And, speaking of Grammy Awards, the nominations are in for the 2010 Awards, and a few Christian artists broke out of the Gospel genre to find recognition in mainstream categories: The Fray’s sophomore release scored Grammy nominations for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals as well as Best Pop Vocal Album; Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters scored a nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals; and R&B artist Tonex, who caused a stir a few months ago with his very candid interview about his sexual orientation, was nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards take place Jan. 31 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The show will be broadcast live on CBS. For a complete list of nominees, visit www.grammy.com.

The Winter Jam 2010 Tour kicks off Jan. 8 in Chattanooga, Tenn. and runs through March. Pollstar Magazine lists it as the 5^th largest tour worldwide, with a lineup that’ll thrill any Christian music fan: Third Day, Newsboys, Newsong, Fireflight, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Robert Pierre, and Revive. And the best part? Tickets are only $10. For complete tour dates, visit www.jamtour.com.

Hard rockers Day of Fire return with their first new studio project in three years, Losing All. The album releases in January and the band hits the road through April in support of the new release. The Grammy-nominated band has performed for more than 750,000 devoted fans worldwide and toured with such high-profile acts as Third Day, Red, Decyfer Down, Saliva, Cold, Rev Theory, and Collective Soul. Most recently, Day of Fire has been a regular on tour with friend and American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry.

After a three-month long nationwide competition, 15-year-old teen pop singer Jasmine has been named Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing. Jasmine’s single, a pop song entitled “Make a Movie,” will be featured in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie “StarStruck” and on the “StarStruck” soundtrack. A second single by Jasmine—yet to be named—will be featured on the Walt Disney Records’ Radio Disney Jams 12 CD.

He left his gig as frontman of Newsboys and fans were left asking the question, “What is Peter Furler going to do now?” Well, at least part of the time, he’s going to be painting. No, not houses with one of his favorite charities, Southern California’s Baja Christian Ministries. Turns out Peter Furler is an accomplished oil painter. His work can already be seen in record company offices, recording studios and management firms. And now collectors can also own a piece of Furler’s artwork. In December, he had a few pieces up for sale on eBay, but you can still see his work for sale by visiting his online gallery at www.peterfurler.com.

Platinum-selling recording group and mainstream phenomenon Flyleaf embark on a North American tour this January with rock bands Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. The tour kicks off Jan. 15th in Peoria, Ill., and runs through mid-February. Flyleaf is on tour in support of their latest album, Memento Mori.

In February, gospel artist BeBe Winans’ ex-wife accused him of shoving her during an argument and Winans was charged with misdemeanor charges of domestic assault. Winans has proclaimed his innocence and he was vindicated when the charges against him were dismissed in December. In a press release, Winans said, “This situation has made me a changed man. But it has also helped me see that there needs to be legislation that protects the rights of fathers when it comes to the custody of their children. All men are not deadbeat Dads, all men are not abusing women. And it’s unfortunate that the legal system and society assume the worst before they hear the truth.”

Casting Crowns will continue its highly successful “Until the Whole World Hears” Tour in 41 more cities this spring. Kicking off on Feb. 4, in Kansas City, Mo., the tour features a brand new lineup, with special guests Kutless on dates in February and March, and Tenth Avenue North rounding out the tour’s final segment of shows in April and May. Indie rock band CALEB, featuring brothers Caleb and Will Chapman, will also join the tour roster. For complete tour dates, visit www.castingcrowns.com.

The Gospel Music Association recently announced that GMA Week, the Dove Awards, and GMA’s Immerse Week will all happen in 2010. There was some question about whether the events would take place, given the organization’s recent financial belt-tightening, but GMA Week is officially scheduled to kick off April 19, culminating with the Dove Awards on April 21. Immerse Week, the event for aspiring musicians, happens in July. For more information on both, visit www.gospelmusic.org.

You know her famous husband, Jeremy Camp, but what you may not know is that Adie Camp is herself an accomplished Christian music artist, from her start as frontwoman for Benjamin Gate to her solo debut, Don’t Wait. Now she’s back with her follow-up, Just You and Me, a collection of worship songs and well-known tunes. Adie describes the music as more “organic and raw” than her solo debut. Just You and Me releases in March.

Multi-award winning quartet the Dove Brothers have announced the departure of celebrated pianist Jerry Kelso, who has been with the group for more than four years. Kelso will be moving back to Nashville to concentrate on his songwriting and to be closer to his family. Adam Harman will be joining the group as their new pianist. Harman is most known for his stint with the Kingdom Heirs, where he received Singing News Fan Award nominations for Favorite Pianist.


For more Christian music news, visit Joanne’s Gospel Soundcheck blog at Beliefnet.com www.blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck