BEC RECORDINGS’ MANAFEST CELEBRATES NO. 1 ROCK SINGLE

MUSIC VIDEO FOR HIT SONG “FIGHTER” DEBUTS TODAY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SONSHINE FESTIVAL

Seattle, Wa –May 16, 2012 –Since the release of his fifth studio album, Fighter, BEC Recordings’ international rock artist Manafest has been around the world touring. This week, he celebrates his second No. 1 Rock radio single, “Fighter.” In April, this album debuted in the Top 20 on the iTunes® Rock album chart at No. 16 and was the highest career debut for Manafest landing at No. 7 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Manafest spent weeks touring in Japan and China supporting the international release of Fighter where he debuted at No. 8 on the Japan iTunes chart. While he was there, he also taped the music video for the hit title-track song, which will be debuting today in partnership with the Sonshine Festival.  Click here to view the music video debut.  Manafest will be performing at Sonshine Festival on July 12, click here to learn more about the festival and artist line-up.

This summer Manafest can be seen at all the major festivals across the country. He will also be headlining a Western Canadian tour in June (dates and venues below). Next week he’ll be traveling to Singapore for the Music Matters Conference. See the dates and festivals he’ll be performing at below.

In addition to the radio and international success, Manafest’s newest venture is receiving wide acclaim from the media.  Media are saying that the album is “lyrically intense,” the “musicianship is nearly flawless,” lyrical content is “hopeful but also challenging listeners,” and gives “rap a hardcore edge.”

ABOUT FIGHTER:

Produced by Adam Messinger (Justin Bieber) and Seth Mosley (newsboys), Fighter vents the Toronto native’s losses and draws hurting people toward inspiration like never before. A fighter himself, Manafest knows what it means to have a fight. His uphill climb began at age five when his father committed suicide. Years of childhood insecurity and fear gave way to a promising skateboarding career, but then an injury took that away, too. Music soon filled the void, and it would prove to be a perfect fit.

ABOUT MANAFEST: Over the past 11 years, Chris Greenwood has used the moniker Manafest to organically build his fan base playing hundreds of shows on three continents.  In 2006, Manafest released Glory from which the rock anthem “Impossible,” featuring Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan, became a global hit. In 2008, Manafest followed up with Citizens Activ, which catapulted success garnering multiple TV placements and his overall presence in the US and internationally. In 2010, Manafest released his most critically acclaimed project, The Chase, which he received his second JUNO Award nomination as well as won the 2010 GMA Canada Award. In June 2011, Manafest released his first self-titled live DVD / CD.  Touring worldwide Manafest has also traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan and United States.

Connect with Manafest:

www.manafest.net | twitter.com/Manafest

http://www.facebook.com/manafest

May 27th        Del Mar, CA               Spirit West Coast Festival

MANAFEST WESTERN CANADIAN TOUR WITH WHOSARMY

Jun 1st            Victoria, BC                TEMPLE ALL AGES

Jun 1st            Victoria, BC                TEMPLE 19+

Jun 2nd           Nanaimo, BC              HEADLINERS ALL AGES

Jun 3rd           Vancouver, BC            The Rio Theatre

Jun 6th            Lethbridge, AB           The Slice

Jun 8th            Calgary, AB                Orpheus Theatre

Jun 9th            Edmonton, AB            Avenue Theatre

Jun 13th          Yorkton, SK                Army Navy & Airforce Veteran’s

Jun 14th          Saskatoon, SK             AMIGO’S CANTINA

Jun 15th          Regina, SK                  The Exchange

Jun 16th          Winnipeg, MB             West End Cultural Centre

Jun 23rd          Wilmore, KY               Ichtus Festival

Jun 28th          Mason, OH                 Spirit Song Festival

Jun 29th          Shirlysburg, PA          Agape Farm

Jun 30th          Doswell, VA               Kings Fest

Jul 12th           Wilmar, MN               Sonshine Festival

Jul 21st           Enumclaw, WA          Creation Fest West

Jul 24th           Houston, TX              KSBJ Radio event

Aug 4th           Midland, TX              Rock the Desert Fest

Aug 11th         Lansing, MI               Michigan Adventure

Aug 30th         Crofton, BC               Camp Qwanoes

Sep 1st            Plymouth, CA            Joshua Fest

Media Contact: Lori Mahon, Lori@Mergepr.com

And Ben Davis To Lead “The Sound of Music” Cast;

Tickets On Sale Now For May 31-June 17 Performances

8 May 2012 – Nashville, Tenn – Studio Tenn Theatre Company have announced complete casting for their upcoming musical production, “The Sound of Music,” running May 31-June 17 at the historic 300-seat Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. In leading roles are Broadway stars Jessica Grové as Maria and Ben Davis as Captain Von Trapp.

