Daywind has new service for independent artists March 26, 2003
(Press Release) - Daywind Publishing has launched a groundbreaking service for independent artists in search of new material for their upcoming projects.

Artists can now listen to newly penned songs, at their convenience, on-line by visiting, http://www.newerademos.com/daywind/. What was once a delayed and inconvenient process of obtaining material, has now been made easy.

"With the growing popularity of our genre, requests for material can sometimes be overwhelming. I found myself getting further and further behind in fulfilling all artists' needs. We can truly say this is a 'New Era' in the way we conduct our business, and we plan for it only to get more convenient and stronger with every new piece of technology," stated Brian Copeland, Daywind's Director of Publishing.

Artists can search songs written by Gerald Crabb, Kyla Rowland, Wayne Haun, Marty Funderburk, Cindi Ballard, Savana Foust, Depp Britt, Jeff Steele, Pamela Furr, Bev Lowry, Ann Ballard, Mike Payne and Gina Vera (to name a few) and merit a place in Daywind Publishing's catalog, alongside #1 hits like "I Rest My Case At The Cross," "Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord," "The Healer" and "We Want America Back."

For more information, contact Brian Copeland at bcopeland@daywind.com

Performers announced for 34th Annual Dove Awards March 26, 2003
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 25, 2003 – The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced the performers for the 34th Annual Dove Awards, which will be hosted by CeCe Winans and Steven Curtis Chapman on Thursday, April 10 in Nashville, Tenn.

The performers include Amy Grant and Vince Gill, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Sixpence None the Richer and Blind Boys of Alabama. Audio Adrenaline, The Crabb Family, Mark Schultz, Bebo Norman, Nichole Nordeman, Joy Williams and The Katinas are also scheduled to perform. All six New Artist nominees Big Daddy Weave, The Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus, Daily Planet, Souljahz, Paul Colman Trio and Jeff Deyo are lined up for the show. Winans is also slated to perform.

Michael W. Smith will be joined by Point of Grace, Michael Tait, Anointed, Avalon and others to perform a tribute to Smith’s signature song “Friends” which celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2003. The song is also a bonus track on the just released Dove Hits 2003.


PAX TV will air the 34th Annual Dove Awards on Saturday, April 19 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will televise the show twice, on Friday, April 25 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and Saturday, April 26 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

The Dove Awards will be available live on radio and via the Internet. StarOne Networks will produce the live pay-per-view Webcast sponsored by LifeWay Christian Stores. “Dove Awards Live” will feature live award-to-award coverage including the pre-telecast presentation and “Behind the Scenes” footage. Information about the Webcast can be found at www.DoveAwardsLive.com. Nashville-based Huntsman Entertainment will produce the 34th annual Dove Awards broadcast nationwide, hosted by national radio personalities Jon and Sherry Rivers. The radio show will feature the live awards show as well as exclusive radio content during spot breaks and post-event coverage.

The opening ceremonies for the 34th Annual Dove Awards, during which most of the awards will be presented, will feature the Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction of Amy Grant, Blind Boys of Alabama and Pat Boone. The pre-show starts at 5:30 p.m. CT and will be hosted by Rebecca St. James, and features Smokie Norful, Sheri Easter, Karen Peck, Joyce Martin and others.

Feed the Children (www.feedthechildren.org), the third largest U.S. charity involved in global aid, will be the official charity for the awards show for the third straight year.



About The Dove Awards and GMA:

The Dove Awards recognizes achievement in all genres of contemporary Christian and Gospel music and is the premiere television awards show for the contemporary Christian and gospel music industry. The 34th Annual Dove Awards show will be produced by NorthStar Studios and will be held on April 10th at The Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tenn. A complete list of nominees for the 34th Annual Dove Awards can be found on the Web at www.doveawards.com.



Founded in 1964, the 4,500 member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to educating the public and the music industry concerning the mission and role of gospel music in today's world. For more information, go to www.gospelmusic.org.



About PAX TV:

Paxson Communications Corporation owns and operates the nation’s largest broadcast television distribution system and PAX TV, family television. PAX TV reaches 88 percent of U.S. television households via nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. PAX TV’s original series include “Sue Thomas: G.B.Eye,” starring Deanne Bray, “Doc,” starring recording artist Billy Ray Cyrus and “Just Cause” starring Richard Thomas and Lisa Lackey. Other original PAX series include “It’s A Miracle” and “Candid Camera.” For more information, visit PAX TV’s website at www.pax.tv.



About TBN:

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is the world’s largest producer and distributor of Christian television programming. TBN broadcasts over 416 stations along with 6,100 cable outlets in the United States and over 3,774 foreign stations. TBN is covering the world via 27 satellites. TBN has produced the nation’s longest running Christian music video program – “Real Videos”- which has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Gospel Music Association for the past 18 years. On November 1, 2002, TBN launched Jesus Christ TV (JCTV) a 24-hour Christian youth channel reaching the 13 to 30 age group. For more information, visit TBN’s website at www.tbn.org.

