Shannon Smith Announces Exciting New Solo Career
Jeff & Sheri Easter Receive Key to the City of Mt. Airy, NC During Inaugural Easter Brothers Hometown Festival
Mount Airy, NC – On April 22, 2023, Jeff & Sheri Easter received the Key to the City of Mount Airy, NC from Mayor Jon Cawley during the Inaugural Easter Brothers Hometown Festival held at the Andy Griffith Playhouse.
The award was presented to the legendary duo in recognition of their contribution to the music industry and their unwavering support for their hometown of Mount Airy.
The Easter Brothers, a renowned family gospel group, have their roots deeply embedded in Mount Airy.
During the presentation, Mayor Jon Cawley stated, "Mount Airy, NC has been the home place to our share of famous entertainers such as Andy Griffith, Donna Fargo, and of course, the Easter Brothers. Jeff Easter has never forgotten his hometown and Jeff & Sheri Easter have continually sung the praises of Mount Airy, NC as they traveled the world. It was my honor to present Jeff & Sheri Easter a Key to the City as two of Mount Airy's finest ambassadors."
The Easter Brothers Hometown Festival celebrated the legacy of The Easter Brothers and featured live performances from various artists, food trucks, and activities for families.
Jeff Easter was thrilled to be a part of the festival and shared his excitement about the recognition. "Sheri and I were so honored to host the first annual Easter Brothers Hometown Festival! I'm so proud of my dad and his two brothers and the legacy they left. I'm so grateful for Mayor Jon Cawley. To be given the key to the city of my hometown, Mount Airy, North Carolina is a great honor, I am truly overwhelmed!"
The Key to the City is an honor given to distinguished individuals in recognition of their contribution to society or their hometown. Jeff & Sheri Easter were thrilled to receive this prestigious award, and they plan to continue to be ambassadors for Mount Airy, NC, and spread their love for gospel music to audiences worldwide.
The Down East Boys' EP, There's A Song For That, out now
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 21, 2023) - The Down East Boys broke new ground for Southern Gospel in January with the release of "Celebration At The Empty Grave," the first song from Sonlite Records to be presented in the immersive spatial audio of Dolby Atmos. Now, the quartet is releasing There's A Song For That, a six-song EP that touches on a variety of themes even as it focuses on the unique ability of music to reach hearts with Christ's message of salvation.
The collection loses no time in getting to the point, open with lead singer Ricky Carden's delivery of the title track, a country-flavored look at the power of Gospel songs:
When it feels like the enemy steals your victory
Remember in your heart there rings a melody
If you're down, you can sing a chorus of "love lifted me"
And if you’re bound, sing "glory to God, He set me free"
No matter what you’re facing, what kind of day you've had
There's a song for that
And, indeed, the rest of the set offers just such songs, whether in the majestic ballad, "Love Worth Dying For," which features glistening orchestration, sympathetic piano from GRAMMY-nominated producer Jeff Collins and a soulful performance by tenor Doug Pittman, or in the similarly full-bodied closer, "Until He Comes," a Dottie Rambo classic that contrasts Carden's and Pittman's voices in a meditation on perseverance, hope and the assurance of God's grace. And with "The Song Of The Redeemed," a snappy reminder that there's a "song of freedom for all that will believe" sung by the full quartet, and the thoughtful "Song About Going Home," where central insights are shared by Pittman, bass Alex Utech and baritone Daryl Paschal, the deep truth of the title is fully revealed:
Just imagine the sound
In that glorious place
As the saints are singing
To Jesus face to face
There are anthems being lifted
Around the Savior's throne
But the one song you won't hear
Is a song about going home
From start to finish, then, There's A Song For That amply fulfills the vision described by Ricky Carden, who says, "Songs have always had a way of lifting our hearts on the tough days and helping us rejoice on good days. This project reminds us that in every day of our lives, no matter where we are, 'There's a song for that!'"
Listen to There's A Song For That HERE.