Grové has starred on Broadway in “Les Miserables” (Eponine), “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Miss Dorothy), “A Little Night Music” (Mrs. Anderson) and “Sunday in the Park with George” (Celeste). She also starred as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” at Madison Square Garden with Mickey Rooney and Ertha Kitt. Last month, Jessica played Cinderella in the third annual Show Hope benefit production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” directed and designed by Matt Logan and featuring Jake Speck of Studio Tenn at the Schermerhorn with the Nashville Symphony.

Ben Davis has starred on Broadway in some of the same shows, including “Les Miserables” (Javert), “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Trevor Graydon), “A Little Night Music” (Mr. Lindquist), “Knickerbocker Holiday” (Brom Broeck) and Baz Luhrmann’s “La Boheme” (Marcello).

Other principal cast members include Nan Gurley as the Mother Abbess, Marguerite Lowell Hall as the Baroness, Matthew Carlton as Uncle Max, and recent Belmont University graduates Kelsey Self and Douglas Waterbury-Tieman as Liesl and Rolf. Portraying the rest of the Von Trapp children are seven of Tennessee’s most talented young actors, including Jack Alcott as Friedrich, Annabelle Fox as Louisa, Mary Marguerite Hall as Brigitta, Matthew Dyra as Kurt, Virginia Richardson as Marta and Bella Higginbotham as Gretel.

The cast will be rounded out with some of the region’s best actors and singers, including such Nashville main-stays as Shelean Newman, David Compton, Emily Webb, Melodie Madden Adams and Linda Sue Simmons Runyeon.

 Studio Tenn Managing Director Jake Speck will serve as Executive Producer and the company’s Artistic Director Matt Logan will design and direct. The production will be choreographed by Emily Tello, Chris Rayis will serve as Music Director/Conductor and Laura Matula will vocal direct.

Studio Tenn’s production of “The Sound of Music” runs Thursday, May 31 through Sunday, June 17 at the Franklin Theatre. Matinee and evening performances are available. Tickets are on sale now at the Franklin Theatre Box Office, #538-2076 or online at FranklinTheatre.com. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. To inquire about group accommodations, please email leah@franklintheatre.com.

Originally built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre re-opened to the public on June 3, 2011 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. More information is available online at FranklinTheatre.com.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT STUDIO TENN PLEASE CONTACT:

Stacie Vining of Merge PR

Stacie@Mergepr.com

#615.260-4679

*High-resolution photos and logos available upon request

Jessica Grové as Maria

Ben Davis as Captain Von Trapp

THE CHOIR

Announces New Album, The Loudest Sound Ever Heard,

Releasing May 15th

3 May 2012 – Nashville, Tenn – After three decades together, iconic alternative rock band The Choir is set to release their 14th studio album. The Loudest Sound Ever Heard, will release May 15th, 2012 on their own Galaxy21 label.

As one of the few bands left standing from the 1980’s SoCal music movement wave that swept nationwide more than 30 years ago, The Choir continues to make their renowned atmospheric music married to lyrics stirred by life’s inspirational lessons in the context of real relationships – love, despair, light, dark, hope, and recovery. Comprised of original members Derri Daugherty (lead vocal/guitar), Steve Hindalong (drums), Dan Michaels (saxophone/lyricon), and Tim Chandler (bass), The Choir thrived in the creation of The Loudest Sound Ever Heard.

With their past releases described as, according to the Los Angeles Times, “magical songs that combine strains of murky psychedelia with pure pop,” and Billboard touting The Choir for their “dark poetic leanings, effects-laden guitars and strong melodic hooks,” this newest album certainly remains true to The Choir’s core classic sound. Yet in the creation of The Loudest Sound Ever Heard, the song crafting and production is enhanced more than ever through their years of experience and collaboration.

