THREE BRIDGES FEATURED PERFORMER AT THE AMERICAN GOSPEL QUARTET CONVENTION Nashville, TN (January 25, 2012) – Exciting male trio and Mansion Entertainment recording artist, THREE BRIDGES, was honored to be a featured performer at the 20th annual American Gospel Quartet Convention held in Birmingham, AL January 17 – 21. Three Bridges performed for this exciting event on Friday, January 20th.
One of the highlights of the evening for Three Bridges was the opportunity to meet Jimmy Carter of the Blind Boys of Alabama and also Roscoe Robinson (pictured above with Three Bridges) of both the Blind Boys of Alabama and the Blind Boys of Mississippi. The legendary Roscoe Robinson was inducted into the Gospel Quartet Hall of Fame twice, once with the Blind Boys of Alabama and the other with the Blind Boys of Mississippi. After enjoying Three Bridges performance, Mr. Robinson exclaimed, "These boys can sing anywhere, with anyone!"
Three Bridges’ music is rooted in traditional Southern Gospel as well as "Black Gospel" music. This blended style has given the group a unique flair and has opened many doors for them to share their exciting and energy-packed stage presentation. Their latest release, Christmas Must Be Tonight, was recently nominated for 2011 Special Event Project in the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.
JEFF & SHERI EASTER ON "THE MARTY STUART SHOW" Award-winning group pays tribute to Lester Flatt classic
Two-time GRAMMY Award nominees and six-time GMA DOVE Award winners Jeff & Sheri Easter are scheduled to appear on &The Marty Stuart Show.& The program, to be recorded in Nashville on Jan. 23, will be aired at a later date on the RFD-TV network.
A household name among Gospel music lovers, Jeff & Sheri will be performing their DOVE-nominated song "Workin’ on a Road," the duo’s rendition of this classic Lester Flatt tune found on their current project, "Expecting Good Things." Marty and his wife, acclaimed vocalist Connie Smith, along with the show's host, Eddie Stubbs, all joined Jeff & Sheri for the recording of the song on the "Expecting Good Things" release. "We asked Marty to sing with us on this song because of his early years traveling with Lester Flatt and his obvious love for this music," stated Jeff." The longer I sing, the more I appreciate being able to make great music with such talented artists," described Sheri. "Performing alongside such legends seems to not only broaden my abilities as performer, but it also enriches the emotion attached to each lyric."
For show times and guest appearance details, visit www.rfdtv.com. For further information regarding Jeff & Sheri Easter, visit www.jeffandsherieaster.com.
ABOUT JEFF & SHERI EASTER
Two-time GRAMMY-nominated Jeff & Sheri Easter are Gospel music treasures, featured regularly on the Gaither HOMECOMING videos and international HOMECOMING tours in addition to their own heavy schedule of appearances. Jeff & Sheri are the recipients of six GMA DOVE Awards, 15 Singing News Fan Awards, three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association honors, 16 Voice Awards, four Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair Awards, five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, four Hearts Aflame Awards and three Cash Box Awards. Formed in 1988 following childhoods as part of their respective, nationally-known family groups—The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers, the married couple is joined today on stage by their children—Madison and Morgan Easter—who round out the group. The group is known for such hits as "Roses Will Bloom Again," "Praise His Name," "Thread of Hope," "Speak to the Mountain" and many others including "Born to Climb," which garnered a 2010 DOVE Award.
KNOXVILLE SINGING TRIO MAKES NAME FOR ITSELF IN GOSPEL MUSIC article from Knoxville News Sentinel Co. 2012 ©
Cory Beeler, 30, just didn't have enough of a sound or act to be a Southern gospel singer, according to a Nashville talent scout.
There was something missing.
Southern gospel agent Beckie Simmons said the Knoxville preacher, evangelist and musician's sound was too modern.
It turns out all he was missing, though, was sitting in the audience of his audition.
His loud, sometimes bossy but always loving, two older sisters Robin Cumbie, 40, and Tina Moody, 43, had come to the audition at a Sevierville church to offer moral support.
