(New York, NY) Riding high on the success of her smash hit “It’s About Time For A Miracle!”, Grammy winner Beverly Crawford has been added as a featured performer for Verizon’s 2011 How Sweet The Sound National Competition! With over $100,000 in prizes, Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound is the premier talent search to identify the “Best Church Choir in America” (** see 2011 Tour Locations Below **).

Fresh on the heels of her of electrifying performances at the BET Celebration of Gospel & the Stellar Awards, Beverly Crawford’s smash hit single “It’s About Time For A Miracle!” continues to burn up gospel radio! Likewise, everywhere you turn on TV, radio & on her 100-city tour, the red-hot Beverly Crawford continues to demonstrate why she is universally regarded as one of the top vocalists in the world!

The #1 Most Added Song at Radio (Billboard), “It’s About Time For A Miracle!” is the follow-up to Beverly’s #1 chart-topper “He’s Done Enough”, which dominated the Billboard Charts for over 70+ weeks & garnered 7 Stellar Award nods including CD of the Year, Artist of the Year, etc.

Verizon How Sweet The Sound 2011 Tour Locations:
Atlanta, GA
Charlotte, NC
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
Detroit, MI
Los Angeles, CA
Oakland, CA
St. Louis, MO
Washington, DC

On The Web: http://www.howsweetthesound.com

A clear-cut hit, Great Jehovah God will most likely be sung by church choirs and praise teams across the nation. Its memorable melody and brisk tempo will catch the attention of true gospel music lovers. Catchy lyrics coupled with a clear message that God is Alpha, Omega, Ruler, King and Creator, puts this song in strong contention to be another Joe Pace Sunday Morning staple.

So far, Pace has received a great response from various choirs and praise teams who have already begun singing the song during their services.

Check out the Video of Joe Pace’s new Radio Single Great Jehovah God:

As the weeks draw closer, the excitement is building for Shirley Murdock’s first “Live” CD/DVD recording on April 28, 2011 in Charlotte, NC. In what is already being billed as an “Amazing Live Music Event”, attendees will enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening filled with an abundance of audience participation and entertaining surprises from beginning to end.

April 28th will be a Night of Firsts for Ms. Murdock along with her phenomenal guest artists who will join her “Live” for the first time including Regina Belle, Beverly Crawford, and Kelly Price.

This groundbreaking project is being produced by two time Grammy & Stellar Award Winner, Cedric Thompson (Donald Lawrence & Tri City, Karen Clark-Sheard, Marvin Sapp, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong). The word out is that every song has been hand picked to show the many sides of Shirley. Attendees and music lovers will have a bird’s eye view into Shirley’s relationship with God.

Shirley Murdock is eagerly anticipating her first live project as she prepares to share her heart and express her love for God on each song. Murdock stated, “I am excited about the opportunity to capture the experience of live ministry. When you capture the live moments, they are captured forever.”

“With this new project, titled The Journey, I want to convey and evangelize messages of hope to everyone. For me, the journey has been a process and I can see the checkpoints in my life and how all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.”

Shirley Murdock “Live” CD/DVD Recording Details:Place: The Broadcast Group Complex
8400 Regent Pkwy (formerly 1400 convention Dr.)
Fort Mill, SC 29715
Time: 7 p.m. EST (Doors open at 6p.m.)
Price: Tickets are $12 in advance; $18 (day of show)

To purchase tickets please visit: www.ez-tixx.com or call 877-993-8499.

This will be Murdock’s second release on Tyscot Music & Entertainment.

For More Info on Shirley Murdock’s “Live” recording please visit: www.tyscot.com. For Publicity Contact: Tracy Y. Williamson at twilliamson@tyscot.com and www.tre7inc.com.

About Shirley Murdock
Since releasing her previous project Soulfood in 2007, Murdock has been involved in several major plays including: Je’Caryous Johnson’s “3 Ways to Get a Husband” and in two of John Ruffin’s popular favorites “Love Me or Leave Me” and “The Ideal Husband”. The latter two have recently aired on the GMC.

The project includes vocals from Isaac Carree, Anaysha Figueroa, Nikki Ross, and many more.

