New Relient K music coming soon

The guys are heading out on a string of spring/early summer tour dates so they can start playing some of their new songs live. As you may know, the band is in the final stages of recording their next (and sixth!) studio album, tentatively titled, Forget and Not Slow Down. This new one will be released on Mono Vs. Stereo - a label that they started which will run thru Gotee.

They've been giving fans a peek into the world of recording their new record via some studio updates that can be seen here: http://vimeo.com/relientk.

Tour dates are as follows:
May 26 Pomona, CA The Glass House
May 27 Bakersfield, CA The Dome
May 28 Orangevale, CA The Boardwalk
May 29 Eugene, OR Indigo Distric
May 30 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
May 31 Seattle, WA Neumo's
June 2 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
June 3 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
June 4 Salt Lake City, UT Murray Theatre
June 22 Ashville, NC Orange Peel
June 23 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre
June 26 Rochester, NY Water Street
June 29 Green Bay, WI Riverside Ballroom
June 30 Duluth, MN Grandmas Sports Garden
July 2 Lawrence, KS Granada Theatre
July 3 Omaha, NE Slowdown

Sanctus Real and Matthew West tour

Award-winning Sparrow Records acts Matthew West and Sanctus Real will join WAY-FM and World Vision for the organizations’ first-ever national tour. Designed to bring World Vision’s ministry to the local station level, “The WAY-FM/World Vision ’09 Tour,” also featuring special guest Jason Gray, will kick off Jan. 28, 2009 in Charleston, SC, and visit 12 WAY-FM radio markets through Feb. 20, 2009.

“I’m ready to hit the road this spring with Sanctus Real,” says Matthew West. “WAY-FM has some of the greatest listeners in the world, and it’s going to be a blast visiting all these WAY-FM cities. Of course, the chance to team up with an outreach like World Vision is an honor, and we hope these concerts will be more than just music but a chance to change the world by teaming up with such an amazing ministry.”

“As we’re getting ready for the ‘WAY-FM/World Vision ’09 Tour,’ we see this as a unique opportunity for us to reach a whole new audience with our music,” says Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt. “We’re great friends with Matthew West and so appreciate the ministry of both WAY-FM and World Vision. To be partnered with such great people is an honor and a pleasure. We know this will be a great tour on all levels and hope a ton of people come out and join us!”

“As the World Vision - WAY-FM partnership came together, we realized a national tour would be a great way to bring the story of the ministries of both organizations directly to our audience,” says Lloyd Parker, WAY-FM Chief Operating Officer. “Because both Matthew West and Sanctus have a heart for what we do, and they also receive a lot of airplay on WAY-FM, having them co-headline the tour made sense.”

“The World Vision Artist Associates Department has hoped for a tour with WAY-FM for many years,” says Jenny Lockwald, World Vision channel/product executive director, artist associates & volunteer programs. “This year along with the World Vision radio department we have produced a tour specific to the WAY-FM markets in conjunction with Maxx Live. The tour features Matthew West and Sanctus Real and introduces Jason Gray. We felt that the combination of these artists in concert would be attractive to the WAY-FM audience, as well as share World Vision ministry and need in serving the vulnerable and needy in over 100 countries on a daily basis.”


The WAY-FM/World Vision Tour ’09 itinerary:

January 28 Charleston, SC

January 30 Tallahassee, FL

January 31 Huntsville, AL

February 5 Panama City, FL

February 6 Ft Myers, FL

February 8 West Palm Beach, FL

February 10 Rome, GA

February 12 Bowling Green, KY

February 13 Clarksville, TN

February 14 Louisville, KY

February 19 Wichita, KS

February 20 Denver, CO

Sanctus Real fall "We Need Each Other" tour

Dove Award-winning modern rock band Sanctus Real will showcase music from its acclaimed February 2008 release, We Need Each Other, live on tour this fall. The “We Need Each Other” tour, additionally featuring Tenth Avenue North, VOTA and speaker Sammy Adebiyi, will visit more than 30 cities nationwide.

Kicking off Sept. 4, 2008 in Perrysburg, Ohio, the “We Need Each Other” tour will makes its way through 16 states from Maine to Florida, Pennsylvania to California, wrapping up on Nov. 8, 2008. Beginning July 18, fans who purchase their ticket at iTickets.com will receive a free download of an exclusive acoustic version of “Black Coal” from We Need Each Other. The promotion will run through Aug. 8.

