GMA Canada Week 2010!
Jan 9th, 2010
We have been getting a number of requests about the 2010 Conference dates and details, and we can safely say that we have the same venue for the Music Conference booked again for October 26-29, (the Samaritan’s Purse building). We will be reserving blocks of rooms at both the Sandman Inn as well as the Holiday Inn Express again for 2010.
Details and registration information will be available early 2010, and we are looking forward to seeing the conference grow once again as we seek to provide relevant and pertinent information and speakers that will help you in your music and ministry. The feedback we received from many of you is helping us shape next year’s events, and we welcome any further information you have that would assist us as we book speakers, plan topics, organize showcases etc.
We will be releasing details about the Cross Canada Talent Search, Awards Show and Showcases, as we know many of you do plan far in advance for these kinds of events, and fall is a busy tour season for you.
One request we have from those who attended the 2009 event, is that if you would be able to provide a quote about how the event has helped you in your careers and ministries, that would be really helpful to us as we promote the event.
Thanks again for the part you play in Christian Music in Canada, and we hope to see you in the fall of 2010!
GMAC Cross Canada Talent Search Finalists and Winners
Oct 27th, 2009
Top 6 Scripture Songs of 2009
Arthur Wachnik God Be Gracious
Bori Afolabi Faith
Brad Guildemond Psalm 107
Evangeline Inman Psalm One
Jeremy King At the Name of Jesus
Joshua Seller Song of the Angels
Top 7 Songs of 2009
Mark Tromsness Fool for You
Ben Clark Woo Hoo
Carey Blackwell He’s Not Surprised
Dave Siverns You Are The One
Debbie Zeppick Counting on You
Peter LaRiviere Oasis
Zach Havens Closer to You
Top 6 Performance Finalists
To Tell
Dan Nel
Jennifer Jade Kerr
Junkyard Poets
Blake Paul
Define The Line
Congratulations to all of the competitors and a big thanks to the many judges from across Canada who made the competition successful.
Downhere Sweeps the 2009 Covenant Awards!
Oct 25th, 2009
Here are the winners of the Covenant Awards which were held on October 23 in Calgary, AB.
ALBUM/ARTIST (DESIGNER)
Find Me or Blessed Are The Lost Ones/David John Hensman
CHILDREN’S ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Giver Of Grace/Jon Bauer
CHILDREN’S SONG OF THE YEAR
Show Me The Way/The Toronto Children’s Concert Choir (Rev. Denise Gillard)
CHOIR SONG OF THE YEAR
Wonderful/Evangeline Inman & Women Who Worship (Evangeline Inman/
CLASSICAL/TRADITIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR
Alleluia, Alleluia (Psalm 84)/Gemma (Karin Dart/Cathy Hardy)
CLASSICAL/TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Fields Of Gold/Jeffrey Allan Sawatzky
COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
You Carry Me/Brenda Janz
COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS SONG OF THE YEAR
King Of The World/Point Of Grace (Cindy Morgan)
MUSIC DVD OF THE YEAR
God Rocks! The Music Videos/God Rocks!
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Crystal/Fresh I.E.
