July 27, 2010 - New Releases

July 27 Releases

"Blessed and Cursed" Releases Tuesday!

         What a powerful movie! Deitrick Haddon does an amazing job of delivering this powerful and moving message . Along with Haddon, the cast of all-star gospel musicians gives this movie a depth through music that otherwise would not be there.  
        The theme of this story is simply an expansion of the title: people have the power to bless or curse others around them. The story-line follows the main character, Dwight (Haddon), who is given the position of music minister at the church of a powerful bishop. Dwight's music ministry initially takes off, but jealousy in the church results in betrayal and eventual dismissal for Dwight. God still calls him to a life in music ministry, but this ministry is quite different from anything he expected.
         How often in our lives do we feel God's calling for a specific ministry, but it ends up in betrayal and confusion? This movie reminds us that God is always in control, even though His plans may not be in line with our plans or expectations. The message of this movie brings to mind the truth of Jeremiah 29:11: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD.' Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

Anita Renfroe - Big Ol' Sweet Tea

Its been a wild decade for Anita Renfroe. She went from a stay at home mom to a YouTube comedic phe-mom-enon..…but Anita Renfroe doesn’t mind. With her unique brand of estrogen flavored musical comedy and blend of sass, edge and slightly offbeat takes on All Things Female, audiences at her comedy concert tours, viewers of Good Morning America appearances and the YouTube masses who enjoyed her William Tell version of everything a Mom says would say that Anita just tells it like it is. Some would say she just says what everyone else is thinking, but won’t say out loud.
Anita Renfroe’s brand new DVD “Big Ol Sweet Iced Tea” does just that – making people laugh with her off-the-wall insights, music and her trademark pop culture parodies. Filmed in her hometown of Atlanta, GA before a sold out crowd, “Big Ol Sweet Iced Tea” released July 20, 2010.

Anita Renfroe Live DVD Highlight from Marko Visual on Vimeo.

July 20, 2010 - New Releases

July 20 New Releases

Francesca Battistelli - Beautiful Beautiful

If you have never heard of Francesca Battistelli, then let me enrich your life today. Francesca appeared on a national Christian stage back in 2008 with her hit songs "Free to Be Me" and "I'm Letting Go" from her album My Paper Heart. Since then she has gone on to win and receive recognition for various awards like the Dove Award for Best Female Vocalist of the year, best song of the year, and even a Grammy Nomination for Best Gospel Performance. Even with all this success in her music career, Francesca maintains a down to earth sense of what is really important in life.
Her love of music was active long before she became a recognizable name in the Christian music industry. Francesca grew up with a passion for music: at 15 she was a part of a small all-girl mainstream pop group. When that stage in her life concluded she found her passion for music could be applied with her heart for youth ministry. Francesca shares, “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.” Francesca set out to write “soulful pop music that someone pops in in the morning and says, ‘Now I can start my day, I feel encouraged.’” From my experience with her music, her songs hold meaning and important lessons from God's Word, especially for young girls. They are also just fun to sing along with!
Her new song "Beautiful Beautiful" is one she co-wrote with renowned producer Ian Eskelin. This song talks about second chances and the opportunity to begin each new day with a fresh start.

(I apologize profusely about the quality of the video. It was the only one that I could use that was of the music video. If you can't stand it, try listening to it on Francesca's YouTube page www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbCfyZHSQbE)

July 13, 2010 - New Releases

New Releases 071310  

The Afters Visit!!!!!!

(in pic from left - Matt, Me, Josh, Josh of Baker Book House)

This morning I got a phone call from one of my music companies about a band that was in the area and on the way to Baker. This was not just any band- it was The Afters! Well, at least Josh and Matt of The Afters, along with John, their agent, and Vanessa. You know, it's always fun to meet artists in person, but it's even more fun when it's out of the blue! They were very friendly and down to earth, talking about their new album and taking a tour of our store. You know they must spend a great deal of time together when all the guys showed up "accidentally" matching! They were in town to do interviews with WAYFM and WCSG, our local Christian radio stations. Their next and third album releases September 14, so be watching for it! Here is the story behind the new single that is playing on the radio now!

In Memory of Walter Hawkins (May 11, 1949 - July 11, 2010)

On July 11, 2010, Walter Hawkins went home to his risen Lord and Savior. Bishop Walter Hawkins was one of the most beloved pastors and figures in contemporary Gospel Music today. In the Forty plus years of his career, he has created one of the most prolific and outstanding catalogs of hit gospel recordings and published songs that continues to inspire people and musicians.

July 6, 2010 - New Releases

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