"(The agent) told me, 'That's good, but that's not going to work for my industry.'" Beeler said. "I was too contemporary. She asked me if I had anything else. I said, 'Well, my two sisters are in the audience.'"
So he waved his sisters on stage to sing with him.
On Thanksgiving 2009 in that Sevierville church, The Beelers, a Southern gospel group of three siblings, was born.
Since then, they have traveled the Southeast singing gospel harmonies at festivals and competitions, fighting like sisters and brother in a small van and seeing doors open in the most unusual of places.
"One thing I said I would never do was travel, singing with my family," said Cumbie, assistant manager at West Knoxville Cardiology. "But I believe every event that has taken place in our lives has led us to what we're doing now."
The Beelers' story began a long time before that night two years ago when they sang for the Nashville agent, however.
The siblings grew up in La Follette with parents Ray and Linda. Cumbie and Moody were born years before their brother, who was born as one of triplets. One triplet died a few days after birth and the other died of an aneurysm after a fall at age 5. It's a tragedy the family has dealt with throughout their lives.
TheBeelers.org explains they are the fourth generation of family gospel singers in the Beeler line, including their grandmother and her sister, who sang in churches, and their songwriter father who sang with his three sisters.
Cumbie said she and Moody sang together as kids but didn't sing much with their brother because of the age difference.
Beeler said he didn't get into singing until he was 18. It's been his dream to preach and sing for stadium-sized crowds since then.
His sisters were not part of his original plan, especially since Cumbie never liked being on stage and Moody, who works at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, said they had other jobs.
As part of Beeler's dream, he began planning a large revival for the fall of 2009, where he put up a big tent in World's Fair Park, invited ministers to speak, and drew a crowd of about 500 people.
Even though it was Beeler's project, like everything else, the revival was a family affair.
Through the project, he met Doug Hutchinson, general manager of Praise 96.3, Knoxville's Southern gospel radio station.
"He said to me, 'What do you think about singing professionally?" Beeler said.
Hutchinson set up the meeting with Simmons.
When Beeler called his sisters on stage during the audition, Cumbie and Moody thought he was just introducing them.
They had no idea he had volunteered them to be part of his act.
Beeler laughs as he remembers his sisters' reactions when he asked them to harmonize with him for the agent.
"I wish you could've seen (Robin's) face," Beeler said. "They said no."
After seeing their brother's obvious disappointment, they reluctantly agreed. They sang "When a Man Dies," a song their father wrote three days after their mother died 15 years ago.
"They said, 'Now, we can do something with that,'" Cumbie said. "They said, 'He needs you.'"
At first, they sang at churches and events hosted by friends. They threw a CD together quickly.
Cumbie's husband Steve, who owns Cumbie's Aquatic Services, became their manager, and began coordinating three people's schedules, which was difficult since they all have full-time jobs and their own families. Beeler also works with Steve at Cumbie's Aquatic.
One of their biggest performances was at Dollywood during its National Gospel & Harvest Fest, which led to more booking opportunities.
This year they placed second out of 250 groups in an American Idol-like competition at the National Quartet Convention, gospel music's largest annual event, in Louisville.
"When we got back to the booth and found out we were in the top five, we almost passed out," Cumbie said.
The Trinity Broadcasting Network saw them sing during the convention and asked them to perform on an episode of "Praise the Lord." Trinity is the world's largest Christian network.
The siblings filmed their episode Nov. 15 and it aired Dec. 9 all over the world.
"We're freaking out," Beeler said interrupting his sister. "We don't know how that happened."
At the interruption, Cumbie tells her brother to stop echoing her.
She also tells him when he sings too high or holds his hands incorrectly.
Like most siblings, they fight like cats and dogs whether it's about who gets to sing which part, where to eat while on the road or what to play on the radio in their small van.
"It's hard," Cumbie said. "We all three have big personalities. Tina, she's the oldest. She tries to keep the peace. We might want to scratch each other's eyes out, but in the end, we are brothers and sisters."
And when they get on stage, they are in perfect harmony.
