Artist/Songwriter Antonio Neal Brings "Beyond Potential" to Ohio

Antonio Neal is the true definition of a triple threat. This singer, songwriter, and producer is now adding successful conference producer to the list. Neal, along with Ahmande Grimes (songwriter/producer) and Brandon Egerton (Music/A&R Consultant) consists of Artistic Soul Entertainment, an urban entertainment company centered around artist development.

After sustaining a severe knee and ankle injury during his college basketball 1994-'95 season, Antonio had to come to the harsh reality that his playing days were over. In an interview with Christianity Today, Neal explains this painful period in his life. "I was extremely depressed, and feeling totally lost," he recalls. "Basketball had been my ticket for almost my whole life, and suddenly it was gone. I was a wreck for a long time before I finally pulled out of it." Soon, his talents as a singer and songwriter began to emerge and Neal released two independent CDs, one in 1999, and a second in 2000. His big break came when one of his projects landed in the hands of TobyMac, Christian Rap Pioneer and co-owner of Gotee Records.

Fast forward to 2008 and Antonio Neal has more than 40 projects to his credit including Darlene McCoy's "Fallen In Love" from the hit soundtrack, "Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman," as well as Antonio's own Days of My Life. Other named artists include The Katinas, Staci Orrico, and Kierra "KiKi" Sheard.

Beyond Potential Urban Music Gathering is self explanatory. The conference is a gathering of aspiring singers/songwriters/producers who desire to go beyond their current potential, in order to break into the exploding Gospel music industry. There are multitudes of people across the U.S. fighting to have their song recorded or land a major record deal. As Neal and his colleagues recognize this fact, they seek to take advantage of it- but not those seeking professional advice. Registration is very inexpensive and the conference's motto reads "No Showcase. No Hype. Just Knowledge."

BPUMG will hit Atlanta, GA this Saturday, August 20, 2008. Conference attendees can expect topics to be covered such as Vocal Care, Music Production, A&R, Songwriting, Publishing, Internet Marketing, Wellness & Nutrition, Radio Promotions, Ringtunes, and many more. Perhaps the most popular topic is "Getting Started" which is the most difficult to do. With artists (in general) going independent (and high tech", it leads many aspiring artists to wonder, "Where do I begin?" EMI Gospel Vice President said this about BPUMG:

Do you want to have success in the music industry? Think you've got the next BIG
song? Think you've got what it takes? If so make an investment in yourself and
plan to attend the BEYOND POTENTIAL MUSIC GATHERING. Knowledge is king, do yourself a favor!" - Larry Blackwell, VP/GM, EMI Gospel

Calenders of events such as BPUMG usually list all of the major cities in the U.S.- excluding Ohio. However, Ohioans will get one day to learn from the best on November 1, 2008 in Dayton, OH. There is also a Chicago date set for October 4th, for those who can't wait for BPUMG to hit the Buckeye State.

To learn more about BPUMG and secure your spot, go to http://www.gobeyondpotential.com/

To learn more about Antonio Neal visit http://www.antonioneal.org/ or www.myspace.com/antonioneal

Bishop Jakes set to release "Before You Do"

Bishop Jakes is set to release his new book, "Before You Do" September 23rd.
The book is taken from a powerful series, titled “Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Won’t Regret.” The series came at a time when his youngest daughter was newly engaged. Since then, the proud father has walked his little girl, now Sarah Henson, down the aisle (see "A Wedding Fit for a Princess [June]).

Sarah shares her thoughts on the series and her engagement in an August posting on Bishop's Blog. Mrs. Henson tells of the nervous moment she gave her parent's the engagement news, and the events following after. She also plugs her father's series as she parallels his message's content with the real-life events she was facing- making a life-changing choice.


Eager readers can pre-order the book now. But, Bishop Jakes simply leaves readers with this message, "Before you make a life-changing choice, you better know what to do -- Before You Do!"

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Hosts 2nd Annual Multicultural Praise Fest

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will host the 2nd Annual Multicultural Praise Fest"With One Voice" presented by His Way Productions, Inc. & M.C. Chatman Center for Humanitarian Services. The event will begin at 6:30 PM (gates open at 6:00PM) on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at the Ampitheater.

Praise Fest guest artists will include Marvin Sapp , Jaci Velasquez , Britt Nicole, and a diversified Praise & Worship team.

