Clevershoppers.com

08/14/2007
TODD AGNEW TO CO-HEADLINE CHRISTMAS TOUR WITH NEWSONG
From his 2006 critically-acclaimed Christmas masterpiece Do You See What I See? Ardent Records/INO Recording artist Todd Agnew prepares for the Christmas season by creating a collection of performance tools for churches, using music from the Do You See What I See? project. This resource collection will be available starting September 11 along with a repackaged retail version of Do You See What I See?

In this 2 CD-ROM set, the package will include a Full Listening and Split Trax Audio with rehearsal ID points. The Listening disc will contain, as an enhancement, sheet music and chord charts both in PDF form and narrations in document form. The Split Trax contains the visual backgrounds and lyric text files for all of the songs. The image backgrounds are designed to help visualize and support the powerful lyrics of the songs, invoking thoughts of what each song means, causing listeners to consider what God might have them interpret as they meditate on the story of events that happened so many years ago.

Commenting about this resource and Agnew’s creativeness, Tim McCarty, Pastor of Worship Ministries at Edgewoods Baptist Church in Edmonds, Washington says, “When I first heard Todd Agnew’s Do You See What I See?, I was just blown away. Besides the stirring music and great vocal lines, I quickly noticed how the entire CD is more of a story than just a bunch of songs. Through the well-thought-out lyrics, Agnew is able to retell the story of Christ’s birth in a fresh, exciting way. I am thrilled to see this new resource set available and I look forward to being able to use this collection in our church.”

Along with the release of the resource disc, Agnew will be shoveling across the U.S. as he co-headlines “The Christmas Promise Tour” with NewSong beginning the last weekend in November and running through mid-December. The 15-city tour, which is currently being routed by GOA (www.goa-inc.com) will also feature radio-favorite Matthew West, new Ardent Records’ singer/songwriter Joy Whitlock and more. Eddie Carswell, founder of NewSong, reflects, “Last year we had the honor of touring with Todd and the enthusiastic feedback we got was overwhelming. Some of our pastors said this was among the very best combinations of artistry and content they had ever experienced in a Christmas event. This year looks to be even more promising!”

Watch for these tour dates to be announced and all news regarding Agnew, by logging onto toddagnew.com.

08/01/2007
SANDI PATTY HONORED AT GMA MUSIC IN THE ROCKIES
Iconic female vocalist Sandi Patty was honored last night by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) with the GMA Music in the Rockies Summit Award during her concert performance in Estes Park, Colo.

The Summit Award honors individuals, groups or organizations in the Christian/gospel music industry that have demonstrated remarkable achievement over time, and have a meaningful connection with the GMA Music in the Rockies event. It is presented only when the GMA determines there is a deserving recipient. Patty becomes the fourth to receive the honor since it was introduced in 2003. Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith are former recipients of the Summit Award. Cam Floria, founder of the event, received it in 2004 on the 30th anniversary.

“The Summit Award gives us an opportunity to honor the contributions of those who have helped Christian music reach new artistic and commercial heights and who have had a meaningful connection to the Estes Park event. Sandi Patty, who has been a regular fixture since she first attended Music in the Rockies in 1979, received the award in recognition of her nearly three decades of unparalleled achievement in vocal artistry and because she has been an inspiration to millions,” said John W. Styll, president and CEO of GMA.

Patty was presented the Summit Award during the Tuesday night concert that is part of the week-long Music in the Rockies concert series. After receiving the award from Styll, Patty ended the evening’s show asking fellow artists David Phelps and the Crabb Family to join her on stage for an impromptu group performance “Blessed Assurance.”

In her illustrious career, INO recording artist Sandi Patty has won 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards and four Billboard Music Awards. In 2004, became a member of the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She has released 24 albums over the last 27 years, selling more than 11 million units and receiving three platinum and five gold certifications from the RIAA. Patty has performed for four presidents; appeared on the “Tonight Show, the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade” and “Christmas in Washington”; played Carnegie Hall and has inspired millions all over the world with her soaring voice and humble character. Patty released her 25th career recording Falling Forward along with a companion book of the same name in April and is currently a featured participant in the Women of Faith conferences.