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


	26.02.04 - Love on the Radio Tour, CD, and single! From Alabaster Box. The 'Love on the Radio' album and tour are here! 'Love on the Radio'- the album... The CD can now be found at all good Christian retailers or can be bought online. Send us an e-mail at info@alabasterbox.com with the number of CDs that you wish to purchase and your phone number. We will then get in touch with you to ensure that the album gets to you ASAP! 'Love on the Radio'- the single... Please take the time to call your local radio station and request the song 'Love on the Radio'. Onya! 'Love on the Radio'- the tour... The HUGE tour kicked off to rave reviews last weekend in Terrigal and Maitland. With great lights, sound and even video production, this is AB's biggest touring show ever. This weekend the Love on the Radio tour winds its way north through Bundaberg and Rockhampton. The upcoming dates for Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Cairns, Townsville, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Thornleigh (Sydney), Gordon (Sydney) can be found on our website. We hope to see you all at a concert really soon.
	26.02.04 - FAQ CD Launch at The Zoo. From FAQ. This is it. The debut CD from a funky Brisbane 4-piece who have found their own sound. The independent release, 'Parading', will be launched at one of Brisbane's most respected venue, the Zoo, with help from 2 fine local bands also with recent killer releases: Doubting Thomas and Six-in-a-Box. Having worked in & around the scene with local favourites like The Daisycutters and The Tourists, FAQ recorded a wide collection of songs over the past year which serves to capture their progress & hint at what's to come... "FAQ are a funk band at heart, and a rather good one too... When things get funky, they have instrumental and vocal chops to burn" - Brett Collingwood, Rave Magazine. "..from pop to rock to funk and jazz... soulful and melodic. All in all a very strong and diverse independent release" - Kath's Corner, Australianmusic.info. The 'Parading' EP features a few friends on trumpet, strings, keyboard and percussion, and will be available at the show for half price ($6)! The disc takes you on a journey from smooth and funky grooves to pumped-up indie rock, and finally back to rich, layered mellow tones again. Expect nothing less from the EP launch, complete with beautiful visual animations by Enchanted Forrest (Polysonic, Gooble Parties, Woodford, D-ko) and plenty of giveaways - it's gonna be a huge night. Make sure you don't miss this one.
	26.02.04 - pc3: That's all folks (Pt 1). From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Music is like a box of fireworks. There are those who shine brightest like the 100 year comets lighting up the night sky and go off so loud that they make the ground shake beneath them. Then there are dozens of sparklers and bangers that promise much when you look at the packet, but really don't do much more than fill the gaps between the big bangs. In the box loosely marked Contemporary Christian Music, the Paul Colman Trio quickly became the firework that was saved for last. The one the crowd would wait all night for. And the trio never disappointed. Over the past five years, pc3's music has dealt with some heavy issues including self-righteousness, side stepping responsibilities, and self-identity. Always packaging its message in a way that appealed like a 'happy lantern'. And as the title of the trio's debut album suggested, it was all about "Serious Fun" - a balance of serious and fun music with lyrics that dealt with the basic issues of living as a follower of Christ. Paul often said that he simply wanted people to know that the most serious fun they'd ever discover is following Christ, letting Him take control of the serious issues of life and allowing Him to lead them into the joy of living. I think Paul Colman (lead singer/guitarist), Grant Norsworthy (bass/vocals) and Phil Gaudion (drums/vocals) achieved that goal wherever they performed. They created a "New Map of the World" and drew us together as "One". Thank you!
	26.02.04 - pc3: That's all folks (Pt 2). From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. The Paul Colman Trio has completed its highly successful seven-city farewell tour. Drawing thousands of supporters from Brisbane to Adelaide, and Perth to Sydney, the tour logged multiple sellout shows. Youth Alive (Victoria) Director and tour promoter David Molyneux, says that the trio's inimitable style and dynamic stage presence won support all over the country. "The tour exceeded all expectations and the guys communicated an in-touch, relevant message about God," David said. Paul Colman is heading back to the US to work as a solo artist, Grant Norsworthy has already returned to Nashville to write songs, and Phil Gaudion will remain here to produce albums for local artists.
	26.02.04 - Naarah speaks out. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. The lead singer of Alabaster Box, Naarah Seagrott, has spoken out about the overtly sexual image of pop stars in the title track of the group's latest album 'Love on the Radio'. Naarah says that young girls are dressing way "too old for their age", and boys are "feeling as if they have to keep up with the party lifestyle in order to be cool". "As a band, we want to challenge pop stars and people in the public eye to become positive role models to our community. I think it is very important to be a good role model and use the influence you have responsibly," she says. Naarah hopes programmers don't think the group is having a dig at Christian radio when they sing "you can't find love on the radio". "The song is a warning to be careful what you listen to and what attitudes people absorb listening to some mainstream music," she emphasises. Alabaster Box is on tour in Qld and NSW over the next few weeks. See www.alabasterbox.com for details..
