“There is no other time or place where our entire industry – from the industry’s top executives to the self-managed independent artists and every type of professional in between – is gathered together to not only engage in professional development, but to hear non-stop music of every gospel style imaginable,” said Styll. “At GMA Music Week 2006, every registrant will have the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues from around the country, participate in valuable and targeted educational seminars and attend concerts and music showcases by best-selling and up-and-coming Christian artists and of course, culminating in the 37th Annual GMA Music Awards.”
GMA Music Week 2006 will have four unique professional tracks with specialized professional development and training: Christian Music Broadcasters; Christian Music Retail Conference; Managers, Agents & Promoters Seminar; and Music Professional (formerly Industry & Associates track). Additionally, for the first time, GMA will present unique tracks for Independent Artists and Urban Music Professionals. Registration for the convention has begun and those who register by November 15 are eligible for a significant discount.
Music is always the heart of GMA Music Week and 2006’s convention will have more music than ever before. Louie Giglio and PASSION artists/worshippers David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin and Charlie Hall have already been confirmed for the Sunday Evening Worship Service. GMA will confirm more artist performances in the coming weeks, and promises music of every style of gospel music including pop, rock, rap, southern gospel, urban gospel and Latin gospel.
Convention details and the option to register online are at http://www.gospelmusic.org.
The 37th Annual GMA Music Awards will serve as the culmination of GMA Music Week 2006 on Wednesday, April 5 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. This event is gospel music’s biggest night, as nominated artists and industry professionals are honored with gospel music’s highest honor, the Dove Award. The hosts for the 2006 awards will be Kirk Franklin and Rebecca St. James.
“Few in gospel music have both the gifts of music and speaking that Kirk and Rebecca possess, making them a perfect pair for hosting the GMA Music Awards next April. Their musical styles and journeys are different, but they share a common charisma that has gained them admiration and respect worldwide. They will be joined by a line-up of artist performers and award presenters that will showcase the best in gospel music, making it not only a night of honors, but an exceedingly entertaining and diverse evening,” said Styll.
With seven RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum selling releases, nine Dove, 33 Stellar and three Grammy Awards to date, Kirk Franklin is one of the biggest selling gospel artists. In October 2005, Franklin released HERO, his sixth CD and the first release on his new Fo Yo Soul Entertainment label (a joint venture with Zomba Gospel/Jive Records). Franklin's 1993 debut album Kirk Franklin and the Family was the first gospel album to sell more than a million copies. Recently Franklin has joined forces with the Children’s Defense Fund and will serve as an Ambassador for the advocacy organization, helping to raise funds and serving as a spokesperson to bring attention to and assist in carrying out their mission of “Leave No Child Behind.”
Both a multiple Dove and a Grammy Award winner, Australian-born Rebecca St. James has been a defining voice in contemporary Christian music for more than a decade, selling millions of records internationally, becoming the author of two #1 books and a celebrated speaker. Along the way, she made a successful acting debut in the Dove Award-winning rock opera musical “!Hero,” and became the first artist to enter the world of VeggieTales as a voice character. St. James has, in fact, become known as the “voice of a generation,” in speaking out passionately in support of Christian values. Her new studio album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something releases on November 22. Her song “Lion” is currently featured on the official album inspired by Disney/Walden Entertainment’s upcoming movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. St. James will headline a major U.S. concert series in February in support of her latest album.
The broadcast taping of the GMA Music Awards will begin at 8 p.m. and feature artist performances and the presentation of a number of key Dove Awards. The opening ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. and will include the announcement of most of the 44 categories of awards. Tickets to the show include seating at both events. The GMA Awards will be televised starting on Easter weekend April 15 through May 21.
Nominations for the awards will be announced on Wednesday, February 1st.