Says Daugherty, “At this point in our life as a band, we know each other really well and sincerely appreciate what we each bring to the creative process. So every time we get an itch to make another record it’s fun and new. It’s like we’ve got the excitement we had when we were younger, wanting to make great music, as well as the confidence that comes with experience.”

The project’s title of The Loudest Sound Ever Heard is taken from the infamous volcanic explosion on the Indonesian island of Krakatoa in the late 19th century. “A quick Wikipedia search revealed that to this day the event is considered to be “the loudest sound ever heard,” Drummer/lyricist Hindalong explains. “I referred to that tragic occurrence in the first verse of the song ‘I’m Learning to Fly,’ which is thematically central to the album. It’s about living each day like it truly matters. ‘Living to love in a dying world.’ Such catastrophic events remind us of our vulnerability, and how we ought to celebrate every breath.”

Hindalong continues, “There is also a figurative reference to the title – ‘A true friend’s heart is the loudest sound ever heard’ – in the song ‘Melodious,’ which is a tribute to our long time friend and bandmate, Tim Chandler. Incidentally, Tim introduced Derri and I back in 1979 and we’ve been making music together ever since!”

The final song on the album, ‘After All,’ features a stunning duet with Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer. “We’ve known Leigh since way back,” says Daugherty, “She’s a friend and one of my favorite singers ever. We’re thrilled that she was able to sing on this project. Matt Slocum [Sixpence guitarist] also played cello on a couple of songs. Those guys are great.”

The Choir recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the release date of their groundbreaking and critically acclaimed album, Chase the Kangaroo (1988) by performing the record in its entirety on their spring tour. Following this special set the band featured one of their new songs, ‘Cross that River,’ from The Loudest Sound Ever Heard, as well as several fan favorites from their past catalog. Cities included Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, and St. Louis among others.

The band will also host their second VIP get-together this summer at Nashville’s Dark Horse Studios. Fans that have opted in to this event will get a chance to experience a special in-studio recording session by the band, as well as a private concert and cook out with the band and their families. For further details, please click here.

“I’m so glad we get to keep doing records like this,” shares Michaels. “Here we are standing together 30 years down the line and we still love and respect each other. It’s amazing, really.”

Daugherty adds, “We are fortunate to have such devoted listeners after all these years. That’s what keeps us motivated to continue making music. In that way we are lucky and blessed, and I’m thankful.”

“We don’t pretend to have the answers,” concludes Hindalong, “We are still struggling, still wandering and seeking; but if our music inspires listeners to consider important things with open hearts, well, that’s a good thing. Hopefully, the spirit of love will stir within and the truth will resonate.”

The Choir is L-R: Dan Michaels, Tim Chandler, Steve Hindalong, Derri Daugherty

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Balaska

The Loudest Sound Ever Heard Track Listing:

1. Strange Girl

2. I’m Learning to Fly

3. Cross that River

4. Laughter of Heaven

5. O How

6. The Forest

7. Takin’ the Universe In

8. Melodious

9. A World Away

10. After All

# # #

TheChoir.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheChoir

Twitter: TheChoirTweet

For further media information about The Choir, please contact:

Merge PR

Stacie Vining – Stacie@MergePR.com

Lori Mahon – Lori@MergePR.com

About The Choir:

After nearly 30 years together as a band, The Choir, comprised of band members Derri Daugherty, Steve Hindalong, Dan Michaels and Tim Chandler, have developed a loyal following in the course of their career – A following that has seen them through countless national and international tours, recording hiatuses, a GRAMMY® nomination, a Dove award, and in the past two years, a rejuvenated recording and touring schedule that rivals the band’s late ’80s – mid ’90s pace. In addition to releasing their 14th album, The Loudest Sound Ever Heard on May 15th, The Choir is on the road playing their seminal 1988 release, Chase The Kangaroo, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that influential album.

The Washington Projects Announce New Album

SPACE, TIME, CONTINUUM

Set To Release May 22, 2012 on Save The City Records;

Jekob Washington To Release Solo Project This Fall, Garners First Top 20 Radio Single With “Love Is All”

1 May 2012 – Nashville, Tenn – The Washington Projects, comprised of brother/sister duo Jekob and Rachael Washington, is set to release their new studio remix album Space, Time, Continuum on May 22, 2012. Releasing on Save The City Records/Provident Distribution, the project was produced by Flatline Remix (Lecrae, Trip Lee, Newsboys).