“This tour is a chance for people to experience the best of what we've been building for over a decade,” says Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt. “Every show is focused on strengthening the relationship between us and our audience. Together, we will accomplish something much greater than music or a concert. Together, we will change lives.”

“This Fall’s tour with Sanctus Real has shaped up to be extremely well-received among churches spreading as far North as Maine and even out to California and the Pacific Northwest,” says Kevin Huffman, artist agent for Third Coast Artists Agency. “Our contacts have embraced the vision of Sanctus Real and their heart for relief in Africa, along with the added support from Tenth Avenue North, Vota and speaker Sammy Adebiyi.”

One of the top Christian rock bands today, Toledo, Ohio-based Sanctus Real’s breakthrough album, The Face of Love, released in April 2006, landing at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart and amassing a string of radio hits including No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” While The Face of Love was inspired by real-life heartache and rediscovered joy, the band’s fourth studio release, We Need Each Other, marks a completion of that healing process and is a call for unity. Described by multiple media outlets as Sanctus Real’s best project to date, the record’s title track was a No. 1 hit on Christian Hit Radio. Popularly known for its captivating live performance, the group most recently toured with Third Day last spring. A complete “We Need Each Other” tour itinerary follows this release. For all the latest Sanctus Real news, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.

Tenth Avenue North, made up of members Mike Donehey (lead vocalist/acoustic guitar), Jason Jamison (drummer), Jeff Owen (electric guitar/background vocals) and Scott Sanders (bass guitar), has been featuring its brand of intellectual, melodic, pop-rock on tour in support of its single, “Love Is Here,” and its debut project, Over and Underneath. “Simply, our mission as a band is to know Christ and to make him known,” says Donehey. “It’s a grand adventure.” With one listen to the music of Tenth Avenue North, it becomes obvious that songwriter Mike Donehey and his bandmates have a gift for expressing truth in a way that simultaneously educates, enlightens and entertains. They are as much teachers, as artists, demonstrating this through their intellectual, yet vulnerably accessible songs that echo the heart of the human condition and the hope of the risen Savior. Discover more about this up-and-coming band at www.tenthavenuenorth.com.

VOTA, formerly recognized as Casting Pearls, is reinventing themselves with a new name, new sound and new record label. Bryan Olesen, Case Maranville and Scott Rutz wanted to distinguish themselves amongst the crowds and distinguish they did. VOTA signed to INO Records earlier this year and have been busy in Franklin, TN working with producer Nathan Dantzler for their upcoming self-titled album releasing digitally in late fall 2008 with retail release date in the beginning of 2009. They are excited for their fans, both new and old, to hear their newly recorded songs live and share in the next stage of the journey.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Sam’s unlikely journey began in high school when two of his friends each had separate dreams in which they saw Sam preaching to a room full of white people. Since Sam only knew two white people growing up, he decided to follow these ‘dreams’ by applying to colleges in America. While in the U.S. he was presented with the opportunity to serve at a college ministry where he led and taught more than 100 mostly white college students. Last year, Sam led 35 college students to give $3700 in one night to build a well in Africa. Several months later, he challenged his home church of a few hundred people to follow Jesus in the same way, and they gave $7000 in one morning to build two wells. His crazy dreads, unique journey, passion for students and great storytelling are just a few of the many things that make Sam a unique and relevant communicator. He is currently on staff as the college pastor at the Vineyard Church in Toledo, OH where he lives with his new bride, Ashley.

