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


	31.03.04 - Aussies rock Veggie Tales. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Get ready to rock with Veggie Tales! Three Aussie acts are part of the new 'Veggie Tales Rocks' album. Rebecca St James pulls off a rock version of the 'Veggie Tales Theme Song', Paul Colman records the amusing 'I'm So Blue', and Newsboys are back with one of the cuts from the previously released Jonah movie. Audio Adrenaline does the 'Hairbrush Song', while Steven Curtis Chapman and his sons Will and Caleb, put a cute spin on 'I Love My Lips'.
	31.03.04 - Citrus in Zeebozine. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Sydney band Citrus gets a mention in this week's Zeebozine, a US Christian music e-zine. The group's album 'Adam Ate the Mango' is doing well on TRAA's Independent Top 20 chart this month. Citrus was a finalist in the Best New Gospel Artist category of the Australian Gospel Music Awards held in Canberra last year.
	31.03.04 - Brooke Fraser, a name to watch. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Extraordinary 19-year-old NZ singer-songwriter Brooke Fraser is opening for John Mayer on his Australasian tour in April. She recently supported rock superstar David Bowie in NZ and performs regularly at the Parachute Festival. Look out for her new album 'What to Do with Daylight' and her debut radio single 'Better'. I expect Brooke will be a household name worldwide before too long. Really!
	31.03.04 - Crew cuts. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. The Australian Gospel Music Festival will be held in Toowoomba over Easter. Leadings acts include Guy Sebastian, Darlene Zschech, Rebecca St James and more. Organisers expect huge crowds this year. Switchfoot's 'The Beautiful Letdown' has been certified platinum by the RIAA. The album is #44 on Billboard this week. Stereo Motion (formerly known as Phat Chance) has called it quits. Kevin Max has confirmed rumors that he and his wife Alayna have divorced. Placed #46 on Rolling Stone's Top 50 Grossing Concerts for 2003 list, the Gaither and Friends Tour did a healthy $13 million in ticket sales last year in the US. The magazine listed the southern gospel music patriarch between the Grateful Dead and the Osbournes!
	30.03.04 - Half Way Out drummer's last show @ AGMF. From Sammo - Half Way Out. As you might've heard at our EP launch last Friday, I'm leaving Half Way Out soon. I have gained a wealth of experience from my time in Half Way Out and I have really enjoyed performing for you guys over the past three and a half years, I'll miss it a lot. Thanks for all your support. My last show with Half Way Out will be at the AGMF. It's at 8pm on Friday 9th April in the Big Top. It'll be a great show. We've got heaps of exciting things planned for it including special guests. I personally would love you to come so I can thank you all one last time for being a part of my time with Half Way Out. Hopefully I will see you at a show in the future. God Bless, Sammo. P.S. - Keep Supporting Half Way Out by going to the shows, checking out the website and buying their CDs!
	26.03.04 - Fearscape at AGMF. From Fearscape. For the first time, progressive death metallers Fearscape will be performing in QLD at the Australian Gospel Festival. After a successful blitzkrieg of the Parachute festival New Zealand the band will be performing 2 sets. The first will be as a part of the Coca Cola big rock show at the Teen Missions tent at 5:50pm on Friday April 9th. The second will be at 12:50pm on Saturday on the popular alley stage. Stay tuned for further Fearscape touring being planned and a full length album around the end of the year.
	24.03.04 - IRON+CLAY in Brisbane this weekend! From I+C Promotions. IRON+CLAY are performing in Brisbane this weekend. Come groove, dance and praise with one of Australia's top RnB/Pop/Dance bands! With a handful of albums under their belt, TV performances on Channel 9 and Channel 10, all major Entertainment Centres throughout Australia, plus countless schools around the country, not to mention their contagious funky tunes, you'll be sure to have a great time! On Sunday 28th March they will appear at... World Harvest Ministries - 53 Telegraph Rd Bald Hills, 9am, (07) 3261 4555, 0405 790 358. Christian City Church Westend - 20 Bailey St West End, 6:30pm, (07) 3844 0575, 0412 423 474.
