Brisbane Christian News @ Brisbane Christian Chat (Queensland, Australia)


	28.02.03 - Aussies miss out on Grammy. From The Rock Across Australia. The Paul Colman Trio made their way to New York at the weekend to celebrate their Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album 'New Map of the World'. pc3 holds the distinction for being the only debut artist in the category and the only Australian band nominated this year. Unfortunately the guys missed out, as did Kylie Minogue - but that's another story.
	28.02.03 - VIR set to play after Billabong Pro with former World Surf champ. From Void If Removed. Void If Removed are at the moment being confirmed to play after the Billabong Pro on the Gold Coast with former world champ CJ Hobgood and other Christian pro surfers. Billabong will also be there. It is being organised by Saved Clothing. Visit here for more. Plus... Void If Removed CDs are now available from Adelaide's Scene One online shop. You can purchase CDs through them pretty cheap from anywhere in Oz! Shane's finger is healing up great. Click here to see a great photo of Juxtapose, Coma & Void If Removed lead singers doing a trio of 'Craving'.
	28.02.03 - Chris Mundy comes down with festival fever! From Chris Mundy. Chris Mundy is heading down to Victoria for the Forest Edge Festival on March 8th. This will be the first time Chris has performed in the Melbourne area, and after receiving some excellent radio support from stations such as 96.3FM Geelong, its bound to be a great gig. He will be performing in the Auditorium at 1pm with guitarist Matt Newton and showcasing some new material as well as old favourites. Check out more info on Forest Edge at www.forestedgefestival.com. Chris graduates... Its strange but its true. Chris Mundy graduated from the Australian College of Theology on the 4th of February with a degree in Ministry. Covering such subjects as ethics, pastoral counselling, religious studies and social justice, Chris believes that his studies have greatly influenced the perspectives presented in his music. "In a world where there's a heap of unrest, I can't think of topics anymore relevant to sing about", says Chris.
	28.02.03 - RSJ homecoming. From The Rock Across Australia. Rebecca had a great homecoming in Sydney performing a sold out show at the Dayspring Christian Centre last Saturday, and putting on an extra concert mid week to cope with the interest. Described by her record company as the "most outspoken, evangelical, fan-connected female touring in Christian music", Rebecca is expected to sell out concerts in Adelaide on Friday and Melbourne on Saturday. Rebecca's brand new website launches next month, as does her new (compilation) album 'Wait For Me'.
	28.02.03 - Carpetman at the Funky Sun this Saturday. From Carpetman. Carpetman will be playing at the Funky Sun at Broadbeach Mall again this Saturday. For details check out Mullet TV here. Carpetman wants more gigs in Brisbane, but its not easy when you're trying to promote your own original music (even when you've got radio airplay, good critical reviews etc). If you are interested, or you've got some suggestions, please drop me a line.
	28.02.03 - Funky Sun. From Graham, Mullet TV. Just a quick reminder that Funky Sun Cafe is alive to the music of Puretone, Belinda, Danielle, Carpetman, Since Friday and Hermunus this Saturday night from 7:00pm. Entry is free. Thanks to all those who came to Phat Mullet last week - hope you had fun!
	21.02.03 - Jesus - more controversial than Eminem. From The Rock Across Australia. ABC TV presented a five-minute story on the Paul Colman Trio overnight. The 7:30 Report, which provides nightly analysis of major national and international news stories, highlighted the band's Grammy nomination with an interview with all the guys, as well as specially recorded concert material from Soul Survivor. Colman told the ABC he believes that Jesus is alive today. "I believe that He's the way, the truth and the life and no-one comes to the Father but by Him. "Don't you think that's pretty controversial?" Paul asked. "I personally think it's more controversial than anything Eminem's got to say," he quipped. A transcript of the full feature is available online here. The 45th Annual Grammy Awards will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on 23 February 2003. All the best!