NEW SOUTHERN GOSPEL TELEVISION PROGRAM ANNOUNCEDA new Southern Gospel television program has been announced by TBN. Popular industry names and former Gold City members, Brian Free and Mike Lefevre, are teaming together with the Daystar Network to host a brand new show called "SoundStage with Mike & Brian". Not only will it offer viewers Southern Gospel music, but it will include Bluegrass, Country Gospel, Black Gospel, Praise, Christian Country, and Traditional Gospel as well.
Artists participating on SoundStage will be filmed in Charlotte, NC and directed by award-winning Director, Dale Hill, and Danny Kramer of Great American Gospel.
JEFF EASTER'S MOTHER PASSES AWAY NASHVILLE, TN (AUGUST 7, 2011) - Mary Louise Sechrist Easter, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, August 7, 2011 at the Joan and Howard Wolz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC in the presence of family and friends.
Jeff Easter said: "The day that she lived for is finally here! My mama, Louise Easter, went home to be with Jesus tonight. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and concern."
Louise was born in Surry County, North Carolina to the late Luther Amos and Mary Fulp Sechrist. Mrs. Easter was a member of Miracle Waters Worship Center, Mt. Airy, North Carolina. She dedicated her life to loving her family and serving God.
Louise is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, James Madison Easter, of The Easter Brothers; her children(and their spouses), Steve and Sharon Easter, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Clark and Teresa Shockley. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren; Jaime and Misty Jenkins, Josh and Monyca Easter, Madison and Shannon Easter, Molly Easter, Morgan and Maura Easter, Zane and Destiny Shockley; and her great grandchildren; Dakota Easter, Alexis and Riley Easter, Bryson and Zack Jenkins. Also, her brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Jessie Sechrist, Luther Ray Sechrist, Frank and Janie Sechrist, Dennis and Trina Sechrist, James and Kathleen McMillian, Mary Ruth Hiatt, Russell Easter, Edd and Ann Easter.
In addition to her parents, her firstborn son, James Wade Easter who died in infancy, preceded Mrs. Easter in death. Also preceding her in death was her sister-in-law, Myrtle Easter and brothers-in-law, Simon Easter and James Hiatt.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Moody Funeral Service, 206 West Pine Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Burial will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens and Mausoleums, 432 Old Buck Shoals Road, Mt. Airy, North Carolina.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, August 8, 2011 from 6 to 8 pm at Moody Funeral Service.
Online condolences may be made at moodyfuneralservices.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joan and Howard Wolz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina.
BSA SIGNS SOUTHMEN QUARTET Jim Hefner, manager of The Southmen Quartet, and Beckie Simmons announced this week that an agreement has been reached for The Beckie Simmons Agency (BSA) to handle the group's bookings.
Hefner, who said he has known Beckie for many years and considers her one of his best friends stated that he could not be more excited. Jim adds that "the Southmen Quartet are in good hands and are very blessed to be a part of such a great lineup of artists."
visit: www.southmenquartet.com
THE BOWLING FAMILY 1 YEAR LATER It was on July 1, 2010 around 3:30PM that The Bowlings (Mike, Kelly, and Terah Crabb Penhollow) were involved in a extremely serious bus accident on I-85 between Charlotte and Gastonia, NC. Now, nearly one year to the minute that the accident happened, Mike Bowling will be sharing with Brian Scott on WTRM-FM about twhat all his family has gone thru over the past year.
Join Brian Scott on "Journey Home" on Winchester, Virginia's WTRM-FM 91.3 this afternoon (Friday, July 1) at 4:15 as he talks with Mike about what all his family has gone thru over the past year, and how they are now, and their vision for the future. If you are not in the WTRM listening area, you can hear Brian's conversation with Mike Bowling online on the radio station's website at www.southernlight.us.
THE DIPLOMATS REACH A BOOKING AGREEMENT WITH THE BECKIE SIMMONS AGENCY The Diplomats are pleased to announce they have reached a scheduling agreement with The BSA/Beckie Simmons Agency. Though not a new group by any means, The Diplomats, have enjoyed their greatest success during the last five years. They have been selected by Singing Magazine subscribers as a Top Ten "Favorite Mixed Group" for the past three consecutive years!