	24.03.04 - Farlow Star live next Friday: only Brisbane show. From Farlow Star. Performing live in Brisbane on Friday 02 April, Farlow Star are launching their debut CD 'Life, Love And Other Mysteries' @ Princess Theatre, 8 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba. Appearing as the feature artist at the 2004 Super Star grand final, as part of Live At The Princess, it is their only Brisbane show. Doors open at 7pm and tickets ($9/$7) are available at the door. 'Life, Love And Other Mysteries' is available now on Toupee Records. (Full gig details in the Gig Guide.) Also... catch Farlow Star performing at the Australian Gospel Music Festival, Toowoomba (April 9-11). Check www.agmf.com.au for details.
	24.03.04 - AGMF: Introducing Nathan Tasker. From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). AGMF 2004 is shaping up to be simply amazing with Grammy Award winner Rebecca St James, Darlene Zschech, US artist eLi, the Lads, Paulini and of course the Australian Idol... Guy Sebastian! Alongside this impressive line-up of Australian and International artists are almost 130 other AGMF 04 performers who deserve some attention as well :) Now we can’t possibly fit them all onto this email, but we would like to take the time to introduce just one of them - Nathan Tasker. Here at AGMF we had not heard of Nathan Tasker until last year when he applied to perform at the festival... so imagine our surprise when we heard that at the age of 28 he has already recorded 7 albums. We were impressed when heard that Nathan has sold more than 12,000 CDs and we were amazed away when we listened to one. Nathan is certainly one of the most talented songwriters coming to AGMF 04 and he is sure to leave the festival with a huge fan base. You can catch Nathan in the QCCC Big Top on Sunday afternoon at 5:10pm.
	21.03.04 - Rebecca's new album hits the mainstream. From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). Well, its no secret that Grammy Award winner Rebecca St James is coming with her full band to AGMF 04. What you may not know is that her brand new 9-track album has just been released. The cool part is that you can get Rebecca’s album from mainstream stores (including Sanity) throughout Australia. Titled 'Blessed Be Your Name', it’s a live recording of nine tracks. Produced by Steve Hartley and Brent Milligan this is no ordinary live album - it has a powerful message that Rebecca is committed to bringing to the audience. We've had a listen to it and we reckon that it is a 'must-have' for any CD collection... so make sure you grab a copy of 'Blessed Be Your Name' before AGMF. Rebecca’s album is also available Christian bookstores (ie Koorong). PS... Ticket pre-sales for AGMF 04 are currently double the same time last year so make sure you organise your tickets soon. Call 1800 66 55 11 or visit www.agmf.com.au.
	20.03.04 - Don't refrain from the refrains. From the refrains. Need a tasty mix of funky reggae and hip hop at AGMF? Look no further than the refrains: Friday 12pm @ The Cafe Stage, Saturday 3pm @ Mustard Records Hip Hop Showcase. Think Marley, Franti, the Roots and the Resin Dogs. More info @ www.therefrains.com.
	19.03.04 - Brooke Fraser to tour with John Mayer. From Kym Rolle for Brooke Fraser. Extraordinary new Christian singer-songwriter Brooke Fraser is confirmed to tour Australia & NZ with John Mayer - Thursday 15 April @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Sony Australia hasn't released her #1 album in Aus yet so get in early! Support her by buying tickets to the concert!
	17.03.04 - A work in progress: Nathan Tasker's voice resonates with soulful energy. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. In the right hands, a mass of marble can become Michelangelo's David. A simple cathedral in Italy can evolve into the Sistine Chapel. Haystacks can become impressionistic works of art, and tubes of paint can transform a canvas into a glorious masterpiece. Artists through the ages have experimented with various pigments, textures and mediums to find the best way to express their artistic vision. They know that the most subtle nuances of color and the gentlest movement of a brush or pen are captured and reflected in each work of art. Nathan Tasker reflects the same subtleties in his music. His voice resonates with soulful energy. He doesn't just sing a song, he embraces a melody and breathes life into lyrics as if he's swept up in a wave and he's rejoicing in the powerful flow of emotion. And like the great visual artists whose masterpieces are divinely inspired, Tasker harkens to a higher call. His seventh album, 'A Look Inside' is a fresh, radio friendly set that combines polished pop melodies with steadfast lyrics. Mixed in the USA by Ben Wisch (Marc Cohn, Bebo Norman) and mastered by Ken Love (Cindy Morgan, 4Him, Delirious?, dc Talk), 'A Look Inside' is a testimony to what love in the right hands can do. 'A Look Inside' debuts on TRAA's Top 30 and Indie Top 20 this week.