Formerly two-thirds of the trio SoulJahz, The Washington Projects musical style of insightful hip-hop, R&B, old school funk and pure soul pop is heard to the core on Space, Time, Continuum, which are eleven remixed songs chosen from their previous two album releases, Commanders of the Resistance and Light Up The Dark. The full CD of Light Up The Dark, which was never released in physical retail stores, will be included with Space, Time, Continuum as a special bonus disc.

“The Washington Projects is one of the most innovative sounds in Christian music today,” exclaims Derek Hoiem, Owner and CEO of Save The City Records. “Many people think that Christian music is a knock off of what’s happening in secular music but The Washington Projects deliver something that is totally original that could compete on any secular music chart. What’s different, however, is their positive, gospel-based message. The rise of the popularity of Christian hip-hop has shown that people are hungry for positive alternatives to what’s happening in the mainstream music marketplace, and The Washington Projects are here with an alternative that avid music listeners will love.”

In addition to the upcoming album release of Space, Time, Continuum, Jekob Washington will release his first solo project with Save The City Records in late 2012. His first radio single, “Love Is All,” is currently climbing up Billboard’s Christian CHR chart and is currently at No. 18, making this Save The City Records’ first Top 20 radio single.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON PROJECTS

Jekob and Rachael Washington earned a No. 1 Christian CHR single and two songs on the Xbox game “Project Gotham City.” Remerging as The Washington Projects in 2007, the brother/sister duo released their debut album Commanders of the Resistance October 9th, 2007 and Light Up The Dark released July of 2009. In addition to receiving two Dove Awards, the duo has toured with such notable acts as No Doubt, Kirk Franklin, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Jars of Clay, TobyMac, and Erykah Badu (to name a few). The Washington Projects landed at No. 1 on Gospel Music Channel for two weeks for their “Take It To The Streets” video and No. 2 for three weeks for the “You Are My World” video. Jekob wrote and produced the multi-platinum single “Imma Be Alright” by Nappy Roots. When she was 17, Rachael became the youngest composer/producer/songwriter in the history of Warner Brothers Records, beating out Prince at 19.

For more information about The Washington Projects, please visit:

http://washingtonprojects.com/

www.facebook.com/washingtonprojects

Twitter: @wponline

SaveTheCityRecords.com

Media Contact: Stacie Vining, Stacie@Mergepr.com

HAWK NELSON ANNOUNCES NEW LEAD SINGER, JON STEINGARD

BAND CURRENTLY WORKING ON NEW MUSIC

Nashville, Tenn – April 26, 2012 –Hawk Nelson enters a different chapter in the band’s history as they announce their new lead singer Jon Steingard. No stranger to their fans, Steingard has been the guitarist for the past eight years. Hawk Nelson will continue with members Daniel Biro (bass), Justin Benner (drums) and Steingard (guitar, vocals).

“I am blessed to announce that Hawk Nelson will be fronted by none other than the talented Mr. Jonathan A. Steingard,” states co-founder and bassist Daniel Biro. “The chemistry we share as a band cannot be fabricated. In other words, we know we have something special here. We’re very excited to be working on a bunch of new songs for everybody. It’s a new day, and we want to make the most of it.”

“Moving forward, I couldn’t be more excited to step into the role of lead singer,” shares Steingard on his new role.

Hawk Nelson is currently working on writing new music and preparing to introduce the new line-up to their fans. The upcoming music will showcase a fresh direction combined with the signature Hawk Nelson sound their fans love.

“We are knee-deep in writing a new record at the moment, and these are some of the most inspiring songs we’ve ever worked on,” says Steingard.  “As a band, we’ve had our fair share of highs and lows, and through it all we’ve become a family. A further blessing has been the incredible amount of support we’ve received, particularly over the past few months of growing pains, from family, friends, other bands, industry folks, and especially the wonderful hawk-listeners that have stuck with us on our journey. The future is bright.”

Former frontman Jason Dunn announced his departure from Hawk Nelson earlier this year to pursue his solo project, Lights Go Down (facebook.com/lightsgodown).  Hawk Nelson wishes him the best of luck in his new venture.

ABOUT HAWK NELSON: This powerhouse, pop rock band has won the hearts of thousands since its debut release in 2004. Hawk Nelson has released five studio projects (Letters to the President, Smile It’s the End of the World, Hawk Nelson is My Friend, Live Life Loud, and most recently Crazy Love).

