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TONIGHT’S
ENTERTAINMENT!
Monday, February 20, 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of music and laughter as some of today's well-known Christian musicians team up with Christian comedians and you will find great music and lots of laughter on the menu!
Host: David Mann, Tillymann Music
Accentuating his already natural gift of making people laugh as a youth, David set his sights on acting. From high school to local community theater, David's accomplished performances quickly gained notable recognition advancing his diversified image into public notice.
In short order, David joined forces with one of America's funniest actors and critically acclaimed playwright, Tyler Perry. The illustrious actor had written, directed, and produced numerous plays including the stage play hit “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” where David remarkably immortalized the intrusively nosey, wisecracking, ashy-kneed, and outrageously funny neighbor, "Mr. Brown."
David Mann's musical and theatrical talents brilliantly epitomize ingenuity at its best. When David is not shooting Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns,” he brings his live comedy show to venues around the country playing to sold-out crowds. Along with his wife, Tamela, David is the co-host of the exciting new TV show, Hanging with The Manns, which follows the dynamic couple as they cook-up delicious recipes in the kitchen and go on hilariously funny and wild adventures together.
Tamela Mann, Tillymann Music
Starring as “Cora Simmons,” the loving and churchgoing “but woe to those who cross me” daughter of beloved Deacon Leroy Brown and the iconic Madea Simmons on the hit TBS comedy Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns, the 2011 NAACP Image Award nominee and 2011 Dove Award winner for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year, actress/singer Tamela Mann makes millions laugh every week while she enjoys a unique personal double blessing.
Tamela’s musical career began when she joined up with the multi-Grammy Award winning and double platinum gospel phenomenon Kirk Franklin and the Family. Mann has also enjoyed collaborating and performing with numerous artists such as Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Celine Dion, Bono, R. Kelly and Fred Hammond. She went on to join the gospel musical cast of David E. Talbert as he directed the stage play He Say…She Say…But What Does God Say?
She has appeared on television shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, BET Soundstage, 1999 Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, the United States of America World Olympics.
When Tamela is not shooting Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, she brings her live musical performances to venues around the country playing to sold-out crowds. Along with her husband, David, Tamela is the co-host of the exciting new TV show, Hanging with The Manns, following the dynamic couple as they cook up delicious recipes in the kitchen and go on hilarious and wild adventures together.
David M. Edwards, Maranatha Music
David is a man driven by a passion to see people enter into the presence of God. Driven to see (and be a part of) a new generation of seekers – seekers after the face of God, and not just the “hands” of God. David has had a lifetime full of experiences—shaping him into the teacher/writer/pastor/worshiper that he is today.
He was awarded Worship Leader Magazine’s “Best Scripture Song” Praise Award for his song Create In Me, and Holy Rain. David was a winner of ASCAP’s Popular Award Panel’s recognition for nine years in a row!
In 2003, David began his WORSHIP 365: POWER TO WORSHIP ENCOUNTERS – a seminar where attendees not only learn about the “nuts and bolts” of worship, but experience God’s presence as well. His critically acclaimed book in 2006, Worship 365: The Power of a Worshiping Life, developed out of those seminars.
In 2010, David was honored with the appointment as Artist in Residence, in the School of Divinity at Regent University, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he has taught Worship + Renewal since 2008 and serves as the Director of the Regent University Center for Worship.
David is an official spokesman for the Bible League, which is one of the world’s largest evangelical, non-denominational Scripture placement agencies.
Brian Courtney Wilson, Music World Gospel
Influenced by a wide range of vocalists from Donny Hathaway to Fred Hammond to John Mayer, singer and songwriter Brian Courtney Wilson has an up-to-date 21st Century approach to modern gospel that might be termed "urban inspirational." Wilson, a University of Illinois graduate, began singing formally in the university's black chorus, then continued singing on his own time while working as a pharmaceutical salesman for seven years. Then, in a leap of faith, he walked away from his job and became the music director at St. John's Downtown Church in Houston.
As one of gospel music’s contemporary break-through artists of 2010 and a Gospel Music Association Dove Award nominee, his debut CD, Just Love, entered at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart and #6 on Billboard’s Top Christian Album chart. The CD has remained at #1 on Christian Music Trade Association’s Inspirational Album chart for over 40 weeks. Since its release in June 2009, the CD also has held steady in the Top 15 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart.
“Every good thing that’s happened to me has happened because of God’s favor and grace in my life,” he says. “Even the stuff that He’s calling me to do, I can’t do it on my own. I can work as hard as I can, but ultimately God provides the increase.”
Rachel Chan, in:ciite media
As more and more of the Millennial generation look for leadership in video games, Radio Disney, pop culture, and their own community of youth, there is anticipation that a figure will rise up pointing them toward Hope… pointing them toward Love. It is possible that such a person may be found in the small stature, but big presence of fifteen-year-old, singer-songwriter Rachel Chan.
Born and raised in the rolling valleys of Simi Valley, California, Rachel is the oldest child of world-renowned, New York Times best-selling author and speaker Francis Chan. The welcoming, and spirit-filled family life Chan and his wife Lisa have built provides a creative haven for this young songstress who admits her parents, “try to be the best picture of Christ they can be for me.”