SOUTHBOUND Takes Home Award for Progressive Single of the Year at Absolutely Gospel Music Awards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 19, 2023) – SOUTHBOUND, the dynamic trio consisting of Clint Brown, Jody Braselton, and Seth J. Elbe, won the award for Progressive Single of the Year at the 2023 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. The 22nd annual ceremony, which honors the best in Christian and gospel music, took place on April 18 at the Capitol Theatre in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Clint Brown expressed his appreciation upon receiving the award, stating, "We are grateful to the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards for this honor. We would also like to extend our thanks to Michael Turner and the entire team at Straight Arrow Management and Daywind Records. Winning Progressive Song of the Year for "He's Got A Way" is a tremendous thrill for me, Seth, and Jody. We hope that listeners will never forget the song's message - that no matter what you're facing, God has a plan."
SOUTHBOUND's winning track is a powerful and uplifting single that explores finding strength and hope during difficult times. The unique sound, which blends traditional gospel with modern influences, has garnered them critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Todd Tilghman Wins Three Awards at 2023 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 19, 2023) - Todd Tilghman, the winner of the 18th season of NBC's "The Voice," has added three more accolades to his collection at the 2023 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, the 22nd annual ceremony.
The annual ceremony, which honors the best in Christian and gospel music, took place on April 18 at the Capitol Theatre in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Tilghman won the award for Positive Country Music Video of the Year for "Home Wasn't Built In A Day," as well as Positive Country Male Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Upon receiving his awards, Tilghman expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, "Man, I am so blown away. Thank you to Absolutely Gospel Music and everyone out there who's part of what I'm doing. It's not easy. Not at all. But nights like tonight remind me that people are listening, and they care. God is so very good."
Tilghman continues an aggressive tour schedule filled with concerts, festival appearances and more.
Down East Boys To Headline New Television Show
Reidsville, NC (April 4, 2023) - The Down East Boys are excited to announce they are hosting a new television show. "Stories And Songs With The Down East Boys" is a weekly series that will begin airing on WATC TV in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, April 15th at 3 PM Eastern time.&bnsp; In addition to being broadcast on television, the show will also be available for viewing on the station's website, www.watc.tv.
Ricky Carden of Down East Boys says, "Stories And Songs" is such a unique opportunity for our group. We will be singing and sharing songs and the stories behind them, as well as welcoming special guests along the way. We invite everyone to check out the show and join us each week."
Ricky adds, "We feel very blessed to be expanding our ministry into the area of television. In a day and age when many would want the gospel to be silenced, we have this new show that is allowing us to get the word in song out to the people in addition to our regular concert appearances. We do not take that lightly. It's truly a privilege to have this show as a part of what we do for the Kingdom."
About the Down East Boys:
The Down East Boys have been making great music since their inception in 1985. Their name is synonymous with classic quartet harmony and stirring songs that have stood the test of time. From their early moments in their career with the popular hit, "Beautiful Valley," to more recent chart songs such as "Beat Up Bible," "I'd Like To Tell It Again," "Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace," and "Ready To Leave," their songs are consistently among the most played in all of gospel music. Their latest single, "Celebration At The Empty Grave," is currently a Top 5 song and still climbing!
Recording on the Sonlite label of Crossroads Music based out of Asheville, NC, the Down East Boys have recorded over 20 albums and have five number one songs to date. They are represented by the prestigious Beckie Simmons Agency. Whether they are performing on the stages of venues such as Dollywood, National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City, Memphis Quartet Show, Singing At Sea cruises, or at any church across America, the Down East Boys continue to passionately share their music that resounds with the love, joy and peace that comes from Jesus Christ, and they do it with an infectious passion that is genuine and heart-stirring.
For booking The Down East Boys, visit www.bsaworld.com or call (615) 595-7500.
For more information about The Down East Boys, visit their website at www.downeastboys.com or follow them on Facebook at @downeastboysquartet.
The Down East Boys hope to uplift hearts with There's A Song For That
Arden, North Carolina (February 28, 2023) - The Down East Boys broke new ground for Southern Gospel in January with the release of "Celebration At The Empty Grave", the first song from Sonlite Records to be presented in the immersive spatial audio of Dolby Atmos. Now, as the song makes its way up the charts, the quartet is announcing the upcoming release of There's A Song For That, a six-song EP that touches on a variety of themes even as it focuses on the unique ability of music to reach hearts with Christ's message of salvation.