The Diplomats travel with a complete "live band" and convey a energetic, driving musical style. The Carrollton, Georgia Family group is fast becoming a favorite at concerts nationwide. Beckie Simmons adds "It is my experience that audiences love a family group that have all the components for the stage: family members, live band members and a crowd pleasing sound filled with excitement! The Diplomats have all this and more! We are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this group!"
For booking information call BSA/Beckie Simmons Agency 615-595-7500 or visit www.bsaworld.com.
Angelina McKeithen Signs Management and Publicity Agreement With MCM Universal, LLC May 24, 2011 - - Gospel singer, songwriter and musician Angelina McKeithen recently signed a Management and Publicity Agreement with MCM Universal, LLC.
Angelina is the third generation of performers in the McKeithen family lineage. Her singing career started at the age of three, when her Grandmother requested she sing her first solo. It was the first family concert performed by The McKeithens in 1976. At age seven, she began playing drums for the group. At nine, her father showed her several chords on an acoustic guitar, and she began performing with the full band. At thirteen, she brought the harmonica to center stage, for which she is nationally known. Then, at the age of fourteen, she began singing and playing full-time with her family.
Angelina's songwriting began at a young age. She was the youngest known published writer at ASCAP, when she and her mother co-wrote "Let The Hallelujahs Roll," as performed by John Starnes on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series. She later co-wrote the theme song "Spark A Flame" for the Spark A Flame Concert Series. She is now an exclusive writer for the Centergy Music Group.
In addition to writing the majority of the latest McKeithen & Company album, she has accumulated numerous recordings by such groups as Gold City, Pfeifers, Jessica King and N'Harmony. She has enjoyed chart successes with the song "Hide Me Behind The Cross," recorded by Gold City. "Hide Me behind the Cross" is being released in print for church choirs through Genevox Music. The song was awarded one of the Top 5 played radio songs of 2000 by BMI at the annual BMI Christian Awards Dinner.
Since 2001, after twenty-five years of traveling with her family, Angelina McKeithen has been pursuing a solo career, which includes performing, instrumentation, songwriting, producing and ministering. She is endorsed by the famous musical companies Hohner and Samick and has made numerous television appearances in her career.
Angelina has been nominated and a finalist for Instrumentalist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year many years running and also was 2001 Honoree For Top "Five Songs Of The Year" in the BMI Christian Music Awards.
"Angelina possesses the high integrity, commitment and musical professionalism that MCM Universal stands for." stated Mark Carman, President of MCM Universal. "We are very proud that she chose us as her management team!"
Angelina's website is www.angelinamckeithen.com.
For information on Angelina McKeithen contact MCM Universal, LLC at 615-804-4665 or visit www.mcmuniversal.com.
For bookings contact Beckie Simmons Agency at 615-595-7500 or visit www.bsaworld.com.
CRYSTAL RIVER TO PERFORM FOR TORNADO BENEFIT Crystal River, from Winder, GA will be part of a Tornado Benefit in Piedmont, AL on May 28th, 2011 from 11a-5p. Crystal River will perform from 4p-5p that day, but will be serving the people who were effected by the tornado before hand. There will be firetrucks, ambulances, face painting, other special music, games, and so much more that day. The event will take place at Veterans Park in Piedmont, Alabama located off Memorial Drive. Crystal River is honored to take part in this special day in a city and county that was ravaged by the tornado that left damage from Tuscaloosa, AL all the way into Georgia. Piedmont was devastated when the F4 tornado swept through on two sides of the city on April 27th. For more information please contact Gerri Moon at 256-239-4440.
NELONS SIGN BOOKING AGREEMENT WITH BSA The Beckie Simmons Agency announces the signing of The Nelons to an exclusive booking agreement. Beckie Simmons says, "The rich gospel music heritage The Nelons represent is an excellent addition to our roster of quality artists. We are thrilled to be working with Jason, Kelly and Amber."
