes as well. Go to www.bransongmr.com for all the details!

“We are excited to have Pathway Records working with us this year on the talent search,” said Rod Burton of the Branson GMR. “Pathway and Mansion are great supporters of our event and produce some fantastic artists”.

Bill Dykes, Executive Director of Manor House Music, also a division of Mansion Entertainment, adds, “We have enjoyed our time at Branson GMR for the past two years and look forward to having an active role in this year’s event while creating opportunities for newer artists.”

Entrants are encouraged to register quickly while space is still available. The talent search will take place during the 3rd Annual Branson Gospel Music Revival, held at the Tri Lakes Center in Branson, Missouri, June 28 through July 1, 2011. For more information, go to www.bransongmr.com or call (615) 530-3726.

Over a hundred gospel artists from across the country will be there to perform, including returning favorites Dino, HisSong, Beyond the Ashes, Freedom, Kenny Bishop, Voices of Glory, The Williamsons, Praise Incorporated, 2nd Generation, Jay Stone Singers, McMillan and Life, Rod Burton, Lynda Lynn, Sunday Edition, Mystery Men, The Greesons, Shannon Bunch, Johnathan Bond, and Homecoming favorites Mike Allen and Ann Downing and more.

Tickets have gone on sale and can be purchased from the Tri-Lakes Center box office by calling (417) 336-0219.

More information about Branson Gospel Music Revival can be found at www.BransonGMR.com or by calling (708) 362-8172.

Rod and Kelly Burton Named General Managers of Pat Boone Family Theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – (April 26, 2011) – National recording artist Rod Burton and his wife Kelly announced today that they have accepted the position of managers for the newly renovated Pat Boone Family Theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Rod will serve as the theater’s General Manager and will be responsible for the overall operations as well as booking a variety of family-friendly talent for the theater. Kelly will be the Director of Marketing, overseeing marketing, promotions, and advertising for the theater and related businesses.

Rod & Kelly will be relocating their family, ministry, and the offices of YMR Music Productions, LLC (parent company of the award-winning Branson Gospel Music Revival) to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the next few weeks.

“We have been waiting in the wings since December as this new opportunity has unfolded before us,” Rod says. “Everything about it, from the nature of the theater and our positions there to the heart of the man who brought us on board seems ordained for this time. We are so grateful for an exciting new avenue that will allow us to continue and expand our work in ministry.”

Kelly adds, “After living in Chicagoland my entire life, I’d been preparing for our family to move to Nashville when this opportunity kind of fell from heaven into our laps. We are beyond thankful for the support of our family and friends as we make this exciting transition and look forward to what God has in store.”

The Pat Boone Family Theatre is slated for opening later this summer at Broadway at the Beach in the space formerly occupied by Nascar Cafe. The theatre will feature family-friendly entertainment as well as gospel music concerts, conferences, and special events.  The theater’s marquee act is world-class illusionist and 2011 Merlin Award winner Morgan Strebler (www.morganstrebler.com).

The newly renovated Pat Boone Theater is owned by Liquid Metal Productions (www.liquidmetalproductionsllc.com)

Rob Helton Joins Gold Harbor

One of the top vocalist in Gospel Music has joined forces with JR Richards of Gold Harbor to be their New lead singer. JR states that Gold Harbor has been talking with Rob for the last several months and we were both willing to wait till the time was right to announce this to the Gospel Music world. Rob’s latest national single ” If It Wasn’t For The Cross” is blazing up radio all over the USA. Robs talent is second to none and Gold Harbor with much prayer is so excited to introduce Rob at The Branson Gospel Music Revival June 28th- July 1st at the Tri Lakes Center in Branson Mo and premier our new genre of music “Southern Praise & Worship”.

Performers Announced For First “Diamond Awards On Tour” Show

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (January 31, 2011) – Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops Digital, home of the Diamond Awards, are excited to announce the confirmed performs for the first “Diamond Awards On Tour” show. Set to take place next month in Nashville, Tennessee, the first show on this brand new tour will include performances from Driven Quartet, Beyond the Ashes, and Christy Sutherland.

Driven Quartet is one of the most exciting new quartets to hit the Gospel music landscape in years. The group was recently listed as one of 10 new artists to watch for 2011 according to AbsolutelyGospel.com and earned a Breakthrough Artist of the Year nomination in the 2009 SGN Music Awards. You can find out more information Driven Quartet by visiting http://www.drivenqt.com.

Nominated for 2 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards this year including Fan Favorite Artist of the Year, Beyond the Ashes has been breaking down barriers and winning over new fans to Gospel music over the last couple of years. The group is currently working on a brand new album – Treasures Unseen. Visit them online at http://www.beyondtheashesonline.com.

