Artist Spotlight At GMA Week 2005
NASHVILLE - Although the Dove Awards ceremony is by far the most spectacular artist-focused event at GMA Week, one of the most notable and enjoyable features of the convention as a whole are the many, many other opportunities available to interact with and watch performances of all the various CCM artists in attendance.
For a simulated tour of your GMA Week experience: unless you ran into a few artists while you were checking into your hotel room or just taking a stroll around the convention center (which you probably did) your first opportunity to experience the finest in today’s Christian music began on Saturday evening with a bang as The All Things New Tour, featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, & Casting Crowns, hit the stage in the Starwood Amphitheatre.
The following morning for Sunday worship service saw Passion-founder Louie Giglio giving out a special message while being backed by Passion members Chris Tomlin and the David Crowder Band delivering praise.
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And if you weren’t too tired out from jet lag, that evening would be one of the best on your trip, as you were led into one of the most powerful worship experiences you’ve ever had by CCM pioneer and host Michael W. Smith, along with worship leaders Darlene Zschech, Peter Furler, and Christy Nockels, in singing all of the classics with a backing choir comprised of your favorite Christian artists.
And if that wasn’t enough, a host of today’s premier songwriters, including Matthew West, Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, and Israel Houghton, would cap off the evening with a late-night showcase and celebration of the year’s best songs. And that’s just on Sunday!
As GMA Week Committee Chairman Jeff Gregg puts it, the event is your “place to connect,” with artists both seasoned and brand new.
“We’re having a great time just meeting some old friends and making new ones,” said Sara from Shelter Records recording artist Everlife. “We just love doing interviews and being able to present who we are and what we’re about.”
If you missed all the rest of the fun, be sure to catch the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards beginning tonight at 6pm in the Grand Ole Opry House.
For those not attending the event, the 36th Annual Dove Awards will be televised in national syndication during the month of June. Central City Productions of Chicago, Ill., will handle first run syndication through network affiliates and independent stations nationwide, with an expected audience reach of at least 75 percent of U.S. television households. The GMA Music Awards website – www.gmamusicawards.com - will provide a regularly updated list of confirmed broadcast times and outlets. The Doves will be offered on several inspirational cable networks after the first-run syndication.
Central City Productions, which is most known for syndicating the Stellar Awards, is a full-service television production company that produces, syndicates and manages advertising sales for all of its programs. Network affiliates and broadcast stations interested in the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards for syndication can contact CCP at 312-654-1100 or 303-771-3513.
Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children’s gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awards TM , which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.