	20.02.03 - Finger is Void If Removed. From Void If Removed. Lead singer's finger from VIR is recovering well after being chopped off by a bathroom door. The whole finger is not chopped off, only from the middle of the finger nail straight through to the bone and all. How it happened > Shane was talking to his nephew, when suddenly he shut the door, and chop! It was done in the hinge of the door... yikes... sends shivers down your spine? Take a look at the finger here.
	20.02.03 - Victorians to get a sacred thrill. From Geoff Rankin. Brisbane singer/songwriter Geoff Rankin is having the Victorian launch of his debut CD 'The Sacred Hill' at next month's Forest Edge Festival, Neerim East (outside Melbourne). Although 'The Sacred Hill' has already had it's official launch in Queensland, this is the first opportunity Geoff has had for a CD launch in Victoria. "I've always wanted to release 'The Sacred Hill' properly in all the states and territories of Australia and Forest Edge is an ideal way of achieving the Victorian part of that. The setting of the festival sounds like it will really suit my acoustic, folk rock style. It's a great match," says Geoff, taking a short break away from his usual web/graphic design work. "I like getting cosy with the audience and I hear it gets quite chilly down there so it should be a very enjoyable experience for everyone." 'The Sacred Hill' is a full studio album featuring 10 original songs based on Geoff's life experiences and scripture including Psalms 23, 69 & 130. You can freely download 2 full MP3s from 'The Sacred Hill' here as well as a live performance of 'The Farmyard Animals' from AGMF 2001. "My songs speak a lot about the hope we have in Christ and the love of God for us. They are generally quite serious so it's good to also perform my sing-a-long song 'The Farmyard Animals' and get a few volunteers from the audience to come up onto the stage and make embarrassing animal noises." And that's what you can expect from Geoff Rankin's Forest Edge show (Sun 09 March @ 3:30pm) - a great message and a good laugh.
	20.02.03 - RSJ tours Down Under. From The Rock Across Australia. Grammy award winning Aussie singer Rebecca St James tours Down Under this month with support artist Charmaine. Rebecca won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album in 2000 for 'Pray'. Other nominees included Audio Adrenaline, Big Tent Revival, Gospel Gangstaz and Third Day. RSJ previously toured Australia in 1999. Rebecca says that success for her is not just Dove nominations and Grammy awards. "Success is being faithful to God," she says. "Being a good big sister to my six younger siblings and reaching out to the people that I meet on stage and off are the kind of things that I wanna focus on in my life," she emphasises. For complete RSJ tour dates, check out Chocolate Dog www.chocdog.com (Australia), Ace Management Ltd www.ace-management.co.nz (NZ).
	20.02.03 - Just Music workshop. From Chris Mundy. To all Musicians... Over the past year I've really been inspired by people involved with TEAR and its had a big effect on the way I now approach music, both in and outside a church context. On Saturday 22nd February, Steve Bevis is holding a workshop called 'Just Music' on what I believe is some really important things we should be looking at as musicians who follow Jesus. Sat 22 Feb 2003 / 11am-1pm, 'Just Music: a workshop on justice and music' - enjoy an afternoon of music, share ideas and resources, explore issues of compassion and Christian action, discover how worship and justice can come together, Windsor Rd Baptist, Windsor Rd Red Hill, for more info and RSVP - Erica Lloyd-Smith 07 3892 7073, $10 (lunch included). Hope to see you there.
	20.02.03 - Antiskeptic Sean-less. From ACAN. Sad news for Antiskeptic has come in the form of bass player Sean Daly's decision to leave the band. Sean’s departure will not be immediate and he will play his final show at the AGMF Festival, in Toowoomba, on the 18th April. Until then, Antiskeptic will be seeing out their current commitments and will be preparing for one final run around the country with the current line up. This tour will see the band revisiting many of the areas they stormed through last year before taking a well earned break from their rigorous touring schedule. Read Sean’s comments and more info on the band at www.antiskeptic.com.au.
	20.02.03 - Propane's new website. From Propane. Propane are proud to present their brand spanking new website www.propanemusic.com. Dr. Jay from startgrid.com has done a truly exceptional job in creating the new improved Propane website. Site features... all the latest Propane news, lyrics page, mp3s, downloadable video clips, faq, the Propane biography, the Propane social action page, and my favourite section - the interactive photo gallery. Next chance you get check out www.propanemusic.com. You won't regret it!
	20.02.03 - The Forest Edge Festival - more you need to know! From ACAN. Launching CDs: Wishful Thinking! Nerida! Geoff Rankin! Splitting up/last show ever: Epidemic! Changing their name: OGR! Guinness World Record attempt! Devotional walks! Morning worship! Workshops! Coffee! Lots of bands! Heaps of fun! What more could you ask for? Full band line-up online at www.forestedgefestival.com. Book your tickets now on 03 9752 5766 or fedgereg@acan.org.au.
	20.02.03 - L3IGH is on the move! From Leigh Wallis. Leigh Wallis who has been gigging on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for the last year is putting together a powerful 3 piece band to make some hard hitting rock'n'roll. They will be ready in late May/June. But you can still book Leigh solo for some laid back acoustic tunes anytime. His first CD "Anything" is available now. Email leighwallis@email.com for details.
	20.02.03 - Bliss - Eliana Deur & Rodger Van Raalte. From Eliana Deur. EP now on sale $15. Check us out! Come along to culture night at Brisbane City Church, 12th April '03, international food/bands.
	20.02.03 - Festival news & reviews. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Parachute Festival - rocked... In one word, NZ's Parachute Festival "rocked"! More than 23 000 people joined the party for Parachute 03 from 24-27 January. For me, the music highlights included Out of Eden, Tree 63, and Parachute Band. Other acts to impress me included Superchic[k], Andy Hunter, Toby Mac, Lads, Sarah McBride, The Jive Express, Elevator, Alabaster Box, Felt, Roma Waterman, Rocfish, and new NZ act Detour. [Sorry, I didn't get to see all the acts I would have liked to.] Parachute also presented a series of stimulating seminars featuring Tony Campolo, Sy Rogers and Tony Cummings (the editor of UK Christian music publication Cross Rhythms). Congratulations to the Parachute team for another excellently run weekend. Sonfest - totally awesome... Meanwhile, son Michael headed to Sonfest. Most of the international acts (except Audio Adrenaline and pc3) played at both festivals. Michael reports that Toby Mac, Tree63 and Out of Eden were "fantastic", putting on superb shows. Other highlights included Audio Adrenaline, who was joined by three members of the audience to perform 'The House Plant Song' on stage, plus outstanding performances from Lads, Rookie, Melody Crystal and pc3. "It was totally awesome", Michael says. Experience God's majesty... Talking of festivals, the ACAN Forest Edge Christian Music Festival is a great place to experience some of this country's most exciting acts. More than 60 leading Christian bands and musicians from all across Australia converge on Neerim East just outside Melbourne each year for this exciting four-day creative arts event. It promises to be a "perfect balance of devotions, entertainment, music, outdoor activities and free time". Artists include Alabaster Box, Blind, Epidemic, House2house Band, James Hollands, Roma Waterman, The Jive Express, Compliments of Gus and many more. Festival organiser Janna Taylor says that the festival program is ideally suited to youth groups and families. The ACAN Forest Edge Christian Music Festival will be held 7-10 March 2003. AGMF Easter festival... Over Easter, the Australian Gospel Music Festival will present its "biggest yet" festival in Toowoomba, Queensland. Festival Co-ordinator Isaac Moody says the 2003 program is significantly larger than previous years. "More than 140 of the best Australian and International artists will perform at 12 separate venues during the event." A special highlight of the 2003 program will be the Saturday evening concert with legendary trumpet player James Morrison. The festival expects to attract more than 10 000 people. Tickets and information are available online at www.agmf.com.au or by calling 1800 665 511.