###


“WE NEED EACH OTHER” TOUR DATES


Thu, Sep 4, 08
Perrysburg, OH
Cedar Creek Church

Fri, Sep 5, 08
Forest Park, OH
The Underground-OH

Sat, Sep 6, 08
Spring Arbor, MI
Spring Arbor University

Wed, Sep 10, 08
Elk City, OK
Pioneer Center

Thu, Sep 11, 08
Stillwater, OK
First United Methodist

Sat, Sep 13, 08
Kerrville, TX
Schreiner University

Sun, Sep 14, 08
Abilene, TX
Paramount Theater

Fri, Sep 19, 08
Pittsfield, MA
Taconic High School

Sat, Sep 20, 08
Bangor, ME
Abundant Life Church

Sun, Sep 21, 08
Souderton, PA
Calvary Church

Thu, Sep 25, 08
Wausau, WI
Wausau East High School Auditorium

Fri, Sep 26, 08
Minneapolis, MN
Club 3 Degrees

Sat, Sep 27, 08
Palos Heights, IL
Trinity Christian College

Wed, Oct 8, 08
Salina, KS
The City

Fri, Oct 10, 08
Lubbock, TX
Turning Point Community Church

Tue, Oct 14, 08
Phoenix, AZ
Desert Springs Bible Church

Thu, Oct 16, 08
Wildomar, CA
Cornerstone Community Church

Fri, Oct 17, 08
Santa Maria, CA
Pacific Christian Center

Sat, Oct 18, 08
Highland, CA
Immanuel Baptist Church

Sun, Oct 19, 08
Las Vegas, NV
Valley Bible Fellowship

Thu, Oct 23, 08
Portland, OR
Sunset Presbyterian

Fri, Oct 24, 08
Medford, OR
Mountain Christian Fellowship

Sat, Oct 25, 08
Redmond, WA
Overlake Christian Church

Sun, Oct 26, 08
Spokane, WA
The Service Station

Thu, Nov 6, 08
Muskegon,. MI
Frauenthal Theatre

Fri, Nov 7, 08
Port Huron, MI
McMorran Place Theatre

Sat, Nov 8, 08
Gaylord, MI
Gaylord E-Free Church

*Dates subject to change

Barlowgirl to launch "Million Voices" Fall tour

Fervent Records’ sister rock trio BarlowGirl is excited to announce their Million Voices fall headlining tour with fellow Christian artists Jimmy Needham and Brooke Barrettsmith. Starting in Texas on September 10, the tour will run through mid-November and focus on encouraging audiences to speak hope, truth and love to others.

BarlowGirl has also partnered with Mercy Ministries and will share about the organization at their live concert events, urging those in attendance to get involved and help support young women at Mercy who face life-controlling issues. The group plans on raising $1,000,000 to build a new house for Mercy Ministries, whose waiting list is in the hundreds. Each of the members of BarlowGirl has a heart that beats for the young people of this generation struggling with issues such as eating disorders, depression, etc. and is committed to ministering a message of hope to their audience. “We have such a heart for the broken and are honored to come alongside Mercy Ministries’ work in transforming the lives of young women from the inside out,” says BarlowGirl.

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries has provided life-changing services to young women who suffer from various debilitating conditions including drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, depression, physical and sexual abuse, self-harm and unplanned pregnancies. The residential program, which is free of charge, offers individualized programs, counseling, nutrition education, fitness instruction, life-skills training and educational opportunities to a diverse population of young women from various socio-economic backgrounds. It is Mercy Ministries’ goal to have each young woman discover purpose in her life and bring value to her community. Mercy Ministries is a global organization with locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Peru. For more information about Mercy Ministries, visit www.mercyministries.org.

The Million Voices tour is already scheduled to make a stop in the following cities:

The Woodlands, TX
Waco, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Mesa, AZ
Oceanside, CA
Camarillo, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Redding, CA
Vancouver, WA
E. Wenatchee, WA
Spokane, WA
Kennewick, WA
Salt Lake City, UT
Clarksville, TN
Minneapolis, MN
Greencastle, PA

*More dates to follow*

Read our interview with Barlowgirl here.
Read our review of How Can We Be Silent here.

Thousand Foot Krutch Hits the Ground Running!

Tooth&Nail Records' rock band Thousand Foot Krutch continues to build with their single at Active Rock/Alternative general market radio as they head out on the road this week and begin a full spring tour. The band will also be appearing at numerous summer festivals, which will be followed by another major fall tour.

Two weeks ago Thousand Foot Krutch's Active Rock/Alternative single "Falls Apart" debuted in the Top 40 and continues to move upward currently at No. 33 with increased spins. This marks the band's third Active Rock/Alternative single to break into the Top 40 on the charts following the hit songs "Rawkfist" and "Move." The single is exposing the band to more than 1.9 million accumulated audiences on a weekly basis. In addition to the general market single, Christian radio is behind the new Rock single and title track "The Flame in All of Us," which is currently at No 12.

