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

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.

Billboard artist FLAME heads to Cleveland, Talks Ministry & More

Billboard artist FLAME (Cross Movement Records), a.k.a. Marcus T. Williams-Gray, will be in Cleveland this Friday to minister at New Spirit Revival Center. The St. Louis, Missouri native is part of a rising group of young men who are spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Hip Hop form (aka Holy Hip Hop)- a concept that many Christians have yet to grasp. The music industry, however is taking note, as G.R.I.T.S. (Gotee Records), one of the first signed Christian Hip Hop duos had their song, "Here We Go", featured in Jack Nicholson’s 2003 film “Somethings Gotta Give” and on the small screen on shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Pop Stars, Boston Public and MTV Cribs. Though the genre of Hip Hop/Rap is one that evokes thoughts of drugs, sex, and self-worship, this new Gospel/Christian genre is doing the very opposite. While the world of Hip Hop thrives through "beefs" between artists, these Christian ambassadors tour together, collaborate on projects, and even promote each other's albums. If you listen beyond the beat, you will hear FLAME tell his young listeners in "Hold On" that the walk [of salvation] is not easy, and in fact gets harder. In "13 Letters" (Reach Records), artist Trip Lee & 116 Clique encourage you to "Dig In" as the lyrics run, Bible, Check, Spiral, Check, Lighter, Check, Now Dig, Dig- promoting Bible study.

FLAME credits the veteran Holy Hip Hop group Cross Movement for his music ministry genesis. The group's hard-hitting, "scripture saturated" lyrics impacted FLAME during a difficult time in his life. After the passing of his grandmother, 16 year-old FLAME began attending church and seeking Christ. He soon found himself in a Christian bookstore browsing the music section. It was then that he purchased a CD by Cross Movement and was thoroughly impressed with artist quality of their music and content- something he found encouraging and challenging.

FLAME took out time from his very busy tour schedule to talk music ministry and more for LEGPROMO.INFO. His visit is a testament to the underground Holy Hip Hop movement of Cleveland. "I have been to Cleveland before, there is a lot of support from the people and New Spirit Revival Center", he says regarding his tour stop to the area. D-Liv (Ardale Patrick) member of local group LIFE Camp, will be opening up for FLAME. The group which consists of members Choze, Overflow, and L-Peezy have traveled throughout Ohio and neighboring states using the method of rap to share the gospel.

FLAME's fourth album, "OUR WORLD REDEEMED" (Cross Movement Records 2008), was released in March of this year and is a follow up to the successful release of "OUR WORLD FALLEN" (Cross Movement Records 2007) – the first of the two-part series. FLAME speaks of the series as follows:

"The first album, Our World Fallen is sobering and addresses life issues.

Our World Redeemed is about the benefits of Christian life. Its music composition is energetic and fun."

What the humble artist did not mention {he didn't have to, I did for him :) } is that the album climbed to the number five spot on the Billboard Charts: an honor most artists only dream of. "I was just as shocked as everyone else," he said humbly. The Midwest Christian Rap artist shared that he never aspired to the hip hop artistry.

There is no doubting where FLAME stands regarding whom he serves or what he believes. If you visit his Myspace page, you will quickly find a moving icon that reads, "I'VE BEEN REDEEMED, YOU CAN TOO!", as his profile picture. His website hosts more than the usual suspects discography, picture gallery, tour schedule, etc. The first button you will find is a free online Bible followed by sermons, devotions, and a list of books he suggests for Biblical study. A Q&A forum will be available on the site soon as well. So, why all of the resources for his music listeners?

Before I was an artist, I was a music listener. I would go to the artists
websites and think, where can I find out more about their lyrics (the
scriptures). This goes beyond the music, there is only so much the music
can do. So, I wanted to give people the resources to study and learn more.

All the talk of Bible study is no smoke-and-mirrors, the busy artist is currently studying Biblical Counseling at Boyce College in Louisville, KY. After asking why he decided to attend Bible college, he replied, "After learning about it through fellow artists, I felt inspired to go." "I feel it makes me a more well-rounded artist."

When asked about the growing number of aspiring Hip Hop artists, FLAME had this piece of advice to share, "Stay faithful to the Lord and your church home, He will open up doors and shut those that should be shut." He also added to "practice, maintain integrity behind the scenes, and stay in the Word of God." How does the "lyrical torch bearer" maintain his walk with Christ while on the road? "I am not always headlining an event, so I plug into the other music ministries I travel with. "When I am at home, I do outreach and evangelism at my church, it keeps me humble. I also travel with my wife."

FLAME and his counterparts in the Faith are making a deep impact on young listeners world-wide. Next month Reach Records artists Trip Lee, LeCrae, and Tedashii are headed to the UK for the UnAshamed Tour. It's most certainly time that the Body of Christ stand with these young men as they spread the message of Jesus Christ in the most unexpected, yet relevant form.

So what's next for FLAME? "I am just riding the waves and observing the culture."

Friday's concert will begin at 8:00 pm at New Spirit Revival Center- 3130 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44118. This event is FREE and open to the public. Go out and support our young brother's in Christ as they reach the lost generation. You will be blessed!

For more information about FLAME and his music ministry, visit www.flame314.com or for booking information, write to info@flame314.com.

A Wedding Fit for a Princess- Bishop T.D. Jake's Youngest Daughter Weds

I have listened to many of Bishop Jakes' inspiring and uplifting messages over the years. I wish the couple nothing but pure wedded bliss! Ok, back to blogger's tone...

Bishop T.D. Jakes, referred to as "America's Best Preacher" by CNN and Time Magazine, witnessed the union of his youngest daughter, Sarah Dionne Jakes,19, to Robert Henson, 22, her college sweetheart. The ceremony took place at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas followed by a fairy-tale reception at the Jakes's palatial 28-acre estate. Guests included Tyler Perry, Dr. Phil McGraw, Deion Sanders, Tom Joyner and wife Donna Richardson Joyner, Paula White, Michael Irvin and Emmit Smith.

"The front lawn of Jakes's home was transformed into an enchanted forest replete with fog, mimes, a string quartet playing in a gazebo, and an ice sculpture of a glass slipper

Arriving in a Just Married-tagged horse-drawn carriage, the newlyweds were in every sense the evening's Cinderella and Prince Charming. "I really can't take credit for any of this," said Sarah, a broadcast journalism major who graduates next May.

Guests were treated to a buffet-style spread and a performance by singer Carl Thomas. But the night's best performance was the newlyweds' first dance. Surrounded by friends and loved ones, Sarah and Robert only had eyes for each other."

~ Kenya N. Byrd, Essence Magazine Online

In his thoughtful blog, Bishop Jakes shared these words as he reflected on the day:

Almost perfect for us was the surreal presence of well wishers from near and far. Preachers, business tycoons, political
figures, and talk show hosts all came together. The eclectic guest list brought out both secular and sacred personalities, but they all came to join our many personal friends in wishing our children well. I knew my wife missed her mother being there. I knew that she remembered fondly her mother getting her ready for our wedding so many years before. Still my wife worked feverishly on Sarah's gown, hair, make-up, eyebrows, perfume, and everything
else imaginable. I too ached for my father's reassurance and my mother's practical wisdom, but I realized that those days are gone and these are quickly fleeting. I was so thankful for the people who I knew didn't really have time to attend, but came anyway. The greatest presence was from one we couldn't get a picture of, the Lord Himself, and with Him in attendance, then the wedding was a success!

~Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop'sBlog, "A Perfect Day"

This wonderful event was exclusively covered by Essence Magazine with all photos by Rance Elgin.