	23.02.04 - Pauline is coming to AGMF 04! From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). Yes that’s right... the big news is that Pauline of Australian Idol fame is performing at AGMF 04! She will appear on Friday evening along with Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong team. Pauline Curuenavuli (pronounced the-ruu-nah-vuu-li) sung her way to fame by becoming a "top-4" finalist on the recent Australian Idol program. AGMF 04 already had an impressive line-up of artists, but with the addition of Pauline tickets are expected to sell fast so make sure you get your single-day or 3-day pass ASAP. Tickets are available online at agmf.com.au or by calling 1800 66 55 11.
	19.02.04 - Localise - March 6. From Localise. Localise: A night of Retro-Pop, Reggae and Garage, topped with some sweet acoustic tunes. Music: Tonjip, The Natives, Paisley (acoustic) and Bigger Picture (plus... short film: Scott Levick, visuals: Enchanted Forrest, poetry: special guests). The kings of retro, Tonjip, shows the world that you can play beautifully layered pop songs and still say something thoughtful about the world and social issues. After a few years in hibernation they released an EP last year with a pile of praise from critics around Australia, and are enjoying regular gigs around town. Some think of The Natives as sonic-perfectionists - they're all sound engineers, and you can hear it loud and clear with each tune they craft out. Expect an endless supply of smooth grooves, gentle swaying of the body, and getting totally lost in the vibe. Bigger Picture are young. And they rock. Two things they have in common with Silverchair when they started out! These guys will remind us that rock isn't dead, especially for Brisbane's youthful and energetic punters. And let's not forget a stripped-down set of roots/country/pop/rock/acoustic tunes by Ben Hooper and a few of the boys from Paisley just to cool you down. These guys also recorded an EP last year - definitely check it out if you like Dave Matthews Band sort of stuff. See you there! Please tell a friend or better still bring them along! Keep one of Brisbane's few all-ages music spaces alive! Check out www.brispop.com for info on a few of the bands.
	18.02.04 - Calling for applications for compilation CD. From Hungry Hill Studios. Operation Vivify - to endue with life; to make alive; to animate. To make more lively or intense. Operation Vivify is the perfect chance for: 1. Developing Bands/artists that cannot afford their own CD yet but would like to record a song or two for career development and exposure, and 2. Established acts who would like to promote themselves to the audience of other similar bands. Hungry Hill Youth Arts Centre is a Not-For-Profit organisation. The Compilation CD Program has been undertaken to help foster a healthy music industry environment via networking artists' music. The program also gives acts the opportunity to feature on a quality, professionally manufactured CD that is ideal to send to radio, press, booking agents and even sell to fans. Copyrighted works on the CD belong to the respective artists and in no circumstance will Hungry Hill be reselling the compilation for profit. If participating artists wish to resell their copies of the CD, which Hungry Hill encourages, it is their decision and the recommended price is $20. At this sale price it is possible to pay for your participation through resale of the disc. Following release of the compilation Hungry Hill will be conducting a publicity campaign to raise the profile of participating artists, the CD and the Centre. For more information or a copy of the application forms call (07) 3285 3362 or visit www.hungryhillstudios.com.
	17.02.04 - Griffith University Annual Mega Party set to be a success. From Revolution Industries. Griffith University is about to host their annual Mega Party, one of the biggest events held by the university on an annual basis, with 2 000 people expected to attend this years event it looks like it's going to be a MEGA party. Bands include Downsyde, Antiskeptic, Melodyssey, The Tremors, Hot Rubber Glove, DJ Aniki and more. Visit the "Chill Out Room" where DJ's will be playing the newly released movie sound track and great dance music, you will also receive free icy-pole iceblocks, donuts and other freebees. There is also a chance to win two for one movie tickets to the newly released "One Perfect Day" staring Dan Spielman 'The Secret Life of Us' Leeanna Walsman 'Star Wars:Attack Of The Clones', Andrew Howard, Nathan Phillips, Abbie Cornish and Kerry Armstrong. Don't miss the 2004 Griffith University MEGA Party! Limited tickets available. Nathan Campus, will host the event this year on Thursday 26 February 2004 in the under-croft area near Macrossan building. Tickets - $12 available at each Campuses Market Day detailsOR at the gate. Gates open at 7pm with FREE (limited) transport included from Logan, Mt Gravatt and South Bank.