"This year's been nothing short of amazing," says lead singer Trevor McNevan. "We've been so encouraged by the support the new album ("The Flame In All Of Us") has received, both from a radio and live perspective. With the chart topping success of the first two singles ("Falls Apart"/"What Do We Know") in the CCM market, and a fast moving General Market single on Active rock and Alternative, we couldn't ask for much more."

Supporting their radio success, Thousand Foot Krutch will hit the road this Thursday, March 27th for the COMATOSE Tour with Skillet and special guests Decyfer Down. The tour will hit major cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, New York City, Columbus and more. For a complete list of the tour dates see below. Following their spring tour, TFK will perform at nine major festivals this summer including Creation East, Creation West, Sonshine, Alive, Spirit West Coast (both), and Kingdom Bound.

TFK won't stop after their packed summer schedule as they are a part of the debut year for the Creation Festival: The Tour beginning in October (dates TBA). TFK will join Kutless along with special guests Pillar, Fireflight and Worth Dying For as well as MC KJ-52.

Expounding on the band's forthcoming tours, McNevan shares, "Touring wise, we're teaming up with long time co-horts Skillet to rock the U.S. for a 32 city tour. Then, following the intense summer festivals, we're heading out for the fall on the Creation tour with fellow Tooth&Nail mates Kutless (as well as Pillar, and a slew of other great bands on the one day traveling festival bill). We're sincerely thankful to everyone for their love and support, and to be a small part of what God's doing."

Thrilled to have Thousand Foot Krutch involved with this first-ever Creation Tour, Nick Kulb, tour producer, states, "We are extremely excited to have Thousand Foot Krutch join us on Creation Festival: The Tour in our first year. They have been a highlighted artist at the Creation Festivals for the past several years and having them as a part of the tour is a very logical tie-in."

Thousand Foot Krutch is comprised of Trevor McNevan, his childhood friend Joel Bruyere on bass guitar and Steve Augustine on drums. The Toronto, Canada natives have sold near a half-million copies to date of their albums Set It Off, Phenomenon, and The Art Of Breaking. The band hit the musical scene with their 2003 Phenomenon album, which landed them six stellar No. 1 songs on rock radio and branched into mainstream radio with songs "Rawkfist" (Phenomenon) and "Move" (The Art of Breaking). It was "Rawkfist" that became the first great sports anthem of the 21st century being heard everywhere from sports stadiums to commercials (NHL, NFL and major league baseball, ESPN) to the WB's Smallville. In 2007, Thousand Foot Krutch released their newest Tooth&Nail Records' studio project, The Flame in All of Us, which has received media acclaim saying the project "marks a bright new chapter for Thousand Foot Krutch." Flame has already produced the band's eighth No. 1 Rock hit for three straight weeks ("Falls Apart") in addition to the third Top 5 CHR hit ("What Do We Know"). For more information on Thousand Foot Krutch, visit: http://www.thousandfootkrutch.com .

For more information on the Creation Festival: The Tour click here.

Creation Festival the Tour

Creation Festival, the nation’s largest Christian music festival and the premier name in Christian music events, is pleased to announce that it is expanding its brand once again to launch Creation Festival: The Tour. Kicking off in October, the “mini Creation on wheels” will allow fans across the country to experience a taste of the annual 4-day events held in June and July in one night of music, teaching and fun.

Headlining this one-of-a-kind event is BEC Recordings band, Kutless, with special guests, Thousand Foot Krutch and Pillar. The line up is rounded out by female-fronted rockers, Fireflight, as the opening band and Integrity’s Worth Dying For providing a time of praise and worship. KJ-52 will also perform and serve as MC for the night. World-renowned speaker, Bob Lenz, will share the gospel each night, with Pastor Harry Thomas, Creation Festival director and co-founder and Teen Mania’s founder, Ron Luce, also joining the tour on select dates.

A special Tooth & Nail Records “pre-show” will kick off the event, featuring performances by Run Kid Run, Esterlyn and Children 18:3.

“We are excited to be a part of this ground-breaking tour,” exclaims Jon Micah Sumrall, frontman for Kutless. “It has been an amazing experience to play Creation ? a festival we attended with our youth group when we were in high school ? and now, to be invited to headline Creation Festival: The Tour, we could not be more honored! We are looking forward to heading out on the road and impacting lives together with the Creation folks and the other bands.”