The album - now available for pre-order, add or save ahead of its April 21, 2023 release - loses no time in getting to the point, open with lead singer Ricky Carden's delivery of the title track, a country-flavored look at the power of Gospel songs:
When it feels like the enemy steals your victory
Remember in your heart there rings a melody
If you're down, you can sing a chorus of "love lifted me"
And if you're bound, sing "glory to God, He set me free"
No matter what you're facing, what kind of day you've had
There's a song for that
And, indeed, the rest of the set offers just such songs, whether in the majestic ballad, "Love Worth Dying For," which features glistening orchestration, sympathetic piano from GRAMMY-nominated producer Jeff Collins and a soulful performance by tenor Doug Pittman, or in the similarly full-bodied closer, "Until He Comes," a Dottie Rambo classic that contrasts Carden's and Pittman's voices in a meditation on perseverance, hope and the assurance of God's grace. And with "The Song Of The Redeemed," a snappy reminder that there's a "song of freedom for all that will believe" sung by the full quartet, and the thoughtful "Song About Going Home," where central insights are shared by Pittman, bass Alex Utech and baritone Daryl Paschal, the deep truth of the title is fully revealed:
Just imagine the sound
In that glorious place
As the saints are singing
To Jesus face to face
There are anthems being lifted
Around the Savior's throne
But the one song you won't hear
Is a song about going home
From start to finish, then, There's A Song For That amply fulfills the vision described by Ricky Carden, who says, "Songs have always had a way of lifting our hearts on the tough days and helping us rejoice on good days. This project reminds us that in every day of our lives, no matter where we are, 'There's a song for that!'"
Pre-order, add or save There's A Song For That HERE.
Big Release Week For Southbound
Nashville, Tenn. February 27, 2023 - Southbound (Clint Brown, Seth J. Elbe, and Jody Braselton), has been having quite the last couple of weeks. Well, it really started at the end of September at a media event during National Quartet Convention (NQC) week where they performed their new song, "Lost and Found," which became the lead single for the album with the same name at the annual Daywind Media showcase. That performance earned them a standing ovation from the media in the room and set the plate for the album release February 17.
The single "Lost and Found" was released to radio on December 26th, and in just two months is already making an impression with programmers and fans alike, debuting at #59 on the Singing News Top 80 chart (April) and currently sitting at #22 on the weekly Power 50 chart.
That gets us to the big week Southbound has been having.
Wednesday night, February 15, to a packed house in Orlando, Florida, Southbound debuted songs from their new album, Lost and Found. The crowd in attendance featured the winner from SouthernGospelPrizes.com, Carrie Laffoon, who received airfare, two nights lodging, and Disney/Universal park tickets.
Thursday had Southbound taking part in a full media day hosted by their record label, Daywind Records, and visiting with radio stations across the United States.
On Friday, February 17, Southbound released Lost and Found, their second album, to a huge reception. The album, produced by Dove award winning and GRAMMY® nominated Barry Weeks, along with Clint Brown, ended the day at #3 on the iTunes Christian chart. In addition, album focus track, "Middle of Nowhere," was featured on Spotify's New Music Friday Christian playlist, and the Gospel Music Association featured the project on its New Music Friday spotlight.
"The songs on this album are not just songs we like, they're songs we've lived," states group founder, Clint Brown. "This entire project is a testimony. The Bible says they 'overcame Him by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony.' We believe this album is filled with the overcoming power of God for every person that hears it."
Rodney Baucom, host of nationally syndicated program 'The Gospel Greats,' featured Southbound on the program this past weekend and added, "I love the harmony and the powerful yet simple lyrics that Lost and Found brings. Song after song after song I found myself singing along and connecting to the message. It's a home run for Southbound!"
Look for Southbound, exclusively booked by the Beckie Simmons Agency, on the road this year. The group has over 50 dates on the calendar with more being added weekly.