Crazy Love produced a three-week No.1 single with the title track at CHR radio. In 2010, Hawk Nelson was also awarded two Canadian GMA awards. In 2011, Hawk Nelson released a Christmas EP. This year, the band was honored with four GMA Dove Award nominations as well as a JUNO nomination.

For more information on the band and stay up-to-date with developments, visit www.hawknelson.com and follow the band on Twitter at @HawkNelson.

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Media Contact: Lori Mahon, Lori@Mergepr.com

HEAVY ROCK BAND UNDEROATH AWARDED RIAA GOLD RECORD:

THEY’RE ONLY CHASING SAFETY

SEATTLE, WA – April 25, 2012 – Tooth & Nail / Solid State Records’ announces the RIAA Gold Certification of They’re Only Chasing Safety from the globally successful and acclaimed heavy rock group UNDEROATH. With career album sales over 1.4 million, this achievement follows another Gold-selling album, Define the Great Line, for the band. Over the years, UNDEROATH has evolved and thrived into one of heavy music’s biggest successes and has headlined sold-out shows on six continents.

“We are thrilled to be able to present UNDEROATH with their second Gold record,” states Tooth & Nail / Solid State Records’ President Brandon Ebel. “UNDEROATH has been one of the label’s crowning achievements with all of their success and hard work.  Their domination in the heavy music genre is a great example of the caliber of artists we are honored to work with and promote. We can’t wait to see what is next with UNDEROATH.”

They’re Only Chasing Safety released in 2004 and is receiving Gold status while never selling more than 10,000 copies in a single week. Media touted this album as “one of the most coherent albums in post-genre rock” and “undeniably melodic and catchy.” On this record Spencer Chamberlain joined the group rounding out the core lineup for the majority of UNDEROATH’s career. The CD with bonus DVD of this album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Coming this fall, Tooth & Nail / Solid State Records’ will be releasing an anthology project from UNDEROATH.  This unnamed project will include brand new songs, unreleased material as well as some of the band’s most popular songs all in a special package.

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Connect with UNDEROATH:

https://twitter.com/UnderoathBand

https://www.facebook.com/underoath

http://www.underoath777.com/

Media Contact: Lori Mahon, Lori@Mergepr.com

CHILDREN’S SCRIPTURE-POP GROUP THE RIZERS CREATE VIDEOS FOR A SING-A-LONG WORSHIP EXPERIENCE

MEET THE RIZERS ON SALE AT FAMILY CHRISTIAN STORES UNTIL TOMORROW

SEATTLE, WA…April 25, 2012…Children’s scripture-pop group, The Rizers, continue on their mission to get kids excited about scripture with their new videos created for a sing-a-long worship experience. These videos are being used in partnership with Mars Hill Church in Seattle for their kids’ program. The Rizers’ videos feature fun animation to the upbeat scripture songs while teaching God’s Word.The videos can be viewed here.

Churches can purchase the music videos at WorshipHouseKids.com to use in kids’ ministry programs. The songs featured in these ultra high-energy videos are available for purchase on both Rizers’ albums. The debut album, Meet The Rizers, is on sale for $5 at Family Christian Stores online and in stores until tomorrow, April 26.

ABOUT THE RIZERS:

The Rizers released their second album, Rise Up, in October 2011 featuring ten brand new, upbeat scripture songs to teach kids God’s Word while having fun rocking to the tunes. Last year families were introduced to the upbeat, kid-friendly animated group The Rizers, and since then they have made a huge wave with parents, kids and children’s ministers. The Rizers present culturally relevant music instilling a love for Jesus Christ and His Word through scripture memory, praise and worship.

Their debut, “Meet The Rizers,” released on iTunes and AmazonMP3 in 2010 and peaked at No. 1 on AmazonMP3.com (Children’s Music), No. 6 (Christian & Gospel), as well as No. 4 on iTunes (Kids Music). The project was also included in the Dove-nomination ballot this year. Parents, children, media and bloggers have been raving about this fun-filled music praising God with coverage in the likes of ParentLife, Foursquare.org, The Resurgence as well as featured on many top kids ministry sites.