As well as providing an exciting evening of great music, Creation Festival: The Tour is also very ministry oriented, with a local community outreach planned for each date. While the type of outreach will vary by date and may include activities such as clothing drops and food drives, every city will take part in having a direct positive impact on their community.

Pastor Harry Thomas, Creation Festival co-founder, explains: “Whenever Jesus came to a town, people became aware of God's love for them. Our vision for Creation Festival: The Tour is to bless people spiritually and in practical ways. We want to go beyond the venue walls into the community with a touch of God's love and good news!”

Several companies have partnered with Creation to make the Tour possible. Compassion International will serve as the ministry sponsor and Tooth & Nail Records, BEC Recordings and Interlinc have also come on board. Additional sponsors and their contribution will be announced soon.

“Our vision for this tour is to brand the Creation Festival model in a new and fresh way,” says Nick Kulb, tour producer and Creation Festival director of marketing & sales. “We have spent countless hours in creating not just another concert, but an event that has unique features and focuses heavily on the ministry component, which is the foremost purpose of everything we do.”

Creation Festival: The Tour will be routed and booked by William Morris Agency, with dates and cities to be announced soon.

Additional elements and highlights will be added to the tour, with many announcements forthcoming. For up to the minute information about Creation Festival: The Tour, please visit www.creationfesttour.com.

Read our review (with tons of pics) of Creation East 2007.
Click here.

Cross The Line tour poster (Superchick, KJ-52, Disciple, Britt Nicole, Starlitplatoon)

Click the poster to enlarge and see if the bands are coming to a town near you!

Natalie Grant "Relentless" tour

In support of the release of her best-selling and critically acclaimed seventh album, Relentless, Curb recording artist and GMA’s reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant, is set to bring the “Relentless Tour” to audiences across the country this spring. Sponsored by Gospel Music Channel, the Tour will include special guest Inpop recording artist Jimmy Needham, and introduce new Axiom recording artist Ashmont Hill.

Kicking-off March 8 in Woodward, Oklahoma, the “Relentless Tour” will hit Atlanta; Seattle; Decatur, Illinois; Mobile, Alabama; Kansas City, Missouri; and Boca Raton, Florida, among other locations this spring. During the Tour, Grant will perform selections from Relentless, as well as many of her signature songs, including the powerful hit “Held.”

Relentless, Grant’s first studio recording in nearly three years, debuted on Nielsen SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums and Christian Retail charts at #2, as the highest debut and top album by a female artist on both charts. The project’s first single, "In Better Hands," is a multi-format Christian radio hit.

Grant recently earned the Gospel Music Association’s most prestigious Dove Award nomination, Artist of the Year, and has been nominated once again for Female Vocalist of the Year, a distinction she has held since 2006. Grant is among a select few in the genre to have also achieved a formidable foothold at mainstream media and radio. A tireless advocate for victims of human trafficking, she was one of the first Christian artists to raise awareness of this worldwide atrocity. Grant created the Home Foundation in 2005 to support various anti-trafficking efforts around the world.

Houston, Texas-based, singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham first made a name for himself on the independent circuit with his soulful pop sound and passionate evangelical focus. Needham’s Inpop Records debut, Speak, released in 2006 and showcased his down-to-earth lyrics while exposing the rock, pop and gospel-influenced side of his art as well. The album produced a #2 single at Christian Hit Radio with “Lost At Sea,” and its song “Dearly Loved” also broke the Top 10 on CHR. Last fall Needham was featured on tour with NewSong, Echoing Angels and Nate Sallie. His sophomore album, Not Without Love, is due in stores August 19.

Axiom Records group Ashmont Hill is preparing to release their debut self-titled album on May 13. Getting their name from “Ashmont Hill,” an idyllic community near Boston, the group of four (all related by blood or marriage) has made beautiful, spiritual music for years at Jubilee Church, where their father is Bishop. Phil Thompson, sisters April Joy Thompson and Deborah Bullock, along with Deborah’s husband, Will Bullock, heard the call from the Lord to bring their music to a larger community. Ashmont Hill’s album is a true collaborative effort between the band and their producer Sal Oliveri, with vocal arrangements by Calvin Nowell.

For further information on Natalie Grant and the “Relentless Tour,” visit www.nataliegrant.com.