	20.02.03 - Look My Way Cowboy. From Coleen Coleman, representing Nattasha Crestani. The new single 'Look My Way Cowboy' from contemporary country singer-songwriter Nattasha Crestani is now shipping to radio. It's an energising song with a catchy melody that will be right at home on radio. It will also be featured on NFS#78. Nattasha is busy travelling & performing. The new album 'A Girl With Spirit' will be distributed by One Stop Entertainment & Automatic and will hit stores Australia-wide in mid March. It features the award-winning, top 10 hits 'Million Dollar You' & 'SuperGirl'. Songs on the album have been produced by renowned names such as Adrian Hannon, Stuart Stuart, Davin Pidoto, and Chris Wilson. The album features a mixture of tender acoustic ballads, and high-energy songs with catchy melodies. All songs are very lyric-driven with interesting stories behind each song. Nattasha has written about her own experiences, and those of people she has met during the last year. She describes the songs' themes as "life, love and other baffling mysteries ..." A new look on the official site www.nattasha.com will also launch.
	07.02.03 - Rocfish tours New Zealand. From Rocfish. Rocfish has just returned from a 9 day tour to one of their favourite destinations, New Zealand. The tour kicked off with appearances at the Parachute Music Festival where Rocfish performed alongside US group Out of Eden, New Zealand's Barak Zamar and The Lads at the Kids to the Max stage. Rocfish also appeared on the Main Stage for the Grand Finale concert on the final day of the festival. Click here for pictures from the Parachute Music Festival. Concerts were held at other churches over the next week. Ralph Fields, a parent from Auckland passed on the following encouragement. "Thanks for coming with the Rocfish team. My kids haven't stopped talking about it since!" Karyn Fua, Rocfish Creative director adds, "Kids in New Zealand really love it whenever Rocfish is in the country. They really get involved with all the songs and actions, and we certainly believe many young hearts are being blessed." Janette Hennessey, Divisional Youth & Children's Mission Officer in the Salvation Army adds, "The children and parents all thoroughly enjoy themselves and I am sure the message of Jesus has once again been planted in these young lives." Feedback like this goes a long way to ensure the ministry of Rocfish remains in step with the company's mission to plant seeds of hope and love in the lives of children around the world so that they may discover Jesus in whom are hidden all the treasure of their lives. (Colossians 2:2-4) Rocfish expect to be back in NZ later in 2003 with an exciting new stage show to launch their new video and CD. For further information contact David Reed @ david@rocfish.com.au.
	05.02.03 - VIR's Shane loses top of his finger in freak accident. From Void If Removed. Shane, Void If Removed's singer/guitarist, has lost the top of his ring finger on the left hand. He has good heart about it and will be lead singing from the mic while Simeon Webster (former Furthermore drummer) will take guitar role. It will take a few weeks to heal, however Shane is enjoying waltzing around the stage free. Void If Removed are in the process of getting a feature article in America's Hard Music Magazine as well as other publications in New Zealand, South Africa and Europe. HM Mag is a magazine on alternative, hardcore and metal bands. Void if Removed plan to tour New Zealand in 2004.
	05.02.03 - Rebecca St. James to tour Australia and New Zealand! From rsjames.com. Rebecca's homeland of Australia and neighboring New Zealand are the next stops on 'The Worship God Tour' - a tour that has truly become international in scope! Currently in Australia for a brief rest time before launching her next U.S. tour in March, Rebecca has a select schedule of dates set in Oz and its island neighbor, New Zealand. Below are the Australian concert venues. The response has been awesome and we thought we should tell you that in some places the churches are limited in their seating so it is important to book your tickets ASAP to ensure you get in. You can, however, book tickets online at www.chocdog.com using a credit card or you can send a cheque to Chocolate Dog, Rebecca St. James Tour, PO Box 178, Arundel Qld 4214. All cheques should be made out to Chocolate Dog. Tickets are $20 plus a $2 booking fee. All tickets are mailed via Overnight Express Post. Here’s where you can find her: Thu 20 Feb @ DreamCenter, Gold Coast Fri 21 Feb @ Gateway Baptist Church, Brisbane Sat 22 Feb @ Dayspring Christian Centre, Sydney Sun 23 Feb @ Contemporary Christian Centre, Newcastle Wed 26 Feb @ Victory Community Church, Perth Fri 28 Feb @ Village Community Church, Adelaide Sat 01 Mar @ Brimbank Christian Church, Melbourne All concerts will start at 7:30 p.m. For more info and NZ tour dates, click here.