Kelly Nelon says "I've always admired Beckie's leadership in gospel music and we are excited to work with BSA. The musical heritage of my father, Rex Nelon, continues to impact the music industry today and we are so honored to add the third generation of Nelons with daughters Amber and Autumn."
Beckie Simmons Agency will assume the responsibility of managing an already heavy touring schedule for The Nelons consisting of more than 150 concerts each year.
for more info visit www.thenelons.com and www.bsaworld.com
THE PFEIFERS DEVELOP A NEW CONCEPT FOR CHURCH GROWTHAN EVENT FOR EVERY COMMUNITY
Have you ever asked, or been asked, the question, "How can we grow our church"? THE PFEIFERS have always been ministry minded, but have recently developed a passion for the local church. From this passion came the vision for the "Most Wanted Gathering", a fresh concept to help grow the church.
John Pfeifer began this journey in 1980 when he was miraculously saved from alcoholism and started in ministry as a Crusade director. Later, he moved into a Music Ministry and now, after traveling for 30 years, has experienced the need for a new approach to "personal evangelism for church growth". Using some of the proven methods learned from his past Crusade Ministry, this new idea the "Most Wanted Gathering" has been developed to work in the changing world of today.
Overview:
The Most Wanted Gathering is a very effective Friday night full-production concert and Saturday Morning Seminars that will strengthen and grow your church.
Preparation:
For this Event we ask you to pass out one of the 10 Most Wanted Cards to each family in your church, conveying the importance of filling out this card with names of relatives and friends who need to be part of the family of God and/or your church family. Each family is encouraged to bring this list to every service to be held up in prayer, emphasizing the importance of these loved ones attending the "Most Wanted Gathering." John Pfeifer states, "We have experienced recently the results of using the 10 Most Wanted Cards at The Gathering Place in Washington Court House, Ohio. Our attendance went from 100 to 300, proving prayer changes things!". The key to the success of this Event is getting those listed on the 10 Most Wanted Cards to the Friday night "Most Wanted Gathering" where The Pfeifers present a full-production concert. John Pfeifer also gives his story of deliverance from alcoholism. Along with the 10 Most Wanted Cards each family is also given Guest Passes (a $35 ticket) two weeks prior to the Event to give to those invited to the "Most Wanted Gathering". The Guest Pass also briefly describes the Event and includes pictures of The Pfeifers.
From 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, the first Saturday morning seminar, Mary Jane Carter relates her story about her struggles through divorce and the low self image that followed. She also tells the miracle of the healing and restoration God performed in her life.
From 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM a Brunch can be prepared and served. (Optional)
From 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, in the second seminar, Candy Pfeifer shares from personal experience her story of deliverance from fear and how to develop into the "woman of faith" that God intends us to be. Everyone in attendance will receive a signed copy of Candy’s book, "Getting It Right".
BSA and The Pfeifers look forward to helping present a successful life-changing Event in your community. For further information, call 615-595-7500 or email info@bsaworld.com. The materials for the "Most Wanted Gathering" are available for download at www.bsaworld.com/download.
VALENTINE'S WEEK RELEASE FEATURES LOVE SONGSJeff & Sheri Easter are celebrating twenty-five years of marriage with the release of their Silver Anniversary recording, which hits retail outlets the day after Valentine's day (2/15/11). PR information says the two-disc collection highlights the romantic and musical journey of Jeff & Sheri over the past 25 years.
Silver Anniversary (Spring Hill Music Group) includes several love songs that Jeff & Sheri have recorded over the years. In addition, it includes two all-new recordings as well as the couple's 10-year celebration recording Ever Faithful to You.
"For me, 25 years of marriage mean that I have experienced things I can share with others that will encourage, and that's all that Jeff and I have ever wanted to do through our music," states Sheri. "Music heals, inspires, strengthens and lightens a load. Every marriage needs that kind of encouragement!"
For more info visit www.jeffandsherieaster.com or for appearance info visit www.bsaworld.com.
