One of the truly nicest guys I met last week in Nashville during Christian music week was Ben Kasica of Skillet.
And not just because he’s a fellow java fiend who recommended a couple of cool coffee Web sites.
Another was Dan Gartley of Sanctus Real, and not because he’s a fellow player of that underappreciated instrument, […]

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They’ve always been an impressive band musically, with an innovative, always-challening brand of music that doesn’t rely on re-heating its tried-and-trued sound.
They’re also among the most popular and enduring acts in Christian music, having sold more than six million albums during its decade-and-a-half run.
And last week at the annual Christian music convention in Nashville, Jars […]

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In case you missed it, here were the winners at the 2009 Dove Awards last Thursday night in Nashville (at the Grand Ole Opry, no less!) ….
Artist of the Year: Steven Curtis Chapman (a well-deserved nod from the fans, if I may editorialize …)
New Artist of the Year: Tenth Avenue North (again, well deserved, everyone […]

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To say that Nashville during Gospel Music Week is a fascinating place is a big understatement.
And maybe the most interesting thing about the big week held every April is what it’s NOT.
It’s dream week for many, as artists bring their guitars and demo tapes and come, hoping to make it in Christian music.
Because for every […]

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Good morning from back in Lancaster! I must apologize to all of you faithful CrossRock readers (visitors?) for no postings over the last week, but there’s good news at the end of the trail … I was in Nashville for the beginning of Gospel Music Week, and will have various writings and video over the […]

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“Shine.”
“Breakfast.”
“He Reigns.”
And now, “In The Hands of God.”
The title track from the newsboys newest CD has joined the ranks of the band’s many other hit songs over the years, reaching number one on the charts this week.
You could tell that the driving, uplifting song was likely to be a hit from hearing the newsboys do […]

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The list of songs is virtually a catalogue of Christian-music hits of the last 10 years …
Songs like “God With Us,” “Word of God Speak,” “In the Blink of an Eye” … and oh yeah, a song called “I Can Only Imagine” is in there, too.
These are some of what you and I will find […]

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Excitement is building for the new Jars of Clay package, “The Long Fall Back to Earth,” forthcoming a week from today.
But it’s not the only CD being released on Tuesday, April 21.
The much-anticipated debut album from worship artist Kristian Stanfill, “Attention,” also is due out, offering  at least one already-known song, “Beautiful Jesus,” and some […]

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This spring of 2009 is the first time ever where you and I can help decide two award categories in Christian music’s Dove Awards.
And the number of days left to vote is winding down, with the awards coming up on Thursday, April 23.
Voting for both the Artist of the Year and New Artist of the […]

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