“Relentless Tour”

Woodward, OK - March 8
Norfolk, NE - March 9
Atlanta, GA - March 22
New Port Richey, FL - March 28
Boca Raton, FL - March 29
Vero Beach, FL - March 30
Kansas City, MO - April 10
Seattle, WA - April 12
Byhalia, MS - April 17
Bethel Park, PA - April 24
Elkhart, IN - April 27
Tupelo, MS - May 1
Mobile, AL - May 2
Conway, AR - May 4
Fayetteville, NC - May 10
Williamsburg, VA - May 11
Decatur, IL - May 15
Lebanon, MO - May 16
Mount Vernon, IL - May 18

We Will Stand Tour - Avalon, Michael English, Cadia, Daniel Doss Band

Award-winning Sparrow Records vocal act Avalon is preparing for the “We Will Stand” tour, its first headlining tour in three years. Joining Avalon are labelmate Daniel Doss Band, Curb Records industry veteran Michael English and emerging Fervent Records female duo CADIA. The tour kicks off on March 27 in Pittsburgh and will visit more than 30 cities through May.

“Avalon is very excited about the upcoming tour,” says Avalon founding member Janna Long. “We are anxious to hit the road again with these other talented artists and embrace new and old listeners alike.”

In support of the tour, participating artists together recorded new song “We Will Stand,” which they will perform to close each show. The song will also be serviced for play at Christian radio. Additionally, EMI Christian Music Group will highlight the tour as part of its “Music for the Entire Family” promotion at CBA retail outlets. A promotional display will feature all four artists’ new albums, releasing Feb. 26, a tour CD sampler and English’s new book, The Prodigal Comes Home. For more information and an up-to-date list of dates, visit the tour’s web site at www.myspace.com/standtour.

Formed in 1996, Avalon set a new standard for modern spiritual music. In review of its 2006 project, Faith: A Hymns Collection, All Music Guide lauded the group’s “vocal efficiency and personalized stylings that place Avalon among the elite singing groups in contemporary Christian circles.” To date, the quartet has sold more than three million albums, charted 20 No. 1 singles, and won an American Music Award plus numerous Dove Awards such as the 1999 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “Testify to Love.” That song, a listener favorite, has also been specially re-recorded for the group’s Feb. 26 release, Another Time, Another Place. For more information, visit www.avalonlive.com.

Michael English returns with his first studio album (Curb Records) in nearly eight years. Michael’s most personal collection of songs to date, The Prodigal Comes Home is complimented by an autographical book sharing the same title. Michael’s journey has been slow and painful but it is one that has brought him back to the overwhelming place of hope and redemption. A journey that shows how God's grace shines even in our darkest hours and a story for every one of us who knows what it means to feel lost and in need of a Father who will welcome us home.

Daniel Doss has a deep sense of calling on his life – a passion to lead people to an encounter with a great God. On his band’s Sparrow Records debut, Greater Than Us All, there are songs that usher you deep into worship (“Love Like Rain” and “Sing Your Name”) songs of hope (“Hold On” and “God In Me”), reminders of grace (“I Need You”), and God’s greatness (“Great God” and “Abba Father”). An important element of Daniel’s calling is to be an encourager to the church and church pastors. As a worship leader of an emerging church in Clarksville, TN, Daniel witnesses the journey of fellow believers each week and in response writes songs that not only minister to them but to all who hear his music.

Nashville-based CADIA comprises longtime friends Courtney Myers and Tori Smith, both 19 years old. The two became fast friends while participating in a junior high school play and continue to perform together. The duo will release its Fervent Records, self-titled debut on Feb. 26. Produced by Otto Price (BarlowGirl, Out Of Eden, SONICFLOOd) and Rob Hawkins (pureNRG, Jackson Waters), the record addresses themes of honesty, empowerment, self-esteem, compassion, and confidence in God, issues that both Courtney and Tori have confronted on their own journey to adulthood. In addition to providing fun, meaningful pop music, the record also aims to encourage other teens facing similar life experiences. The record’s track “Inside Out” was featured last fall as the theme song/video for Women of Faith’s “Revolve Tour,” geared toward teen girls. For more information on CADIA, visit www.CADIAonline.com.