The New Gospel Singing Caravan Makes Old New Again(Hendersonville, TN) January 25, 2011 - The Gospel Singing Caravan, one of the most successful television shows and tours, was a staple in the 1960s, and is still representative of the golden era of Gospel music to this day. The LeFevre Quartet, Blackwood Brothers, and Chuck Wagon Gang have teamed up with Daywind Records to record a new project reminiscent of that legendary time period, The Gospel Singing Caravan Keeps On Rolling Along. This new album will feature songs from the original Caravan, such as "Wait Upon The Lord" and "This Great Caravan," as well as other classics and even a couple of new songs, all sung by three groups who have over 75 years of history in Gospel music. In addition to the new recording, the LeFevre Quartet, Blackwood Brothers and Chuck Wagon Gang are excited to tour together as The Gospel Singing Caravan in 2011. With a new album and tour dates across the country, Gospel music lovers won’t want to miss the chance to go on this musical journey with The New Gospel Singing Caravan.
"There is something special about these three groups singing together," comments Jimmy Blackwood of the Blackwood Brothers. "The blend and sound of the combination couldn’t have been any better, and I think it’s a testimony to the fact that God has His hand upon this project!"
Dave Emery of the Chuck Wagon Gang shares in the excitement, "A wise man once said that you don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been. This music will be a breath of fresh air to those who remember it during the days of the original Gospel Singing Caravan, and it will be a great educational experience for those who were not around in the 1960s. Whether you’re old or young, there is something for everyone in this music. When you hear this music again like this, it is clear why these songs have stood the test of time."
Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. For more information on Daywind Records, visit daywindrecords.com. For booking or appearance information please visit bsaworld.com. For more information on The Gospel Singing Caravan, visit thenewcaravan.com. The Chuck Wagon Gang and LeFevre Quartet appear courtesy of the Song Garden Music Group.
JEFF & SHERI EASTER GARNER 2011 GRAMMY NOMINATIONGroup’s Latest Single Hits Radio with a Bang
NASHVILLE, TN — December 7th, 2010 -- Gospel music mainstays and recording artists Jeff & Sheri Easter garnered a nomination last week for the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards, which will take place at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, broadcast live on CBS on Sunday, February 13, 2011. The nod, the group’s second career nomination, is for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album, recognizing the group’s most recent, GMA DOVE Award-winning release, Expecting Good Things (Spring Hill Music Group/She Loved Music), produced by Jeff & Sheri and Greg Cole.
"Jeff and I are so excited about this GRAMMY nomination. It is the pinnacle of acceptance and commendation for anyone associated with the music industry," stated Sheri. "This is the most personal project we have ever released. We began selecting songs just before I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, and we chose most of the material while listening to tunes from the oncology clinic during treatments. Because we were at the lowest point of our lives, needing encouragement ourselves, we felt like we were in a unique place to choose strong material based on how it spoke to us.
"Expecting Good Things represents a journey for us, from the choosing of songs during chemo to the recording of tracks in between surgeries to the recording of vocals as we celebrated the good news of being cancer free. It is not, however, a recording about cancer. It is about overcoming challenges in life. It is a victorious, celebratory project that uplifts and encourages. "Every award motivates you to be a better artist, but a GRAMMY consideration sets the bar even higher musically and challenges us to offer that and more for the next project."
The group’s new single, "Hear My Heart," has just been released to Gospel radio stations nationwide. Written by Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun and Sheri Easter, the song appeared at #4 on the Top 10 New Releases according to The Singing News Magazine reports. Jeff & Sheri received more "good things" earlier this year, garnering two 2010 GMA DOVE nominations -- one for Song of the Year for "Born to Climb" and a win for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for the same title. The song, written by Lindsey and Haun, was a number one single at radio nationwide.
Expecting Good Things, available at retail and digital stores everywhere.
Distributed by EMI CMG Distribution.
For further information, visit www.jeffandsherieaster.com.
All information regarding nominated recordings for the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at www.grammy.com.
Contact: Celeste Winstead, CWinstead@springhillmusic.com 615-383-5535, ext. 138
Appearance dates or booking information: Beckie Simmons Agency www.bsaworld.com