Lost and Found Tracklist (songwriters in parentheses)
- Life Worth Living (Clint Brown, Seth J. Elbe, Jody Braselton)
- Lost and Found (Clint Brown)
- Middle of Nowhere (Clint Brown)
- Yes He Can (Jeff Pardo, Logan Cain, Madison Cain and Taylor Cain Matz)
- His Love (Clint Brown)
- Time and Jesus (Clint Brown)
- Morning Mercies (Clint Brown and Jody Braselton)
- Somebody Testify (Ryan Edgar, Mia Fields and Bode Karprall)
- Nothing He Can’t Do (Clint Brown)
- Yesterday (Clint Brown)
- It Was You (Clint Brown)
- You Are God (Clint Brown)
Down East Boys' "Ready To Leave" goes No. 1 on SGN Scoops chart
Arden, North Carolina (September 20, 2022) - Down East Boys have once again claimed the No. 1 spot on the monthly SGN Scoops Southern Gospel Chart with a song from their album, The Stories We Tell. "Ready To Leave," a horn-driven cover of the popular Hemphills song, has quickly climbed the chart since its release, debuting at No. 13 before jumping to No. 1. The song follows the group's last single, "Your Sins Are Forgiven," which was No. 1 on the SGN Scoops chart in May.
"Ready To Leave" talks about living a life that prepares you for heaven, as the chorus shares, "Ready to leave in a twinkling of an eye / making investments in the bank up in the sky! / I've made preparations - not a reason to grieve. / Are you in that number getting ready to leave?"
"We are overwhelmed by the response to this great classic song," says Ricky Carden, the group's lead singer. "Fifty years after it was first recorded, the message has become more real in the days we are living in. We are getting 'Ready To Leave'!"
The song is the latest single from the Down East Boys' album, The Stories We Tell. The album is the first featuring the current lineup of singers (Carden, baritone Daryl Paschal, bass Alex Utech and tenor Doug Pittman), and offers a sampling of all the elements that have contributed to the success of the group's musical ministry - uplifting songs; thoughtful, creative arrangements relevant to today's faithful while keeping strong links to tradition; and, above all, singing that gives each voice an opportunity to testify within a tight-knit quartet setting.
Listen to "Ready To Leave" and the rest of The Stories We Tell HERE.
Three Bridges Announces "God Did It" Farewell Tour
Nashville, TN, May 25, 2022: After more than 21 years of ministering to God's beautiful people, 2022 will be the last year of Three Bridges' full time touring career. Elliott, Shannon, and Jeremie would like to thank all the wonderful pastors, promoters, fans, and friends who have supported our ministry with love, finances, and prayers. We'd especially like to thank our booking agency, the Beckie Simmons Agency, for all their hard work and dedication.
We pray that our ministry has richly blessed and strengthened your faith in Christ over the years. Now more than ever, we realize "God Did It" all. All the salvations, all the friendships, all the blessings came from our Heavenly Father through Christ, and this is why our 2022 farewell tour is named after our current Crossroads-Sonlite Records single, "God Did It". You may contact BSA for available dates thru the end of this year, 615-595-7500 or www.bsaworld.com. See you at one of our "God Did It" 2022 Farewell Tour Dates!
Forever grateful,
Elliott McCoy
Manager
ThreeBridges.net
To schedule Three Bridges, contact 
Beckie Simmons Agency 615-595-7500 or www.bsaworld.com.
Down East Boys announce upcoming album, The Stories We Tell
Arden, North Carolina (March 15, 2022) — Since the 2018 release of their album One Day In The Past, the Down East Boys have seen their songs top the charts ("Beat Up Bible," "Testimony Time," "I'd Like To Tell It Again" and "Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace") while enhancing their reputation as some of the best singers in the genre. Now the quartet is following their quickly rising radio single, "Your Sins Are Forgiven," with a new album: The Stories We Tell, from Sonlite Records.
The collection - now available for pre-order, add and save ahead of its May 6, 2022 release date — is the first featuring the current lineup of singers (lead Ricky Carden, baritone Daryl Paschal, bass Alex Utech and tenor Doug Pittman). The Stories We Tell offers a sampling of all the elements that have contributed to the success of the group's musical ministry — uplifting songs; thoughtful, creative arrangements relevant to today's faithful while keeping strong links to tradition; and, above all, singing that gives each voice an opportunity to testify within a tight-knit quartet setting.