SGMA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony set March 23, 2003
The Southern Gospel Music's hall of fame induction ceremony is Scheduled for May 13, 2003 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

This year's program will be a little different in that there will NOT be a dinner. In lue of the dinner, which took almost two hours, there will Be an induction ceremony, a tribute concert by eight of the Top groups in Southern Gospel Music, followed by a reception with the new inductees and artists after the program. Also, the SGMA is inviting all living inductees to join us this year as our guest.

Ticket prices are $50.00 for the artitist circle section, which includes the Ceremony, Tribute concert, and Reception; or $20.00 for the Ceremony, and Tribute concert only.

This will still be a dress-up event honoring those who made a significant contribution To the history of Southern Gospel Music.

CALL THE SGMA OFFICE TO ORDER TICKETS AND GET MORE INFORMATION
PHONE: (865) 908-4040 or visit www.SGMA.org

Kenny Hicks passes away March 23, 2003
Kenny Hicks, former bass guitarist with the Stamps Quartet, Rebels Quartet, and Statesmen Quartet passed away Friday, March 14. His funeral was held Tuesday, March 18th, at Newcomer Family Funeral Home in Winter Park, FL. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Spring Hill Music sign Booth Brothers March 23, 2003
(Press Release) - Spring Hill Music announces the signing of the Booth Brothers, a vocal trio that has been winning fans and gaining acclaim over the past year on their own concert dates and the Gaither Homecoming tour.The group is currently working on their Spring Hill debut, which is projected to release in late summer.

Made up of brothers Ronnie and Michael Booth and Jim Brady, the Booth Brothers' smooth harmonies and energetic performances have grown a solid fan base over the past several years. Growing up with a father who sang southern gospel music, Ronnie and Michael absorbed the harmonic tradition of the genre.

"These three guys have been doing an amazing job over the past year. Night after night, they have the audience on its feet. We are excited that they want to take the next step in their ministry with Spring Hill as a partner and look forward to working with them," says Scott Chancey, president of Spring Hill Music Group.

Brian Free & Assurance announce new members March 23, 2003
(Press Release) - Brian Free & Assurance welcomes two new members to the award-winning quartet: Derrick Selph and Keith Plott. These two men will be replacing Craig Singletary and Bill Lawrence, both of whom are departing the group to pursue other interests. Derrick will be the group's new baritone, while Keith takes over bass singing duties. The two will join current Assurance lead vocalist Bill Shivers and eight-time Tenor Of The Year Brian Free.

Since 1999, Derrick Selph has been singing baritone for the Dixie Melody Boys. During his tenure with the quartet, Selph has established himself as a solid baritone and dedicate, hard-working "quartet man." Keith Plott has sang bass with Danny Funderburk & Mercy's Way, and most recently with the South Carolina-based quartet, Safe Harbor. "I'd like to publicly thank Craig and Bill for their service to our group," states Brian Free. "I will always appreciate their efforts in the re-establishment of this quartet and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

"Craig will be serving as a music minister in his father's church, while pursuing a career in law enforcement as a Georgia State Trooper," Free continues. "Bill Lawrence is coming off the road in order to devote more time to the trucking company that he and his wife operate. Bill will also be making himself available for some 'fill-in' work from time to time as his schedule allows. It is difficult to operate a company and sing full-time at the same time.

"Being able to bring aboard gentlemen like Derrick and Keith will make the transition easy and as seamless as possible," shares Brian. "Derrick comes on board with a degree from the prestigious 'Ed O'Neal University' and many people within the industry are well aware of Keith's talent and wonderful personality. We are grateful and proud to have them both as part of Assurance. We have some exciting plans for the future including our live recording with the Christ Tabernacle Choir in New York City in June. It really works out nicely to be able to introduce two new members with a live recording in such unique setting."

Derrick and Keith are expected to join the group beginning April 2.

Jeff Pearles joins Old Time Gospel Hour Qt. March 11, 2003
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.— 2001 Horizon Group of the Year, The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, announces the addition of bass vocalist Jeff Pearles.

Jeff, formally of Palmetto State Quartet, states “I turned on my radio and heard the song ‘There’s A Brighter Day.’ Palmetto State then had the opportunity to work with The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet and I became an immediate fan. I am thrilled to be a part of this ministry.”

Robbie Hiner, Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet tenor, adds, “Jeff’s love for the Lord shows in his performances night after night. He is a leader in our industry and we are thrilled to have him as part of our family. We sincerely want to thank Christian Davis and Michael Davis for their time and service to our quartet. We wish them the very best and pray for God’s blessings on them.

The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet records for Daywind Music and is booked by the April Potter Agency. Their latest radio single is “That’s ‘A How I Know."

“Daywind Music Group welcomes Jeff to the Daywind family and to The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet. I know that Jeff’s vocal style and his outgoing personality will fit in well with Robbie, Jeff and Wyatt. We are very excited about the future of The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet,” commented Norman Holland.

The latest recording by The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, The Return, is distributed through Word Entertainment and New Day Christian Distributors.

For more information on The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, visit www.daywind.com or www.otghquartet.com.