The Christian Manifesto

(FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE)–April 2, 2008–Indieheaven.com/The Christian Independent Alliance, the leading organization for Christian independent musicians announces the winners of the 2008 MOMENTUM AWARDS. The Momentum Awards, now in it’s 3rd year, are the premier award recognition program for Christian independent artists. Previous award winners have seen opportunities for advancement in their music and mission because of the recognition the awards garner. Some have moved into the CCM Industry, while others have continued to see success as independent artists.  

Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr states, “as the music industry continues to change and more and more artists are either staying independent or going back to their independent roots, it is important to recognize the pursuit of excellence in this growing indiestry. The basis for the Momentum Awards is not competition, but comrades applauding and encouraging one another to create momentum in their music missions. We teach indies that momentum is paramount to success as an independent artist.”  

Fan voting and a panel selected the winners in 15 categories. 4 special awards were also handed out. The Momentum Awards were cosponsored by Christian Radio Weekly 

For a full list of winners, go to http://www.ciasummit.com/momentum-awards/

Bob Kauflin, director of worship development for Sovereign Grace Ministries, will be joining Greg Wheatley today on Moody Radio’s Prime Time America to discuss his new book from Crossway, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God. Kauflin traveled with the Christian group GLAD for eight years as a songwriter and arranger before becoming a pastor with Sovereign Grace Ministries.

Visit www.mbn.org to locate a station in your area or to listen to Moody Radio online. Visit www.crossway.org for more information on Worship Matters.

(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA)—April 2, 2008—America’s most famous preacher, Rev. Billy Graham, 89, is about to get a major gesture of recognition from some of the world’s premier entertainers, from Bono to George Strait, it was announced by Pat Boone’s Lamb & Lion Home Video label.   

On the eve of the evangelist’s 70th anniversary as an ordained minister, “Thank You Billy Graham,” a multi-artist musical tribute DVD-CD, will be released on Tues., May 20. 

Included in the 52-minute DVD, which is accompanied by a bonus CD of the same name,  is an all-star music video and numerous bonus offerings, among them separate featurettes on “The Making Of…,” “The Inspiration,” “Testimonials” from recording artists and special guests, and the “Andrae Crouch Recording Session with the Christ Memorial Church Choir.” 

“This is an incredibly unique DVD offering as it crosses so many cultural, generational and spiritual boundaries,” says Mitch Perliss, whose MagicPlay Entertainment will distribute the title worldwide.   

“We’re excited and privileged to be able to bring this to the marketplace and look forward to it being the first of many evergreen titles in our partnership with Pat, Lamb & Lion Home Video, and Pat Boone’s Gold Label.”  Distribution to Christian retailers and general market gift retailers is via New Day Christian Distributors.      

Penned by motion picture actor and recording artist Pat Boone, rock artist and Grammy® winning producer-writer David Pack from the critically acclaimed band Ambrosia, and Grammy® winning country singer-songwriter Billy Dean, the heartfelt song and accompanying music video feature a musical send up by over two dozen top musical talents from every musical genre, along with an array of rare historical footage courtesy of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association archives. 

Says David Pack, the tribute’s producer and co-writer, “This is a once in a lifetime celebration for a humble giant who has devoted his life to serving God and humanity.” 

Along with Bono and Strait, other featured artists include country stars Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers, Billy Dean, and Marty Stuart; pop and rock artists Michael McDonald, LeAnn Rimes, John Elefante (Kansas), and John Ford Coley; R&B/Gospel artists Jeffrey Osborne, Andrae Crouch, and Vestal Goodman; and Contemporary Christian artists tobyMac, Kevin Max and Michael Tate (dc Talk), Mark Kibble (Take 6), and Lisa Bevill among others.  In a special appearance, CNN’s Larry King narrates the song’s third verse.        

Since he was ordained in 1939, Graham has preached to nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries, and led hundreds of thousands of individuals to make personal decisions to live for Christ, which is the main thrust of his ministry. 

Over 100,000 ministers have trained under his spiritual tutelage, and Graham has been preaching at White House services since FDR was president. 

His stadium sermons are legendary and only ended recently due to the world-famous preacher’s frail health.  Graham’s wife, Ruth Bell Graham, died in June, 2007 following a lengthy illness. 

“He would not want to hear it, he’s such a humble man,” says Boone.  “But around the world, we need to say it:  Thank you, Billy Graham.” 

A portion of the proceeds from the “Thank You Billy Graham” project will be donated to Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse and Mercy Corps, two charities that support humanitarian relief throughout the world. 

“Thank You Billy Graham” is produced by David Pack; Pat Boone is Executive Producer.

Alright, as of this moment, the prize package for our podcast naming contest is valued at nearly $300 (and continues to grow). But, we only have five suggestions! The contest doesn’t end until April 20^th and we want every one of our readers to send in their ideas for a name. This is your chance to win a killer prize from us! So leave your suggestions on our contest page!

(NASHVILLE, TN)—April 2, 2008—Award-winning author and journalist Lou Carlozo recently announced the release of his already highly-praised solo debut, “Stick Figure Soul” (Feedback Records/APART Arts). 

Winner of the the prestigious Bob Briner Impact Award from Biola University in 2007, Carlozo is also a features staff writer at the Chicago Tribune, where he works in the much-lauded Tempo section, and a critic for magazines ranging from Christian Century to Paste and CCM. 