	05.02.03 - 211 In Progress news. From 211 In Progress. Well we are already into the second month of 03 and things are starting to heat up for 211 In Progress. This coming Saturday, February 8th we will be one of the supporting bands for the CD single launch of Coma. Coma is an awesome new hardcore band that features Steve and Andy Mackay formerly of Nagasaki. Void If Removed and Tulsa will also be playing at this gig so be sure to come and check it out. The cost is $5 at the door or $10 with a CD. Check the Gig Guide here. We have just recently confirmed our set time for Australian Gospel Music Festival. We will be playing on the Theatre Stage at 12:50pm on Sat 19 April. So come out and show some love. See yah in the pitt!
	05.02.03 - Rhubarb - Top 10 Albums of 2002! From Toupee Records. Rhubarb's 'Slow Motion' was selected in the Top 10 Albums of 2002 by both the 'Courier Mail' (Qld) and 'The Australain' newspapers' music columns. Congrats to the band! Click here to visit the official Rhubarb site.
	05.02.03 - Steven Curtis Chapman: EMI to release new album to mainstream retail. From EMI Music Australia. EMI Music is excited to announce the release of the new album by multi-Grammy and Dove Award winning Christian singer/songwriter/guitarist Steven Curtis Chapman on February 10 through all mainstream retailers. Titled 'All About Love' is a personal, honest, and open look at Steven Curtis Chapman's love of life and the people around him. All the songs on the album were written by Chapman, except the project's two cover songs. The majority of the new songs, recorded in record time of just four days at a Los Angeles studio, transpired from love notes and cards that Chapman had written to his wife Mary Beth during their 18 years of marriage. Chapman explains, "We love God best when we love each other well. I made this recording for the same reason I make all my music I've made through the years, to share my journey of exploring and experiencing the grace of God as it shows up in every part of my life. Ultimately, this recording is a celebration of what I still believe to be one of the most mysterious, wonderful, exciting, challenging and beautiful of all the good gifts God created for us - to enjoy and experience true love." Described as the Sting equivalent of the Christian music scene, Chapman is well known throughout Australia. All his concerts are sold out in all the territories he performs - a feat repeated recently during his 'Live Out Loud' tour, which concluded at the end of October 2002 (supporting his album 'Declaration'). Last month Steven was nominated for 2 Dove Awards for 2003: Male Vocalist of the Year and Artist of the Year. The awards are being held on April 10th, at the Gaylord Entertainment Centre in Nashville, USA. He was also Billboard.com's Artist of the Day on Jan 14th.
	05.02.03 - To all musicians, graphic artists, animators, photographers, song writers... From Digistry. Digistry is currently looking for original material for their 2004 Animation Resources. If you have recordings, music, artwork, or a desire to have your material used by churches worldwide then send your cd/material to www.digistry.org @ PO Box 43 Ipswich QLD 4305 or contact us via email - info@digistry.org or phone Joh Knijnenburg on 0411177783 or Michael Jeffery on 0417644642. We are also looking for staff animators, recording engineers, song writers or people who want to learn the art of animation (we'll train you). The deadline for any material for the 2004 resources is March 10. ~ Digistry is a multimedia animation ministry creating resources for worship, education and outreach. ~
	05.02.03 - Shane gets quieter. From ACAN. Shane Shepherd (ex-Frugals) parted ways with Thinktank and loud music in general in December, having developed a nasty case of tinnitus (that's that annoying ringing in your ears - Shane says, "Wear some ear plugs, kids!"). The band says, "It was sad to see him go. We've all enjoyed having him and his wife Bec about the place this last year." Shane has already started work on some sensibly-volumed acoustic stuff, and you can read his parting words on Thinktank's website at www.thinktankhq.net (click on 'On the Road With Sonnie'). The band have found a temporary replacement in Kevin Walker from Hummel.