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www.twitter.com/therizers

http://www.facebook.com/therizers

Media Contact: Lori Mahon, Lori@Mergepr.com

BEC RECORDINGS ANNOUNCES NEW ADDITION TO THE LABEL FAMILY:

AN EPIC, NO LESS

DEBUT SINGLE AND VIDEO PREMIERE OF “MERCY LIGHT” TODAY

“Echoing Love through Worship and Prayer”

Seattle, Wa –April 24, 2012—BEC Recordings announces the expansion to the label family with the signing of An Epic, No Less to the roster.  Hailing from St. Louis, this new band will release their label debut Echo of Love on August 14, 2012.  Today the debut radio single, “Mercy Light,” will be available for radio programmers and going for adds May 4 at CHR radio.

“What we have to offer in this world is the skill and the art that the Lord gives us,” shares guitarist Neil Endicott. “As we work, we pray together that God performs in us those greater goals and the greater dreams that He has for us.”

Along with the radio single, the music video for “Mercy Light” is debuting today.  Click here to view the video. “Mercy Light” is about the rescue from the many forms of modern slavery. The video idea stems from one of the most difficult and complicated issues in the U.S. and around the world today –human trafficking. On the surface the story being told is one of rescue, but the band’s intent is to speak of a far more deeply seeded issue. It is their prayer that the church would be a light to even the most difficult and unspeakable problems that it faces.

An Epic, No Less was born from the word of God in frontman Todd Larson’s heart.

“It has been my experience that the times when God speaks most clear are the moments when we least expect to hear from Him,” shares Larson. “My moment of clarity came laboring in an orphans’ hostel in Uganda many years ago.”

It was that day in Uganda that the voice of the Lord reminded Larson that the gates of Christ’s kingdom are called to praise. Knowing that his best friend and drummer Daniel Chancellor shared this passion, there was no better fit to join the team. Also, with them, in the mission to create genuine music that is born from a place of worship are Daniel’s wife Hannah Chancellor (Piano/Vocals), Britney Stutz (Violin) and Neil Endicott (Guitar).

Stay tuned for more information on An Epic, No Less and their debut, Echo of Love.

Connect with the band:

http://www.anepicnoless.com/

https://twitter.com/anepicnoless | https://www.facebook.com/anepicnoless

Media Contact: Lori Mahon, Lori@Mergepr.com

NEWSBOYS ANNOUNCE EXTENSION TO THEIR SUCCESSFUL

“GOD’S NOT DEAD TOUR,” ADDING 35+ DATES IN FALL;

Newsboys Will Be Joined By Building 429 And Luminate On Tour;

More Than 4,000 Children Already Sponsored Through Partnership With Compassion International

Nashville, Tenn – 24 April 2012 – Newsboys announced today they are extending their much sought after God’s Not Dead Tour through the fall of 2012. Over the course of visiting 60+ cities this spring, the Newsboys’ God’s Not Dead Tour has impacted thousands of lives, both locally and internationally. Since the tour began in mid-January, a remarkable 31 venues have sold out and the tour is still hitting another ten markets before the spring leg ends May 6th in Williamsburg, VA.

Joining the fall leg of the tour will be Building 429 (Provident Label Group) and Luminate (Sparrow/EMI). Compassion International will continue their highly successful partnership with Newsboys in raising awareness and sponsorships for children overseas during the tour.

The God’s Not Dead Tour is one of the most in-demand nights of worship, praise and celebration during this touring season. Over 4,000 children have been sponsored through the partnership with Compassion International, while 3,200 people have pledged to be “Second to One” through I am Second, and thousands more have indicated their desire to give their lives to Christ after hearing a message of hope from evangelist Bob Lenz of Life Promotions.

Testimonies have poured in following each show. One of the tour’s promoters shared, “I wanted to tell you THANK YOU for giving us the opportunity to host the GOD’S NOT DEAD Tour with Newsboys. Of course the music was great, but this tour is so much more. We greatly appreciated the chance to host an evening where the Gospel was a part of the evening and was not shoe-horned in somewhere. To have the artists, especially Newsboys, speak about Jesus Christ in more than a passing comment was exactly what we think these evenings should be about.”

Concertgoers will be sure to have an amazing time hearing some of the biggest hits currently at radio, led by Newsboys’ hit single “God’s Not Dead,” which held the top spot on Billboard’s CHR chart for seven weeks in a row and is currently rising up the AC chart, this week at No. 3 on Christian AC Indicator. They’ll also hear Building 429′s “Where I Belong,” which has been No. 1 for an astounding eleven weeks (Billboard’s National Audience chart and Christian AC Monitored chart).

