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Branson Gospel Music Revival Closes Out Another Year with Fellowship, Music, and Ministry Taking Center Stage
Four-day event included Dino, HisSong, Special Guest Carroll McGruder, and Much More!

BRANSON, Mo. – (July 14, 2011) – Ministry, music, and fellowship headlined the 3^rd Annual Branson Gospel Music Revival last month at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson, Missouri.

More than 70 artists from all over the country gathered for the week long event that was hosted at a beautiful new venue which featured a theatrical setting and staff. Several of the artists featured this year included Dino, HisSong, The Greesons, Mystery Men, Beyond the Ashes, 2^nd Generation, Rod Burton, Mike & Darla Cornell Trio, Sunday Edition, McMillan & Life, Gold Harbor, Jay Stone Singers, Kenny Bishop, Ann Downing, Mike Allen, Praise Incorporated, and a surprise appearance by Carroll McGruder in addition to many more.

The event featured many new additions – such as the New Faces Showcase which highlighted young artists in the industry today like High Road, Rachel & Victoria Shirey and Jon Groves (The Shireys), Emma & Stone Carter (Jay Stone Singers), Voices of Glory, Jake Holder, Taj Rohr, and more.

In addition, Branson GMR saw the return of the Piano Praise showcase (featuring Shannon Bunch and Jeff Duffield) and the Albert E. Brumley Tribute (hosted by Albert Brumley, Jr.). Heirwave Radio and Mansion Records also hosted segments that featured their ministry partners.

“One unique aspect of this year’s event really didn’t have anything to do with what was going on on stage,” mentioned Kelly Burton, YMR Productions, Inc. “This year’s event really was about artist camaraderie and fellowship. There was a like-mindedness among them, a desire to see needs met, and definitely a focus on prayer. A prayer room was set up backstage, a prayer wall was covered with about 100 requests and praise reports, and on several noted occasions through the week, people grouped together spontaneously to pray. This was so uplifting to artists, and the audience shared the benefits of it. We had a wonderful experience lifting up the name of Jesus and seeing hurting people know the truth of who He is. “

Keeping that aspect of the event in mind, Rod & Kelly Burton (hosts of the Branson Gospel Music Revival) are tweaking the week long event next year to highlight those special moments found this year.

Rod Burton said, “We are tweaking the schedule and makeup of concerts to build on what works. While we will no longer include talent competitions or awards shows, we will be building in more time for artists to worship, pray, and learn together. It seems that the retreat experience that naturally took place backstage and in the lobby is what artists most enjoy about Branson GMR. We are working to reduce the hectic convention-like schedule of the event and strike a balance between a retreat experience for artists and a top-notch concert and worship experience for the audience.”

The 4^th Annual Branson Gospel Music Revival will take place during the week of June 25-29, 2012 and will once again be held at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson, Missouri. Artists interested in finding out more information on next year’s event can visit http://www.bransongmr.com. Be watching the site for more information.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Nashville Sounds will be spotlighting award-winning gospel recording artist and author Candy Christmas and The Bridge Ministry at their upcoming home baseball game at Herschel Greer Stadium Sunday, July 17 versus the Albuquerque Isotopes.  Christmas, along with The Bridge Singers, will perform a pre-game concert beginning at 5:30 pm, prior to the game at 6:35 pm.

The Nashville Sounds are in their 34th season of competition in 2011 as the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and as a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League. It is the Sounds’ seventh year as a Brewers affiliate.

Attendees of the July 17 game are encouraged to bring new socks to be collected by The Bridge Ministry for Nashville’s homeless community.  Sock donations will be received at the Purity Charity Booth, where Bridge volunteers will be available to answer questions about their work with Nashville’s homeless.

A portion of advance ticket sales will also benefit The Bridge Ministry.  Tickets can be purchased at http://sounds.streamlineticketing.com/web/group.asp.  To designate proceeds for The Bridge, use Group Code:  Bridge; and Password:  Candy.

Hailing from southern gospel’s legendary Hemphill family, Christmas is an acclaimed solo artist who has been featured in 23 Gaither Homecoming videos and has performed at numerous Gaither concert events.  Since 2004, her Bridge Ministry has served countless meals and conducted church services every Tuesday night under the Jefferson Street Bridge in downtown Nashville.  Christmas’ latest recording, On The Other Side, released last year, along with her book, On The Other Side – Life Changing Stories From Under The Bridge.  For further information, visit www.candychristmas.com or www.bridgeministry.org. 

Greer Stadium is located at 534 Chestnut Street in Nashville.  For further information on The Nashville Sounds and a complete game schedule, visit www.nashvillesounds.com.