	17.03.04 - Integrity and Sony release the soundtrack for the Mel Gibson movie 'The Passion of The Christ'. From Wes Jay, The Rock Across Australia. Integrity Music and Sony Music have joined forces to release the original motion picture soundtrack for Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of The Christ'. Integrity Music, the world's largest independent Christian music label, is marketing and distributing the soundtrack to all Christian retail stores with Sony Music providing distribution and marketing to all mainstream outlets.
	16.03.04 - 6across dressing. From 6across. We, 6across, have had the unusual privilege to write & record the theme song for a locally written/filmed/produced full-length film titled 'Marie's Moustache'. The song was written, rehearsed and recorded in a week as it had to be in the film makers hands in time to add it to the movie before the premiere of March 22! Being in a hurry, we decided to call the song 'Marie's Moustache (Theme Song)'. But the need for speed took nothing away from the quality of the songwriting (the words are great, the verse melody is memorable and the chorus is catchy & a lot of fun), instrumentation and the recording (which took 2.5 days alone). All that sounds pretty tiring and it was, but the result is fantastic and we will put the lyrics and MP3 of 'Marie's Moustache (Theme Song)' on our website after the film's premiere. Unfortunately the film is only going to be shown once, then entered into competitions. Since this is your only chance to see it (and hear us) on the big screen, come and see it with us. We have no idea what the movie will be like so we can't guarantee anything apart from the quality of the very catchy & fun tune played during the closing credits. The basic details... Mon 22 Mar 2004 / 6:30pm-8:30pm, 'Marie's Moustache' Premiere, @ Balmoral Cineplex, Oxford St Bulimba, $6. More details are available at www.6across.com.
	15.03.04 - Full time soul. From ACAN. Soulframe ended 2003 with the four members committing to full-time status with the band, thanking everyone who has supported, prayed, come to a gig or bought a CD over the past couple of years. This year sees Soulframe and Shaun Hart (Brisbane Lions) bringing the Cool Choices program to southeast QLD high schools, (thanks to 107.3 Life FM). A new range of t-shirts is also available, and the new look website has heaps of band info as well as the official Soulframe forum. Check it out at www.soulframe.com.
	15.03.04 - New chicken crosses border, new single this weekend. From ACAN. Sounds Like Chicken are pleased to announce the arrival of Dave Powys as their new second guitarist. Dave moves down to Melbourne from Canberra, where he was a valuable member of Staff Discount (RIP) and Never In Doubt, and sLc say they are both excited and honoured to continue their journey with Dave by their side. Sounds Like Chicken are currently recording a new single with Dave Carr at Rangemaster Studio. In other news, Sounds Like Chicken have teamed up with Boomtown Records to release their new single 'Global Domination'. Melbourne launches begin this weekend on Friday (over 18s) and Saturday (under 18s) at the Arthouse Nth Melb, kicking of the beginning of a national tour covering Vic, NSW, Qld, SA and WA.
	15.03.04 - Rebecca St James to release new album to mainstream. From ACAN. Grammy and Dove Award winning Christian singer/songwriter/author Rebecca St James releases her new album on March 22. 'Blessed Be Your Name' is a live recording with a powerful message that Rebecca is committed to bringing to the audience. Born in Sydney Australia, Rebecca is well known throughout the world. She is signed to EMI's global label Forefront Records and since doing so has received a Grammy award, several DOVE awards, currently sits on the prayer support group for the American President, and continually tours to sold out shows. Rebecca St James will be in Australia in April for two major performances: 10 April - AGMF Toowoomba QLD (Australian Gospel Music Festival) 11 April - Hillsong Church (NSW) More info at www.rsjames.com.
	13.03.04 - It's on again! The Black Stump Festival returns for 2004. From Black Stump Festival. So you went to Stump 2003 and you're "Thirsting" for more? Or maybe you missed out last year and you're more passionate than ever about going this year. Well, start getting your group together and saving your cash for what promises to be an awesome weekend of Music, Performing Arts and Teaching. The band of ever-faithful Stump workers have swung into action and we're PASSIONATE about bringing you a festival you'll never forget. The 19th Black Stump Festival, October 1 to 4, Cataract Park, Appin, NSW. Website... The newly badged website is up and running. Check it out for up-to-date info and watch it grow with info over the coming months. We're PASSIONATE about putting together a mind blowing Festival for 2004. Applications now open... If you or anyone you know wants to appear at Stump as a band/performer/artist, NOW is the time to jump on the Black Stump website and go to the "apply" page. Applications are now open and close April 30th at www.blackstump.org.au. Tickets on sale May 24th... We've been able to hold our ticket prices for the past three years - unfortunately inflation has caught up with us. This year there will be a general price increase of $5 for all tickets. We'll still be offering group discounts, family tickets as well as the "Die Hard Stumper Discount". Check out the website for details.
	12.03.04 - Super Star final. From 96five. Warning! Warning! Do not miss your opportunity to be at the 96five Super Star Final! Heat two once again showed the awesome talent in Brisbane and the final is set to absolutely go off! This is a totally live event, held at the Princess Theatre on Friday April 2nd from 7pm. The winner will gets their own single cut - thanks to Jumpstart Productions, distributed - thanks to Woodlands Media, and perform live before Rebecca Saint James on 96five’s Main Stage at AGMF 2004! The very same stage Guy Sebastian will walk across! Just like Australian Idol - the 20 finalists will set the stage alight on April 2nd for 96five’s Super Star Final. See you there - 8 Annerley Road, tickets $9 at the door.
	10.03.04 - MarchFest 2004 news. From MarchFest. Just a reminder that MarchFest 2004 is on Saturday 20th March from noon till after 10pm at Kangaroo Point Uniting Church. The afternoon (which is free from noon - 6pm) has a broad range of bands, soloists dancers, fashion parade as well as an art gallery where you can buy/sell your art. There are also food and clothing stalls and a coffee shop area and sausage sizzle. A great day for the family! The Evening Concert from 6pm, costs $5 and is an action packed band evening for youth/young adults which will finish around 10.30pm or later. Please let your friends, workmates youth-groups churches know and bring them along! Information on bands etc is being updated regularly on the MarchFest website. For more information contact Paul at paul@soulpurpose.com.au.
	09.03.04 - Guy Sebastian sings 'Angels' on 96five’s Main Stage. From 96five. 96five was the first to announce a four-song appearance by Guy Sebastian on 96five's Main Stage this Easter at the Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF) in Toowoomba. 96five's General Manger Mr Jason Berry said as a major sponsor of AGMF 2004 the Brisbane radio station is hyped about the great news announced this morning in 96five’s breakfast show with Ken Maxwell. "Every year 96five sponsors the main stage at AGMF, which hosts awesome talent from within Australia and abroad. Guy's appearance at AGMF will be his first in Queensland since the Australian Idol Tour in January, and he will be appearing on non other than 96five's Main Stage," Mr Berry said. The rumours can now be put to rest, as Guy joins fellow Australian Idol contestant Paulini and more than 130 other acts. AGMF event coordinator Mr Isaac Moody said that the news would attract thousands more to Toowoomba this Easter. "Tickets are selling fast and anyone wishing to see Guy Sebastian should get in quick," Mr Moody said. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.agmf.com.au or call 1800 66 55 11.
	08.03.04 - It's official. Guy Sebastian is coming to Toowoomba. From Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF). After weeks of speculation, the Australian Idol winner's management confirmed today that the star would make a four-song appearance at the Australian Gospel Music Festival on Easter Sunday (4pm). It will be Guy Sebastian's first Queensland public appearance since the Australian Idol tour earlier this year. AGMF coordinator Isaac Moody said the news would attract thousands more people to Toowoomba this Easter. Fellow Australian Idol contestant Paulini is already booked along with Grammy Award winner Rebecca St James and 130 other acts. Mr Moody said tickets were selling fast and urged anyone wishing to catch Guy Sebastian to get in quick. To see Guy Sebastian you will need to purchase either a 3-day-pass or a 1-day Sunday pass. If you already have a 3-day pass, don't worry, you already have the right ticket! Tickets are available by phoning 1800 66 55 11 or visiting www.agmf.com.au.
