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.

The City Mission Hosts Free Concert for Youth, Features Level 3:16

Abundant Grace Fellowship is sponsoring a free concert featuring Level 3:16 for youth and young adults at The City Mission. Level 3:16 is one of Impact Movement's touring Praise & Worship bands. These young people criss cross the country to bring the Gospel to teens with a Hip-Hop flavor, while remaining true to the integrityof the Word of God.

Friday, July 25, 2008

7:00 PM

Cleveand City Mission

5310 Carnegie Ave

For additional information contact Gerald Roberts, Minister of Music (Abundant Grace Fellowship) at (216)650-4703 or by groberts7@mac.com

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.