The fall leg of the tour will visit more than 35 markets nationwide, with stops in major markets of Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, Houston, and Nashville. The remaining tour dates for the spring leg of the God’s Not Dead Tour are available at Newsboys.com and the tour’s official webpage at GodsNotDeadTour.com.

For interviews with Newsboys for the tour and any further information,

please contact:

Stacie Vining of Merge PR

Stacie@Mergepr.com

(615)260-4679

About Newsboys:

This GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning band has sold close to 8 million units, has garnered five Gold albums and 28 No. 1 radio hits. With the 2010 release of Born Again, its first week out was the largest street week of their careers! They sold an astounding 45,311 units and hitting No. 4 on Billboard‘s overall chart, charting above new releases from such artists as Justin Bieber, Sting and M.I.A. Its self-titled single topped the charts for 8 weeks, gaining close to eight million impressions to date. The CD also garnered three No. 1 hits.

Newsboys released their most recent CD release on November 15, 2011-the highly anticipated project, God’s Not Dead. This rock-driven worship album finds front man Michael Tait and his band mates who’ve played together for two decades – Jeff Frankenstein (keys), Duncan Phillips (drums), and Jody Davis (guitar) –with some of today’s most widely church-embraced modern worship anthems as well as several original and never-before-released worship songs written by some of today’s biggest worship songwriters. It’s title song, “God’s Not Dead,” topped CHR’s charts for seven weeks in a row.

Renown for their heart-pumping live concerts, the tight knit Newsboys unit continues to headline gigs in the U.S. and around the world. Just last year they captured the headlining slot on the world’s biggest tour, the Winter Jam Tour, playing to more than half a million people. Stay tuned to www.Newsboys.com for the most updated tour dates and latest information on the band.

About Compassion International:

Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 26 of the world’s poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children – enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, has awarded Compassion its highest rating—four stars—for nine consecutive years, placing Compassion in the top one percent of all charities. Compassion.com.

About Building 429:

Building 429 comprises Jason Roy (vocals), Jesse Garcia (guitar), Michael Anderson (drums), and Aaron Branch (bass). The band first broke through with its 2004 No. 1 hit “Glory Defined,” which was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year in 2005. That same year, Building 429 was also named New Artist of the Year at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards.

The band has since amassed a dedicated fan following, playing over 150 live shows a year while developing its own touring brands “Winter Blast” and “Summer Blast.” In the fall of 2011 the band went from a 30-city “Sounds of Hope” co-headlining tour with Leeland straight into the 47-city Winter Jam arena tour in 2012, reaching audiences of more than 500,000.

Building 429 released its fifth studio project, Listen to the Sound, May 10, 2011. Produced by Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp (Tenth Avenue North, Sanctus Real) and Rob Hawkins, Listen to the Sound debuted at the top of iTunes’ Christian & Gospel Albums chart, while its title track hit No. 1 on the CHR chart and top 5 on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart. The follow up single, “Made For You,” reached the top 5 on the CHR chart and most recently “Where I Belong” has continued to peak at No. 1 on Billboard’s National Christian Audience chart and AC Monitored for 11 weeks. For more information on Building 429, visit www.Building429.com or www.facebook.com/building429.

About Luminate:

Tyler, Texas-based pop/rock band Luminate launched its first full-length, Dove Award-nominated Sparrow Records debut, Come Home, last year to wide critical acclaim. Luminate’s passionate, stirring and worshipful songs encourages listeners to seek the redemptive purpose of God in their lives, even sparking Rhapsody to name the band the No. 1 Christian/Gospel pick of 2011. All Music Guide calls Luminate a “dynamic force” and Gospel Music Channel shares that the band’s songs “are undeniably catchy and inherently hopeful.” Produced by Paul Moak (Mat Kearney), Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin) and Ben Glover, Come Home opens with the lead radio single and title track, including the singles “Healing In Your Arms,” “Shine,” and “Innocent,” which have received significant national airplay. A festival favorite, Luminate is gearing up for its sophomore album, Welcome To Daylight, to release this summer. For all the latest on Luminate, see www.luminatemusic.com.