	05.03.04 - New comedy, music outreach on tour: The Walking Blackout Show. From Dallas Atkins. The Walking Blackout Show is a new unique outreach comedy show on tour in Australia now. Dallas used to be lead singer and songwriter from Canberra's Christian band The Message, back in the 80s and 90s. He is now back with this amazing new way of sharing the Gospel. In this show he cleverly brings alive great Biblical characters as they share their story through comedy, song and drama. Noah is actually Steve the crocodile man. Samson becomes like Tom Jones, John the disciple forms a band out of the audience called the Beatciples and Moses rocks the house and more. This show is funny, unique and challenging. As people walk in as blackouts we pray they leave as shinning lights for Jesus. Bookings are being taken now and there is no charge just cover the airfare to get there then we leave it at a donation or love offering. God challenged me this year not to charge and I'm not. Call now for this outreach to come to your area now on 02 62861378 or go to my web site here.
	05.03.04 - Invitation - Australian Gospel Songwriting Competition 2004. From Australian Gospel Songwriting Competition Awards Coordinator, Kelvin Fahey. The call is out for budding composers across the nation to submit their faith inspired songs for the annual Australian Gospel Songwriting Competition. Sponsored by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and Yamaha Music Australia, the awards recognize the pinnacle in faith inspired music compositions from Australia. There are 6 categories - these being Best Gospel Song, Best Gospel Song Runner Up, Best Gospel Song Lyrics, Best Gospel Song Music, Judges Commendation Award and Gospel Composition Youth Award (under 18 yrs). Entry forms can be downloaded at this location and need to be submitted before 31 July. Awards Program coordinator Kelvin Fahey explains, "This is one of the few avenues for composers and performers to be seek industry recognition and benchmark their work in all genres of Gospel music. It is a wonderful opportunity and we know there is so much talent out there. This is the music that people produce from their heart and soul, just wonderful! This year we would especially like to see schools encourage their students to enter, as well as the numerous church musicians who put on concerts across the nation every weekend - so much talent!" Now into their 3rd year, the Australian Gospel Songwriting Awards are presented as part of the annual Australian Gospel Music Awards in Canberra every November at the National Gospel Happening Music & Arts Festival. This year the awards will be presented at the prestigious National Gallery of Australia. All genres of Gospel music are represented, with country, classical, folk and jazz genres very prominent in 2003. Past winners have included some five star Gospel music performers - Venetta Fields, Carter + Carter, Debra Dicembre and Julie Wilson - but everyone has a chance to participate. One of the major developments in this competition has been the interest shown by mainstream artists in seeking material for their own repertoire. Last year's finalist compositions were considered by performers such as Jimmy Little and Bill Chambers for their new recordings, as well as being on a forthcoming compilation CD of Australian Gospel Music with local and planned international release. Recapping on last ear, the winners in each category were: Best Gospel Song 2003 - 'Take The Time' - Cynthia McCracken (VIC) Best Gospel Song 2003 Runner Up - 'With All My Heart' - Jan Bentley (VIC) Best Gospel Song Lyrics 2003 - 'Precious Lord' - Debra Dicembre (NSW) Best Gospel Song Music 2003 - 'Arise' - Eric Ossebaar (QLD) Judges Commendation Award 2003 - 'Lead Me Home' - Merelyn & David Carter (VIC) Best Youth Gospel Song 2003 - 'In Faith' - Michael Paynter (VIC) For more information visit www.nationalgospelhappening.org/songcomp.htm.
	04.03.04 - Carpetman gets into the ASA finals. From Carpetman. I've been shortlisted as a finalist in the instrumental category for the Australian Songwriters' Association Songwriters' Competition for my entry 'Azure'. This year's ASA comp got about 2000 entries over 14 categories. Final results will be posted on the ASA website in mid-march.
	01.03.04 - Don't miss March 5 - 'Live at the Princess'. From Live at the Princess. Don't sit in front of the TV watching American Idol. Come and see real people from around Brisbane compete for a recording and performance package to kick start their career. Bring your friends for a great night of entertainment. Last LATP was huge! Over 20 contestants performed for the chance to win the SUPER STAR prize. This Friday nite we will see almost 50 singers go at it with a time limit. They have just a couple of minutes to impress the audience and the judges. It is worth the effort to come and watch our own local Christian artists in the last heat before the finals. Visit our website and see what all the fuss is about. The Princess Theatre is opposite the Mater Hospital. You can get there by BUSWAY which is just around the corner. Street parking is available in the area. Check website for details. This will be a big nite - so get in early so you get in the door - seats are limited! We mean it!