Rated one of the Top 10 local releases in the Chicago area by the Illinois Entertainer, “Stick Figure Soul” is also garnering enthusiastic praise from tough critics ranging from Minty Fresh Records head Jim Powers (who besides discovering the Cardigans and Cowboy Junkies, volunteered lots of time to help Carlozo out on the project) to roots-rock hero Peter Himmelman (yes, Bob Dylan’s son-in-law) who emailed Carlozo to say: 

“Thank God I love the CD. The record is in fact surprisingly good. A blend of the Kinks, Psychedelic Furs, Beatles, and Lou Carlozo. I really responded to your vocals. A nicely phrased and expressive baritone.” 

Previous to the album’s release, a track from “Stick Figure Soul,” “Elvis In the Sky” was chosen for the climactic scene in the new indie film “Eden Court,” starring Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911”) and Kimberly Williams (“Father of the Bride”) and opened the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose in March to warm reviews. “There’s no better way to end a movie than with Lou Carlozo’s ‘Elvis in the Sky,’” says director Paul Leurer of the artist and his song. 

Play it backwards and you won’t hear the devil; play it forwards and you won’t hear angels. But you’ll hear one man—one mixed-up, funny, Italian-American, slightly balding man—sing about life from a Christian worldview, with a thinly veiled Jersey accent. To be sure, Carlozo remarks, “When Christ found me, I could never be the same. But I also wanted to make a record any music lover could bring to the party, crank up, and not ever have to apologize for—either because it was musically weak or spiritually brute. Shakespeare called music the food of love, to which I’d add that all love comes from God. (And all food, too, if you think about it.)” 

At age 44, Carlozo has “come off the bench” to make a pop record (one influenced by Matthew Sweet, R.E.M., and Tom Petty),  something some might question. In response to that question, he says, “Countless weekend warriors, like me, had to put their dreams aside, stop to make babies or build a career. But the fire never stopped burning, did it? As I recently told one high-flying music mogul: ‘God loves an impossible idea. If I can start making music again alongside the Arcade Fires and Brice Springsteens of the world, anyone can…’” 

On a side note of late, The Tribune musicians, led by Carlozo played one of the most outlandish journalism practical jokes of the Digital Age when the Chicago Tribune crashed a video contest held by its rival, the Chicago Sun-Times: The team of Tribune journalists captured a $1,000 first prize to write and record a song asking Tribune owner Sam Zell not to rename Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. The group recorded the soundtrack at Lou’s Carma Studios in Chicago. Produced, engineered and mixed by Carlozo, the song, “We’re Not Gonna Change It,” parodies Twisted Sister’s 80s hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” 

For more information and to hear clips from “Stick Figure Soul.” go to: myspace.com/loucarlozo

(NASHVILLE, TN)—April 2, 2008—Atlantic/LAVA/Ardent/INO rockers Skillet launched their “COMATOSE” headline tour this past weekend to packed houses and sell out crowds.  Both Minneapolis (1609/Club 3 Degrees) and Kalamazoo, MI (2850/Wings Stadium) shows were SOLD OUT, with packed houses in Des Moines (1656/Val Air Ballroom) and the band’s hometown area of Chicago (1142/House of Blues).  

“As long as you don’t mind answering the phone, you’re gonna love bringing the Skillet tour to your town,” remarked WAYK Station Manager Rich Anderson, promoter of the Kalamazoo show.  “First it was dozens and dozens of calls from people begging for tickets because we sold out 8 days in advance of the show; Then it was calls and e-mails from the ecstatic 2,850 who got to experience the tour.”   

Here’s a few comments from some of the e-mails WAYK received: 

‘SKILLET ROCKED!!!!  Thanks, WayFM for bringing them here to West Michigan. It was so awesome to see so many kids and parents totally rockin’ out and having a great time.  I have seen many concerts in my day and let me tell you, they are definitely on top of my list and I can’t wait to see them again.  I am a fan for life!’ 

‘The concert WAS AWESOME!!! My son, daughter & their friends were down in front of the stage and are still saying “huh? I can’t hear you.”  Wow, it was LOUD, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!  Will said it’s the best weekend he ever had! Isn’t that great?  Each band probably talked about 2 minutes about how they loved Jesus and Rock & Roll in that order.  It was really awesome.’ 

Hitting approximately 30 cities, including New York City,’s Grand Ball Room, also features Thousand Foot Krutch and special guest Decyfer Down, the tour will run through May 11, 2008.  More information can be found at http://www.skillet.com and http://www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.  

Criss-crossing the country over the past year and a half with other bands like Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace and on Winter Jam, Skillet is excited to be out on their own tour. As their GRAMMY-nominated COMATOSE continues to be one of the best-selling projects in Christian music, still in the top 10 after 77 weeks of release and 320,000 units scanned, Skillet is also nominated for a GMA Dove Award for ARTIST OF THE YEAR and ROCK RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR (“Comatose”). 

Skillet’s current rock hit is already #2 on the Christian rock chart with a bullet on their song from the COMATOSE Deluxe Edition,  “Live Free Or Let Me Die,” and they’ll be releasing “Those Nights” to CHR this month.  In addition, Skillet will headline several rock stages and pre-closing slots at top summer festivals including Creation East and West, Kingdom Bound, Soulfest, Cornerstone, Icthus, NewSong, Rock the Universe, Spirit West Coast, Sonshine, LifeFest Alive, Red Letter Rockfest, and many more.