Tickets prices include preferred seating ($25) and lawn seating ($20). Tickets are available through the zoo box office, Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone: (216) 241-5555.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: The concert is held rain or shine* Permitted Items: Lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, food and non-alcoholic beverages *Prohibited Items: Glass bottles, alcoholic beverages, video cameras and recording devices *Food and beverage will be available for purchase the night of the show.

U.S. Congress Designates September 2008 "Gospel Heritage Month"

Pictured at the event at the Capitol (left to right): Gospel music advocate Carl Davis, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Gospel Music Channel founder and president Charles Humbard, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), president/CEO of The Recording Academy® Neil Portnow, and Gospel Music Channel senior director of music development Alvin Williams.

September 2008 will be an exciting month for Gospel/Christian music lovers. In addition to the new music projects to be released, the United States Congress has passed H. Cong. Res. 370 (House of Representatives) & S. Res.595 (Senate) designates September 2008 as Gospel Music Heritage Month. The legislation passed will honor Gospel music for its valuable long-standing contribution to American culture. In deed, the genre of Gospel is a thread in the blanket of American History. Hymns and Spiritual songs such as "Amazing Grace" have been recorded by major American musical icons and sung by congregations all over the country. Gospel artists, Rance Allen, Kurt Carr, and newcomer, Spensha Baker, were among the select few invited to appear before President Bush during his special "Salute to Gospel Music" at The White House.


Gospel Music Channel television network joined with Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-Ark.), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), and The Recording Academy® to launch the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" initiative. "Gospel Music is a cornerstone of the American musical tradition and has grown beyond its established audience to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance across the globe," said Lincoln. "My home state of Arkansas has a rich history in gospel music and I am proud to honor this tradition that has touched audiences around the world." The initiative was created by Gospel Music Channel, the country's first and only 24/7 television network devoted to all forms of Gospel/Christian music. The initiative was publicly unveiled at The Recording Academy's GRAMMY®s on the Hill event at the U.S. Capitol on June 18.

"This is the opportunity for the millions of gospel/Christian music fans to have
their own national month to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of their
music," said Charles Humbard, founder and president, Gospel Music Channel. "We thank Senators Lincoln, Hutchison and Leahy, and Representatives Jackson-Lee and Bono Mack, for their efforts and The Recording Academy for its partnership. We
look forward to celebrating 'Gospel Music Heritage Month' in September."

Gospel Music Channel (GMC) is the nation’s first and only 24/7 television network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is Gospel/Christian music. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country and on DIRECTV.

August: New Music Releases!

*all release dates are street dates that are subject to change without notice.

8/5/08
Spensha Baker New Artist!
Outloud!
Universal Music Christian Group
CD

Sample the CD

8/19/2008
Shirley Caesar
Revisited
CD

8/19/2008
Casting Crowns
The Altar and The Door Live
Reunion Records
CD/DVD

8/19/2008
David Crowder Band
Remedy Club Tour Edition
Sixsteps Records
CD/DVD

8/19/2008
GRITS
Reiterate
Revolution Art
CD

8/19/2008
This Beautiful Republic
Perceptions
ForeFront Records
CD

8/19/2008
Joy Whitlock
God And A Girl
INO Records
CD

8/19/2008
The Wrecking
A New Abolition
Universal Music Christian Group
CD

8/19/08
Deitrick Haddon
Revealed
Verity Records
CD

8/19/08
Keith Wonderboy Johnson
The Best Of
Verity Records
CD

8/26/2008
DecembeRadio
Satisfied
Slanted Records
CD

8/26/2008
Darwin Hobbs
Free
Tyscot/Taseis Media Group
CD

8/26/08
John P Kee
Live In Miami
Verity Records / Provident
CD

8/26/08
Kurtt Carr
Kurt Carr
Gospo Centric / Provident
CD

8/26/2008
Point Of Grace
How You Live Expanded Edition
Word/Curb/Warner Bros.
CD

For submission of new releases, please e-mail legpromo@aim.com

Singers Pay Tribute at Gospel Music's Birthplace

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO - A landmark church known as the birthplace of gospel music has opened its doors for the first time since a fire two years ago ravaged the structure on the city's South Side.

The historic Pilgrim Baptist Church played host Sunday to members of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs in Chicago for their annual convention. The group toured the salvaged space of the church.

The building was designed in the late 1800s by the famous architectural firm headed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler.

Mahalia Jackson, Sallie Martin, James Cleveland, and the Staples Singers are among those who have sung at the church.