	05.02.03 - Pseudo Llama news. From Pseudo Llama. Well it has been a mad mad world in Llama land recently! Our lead singer and guitarist Andrew Kennedy is now married to his girlfriend of 4 years, 6 months, 2 days and 13 hours, Rowena! Mardi has been in England for two months and sax man Andrew Bowles has just left for England! (Solo tours...) We still managed to fit a few gigs in here and there with replacement players, notably Movie World Community Carols and Summer in Surfers at the Gold Coast. Thanks heaps to Rachel Gregory, Emma Davidson and Ray Adams for lending us their talents. Most recently, and with the full band line-up together at last, we played rock festival Sonfest. The festival was great all round and the crowd seemed to like our stuff. On the production front, our logo has finally been finished and we are now producing t-shirts, stickers, frisbees and the like. If you are interested in grabbing a shirt or a frisbee with a funky two-headed llama on it, email us now! Also, upon relentless requests, the CD preproduction will begin this week. It will be an LP and will (I repeat WILL) be available this year. You'll be in the loop on its progress. The website is also being revamped and updated and the URL will be made known soon. Well, the last few months have been very hectic for the band but we are taking it up a notch this year. Stay tuned... ;) Thanks for your support and to everyone who rocked with us at our summer gigs.
	05.02.03 - Things you didn't know about the Forest Edge Festival (Vic). From ACAN. Did you know Forest Edge 2003 is going to be "hyperactive groove-core" band Epidemic’s final ever gig? Did you know Steve Davies from the Qld Bible Society will be the key speaker? Did you know... we’ll let you in on more of the program next week? Now in it’s fourth year, the ACAN Forest Edge Christian Music Festival line-up includes crowd pleasers such as Alabaster Box, the jive express, Blind, Sons of Korah, Roma Waterman, Sounds Like Chicken and Jonah, a plethora of well-known and soon-to-be discovered acts and lots more goodies. The full band line-up will be online in a few days at www.forestedgefestival.com where you can read up on what’s happening and register online. For brochures/posters, tickets or more information call 03 9752 5766 or email fedgereg@acan.org.au.
	05.02.03 - Citrus' debut album to be released at AGMF 2003. From Citrus. 'Adam Ate the Mango', the debut album of Citrus, the band that plays 'acoustic rock with a fresh folky edge', is on schedule to be released in April 2003. Citrus will be making the journey from Sydney to Toowoomba for the Australian Gospel Music Festival in support of their new album, so take your chance to catch them then.
	05.02.03 - Rivertribe nominated for Dove Award. From The Rock Across Australia. Australian instrumental group Rivertribe is thrilled following the announcement of their Dove Award nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year for 'Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?'. After a busy year releasing their debut project on Elevate Records and touring with Rebecca St. James, the group has continued to garner great reviews from the media for the record's artistic and worshipful content: "Rivertribe combines percussive and natural sounds and other esoteric musical forms with more traditional instrumentation such as piano and violin to create a meditative type of music that's seemingly primitive, yet complex and fascinating. ...the songs - lush as a rainforest at times, detached as a desert at others - elicit imagination, wonder, and a sense of life's rhythms." - CBA Marketplace "...a highly sophisticated and awe-inspiring journey through modern day Ethnic Fusion... provides a wonderful sense of optimism and serenity throughout. The music on 'Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?' is world-class, as production values are flawless, the instrumentation is exciting and fresh, and an unmistakable sound for the modern day is present." - InstrumentalWeekly.com "It's hard to describe such mesmerizing arrangements: This is truly music to be felt, not just heard." - Barnes&Noble.com The band toured Canada in the summer, selling over 3500 copies of their album in just ten days. At the same time, they also charted at #4 on MP3.com with their song 'Northwest'. Following their Canadian performances, they joined Rebecca St. James on the fall leg of her 'Worship God Tour'. The tour proved to be a success, with many of the cities completely selling out. "Artistic, creative, relaxing, inspiring. Rivertribe is an awesome addition to Christian music's smorgasbord," says Rebecca St. James. "Touring with them has been a delight!" Rivertribe heads out on the road again with St. James for an approximately 30 city tour in March and April. Look for more information on Rivertribe at www.RiverTribe.com or www.ElevateRecords.com.