Singles “I Smile” and “I Am” have already made spots on top Gospel music spots.

“‘I Smile’ is a fun, urban upbeat melody I wrote,” said Franklin. “It is a declarative statement that I’m not going to live my life based on how I feel. I will live my life based on God’s Word. It is not easy and I acknowledge there are always obstacles, but like a lot of folks, I get tired of being guided by my emotions. When I have a deeper trust in God, I live my life in stability.”

“‘I Am’ is about exchanging all of my weaknesses for God’s strength,” Franklin noted. This song is also about declaring what God says about me and not my situation. As we daily transform to God’s image, we no longer identify with who we were, but who we are becoming.”

Fans can also expect to hear something from Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford.

“I titled this album Hello Fear because-with everything going on in the world-it is the word and the feeling, that paralyzes all of us on some level right now,” said Franklin. “In my own life, fear has been a shadow that has followed me since I was a child. But the season of running from it is over. I am turning around and speaking directly to it. This album is full of personal and painful work that invites the listener to join me on the journey of letting this familiar ‘friend’ know that his time is over.”

Kirk Franklin will also be joining Steve Harvey on their Gospel Comedy Tour beginning on March 19 in Atlanta. Check out some of the tour dates below.

Saturday, April 9
Nashville, TN
Bridgestone Arena

Saturday, April 30
Charleston, SC
North Charleston Coliseum

Saturday, May 7
St. Louis, MO
Chaifetz Arena

Saturday, May 21
Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial

SOURCE: Eurweb.com

A new show on the Oprah Winfrey Network debuted this week, following the progress of eight individuals who want to break their eating disorders.

One of the contestants on “Addicted to Food” is a gospel singer who is getting to the bottom of why she’s been overeating and says it’s related to her attraction to women.

Dejuaii Pace, 45, recently talked to The Root, an online publication, about being a Christian, a virgin, and not being able to come out for fear of the repercussions of her Christian community.

‘True virgin’

She is a member of the Anointed Pace Sisters and her father is the pastor of a Pentecostal church. She’s a member of his church and has always felt that her attraction was forbidden. Pace told The Root that she has not been in a physically intimate relationship with a man or a woman, but knows she’s attracted to women.

“No, I have not. I am a real-deal, true virgin. Because my mother and my dad had brought us up [to believe] that the greatest gift that I could give to my husband, my soul mate, is to give to them myself that has not been tainted with anybody else or anything else. And I value that highly. And by the grace of God, [the Lord] has helped me and kept me,” she said.

Waiting for soul mate

She mentions in her interview that the Christian community will have to deal with gays differently, by giving a new message:

“I want my soul mate. However God brings that about is fine with me. I know that God loves me, and he has created me, and this thing is here. I feel that it is part of my destiny to find out what is really going on. Because I cannot say it’s against God, and I cannot say God is for it. All I’m saying now is that we cannot tell people what we’ve been telling them. I have friends who’ve stopped going to church because of that.”

Source: The Florida Courier

He Is Risen!

Sunday, April 24, 2011, Free admission all day! Brooklyn Marriott Hotel, 333 Adam Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

11:30am- Doors open at 10:30am
6:30pm- Doors open at 6:00pm

Love Fellowship Tabernacle presents Resurrection Sunday 2K11 with Bishop Hezekiah Walker. Special guests include J. Moss, J.J. Hairston, Vashawn Mitchell, and The Nevels Sisters.

Source: BlackGospelPromo.com

Featuring: Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Center, Pastor John P. Kee & New Life Community Choir, Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s, Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites, Shawn McLemore, Tim Rogers & The Fella’s. Also performing Faith Kingdom Church of God & Christ Mass Choir of Dallas, and Greater Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth.