WE WILL STAND TOUR DATES:

DATE	CITY	ST
27-Mar	Pittsburg	PA
28-Mar	Charleston	WV
29-Mar	Poughkeepsie	NY
30-Mar	Binghamton	NY
1-Apr	Cincinnati	OH
4-Apr	Minneapolis	MN
5-Apr	Kansas City	MO
6-Apr	Mount Vernon	IL
7-Apr	Des Moines	IA
10-Apr	Mobile	AL
11-Apr	Orlando	FL
12-Apr	Clearwater	FL
13-Apr	Ellijay	GA
15-Apr	Charleston	SC
17-Apr	Charlotte	NC
18-Apr	Jacksonville	FL
19-Apr	Baxley	GA
20-Apr	Vero Beach	FL
25-Apr	Summit	MS
26-Apr	Little Rock	AR
27-Apr	State University	AR
1-May	Tulsa	OK
2-May	Dallas	TX
3-May	Abilene	TX
4-May	Wichita	KS
6-May	Westerville	OH
8-May	Greenville	SC
9-May	Washington	DC
#####	Fredrick	MD
#####	Atlanta	GA

*all dates subject to change*

Switchfoot "Up In Arms" tour to Benefit To Write Love On Her Arms

Multi-Platinum selling rock band Switchfoot launches its spring “Up In Arms Tour” in San Antonio March 27 and hits college towns throughout the South and Midwest states. The tour will benefit To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) and features a special performance by double Platinum-selling English band, Athlete. Tickets for the tour are on sale today and can be purchased through www.switchfoot.com. (See below for the full itinerary).

“We’ve known Jamie [Tworkowski] for over five years now, and when he first told us about his vision to start TWLOHA two years ago, we were thrilled to jump on board in whatever way we could, wearing his t-shirts, linking to his myspace, just getting the word out,” says Switchfoot member Tim Foreman. “The dialogue surrounding depression is such an important one. It is huge for people to know that these are issues that are normal and ok to talk about. TWLOHA is breathing hope into lives once trapped by fear and doubts. ‘Love is the Movement.’ We’re honored that a song we wrote seven years ago has become the slogan for TWLOHA. And it’s true: love provides the motion that pushes us past the scars wear.”

“Switchfoot was the first band to lend the stage to us, back when TWLOHA was simply an attempt to tell a story and help one friend,” says Jamie Tworkowski, To Write Love on Her Arms founder who will be briefly speaking before Switchfoot’s set each night on tour. “That was two years ago and we have come a long way since that surprising start. We are truly honored and excited to hit the road with this band that means so much to us.”

To Write Love on Her Arms began in Orlando, FL in February 2006 and is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

TOUR SCHEDULE:

27-Mar	San Antonio, TX	Laurie Auditorium
30-Mar	New Orleans, LA	House of Blues
3-Apr	North Myrtle Beach, SC	House of Blues
7-Apr	Waukesha, WI	Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll College
8-Apr	Indianapolis, IN	University of Indianapolis
11-Apr	Peoria, IL	Peoria Civic Center Arena
17-Apr	Poplar Bluff, MO	Black River Coliseum
18-Apr	Troy, AL	Trojan Arena
19-Apr	Hattiesburg, MS	Reed Green Coliseum
20-Apr	Huntsville, AL	Spraggins Hall
25-Apr	Estero, FL	Germain Arena
26-Apr	West Palm Beach, FL	Sound Advice Amphitheater
27-Apr	Charlottesville, VA	Charlottesville Pavilion
1-May	Ocean City, NJ	Ocean City Music Pier
2-May	Stamford, CT	Palace Theater
3-May	Piscataway, NY	Rutgers Athletic Center
4-May	Rochester, NY	Roberts Wesleyan College

Read our review of Switchfoot's Appetite for Construction tour (with pictures!) here.

Read our review of Oh! Gravity. here.

Pillar announces "For the Love of the Game" tour dates

GRAMMY-nominated rock band Pillar has unveiled dates for its 3-month, “For the Love of the Game” Tour, sponsored by World Vision, TVU and RadioU. Christian music’s leading rock band will kick-off its ninth headlining tour in Palos Heights (Chicago), Ill. on Feb. 22, 2008. Named for Pillar’s upcoming album, which will hit stores Feb. 26, 2008, the full tour line-up is: Pillar, Building 429, Wavorly and introducing Brooke Barrettsmith. All dates are listed below and additional dates are still being added. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit www.pillartour.com.