	16.02.04 - Tickets everywhere! From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). It's less then 8 weeks until AGMF 04... and it is time to start thinking about getting your tickets! Loads of people have already purchased their tickets, and with artists like Rebecca St James, Eli, Darlene Zschech and the Lads, its no wonder that people from every state in Australia have already got their AGMF 04 tickets. Remember that the most popular (and best value) way to enjoy all of AGMF is to purchase a 3-day-pass. It comes complete with a free CD and access to every AGMF 04 event. There are 4 simple ways to get your hands on AGMF 04 tickets. 1. Phone. Grab your credit card and call our freecall number 1800 66 55 11. Your tickets will be posted to you within 5 working days. 2. Online. Grab you credit card and visit the secure online ticket section at www.agmf.com.au. Your tickets will be posted to you within 5 working days. 3. Bookstores. Tickets are available from Christian bookstores including Koorong Brisbane, Koorong Toowoomba, Word Brisbane, Word Southport, The Pillar and Christian Bookworld. 4. Post. If you don't have a credit card, you can post in a Cheque or Money Order to PO Box 2090, Toowoomba 4350. If you would like us to send you a registration form please call 1800 66 55 11. See you at Easter!
	13.02.04 - New Sonfest team member. From The Sonfest Team. WOW - Mudfest - Sorry Sonfest has come and gone and I think you will agree it has been the best ever... awesome bands, great vibe, Wendy the whale, great speakers, the marriage proposal and so much more. We at Sonfest are at this very moment working hard preparing for 2005. To do this we have added a new team member. Our new team member, who has recently finished 17 years of Youth Pastoring, Don Johnson (you may remember him from morning devotions and mainstage speaking) is now the Sonfest Ministry co-ordinator, helping develop the ministry edge of Sonfest and helping Youth Pastors and Youth Leaders to reach the unchurched. This ministry aspect of Sonfest is very exciting and has become an integral part of our vision. If you would like to be a part of this development you can contact Don at don@sonfest.com. He is also available to come and speak at youth groups, rallies, services or even your Church. PS Sonfest 2005, a goal of 1000 non-Churched young people. Let's do it!
	11.02.04 - Grammy nominated Australian act launches national tour. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. GRAMMY(r) nominated Aussie act, the Paul Colman Trio (pc3) launches its fourth national Australian tour this week, and performs in Brisbane this Saturday night Since relocating to the USA two years ago, the trio has performed to an estimated two million fans, claimed two #1 radio singles with 'Turn' and 'Run', been named among the Top 10 Breakthrough Artists of the Year by Radio & Records, and garnered a GRAMMY(r) nomination in the category of Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. The group also received a 2003 Dove Award nod for Pop/Contemporary Album. Formed in 1998 in Melbourne, pc3 is Paul Colman (lead singer/songwriter/guitarist), Grant Norsworthy (bass/vocals) and Phil Gaudion (drums/percussion/vocals). The 2004 One Tour of Australia features Irwin Thomas (AKA Jack Jones, Southern Sons) who joins an enlarged trio on guitar and opens concerts in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Albury. "It's great to finally get the chance to perform together," Paul says anticipating another series of sold-out dates throughout the country. "It will be a great homecoming," he adds. Saturday 14 Feb - Brisbane (Gateway Baptist Church). Tickets available at Koorong, Word or online at www.youthalivevictoria.com.au. Ticket enquiries: 1300 137895. Full details in the Gig Guide.
	11.02.04 - Grammy Awards - Gospel categories. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Best Rock Gospel Album 'Worldwide' - Audio Adrenaline [Forefront Records] Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album 'Worship Again' - Michael W. Smith [Reunion Records] Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album 'Rise And Shine' - Randy Travis [Word Records] Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album 'Go Tell It On The Mountain' - The Blind Boys Of Alabama [Real World] Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album '...Again' - Donnie McClurkin [Verity Records] Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album 'A Wing And A Prayer' - Bishop T.D. Jakes, choir director; The Potter's House Mass Choir [EMI Gospel/Dexterity Sounds].
	07.02.04 - pc3 takes a break. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. The Paul Colman Trio (pc3) will be taking a "break" after its national Australian tour 11-21 February. Paul will return to the US later this month to work primarily as a solo artist, Grant will return to Nashville to focus on songwriting and pursue opportunities to play bass, while Phil will remain in Australia to produce records. The trio announced the news in a national radio special aired on Australian Christian radio stations. "None of us can afford to keep doing what we're doing, the way we're doing it," Paul said. "So my choice was to scale things down and to progress as a solo artist, or to just come home. We may tour Australia and New Zealand again. We may even do something again in America - not sure. But for right now, Paul Colman is going on as a solo artist, and the next record will be a Paul Colman record." The Paul Colman Trio is getting set for the 2004 One tour - a triumphant homecoming and a possible farewell. Special guests include Irwin Thomas (a guitarist who is a household name in Australian pop history), plus Derek Bailey and Scott Darlow (The Darlow Show). After seeing the boys perform at NZ's Parachute Festival in front of 20 000 people, let me assure you that this is one show you'll really want to see! (Check the Gig Guide for all the info on the Brisbane show including the change of venue!)
