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Being apart of an
artist driven show for 2 years will cause you to avoid concerts,
interviews, and showcases during GMA. So it was refreshing to
spend a week talking with other program directors and jocks.
We've got some talented people in this format but it's going to
be our passion that carries this format... the passion is there.
one other note.... the seminars on Saturday were amazing!!!
Obviously one of the big memories for me was the Echo Awards. I
had my own private God time after winning Air Personality of the
year for the 2nd time (i can't even type that with out shaking
my head). We all know awards don't mean much but I walked to my
truck after the Echo Awards and just sat there for 10 minutes.
The only thought that came to my head was..."Wow, thanks God for
giving me a chance to make a living doing something I love and
if you'd like to use my voice/life in the process... I'm all
yours"
Jayar - CHRSN
One of the best experiences was Sunday Evening worship strictly
as a Fan of music. (cue the flashback music) Imagine being on
the balcony of the historical Ryman auditorium (a place that has
seen the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Michael W Smith,
Chris Tomlin, and many of the greatest artists past and
present) You’re pouring your heart out in worship and singing
at the top of your lungs. Now the thought occurs to you that
there are some of the biggest named artist in Christian music
there, but it doesn’t bother you because you’re worshipping the
Lord. Then towards the end of worship you look around to see
who’s there and directly next to you on your left is Chris
Tomlin and standing to his left is Paul Baloche. If that’s not
enough behind you to your right is David Crowder and Lincoln
Brewster. All of a sudden you realize you’ve just sung you’re
heart out to the Lord and humanity takes over. You quickly shut
your mouth…stop singing and for the rest of the time allow them
to lead you with their incredible voices and your worship
experience is complete.
So as a fan of Music and also a professional in the industry
it’s a time I’ll never forget because God answered one of my
prayers. I was singing, albeit not together, but I was singing
with Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Lincoln Brewster and David
Crowder. Four men I look up to and admire for their ability to
be lead worshippers.
Chris Scotland - WMSJ Portland,
ME
This year I was
impressed by the refreshing candor of many of the artists who
spoke from the stage and one-to-one about their fears,
insecurities, and the often tough issues of ministry and
marketing. One artist's manager said to me, " If we can't cry
and be transparent, we should be doing something else." Amen. I
just love to hear all the " GOD did this..."
testimonies. As always, He showed up in a Powerful way.
Pete Bunch - Spoken
Word Images
Two
highlights at GMA for me: 1) Learning to adapt the principles of
Pyromarketing (Greg Stielstra sessions) to connect meaningfully
with listeners and donors of Christian-formatted radio stations.
Identifying people’s particular passions and helping them form
affiliation networks can ignite raving fans of our station in
our communities!
2)
Another highlight of GMA was attending the off Broadway
production of The Rock and The Rabbi (one of the exhibitors at
GMA). The musical focuses on the experiences of The Apostle
Peter (the “Rock”) as he begins his journey with the “Rabbi”
(Jesus) from the Sea of Galilee, to the agony of the Cross, to
the Resurrection and Ascension. The musical brought up so many
emotions as you enter Peter’s spiritual journey through drama,
humor, percussion and vocals…what a dynamic experience!
Mark
A. Kordic - Advocace Media/Columbus
I think Mark Schultz is HILARIOUS!!! He definitely needs to
host the Dove Awards. The week was very productive for Cles and
I. We are promoting a first year festival so we were able to
meet all the agents we have been talking to for months. I loved
the radio luncheons…having so many bands play a song or two gave
you a taste of their style. Loved hearing Ross Parsley share
what their church has been going through and how God has been
moving BIG!!! The Deperation Band was fantastic…Max Lucado was
outstanding. I was so glad that we went and shared in this
tremendous week…meeting people, fellowshipping, learning…just
what they said it was…LISTEN…INVENT…RENEW…CONNECT!!!
Davina Holbrook - KNET
A
couple of things stood out for me: Jim LaRose, who showed us
that Christian stations really can raise millions of dollars,
Andrew Patton's unplugged guitar sing, the PLG suite and Max
Lucado helping us slay our giants.
Jim
McDermott - KCVO Spirit FM Central Missouri
My most memorable experience
was listening to Randy Lane discuss the relationship between
program director and air talent. It was so practical. In regard
to the artists, it was fun to see the energy of groups like
Leeland and Rush of Fools. It’s nice to see the freshness that
those young guys bring to Contemporary Christian music.
Thanks to all those who made
this happen. It was fantastic!
Rick Robertson
- American Family Radio
Sunday morning
worship is always so meaningful to me and this year was no
exception the music, the message and a packed room full of
broadcasting believers, "What Could Be Better". Holland Cooke,
and spending time with voices that inspire and programmers who
sincerely love radio. The Saturday night Christian women's
broadcasting dinner was an amazing network of ladies who want
to serve God and excel in their specific calling at their
station; talk about fellowship...very inspiring....and the
food was great, I have never seen so many racks of ribs in my
life!
Beth Bacall - WAWZ New
York
It was so
cool! Scott and I were standing in the back of the room at the
Songwriters showcase on Sunday night because we came in late. We
were checking the list to see who was to perform next when all
of a sudden we realized we were standing right next to Chris
Sligh from American Idol! We talked with him a little bit about
the show and how he was doing (and his new single he wants us to
play, of course!) then we got a photo with him. It was funny
too, just a few hours earlier we had chances to meet and talk
with LOTS of different Christian artists and groups in the
Artist reception, but for some reason, when we saw Chris Sligh
he just seemed SO FAMOUS... shows you the power American Idol
has over all of us!
Jeff Cruz - WPOZ Orlando
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