Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

THE ROYS Take Home ICM Bluegrass Artist of the Year Award For Second Consecutive Year

Nashville, TN (October 19, 2012) — THE ROYS have been named Inspirational Country Music’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year for 2012, giving them back-to-back wins in this category.  “We sing what is in our hearts and true to our Faith,” comments Elaine Roy.  “It was a very strong group of nominees – everyone deserved this award,” notes her brother Lee.  “Elaine and I are so honored to win this for the second year in a row.”  THE ROYS were named the organization’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year in 2011 and Duo of the Year in 2010 and 2009.

The brother/sister duo kicked off the 20th Anniversary Faith, Family & Country™ Awards Show with a performance of the title track from their current EP, NEW DAY DAWNING (Rural Rhythm).  The disc debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart in early September and two weeks later had risen to Number 1 on Amazon’s Bluegrass Best Sellers list.

Last night’s Awards ceremony was hosted by Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander and GAC’s Storme Warren and held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.  THE ROYS shared the stage with luminaries Mac Powell (Third Day), Andy Griggs, John Berry, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and more.  The nationally-televised program aired on TCT Television Network, Total Living Network, NRB Network and Golden Eagle Broadcasting.  Fans should check local listings for repeat air dates and times.  Nashvillians can view the show on WKRN-TV (Channel 2) on December 23.

Music lovers can follow Lee and Elaine online at THEROYSonline, FACEBOOK and on Twitter @theroysonline.

BLUEGRASS CRUISE SET FOR JANUARY 2013

THE ROYS Invite Fans Aboard For Four-Night Bahamas Sailing January 20-24; “Early Bird” Deadline For Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise Is April 3

Nashville, TN (March 21, 2012) — Reigning ICM Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS, invite their fans to join them for Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise aboard CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S Sensation January 20-24. The spectacular vessel departs Port Canaveral, Florida for two, four-night Bluegrass sailings January 20-24 and January 27-31, but THE ROYS will entertain during the first sailing only. Ports of call include the exciting islands of Freeport and Nassau; the current, “Early Bird” price of $499 per person (based upon double cabin occupancy) is valid through April 3, but bookings will continue at varied prices. The cost includes luxurious shipboard accommodations and all food and beverages except for carbonated and alcoholic drinks.   Fans can reserve their spot with a budget-friendly $150 deposit at www.theroysonline.com. The process is easy: just go to THE ROYS’ site, look for the CRUISE tab on the Home Page; click the tab, fill out the form and submit with your deposit. Bluegrass lovers won’t want to miss this sea-going festival, which includes jam sessions, workshops and fun for the whole family. Joining THE ROYS will be other Bluegrass favorites: Mark Phillips & IIIrd Generation, Spinney Brothers, Nu-Blue, and Ernie Evans & The Florida Bluegrass Band. “Danny’s done these cruises for a few years now,” says Lee Roy. “And we’ve heard they’re a blast.” Lee and his sister Elaine love the cruise “escape,” and are looking forward to some warm weather fun with like-minded music lovers next winter. “It sounds like my idea of Heaven,” Elaine jokes.   THE ROYS will be ready for a little relaxation by the time this cruise rolls around. The energetic duo’s 2012 tour calendar is filled with dates at Festivals and Fairs across the nation, and they are hard at work writing new songs for their sophomore Bluegrass CD. Fans can catch up with Lee and Elaine, see their complete itinerary and lots more online at www.theroysonline.com