	07.02.04 - Vote for Screamin' Jamaican singer up for Logie! From Jason Brown, The Screamin' Jamaican. I writing to tell you that one of my good friends and Screamin' Jamaican singers is up for a Logie! How exciting mun! Asha Kuerten is in the running for best female new talent. If you would like to vote for her all you need to do is buy a copy of TV week and either mail in a vote or do it online as outlined below. If you've ever met Asha you will know that she is well worthy of such recognition so we need people to vote! The TV Week Logie Awards are on the 18th April, CH9. How to vote for Asha Kuerten of [Hot] Source... All you have to do is get a copy of TV Week Magazine. Then go to this location. Punch in your voting code & vote for Asha Kuerten in the Most Popular New Female Talent category. Vote for all your other favourite Aussie TV stars as well as you have to vote in all categories. Please pass this info on to all of your friends also!
	07.02.04 - Roma wins second place in International Songwriting Competition (Gospel Category). From Roma Waterman. We are very proud to announce that Roma Waterman’s latest single 'I was Carried' has won second place in the prestigious International Songwriting competition in the gospel category. Called "the songwriting competition to take note of" by the New York Times, ISC received over 11, 000 entries from 60 countries in its sophomore year. ISC prizes included more than $100,000 (USD) in cash and prizes. The ISC panel of judges included many of the music industry's top executives, songwriters, and producers: Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); B.B. King; Pat Metheny; Dan Haseltine (Jars Of Clay); Vanessa Carlton; Bebe Winans; Guru *NSYN; Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Arif Mardin (VP/GM, Manhattan Records); Bruce Lundvall (CEO/President, Capitol Jazz/Classics); Frank Callari (Sr. VP A&R, Lost Highway Records); Tina Davis (Sr. VP A&R, Def Jam/Def Soul); Rose Noone (Sr. VP A&R, Epic Records); Jimmy Bralower (Producer); Kim Stephens (VP A&R/Promotion, Lava Records); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP, Gospel & Urban Music, Sony Music Entertainment); Robert Beeson (President, Essential Records); Errol Kolosine (GM, Astralwerks Records); and Michael Gudinski (Chairman, Mushroom Group Of Companies). Congratulations Roma! If you would like to congratulate Roma yourself, please feel free to write in the guest book at www.romawaterman.com. We look forward to hearing from you!.
	07.02.04 - Roma carried to new heights. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Roma Waterman's song "I Was Carried" has scored a place in the gospel/Christian section of the prestigious International Songwriting Competition (ISC). Roma says that she wrote the song about a young girl (Ashleigh) in her church whose father died in unfortunate circumstances last year. Roma takes up the story. During this dark time, she stood firm in her faith and was an example to all those around her (including me) of what it really means to trust in God, regardless of your situation. I was having lunch with Ashleigh one day and was telling her how much I had learnt from her, and how much I admired how she had reacted during such a difficult time. She just smiled and said "Roma, it wasn't me - I was carried". Those words shot right through my heart, and that night I came home and wrote the song for her. When the song was complete, I had tears in my eyes, because I realised that it was also a song about my own life, and the revelation that God is always watching over us, even when we feel he is far. He is always working on our behalf behind the scenes, and it is inevitable that if we do not lose heart, and do not give up, we will see that He has and always will make a way for us. Roma recently performed "I Was Carried" to more than 5000 people in Sydney (Hillsong) and Melbourne (Richmond AOG) when she opened for Jars of Clay. 'I Was Carried' is the fastest mover of TRAA's Top 30 this week.
	07.02.04 - UK magazine hails Aussie acts. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. UK magazine Cross Rhythms has hailed Kirste's 'There and Back' CD as a "highly impressive and accomplished" debut. Writing in the November/December issue of the magazine, reviewer Steve Best gives the West Australian 10/10. "I can already barely wait for the follow up." Best writes. The Jive Express also scores an "indispensable" rating for its album 'Covered'. Best says this album is "jam-packed with radio-friendly hits which just cry out for airplay". The current edition of Cross Rhythms also gave positive reviews to Rivertribe's Christmas album 'Rivertribe:Christmas', Hillsong's 'Hope', and CCC Youth's 'Run With You'.