Christy Sutherland has become one of Gospel music’s most cherished vocalists and songwriters over the last few years. Her songs have been recorded by industry leaders Rizen, Sandi Patty, The Greenes, and Kim Hopper among others. The Triumphant Quartet singled “Somebody Died For Me” was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Traditional Southern Song of the Year in the 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, and Christy was awarded Christian Country Female Artist of the Year in the 2010 Diamond Awards. Learn more about her by visiting http://www.christysutherland.net.

Rob Patz of Coastal Media Group said, “All three of these artists have become personal friends of SGN Scoops Digital and believe in the Diamond Awards program. We are so excited that they agreed to be a part of our first show!”

“I am thrilled to be kicking off the first annual Diamond Awards on Tour Concert Series with Beyond The Ashes and Driven,” mentioned Christy Sutherland. “I know people will be touched by the presence of God.”

The “Diamond Awards On Tour” is a new initiative designed to take the Diamond Awards experience across the country this year. The “Diamond Awards On Tour” concert series will hit major markets and universities in an effort to bring awareness to the Diamond Awards program and attract new readers to the already popular digital magazine.

The first date on the “Diamond Awards On Tour” experience will be on Thursday, February 10, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee at Trevecca Nazarene University at the Boone Business Building Convocation Center started at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s Diamond Awards program will take place on Thursday, June 30, 2011 as a part of the 3rd Annual Branson Gospel Music Revival in Branson, Missouri.

The Diamond Awards are currently accepting nominations for the Top 10 Ballot in this year’s program. To find out how you can nominate your favorite artists, visit https://www.sgnscoops.com for more information.

Hosts, performers and sponsors for the 2011 Diamond Awards will be announced at a later date.

About the Diamond Awards
The Diamond Awards were transferred over to the SGN Scoops Digital several years ago after the original home for the awards, the Gospel Voice Magazine, folded.  The Diamond Awards are a fan-based award that allows the fans to choose the nominees as well as the winners in each year.  The awards show is based during the Branson Gospel Music Convention every July.

Branson Gospel Music Revival Launches Prayer Ministry

BRANSON, Mo. – (January 26, 2011) – Rod & Kelly Burton, owners of YMR Music Productions, LLC and promoters of the award-winning Branson Gospel Music Revival, are excited to announce a new prayer ministry to offer artists and organizations involved in the annual event.

Kelly Burton said, “So many of us that are involved in this event have become like family. And as a family, we want to be able to lift each other up in prayer when we need to. We’ve already had a pretty devastating January with the loss of Susan Unthank of AbsolutelyGospel.com and the critical accident of Appointed by Grace’s Randy Woodrome. Both of these people have been active participants of our ‘family,’ and we know that God has acted on their behalf because of the prayers lifted up.”

Wanda Deering, wife of Branson Gospel Music Revival board member Wayne Deering, will be heading up the Email Prayer Ministry. Those who would like to submit a prayer request to the ministry or who would like to be a part of the intercessory prayer team can email prayer@bransongmc.com.

“Many artists and supporters know Ms. Wanda from her attendance at countless gospel events,” mentioned Rod Burton. “We are so grateful for her passion for prayer. Please know that needs shared with her will be taken to heart, taken to the throne, and taken no farther. We encourage you to share your needs & promise no request will be taken for granted.”

The Branson Gospel Music Revival (formerly Convention) will be returning to Branson, Missouri for the third time late last year. The Burtons also announced that the four-day annual event will be changing venues, relocating in 2011 to the Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 State Highway 248 in Branson.

The Branson Gospel Music Revival will be held Tuesday, June 28 – Friday, July 1, 2011 at the Tri-Lakes Center. Over a hundred gospel artists from across the country will be there to perform, including returning favorites HisSong, Beyond the Ashes, Freedom, Kenny Bishop, Dan Keeton Quartet, The Williamsons, Praise Incorporated, 2nd Generation, Jay Stone Singers, McMillan and Life, Rod Burton, Lynda Lynn, Sunday Edition, Mystery Men Quartet, and more.

They also confirmed the return of Branson’s Dino Kartsonakis, who will headline one night of the event.  Also returning will be the popular SGN Scoops Diamond Awards and the “Piano Jubilee.”

Tickets have already gone on sale and can be purchased from the Tri-Lakes Center box office by calling (417) 336-0219.

More information about Branson Gospel Music Revival can be found at www.BransonGMR.com or by calling (708) 362-8172.