Beginning with "Good In The Good Times," which features Pittman on a rousing affirmation that "God is good in the good times and better in the bad," and ending with a horn-driven cover of the popular Hemphills song "Ready To Leave," the set includes current single, "Your Sins Are Forgiven"; the moving recollection of salvation as a youngster in "The Altar," featuring and co-written by Carden with Chris Binion; the classic country-flavored waltz time "Before the Cross" featuring Paschal; "Don't Want A Maybe So," a call for "a faith that's steady, stable, sure and strong" that finds Utech making his debut featured vocal with the group; and "The Story They Tell," another Carden feature, and the song that inspired the album's title.
"It's hard to believe we've been recording with Sonlite Records for almost 20 years. So no need to stop now! We are excited about releasing our brand new album The Stories We Tell in May which will be our first album with the current lineup of guys," says Carden. "Daryl, Doug, Alex and myself worked really hard to find just the right songs with the right messages for the listeners. Our current single 'Your Sins Are Forgiven' which is the first song from the new album has already made its way up the charts at radio and streaming and we know the fans are going to really enjoy all the songs. Our prayer is that this set of songs will encourage and brighten your day as you listen to the stories we tell."
Pre-order, add or save The Stories We Tell.
Beckie Simmons Agency Announces Booking Agreement With Down East Boys
Nashville, TN (Feburary 22, 2022) - Beckie Simmons is pleased to announce the addition of the Down East Boys to the talent roster of the Beckie Simmons Agency (BSA). Both Beckie and Ricky Carden, manager of Down East Boys, are excited about this artist agreement.
Ricky says, "We are thrilled to be a part of BSA. This agency is legendary in gospel music, and Beckie is a true champion for not just the people she represents, but for all of the artists in gospel music. Her passion and enthusiasm for this music and those who perform it are unparalleled, and our group is proud to be represented by her and the fine people on her staff We look forward to great things with her on board with our team."
Beckie adds, "The Down East Boys brings to our company a household name that is already respected and successful. Their continued popularity and radio success, especially in the last few years, has been so exciting to witness. I feel very fortunate to now be a part of what is already a thriving male quartet, and our agency is ready to help them achieve even more goals in the future."
The Down East Boys are based out of Reidsville, NC. This quartet's songs have consistently reached the top five spot in multiple radio charts throughout their 14 years association with Chris White at Crossroads/Sonlite Music Group. Their radio singles include five #1 songs in the past three years, numerous award nominations, and appearances at such events as National Quartet Convention, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Memphis Quartet Show, and Singing In The Sun. Beckie Simmons Agency is celebrating 25 years of booking some of the biggest names in gospel music. BSA is one of the premier artist agencies and is dedicated to working with both artists and promoters in furthering the gospel message through the avenue of music.
New Music from Poet Voices
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nashville, TN (August 27th, 2021) - Poet Voices is back with their first collection of brand new music in over three years, entitled Everybody Needs Jesus. This album is also the legendary group's debut release on Berry Hill Records.
Produced by Phil Cross & Donny Henderson, the new release features 10 new songs from the pens of both accomplished songwriters, as well as Mark Lanier. Featuring the new radio single, Twice On Sunday, this album is sure to become a favorite with songs like Is There Anybody Else Like Me, The Cover, Everybody Needs Jesus Christ and It Will Be Finished.
Everybody Needs Jesus is available now on all digital & streaming platforms, as well as online at poetvoices.net.
This year, Phil Cross celebrates an incredible milestone with 41 years as songwriter in Southern Gospel music. Everybody Needs Jesus reflects that the iconic writer is not resting merely on contributions of the past, but continuing to produce the highest caliber of songs, beautifully and effectively presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraging believers. In addition to the new music from Poet Voices, Cross released a solo collection of songs from his pen earlier this year, entitled Glorious: The Solo Sessions.
Poet Voices will be appearing at tour dates across the country this fall, including National Quartet Convention, Texas Gospel Music Festival, Gospel Music Celebration Cruise and many more!
To stay up-to-date on current happenings, follow Poet Voices on social media or visit poetvoices.net.
Main Street Music & Entertainment is a full service entertainment company comprised of Berry Hill Records, 65South Records, Penn Street Records, .45 Caliber Records, Exit 209 Records and Skinny Chicken Records, as well as Broad Street Music Publishing and Serge Music Publishing. For more information on Main Street, visit mainstreetme.com.