AWARD-WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER NATALIE GRANT

AND INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER & AUTHOR CHARLOTTE GAMBILL

CELEBRATE THE DEBUT WEEKEND OF DARE TO BE EVENTS

Nashville, Tenn –April 18, 2012 –This past weekend women in Oklahoma City and Lafayette gathered to celebrate the debut Dare To Be events. This revolutionary event features Nashville based four-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year and 2012 GRAMMY Award® nominee Natalie Grant, alongside international speaker and author Charlotte Gambill.

Dare To Be, a brand new live women’s event birthed from a realization of a dream from two close friends, kicked off its 2012 spring tour on April 12. The tour continues through April and May (dates below). Both events this past week included a packed house of women from all walks of life aiming higher, stretching further – rediscovering their God- given dreams.

Presented by World Vision and sponsored by Regent University, the Dare To Be nationwide events highlight Grant and Gambill’s unique American, English combination. Each evening features Grant’s musical talent and Gambill’s powerful speaking, bringing to life a practical interpretation of God’s word that remains alive for our everyday challenges.

In addition to the evening programming, Grant and Gambill are honoring a local extraordinary woman in every market  – someone who is currently daring to be.  Anyone can be nominated by sending a nomination email to info@daretoberevolution.com and sharing why the nominee should be honored.

Last weekend, two women were honored at the Dare To Be events. After a life of hardships and loosing her son in a tragic accident, the Oklahoma City honoree Fay Glenn remains a pillar of strength for those around her.  In Lafayette, honoree Allison Prince is a wonderful example of a single mom working diligently to support her family while maintaining two jobs working 24-7 each week and still giving back to others in need. Crossroads Church partnered with Dare To Be and donated $1000 to Allison Prince in honor of her continuous dedication to her family and community.

What women are saying about Dare To Be:

“There really aren’t words to express how amazing DareToBe was. If they’re coming near you…GO!” ~ Tweet from @aguilbert

“Enjoyed “Dare to Be” in Lafayette, LA Had an AWESOME TIME!” ~ April, Facebook post

“Amazing weekend at Dare to Be in Lafayette, La. Thank you, the experience has forever changed me!!” ~ Jamie, Facebook post

“DareToBe rocked my world!!! I am forever changed…God encouraged me, challenged me & dared me to be” ~ Tweet from @karina268

“Such an inspiration!! Enjoyed tonight’s Dare To Be.” ~ Verna, Facebook post

“Dare To Be was amazing!! Thank you for the great messages!! Can’t wait until tomorrow!! I’m blessed to have had the chance to be a part of something so great!!” ~ Allison, Facebook post

“Thank you for a wonderful evening in OKC. You and Charlotte spoke deep, meaningful and powerful words.” ~ Roe, Facebook post

“Awesome tonight!!!! So inspiring and moving you guys rocked!!!! Thank you for an awesome show, your story was moving, and touching and so heartfelt. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! Best of luck with the rest of the tour.” ~ Christina, Facebook post

Grant and Gambill are also asking women from around the world to join this movement and share how they “Dare to Be” – living for the one thing God has called them to be. Women can participate by writing their “Dare to Be” message on a piece of paper and signing it with their name and location. They are encouraged to take a picture while holding the sign and Tweeting the picture with the hashtag #daretobe or email to team@daretoberevolution.com.

Interviews upon request by contacting Merge PR.

Dare to Be dates & locations

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ABOUT NATALIE GRANT AND CHARLOTTE GAMBILL:

No newcomer to the Christian arena, Grant’s work has gained international acclaim, including a GRAMMY nomination and four consecutive Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the year. She is married to producer Bernie Herms and they have three children Grace Ana, Isabella Noelle and Sadie Rose.

Gambill is an international speaker and author, best known for her practical and passionate application of God’s word. Her messages of life and purpose are rallying a generation to embrace the broken and become ambassadors of hope. Gambill helps lead Abundant Life Church in England. She and her husband Steve have two children, Hope Cherish and Noah Brave.

For the first years of their friendship, Grant and Gambill ministered together on several occasions in the UK and USA. Complete strangers at first, God instantly knit their lives together. Now six year later, they are the closest friends and are excited to be walking out a purpose that God united them for.

For more information about Dare to Be events and to purchase tickets, please visit http://daretoberevolution.com/.

Oklahoma City honoree Fay Glenn

Media Contact: Lori Mahon, Lori@Mergepr.com