Chan, in partnership with in:ciite Media, released her debut record, Go, on January 10, 2012. With a firm foundation below her feet and an unwavering focus on Jesus, Chan has embarked for the first time up the exciting road of record making. Working with seasoned pop music producer, Dave Lubben (Kultess), Rachel is the co-writer on all ten tracks featured on her recently completed debut CD.
There has not been, since the early days of Amy Grant, Rachel Lampa, Joy Williams, and Rebecca St. James, a young talent like Chan, with such an important story to tell to her peers and friends through an endearing smile backed by an uncompromising boldness for Christ.”
Andrew Greer is an accomplished singer/songwriter and respected music journalist. His work has appeared in Christianity Today, CCM Magazine and ParentLife, among other noted publications. While his critically-acclaimed 2009 debut, Open Book, chronicled a soul-searching season that ultimately led to the rekindling of his faith, Andrew's musical journey now makes an important stop—a step back to his roots. Angel Band – The Hymn Sessions is a collection of treasured hymns, the beloved songs that first articulated, and still remain, his story. Releasing in January, 2012, Angel Band features collaborations with special guests Ron Block (Union Station), Sonya Isaacs, The McCrary Sisters, and Cindy Morgan, among others.
Matt Brouwer an award-winning Canadian-born recording artist, has long been one of Christian music’s most respected singer/songwriters. Where’s Our Revolution, Matt’s 2009 studio recording produced by Grammy Award-winner Michael Omartian, garnered Canada’s Juno Award (equivalent to the Grammy) in 2010 for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year. He also has received two GMA Canada Covenant Awards. Matt’s hit radio singles include Water, I Shall Believe, Father I Adore You, and most recently, Sometimes. When he is not on tour, Matt and his wife reside in Houston where he serves as Artist in Residence for Woodlands United Methodist Church, in addition to regularly leading worship at other area churches. His long awaited new studio recording, Till the Sunrise, will release in February, 2012.
Root Road
Root Road's Christian pop sound blends melodic vocal harmonies with familiar elements found in both past and present popular music to create a unique and uplifting sound.
The band’s self produced sophomore EP entitled I Am Here is reminiscent of an earlier era, with familiar influences from popular artists of the 70’s. The group chose to write optimistic songs that provide a refreshing alternative to popular music that is normally birthed out of negative feelings, broken relationships, and selfish behavior. Root Road’s heartwarming, God-inspired lyrics convey a positive outlook on life with songs about unfailing love, hope, peace, and answers to life’s many problems.
All brothers, the members of Root Road were born into an interracial family; thus their multicultural look. They believe their global look has allowed their music to transcend racial lines. Root Rood is comprised of John Gilkes, Anthony Gilkes, and Nathanael Gilkes.
Lara Landon
Lara Landon is a singer/songwriter/pianist whose goal and purpose in life and in music are to illuminate the truth through story and song and to serve the poorest of the poor.
While working with Grammy and Dove award winning producers such as Michael Omartian and Jason Ingram, releasing an acclaimed debut album in 2009 and being called "Christian music’s most promising new artist" are indeed accolades worth noting. Lara maintains that her music and calling to serve the poor and continue to illuminate the darkness through her songwriting is her ultimate goal and motivation.
In 2010 Lara Landon and her sister Laila Mickelwait formed New Reality International, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those who are victims of extreme poverty, disease and injustice; access free healthcare and vocational training. Just two months prior to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Landon spent a few weeks there assisting in ongoing efforts to bring medical aid to a country in desperate need.
Katie Peltier
Katie began singing for the Lord in 1998 after graduating from Mercy Ministries. Serving in her home church faithfully, she became a worship leader often singing special music. God began to breathe on her calling and Katie began to tour local churches and to sing for community and state-wide events. Working as a prayer counselor for CBN, Katie quickly became an ambassador for Mercy Ministries touring the U.S. with The Seal America Campaign. She has become involved in jail and prison ministries and works with hurting youth. Katie gives her testimony anywhere God leads her. Presently she is working on an album with acclaimed producer Joe Beck who has worked with Point Of Grace, and Avalon.
Jason Gray
I'd rather be real than impressive." Get to know Centricity recording artist Jason Gray, and you'll find this to be true. Jason wears his heart on his sleeve in his personal life and through his music. Many people discovered Jason through his 2010 Top 5 hit More Like Falling in Love. His latest album, A Way to See in the Dark, shares themes of overcoming fears and finding our identity in God's love, and includes the radio single Remind Me Who I Am.
Jenny & Tyler
This gifted husband and wife team are a great example of how high quality today's independent music can be. Their powerful vocals and blend of acoustic, folk, and pop have been turning heads. In Fall 2011, they toured with Sara Groves on the Reason to Gather Tour. Here's how they describe their most recent album: “Faint Not chronicles our journey of faith, from God’s pursuit of us, to first believing, to the really high highs and the really low lows; it’s an honest telling of our relationship with the Lord and with each other.”
We wish to thank:
Christian Songwriters & Musicians International - Root Road, Lara Landon, Katie Peltier
TKO Marketing - David & Tamela Mann, David Edwards, Rachael Chan, Brian Courtney Wilson
Turning Point Public Relations - Andrew Greer, Matt Brouwer
Under the Radar - Jason Gray, Jenny & Tyler