The Atlanta Gospelfest Music & Health Care Festival is a two day musical extravaganza designed to elevate your spirits while educating your mind, body and soul with an array gospel music concerts, a series gospel music industry workshops and panels, wealth & finance empowerment segments presented by Hakeem Webb Founder of Kingdom Business International Ministries and a multitude of health care services for the entire family. The Atlanta Gospelfest is proud to embrace the participation of Caribbean artist in Atlanta and throughout the world. This festival features Gospel Artist like: Dr. Dorinda Clarke Cole, The Canton Spirituals, Papa San Tim Rogers, The Gospel Legends The Swannee Quintet just to mention a few while showcasing up and coming artist from across the country. The Atlanta Gospelfest embraces many genre’s of Gospel Arts you will see exclusive Fashion Show presentations from Atlanta’s own Asato Agency and coming from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Oh Happy Day Fashions

Other activities include Drama & Comedy presentations, Holy Hip Hop a free kid zone, puppets and more for your enjoyment. There will be lots of games, door prizes, exhibits and vendors you are sure to have a good time.

This event is produced and facilitated by the Leading Women’s Repertory Theatre/Lac1Productions under the direction of Dr. RIKI BROOKS who is the CEO/Festival Producer for Gospelfest 2009, 2008 & 2007 not to mention an established Gospel Artist and a seasoned veterans of the arts with notable shows like: “Dreamgirls”, “Aint Misbehavin”, “Lil Shop of Horrors” just to name a few and a former contestant of Miss Baltimore & Miss Black America. She has received numerous awards and commendations from the City of Atlanta and prides herself on bringing quality entertainment into the city of Atlanta Metropolitan area. For more information log onto to website www.atlantagospelfest.com or contact us sponsorship and vending opportunities are available.

Tickets for this event are $ 10.00 for general admission
Concerts are $ 35.00 & 25.00 in advance per show
Doors for conference open 4pm Friday August 13th until 1pm
Saturday 9am until 1am

SOURCE: AtlantaGospelFest.com

Micah Stampley, a powerful, multi-octave and gifted artist is leading the way to the new generation of gospel music.  His debut CD, The Songbook of Micah hit the music charts as the second-highest debut for a Male Gospel Artist in Billboard’s history at #3 and was acknowledged as “one of the Top 11 Gospel Artist of 2005.”

With a staggering powerful and sensitive voice and an inspired writer’s hand in music and words he has become one of gospel’s most talked-about talents.

Mathew Knowles, Founder, President and C.E.O. of Music World Entertainment states, “When I look at the talent and what we are building at our Spirit Rising Music gospel label with Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Pastor Rudy, the new signing of Dr. Juanita Bynum and now with Micah, who is a brilliant artist with the success in Praise and Worship, I am grateful.”

From his birth in Los Angeles to his humble youth in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Micah developed a profound music talent at a young age that has led to a celebrated journey.  In 2004, the Stellar Awards named him as the 1st Stellar Award Star Search Winner.  In addition, in 2006 he received two Stellar Award nominations for “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “New Artist of the Year.  2008 brought more nominations for “Praise and Worship Album of the Year” and “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year.”  That same year his “I Believe” music video debuted at #1 on the Gospel Music Channel and remained there for five weeks receiving a nomination for “Best Soul Video of the Year.”  His staying power was cemented.  This year, Micah received a fifth Stellar Award nomination for his CD, “Ransomed” as “Praise and Worship Album of the Year.”

Speaking of the new venture with MWE / Spirit Rising, Micah says, “The unique partnership we’ve created is a pivotal step in my journey to leave a legacy for my children and spread my wings into my other artistic passions.  My goal has always been to assist people in getting into a deeper intimacy and relationship with God.”

He is a minister, husband, father of five, musician and leading community philanthropist.  He also has a unique royal distinction.  His Royal Majesty King Adamtey I, Se Suapolar of the Se (Shai) Kingdom of Ghana, West Africa, adopted Stampley as his son.  Prince Micah Martey along with his wife, Heidi, hopes to one day build a school of the performing arts in Se Kingdom.

Micah and Heidi’s non-profit, “Operation I Believe, Inc” a 501 (c) (3) organization, launched in 2006 with platforms that include humanitarian and outreach initiatives.

Micah has been featured in Ebony, Upscale, Charisma and a host of other magazines.  He is a regular musical guest on TBN’s “Praise The Lord” and has performed on BET Celebration of Gospel, Gospel Music Channel, World Network and INSP Christian Networks.  AOL Black Voices named Micah as “one of the Top 10 Gospel Geniuses.”  Micah is currently a Benny Hinn Psalmist and travels with him to crusades and events around the world.