Pillar has started 2008 in an awesome way: earning its first GRAMMY nomination (Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for The Reckoning), having its music played on numerous ESPN sports programs, achieving its ninth No. 1 radio single (“For the Love of the Game”), and gearing up for the release of its fifth album (For the Love of the Game) and ninth headlining tour.

Pumped about his band’s ninth headlining tour, Pillar lead vocalist, Rob Beckley, exclaims, “I have never been so excited to get out on a tour! Over the last 10 years we’ve been on the road a lot, doing numerous headlining tours and we’ve had the privilege of playing in many types of venues, and for different types of crowds. This is going to be the most fun we’ve had on stage in our decade of touring – guaranteed!”

Word Records artist Building 429 debuted in 2004 with “Glory Defined,” a song that hit No. 1 on eight different charts and became BMI’s 2005 Song of the Year for Christian music. The band received four Dove Award nominations and was named the GMA’s “New Artist of the Year” in 2005. Building 429 has toured with Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Jeremy Camp and BarlowGirl, among others, and frontman Jason Roy acted as a spokesperson for 2004’s Redeem the Vote, with appearances on “Fox News Live,” CNN and ABC’s “Nightline.” The band’s third full-length record, Iris To Iris, released in May 2007. For more information, visit www.building429.com.

Wavorly burst onto the national scene in 2007 with their Flicker Records debut, Conquering the Fear of Flight. The highly-acclaimed album is a sprawling modern rock masterpiece. It blends elements of alternative, classic progressive, indie and hard rock with highly literate lyrics, a boldly imaginative use of strings and a sublime sense of melody. Go to www.wavorly.com for further information.

Christian rocker Brooke Barrettsmith captivates audiences with her passionate vocals and straightforward lyrics about faith and relationships. Growing up a pastor’s daughter in Chicago, Brooke first started singing in church with her siblings. Since then, she has shared the stage with artists such as Toby Mac, Audio Adrenaline, Jeremy Camp and Steven Curtis Chapman. As a top 40 finalist on “American Idol Season 5” in 2006, Brooke has been championed by local Chicago TV and print outlets and has received hometown support performing at various local events including White Sox games. Brooke’s debut album on Essential Records will be released in June. Visit www.myspace.com/brookebarrettsmith for further information.

Catch Pillar’s “For the Love of the Game” Tour in one of the following cities:

*Tour dates, cities, and venues subject to change without notice

Friday, 2/22 Palos Heights, IL Harvest Bible Chapel

Saturday, 2/23 Minneapolis, MN Club 3 Degrees

Sunday, 2/24 Ashby, MN Destiny Center

Monday, 2/25 Sioux Falls, SD Southern Hills United Methodist Church
Tuesday, 2/26 North Platte, NE Community Playhouse

Thursday, 2/28 Tulsa, OK The Otherside

Friday, 2/29 Fort Worth, TX The Door

Saturday, 3/1 San Antonio, TX Tri-Point Club

Sunday, 3/2 Weatherford, TX Faith Family Fellowship

Tuesday, 3/4 Joplin, MO The Foundry Music Theatre

Friday, 3/7 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Christian Center

Wednesday, 3/12 Prestonburg, KY Mountain Arts Center

Thursday, 3/13 Springfield, IL iWorship Center

Friday, 3/14 Orion, MI The District Venue

Saturday, 3/15 Cincinnati, OH The Underground
Sunday, 3/16 Van Wert, OH Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio

Wednesday, 4/2 Carlsbad, NM Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center
Sunday, 4/6 Merced, CA Yosemite Church
Friday, 4/11 Seattle, WA Royal Brougham Pavilion – Seattle Pacific University
Saturday, 4/12 Portland, OR New Hope Community Church
Sunday, 4/13 Spokane, WA The Service Station

Since Pillar’s Dove Award-winning debut Above in 2001, the band has tallied nine No. 1 radio singles, 12 top five hits, a GRAMMY nomination, three Dove Awards, eight national headlining tours, covers of numerous national magazines and album sales approaching one million. For the Love of the Game (Feb. 26, 2008) is the band’s fifth, full-length studio project. Pillar is: Rob Beckley, vocals; Lester Estelle, drums; Noah Henson, guitar; and Kalel, bass.

Find more information at www.pillarmusic.com and www.myspace.com/pillar

Read our interview with Pillar here.