	05.02.03 - Eric goes international. From ACAN. Cruisy singer/songwriter Eric Ossebaar was one of ten finalists in the USA International Songwriters Competition 2002 (Gospel Category). The song that he submitted was 'Arise' from his latest album 'Sign of the Times'. The competition received thousands of entries, and Eric says, "It is a great honour for an Australian artist to be acknowledged." For further info on the competition check out www.songwriting.net/winners.html or drop Eric an email of congratulations at ossebaars@hotmail.com (Roma Waterman & Andrew Naylor were also finalists).
	05.02.03 - ACAN Forest Edge Christian Music Festival celebrates God's majesty. From woodlands media. Hmmm. The smell of overheated brakes... a steep descent into a valley filled with... tents? Beautiful woodlands all around, tranquillity soon to be interrupted with showers of chords and drums, a long weekend of music, teaching and much more. Welcome to the fourth annual ACAN Forest Edge Christian music festival at Neerim East, Victoria from 7-10 March 2003! Join more than 60 leading Christian bands and musicians and participants from all across Australia for this exciting four-day creative arts event which promises to be a perfect balance of devotions, entertainment, music, outdoor activities and free time. Artists include Alabaster Box, Blind, Epidemic, House2house Band, James Hollands, Roma Waterman, The Jive Express, Compliments of Gus and many more. Forest Edge celebrates God's majesty and creativity in a beautiful secluded setting just outside Melbourne on the LaTrobe River surrounded by state forest. Many camp on the festival grounds, creating a colorful city of campers and tents. Those less hardy choose to rough it in the cabins or ensuite lodges that surround the valley. Festival organiser Janna Taylor says that the festival program is ideally suited to youth groups and families. "Wake up early for the daily devotional walks with leading Christian artists, then it's breakfast, morning worship and continuous flow of music with concerts alternating between the auditorium and the intimate rustic outdoor coffee shop, and back again," Janna says. "Not forgetting the impromptu jam sessions that spring up all over the campground, plus the artist-led workshops. The Insomniac's Cafe is an option for night owls," she adds. Sponsored by Word Bookstore, Compassion Australia, EIG ANSVAR, Jelly Belly Gourmet Jelly Beans, Powa Audio, Light FM, Rhema FM and Woodlands Media, Forest Edge 2003 is a time to celebrate God's majesty and creativity, mix with the artists, and grow in your appreciation of the creative arts. The Forest Edge Christian Music Festival is an annual drug-and-alcohol free event run by ACAN (the Australian Christian Artists Network). ACAN aims to raise the profile of Australian Christian bands and solo artists. This work is extended year-round through artist networking, showcasing, resourcing, promotion and booking services. To register for Forest Edge, email ACAN at fedgereg@acan.org.au or call (03) 9752 5766. Or check out the Forest Edge website www.forestedgefestival.com for further information.
	05.02.03 - STR on tour. From ACAN. Adelaide punks STR will take to the highways of Australia in March for their biggest tour yet in support of their new single 'How To Live Today'. The boys will hit Brisbane from March 4 - 10, Sydney from the 19th - 25th, and Melbourne from the 25th - 30th. Keep an eye out for them in your town. For more info see www.str-music.com.