Talented.  Anointed. Inspired. Driven. Dedicated.  Michael Stampley is a music phenomenon on the rise and a leading voice in the future of gospel.

For more information on Micah visit:  http://myspace.com/micahstampley

About Spirit Rising Music

Spirit Rising Music is the premiere faith-based and inspirational label under the umbrella of Music World Music.   With a track history of producing #1 albums and acclaimed music ventures, the Spirit Rising roster of top recording artists and projects include: Brian Courtney Wilson, Trin-i-tee 5:7,  Juanita Bynum, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Michelle Williams and Best of Gospel Superfest.   Billboard named Spirit Rising Music in the list of Top 10 Gospel Songs Labels for 2009.  Spirit Rising Music is a division of Music World Entertainment.

About Music World Entertainment

World Entertainment (MWE) is headed by Mathew Knowles Founder, President and C.E.O.  Music World Entertainment is one of the world’s leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to bringing quality entertainment.  The MWE worldwide platforms include successful record label ventures, recording artist and producer management services, artist development services, a master catalog series, film ventures, television productions, licensed and merchandise products, sports endeavors, community philanthropic work and investment and property holdings.   The Houston headquarters is home to a performance and event facility, House of Dereon Media Center, hosting special events including charity galas, corporate parties and private functions.   MWE has offices in Houston, New York, Los Angeles and London.

 SOURCE Music World Entertainment

EMI Gospel artist and GRAMMY winner Smokie Norful boldly merges the two halves of his career—artistry and church ministry—with the release of two new projects, the innovative devotional series Worship & A Word and the debut recording of his church choir Smokie Norful presents The Victory Cathedral Choir.  Both projects are available in stores and online now.

 While the tradition of the singing preacher has a long history in the African American church, Worship & A Word marks the first time a major Gospel artist has married his role as an active pastor to his artistry on the same album.  Each installment in the series contains a full-length sermon along with a bonus studio recording, which is reflective of the sermon’s theme.  All sermons in the series were recorded live at Victory Cathedral Worship Center, the thriving Chicago-area church founded by Norful in 2005.

 “When I started pastoring five years ago, I literally took off from the music industry for almost 2 years because my main focus was building the church,” Norful reveals.  “My natural love, gift and anointing for preaching grew to the point where that’s really what I wanted to do.  I thought music was the only thing I was made for, but this was what I was really made for.  In order to combine both ministries I put together this model.”

In keeping with the truly unique nature of the project, three installments of the series—“The Myth Of Unmet Needs,” “Matters Of The Heart” and “According To Your Faith”—were released simultaneously through TreMyles/EMI Gospel, the joint label venture owned by Norful and the company that has been his recording home for more than a decade.  Each devotional carries a retail price of $5.98.

 To further celebrate the success of Norful’s church ministry, TreMyles/EMI Gospel has also released Smokie Norful presents The Victory Cathedral Choir.  The high-energy, 10-song collection, which debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, was recorded live in Chicago.  The project captures the essence of the Sunday worship experience at the ministry’s two locations—the West Suburban and South Campuses of Victory Cathedral Worship Center. 

 Norful’s vision for his church choir is steeped in the rich tradition of Chicago’s legendary choral ensembles, with one major exception: “Most of the Chicago choirs have been community-based,” says Norful.  “The Victory Cathedral Choir is distinct in that these are regular, lay-choir members who are not professional singers.  The majority of our singers are regular churchgoers who do not have a professional musical background.  They’re just excited to be able to serve in the ministry.”

 In fact, the commitment to service is a core ideal for the choir.  Members of Victory Cathedral Choir are required to serve in other auxiliaries in the church in order to be eligible for the choir.  Their participation extends to meal and clothing programs with shelters for the homeless and battered women, as well as ongoing outreach efforts to college and high school students and their faculty in the communities surrounding the church’s two campuses.

 “The reality is they are not just a choir who sings.  This is a choir who serves,” Norful says.  “That dynamic is very exciting for me as a pastor.  What a wonderful thing to be able to marry both of my passions—music and ministry—without comprising the integrity of either one in any way.”