Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

The David Crowder*Band recently spoke to the philanthropy organization Causecast about some of their views on the mechanics of social change and leveraging the arts to address the current climate of the world. In the interview they also touched on challenges music artists face today, and of course Twitter. The interview is really candid and interesting, and was part of Causecast’s series with influential musicians, aimed at asking them questions about relevant issues that might not come up in other interviews, and to inspire others to take steps of change. You can read the entire article on Causecast.org: The David Crowder* Band On The Mechanics Of Change.

Some highlights from the interview:

“…Because as artists, you’re shaped and moved by the culture you’re breathing in and out, so it naturally pops into your art you’re making, but at the same time, if we could think critically about where we are, and about the platforms that we’ve been given, then there’s an opportunity to say a whole lot to people who listen to you and who care about what you think about, what you believe in…”

Thanks to Marina from Causecast for sharing this link.

As those in Haiti cry out for help, it’s amazing to see the outpouring of love and unity to come to their aid. Recently the Gospel music community came together to record a tribute song, “Are You Listening.” Kirk Franklin rallied up artists such as CeCe Winans, BeBe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Natalie Grant, Jeremy Camp and many others, to record the song he wrote for Haiti eight years ago.

The proceeds of the song will be donated to Unicef and other charities to help with relief efforts in the rebuilding of communities.

The Gospel Music Channel premiered the video in a one hour special presentation on Friday before the airing of the global “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon. If you missed it you can watch the encore of the special on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6:00 p.m. (ET). There will also be an exclusive “A Love Song for Haiti: The Making of ‘Are You Listening’” behind-the-scenes special in February.

“Are You Listening” is now available for purchase at www.verityrecords.com. The single will also be available next week on iTunes after January 30 at Wal-Mart and other major retailers. Do your part in sending love to Haiti with your continued donations and prayers.

Below is the music video for the song, (it is really beautiful and moving):

“All the artists associated with the project donated their talent and gifts for this project. This initiative is so important because while we are asking America to give we know that many are giving sacrificially. The people of Haiti are very spiritual people with an unwavering faith and belief in God and still count The Lord as the main source and provider. We will continue to pray and stand with them. We hope this song will bring much needed support and awareness in an effort to raise funds in the near and long-term future.”
– Kirk Franklin, who produced the song “Are You Listening.”

Above: B. Smith with the Wilbur Belton & LADWEC Choir, winners of the Bounty Soul Food Cook-off

On Saturday, January 9, the 11th annual Allstate Gospel Superfest took place at Xavier University in Cincinnati. The event, sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, hosted more than 30 national acts for one night of celebration through song and praise. Performances included Dorinda Clark Cole, Regina Belle, Richard Smallwood, The Whispers, Kiki Sheard, James Fortune, Shirley Murdock, J. J. Hairston, Jason Nelson, James Jackson & Atlanta Praise and many more.

Bishop Hezekiah Walker received the Allstate Gospel Superfest Lifetime Achievement Award, commemorating his twenty-five year career in inspirational entertainment and ministry. Past recipients of the award include, Candi Staton, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Dorothy Norwood, The Williams Brothers, Mom & Pop Winans and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.

During the event, TV host and entrepreneur B. Smith hosted the Bounty Soul Food Cook-off, a competition between three of America’s top gospel choirs. Participating choirs included the Wilbur Belton & LADWEC Choir of Forestville, MD, Bishop Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship of New York City and the Ricky Dillard and New Generation Chorale of Chicago. Each group prepared their individual dish, allowing attendees and fellow participants to taste and vote on their favorite recipes. The winning recipe went to the Wilbur Benton & LADWEC Choir.

Check out more images from the event below. Click on a thumbnail to view larger images:

And He that sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new”. And He said unto me, “Write: for these words are faithful and true.” Revelation 21:5

Moving forward – a great anthem for the New Year…

Moving Forward – Lyrics by Israel Houghton and Ricardo Sanchez

I’m not going back, I’m moving ahead
I’m here to declare to you my past is over
In You, old things are made new
Surrender my life to Christ, I’m moving moving forward…

What a moment, You have brought me to
Such a freedom, I have found in You
What a Healer, You make all things new
Yeah Yeah Yeah…

You have risen, With all power in Your Hands
You have given me, A second Chance
Hallelujah, Hallelujah…

You make all things new, I will follow You – forward…

Be sure to watch the third annual Gospel Music Channel Music Video Awards on Saturday, January 2 at 9 PM ET to see the top videos of 2009 revealed, and to catch some of your favorite artists in action.