Saturday's schedule was a little on the light side because there weren't too many people available yet. I spent time with The Imperials and Hope's Call, two great Southern Gospel groups that were a lot of fun to talk to and get to know and then I had some time to kill. Groups were setting up all over the Renaissance (where the majority of my time would be spent over the next few days) so I wandered around, getting my bearings, seeing what was going to be where, finding stairs, suites and most importantly, bathrooms on the floors I'd be hanging out on the most! Media check in went smoothly and I got my badges and an official GMA 2005 bag filled with CDs, magazines, ads and tons of other great free stuff! After that it was time to meet with Kate Miner and we immediately hit it off since we both have more kids than the "average bear". Heather Powers was next and since Heather is an old friend, it was a blast to hang out with her for a while and catch up. She's got a new album coming out and it's awesome ... just like she is! My last interview was with a new solo artist named Jontez and it went really well. Jontez is a super sweet guy with an incredible voice and a real heart for what he's been called to do. He was with God's Property for a while and his debut solo project, which is due out in August, has a really smooth R&B sound. We finished up around 5:30 and since I hadn't eaten all day it was time for food. Dinner consisted of the biggest burrito I've ever seen! We were supposed to go to a screening of the new James Caviezel movie Madison, but we didn't finish eating in time to get there so I called my buddy Vince Lichlyter from Jonah33 to see what they were up to. He invited us to a listening party for the bands new album and Todd Agnew's new album as well. I can honestly tell you that both albums ROCK and will be "must have's" once they come out. I hadn't seen Vince or Todd in almost two years so it was like "old home" week. It was a great first day at GMA Week.