FOLK/ROOTS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
No Sudden Movements/Corey Doak
FOLK/ROOTS SONG OF THE YEAR
The Other Side/Matt Brouwer with Amy Grant & Vince Gill (Matt Brouwer)
FRANCOPHONE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Authenticité/Andréanne
FRANCOPHONE SONG OF THE YEAR
Comblé/Andréanne (Andréanne Lafleur)
GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Ain’t That Good News/Black Pioneer Heritage Singers
GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR
O Taste And See/Evangeline Inman & Women Who Worship (Evangeline Inman/
INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Evangeline Inman & Women Who Worship/Evangeline Inman
INSPIRATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR
The Beggar Who Gives Alms/Downhere (Marc Martel/Jason Germain)
INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
A Quiet Afternoon/Tisha Murvihill
INSTRUMENTAL SONG OF THE YEAR
Eastern Grace/Jasmin Gibb (Jasmin Gibb)
JAZZ/BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Mombâcho/Mike Janzen Trio & Friends
JAZZ/BLUES SONG OF THE YEAR
Embrace The Mystery/Steve Bell (Gord Johnson)
MODERN ROCK/ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Bird And The Bee Sides/The Nashville Tennis EP/Relient K
MODERN ROCK/ALTERNATIVE SONG OF THE YEAR
Live Life Loud/Hawk Nelson (Hawk Nelson)
MODERN WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Love Is A Fire/Fridays Cry
MODERN WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
No Mountain/Fridays Cry (Brandon Wall/Jordan Wall/Josh Anderton)
POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Ending Is Beginning/Downhere
POP/CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR
Here I Am/Downhere (Marc Martel/Jason Germain)
PRAISE & WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Glory/Klaus
PRAISE & WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
It’s Time For The Reign Of God/Brian Doerksen (Brian Doerksen/Steve Mitchinson)
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
More Than Music/Promise
RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
4-3-2-1/Manafest (Chris Greenwood/Adam Messinger)
ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Living And Surviving/Red Umbrella
ROCK SONG OF THE YEAR
My Last Amen/Downhere (Marc Martel/Jason Germain)
SEASONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Looking For Christmas/Ali Matthews
SEASONAL SONG OF THE YEAR
How Many Kings/Downhere (Marc Martel/Jason Germain)
SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
It Takes Faith/The Hunters
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR
God’s Game Plan/The Hunters (Dusty Hunter)
Special Events/Compilation Album of the Year
Women’s Journey Of Faith/BU Girl
URBAN/R&B/SOUL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Divine Conversations Volume I/Jennifer Meade
URBAN/R&B/SOUL SONG OF THE YEAR
You/Fresh I.E. (Robert Wilson)
GENERAL CATEGORIES
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Newworldson
Artist of the Year
Downhere
Album of the Year
Ending is Beginning/Downhere
Female Vocalist
Janelle
Male Vocalist of the Year
Joel Auge
Recorded Song of the Year
Here I Am/Downhere
New Artist of the Year
Chris Bray
Producer of the Year
Philip Janz
Song of the Year
Here I Am/Downhere (Marc Martel/Jason Germain)
Top Songwriters for the 2009 Competition!
Oct 18th, 2009
The judging process for the Song competition this year was extremely difficult due to both the number of submissions, (over 350 songs!) and the quality of many of the songs that were submitted.
The judges have narrowed the list down to our 6 finalists in both the Scripture Song as well as the Song of 2009. We also wanted to mention the top 31 writers in both categories, as we all understand that this is a subjective process, and selecting just 6 songs will undoubtably leave many great writers out. So without any further ado, here are the top 31 songwriters, and then following that the top 6 Scripture Songs and top 6 Songs of 2009.
We would encourage you once again to come to the conference this coming week (if you haven’t already registered) and take advantage of the great songwriting workshops that are offered. Congratulations to all of you for the work you do and will continue to do in exercising your creative calling!
Arthur Wachnik
Ben Clark
Blair Lane
Bori Afolabi
Brad Guldemond
Brenda Geneau
Carey Blackwell
Christine Magee
Dave Sivens
Debbie Zeppick
Dwight Forseth
Evangeline Inman
Gary French and Peter David Newman
Isaac Haines
Jae Chantler
Jaysun Penalosa
Jennifer Zoetman
Jeremy King
Jill Hagan
Jill Kozac
Janelle Heth
John D Ellison
Joshua Seller
Karen Burkhart
Karissa Sovdi
Nancy Seaman
Paul Blake
Peter LaRiviere
Sarah Walker
Sterling Hunte
Zach Havens
Top 6 Scripture Songs of 2009
Arthur Wachnik God Be Gracious
Bori Afolabi Faith
Brad Guildemond Psalm 107
Evangeline Inman Psalm One
Jeremy King At the Name of Jesus
Joshua Seller Song of the Angels
Top 6 Songs of 2009
Ben Clark Woo Hoo
Carey Blackwell He’s Not Surprised
Dave Siverns You Are The One
Debbie Zeppick Counting on You
Peter LaRiviere Oasis
Zach Havens Closer to You
Congratulations to all of our entries and to the top songs of 2009! Check back here for the top Scripture Song and Song of 2009 after the finals on October 22.
GMA Canada Week Schedule and details
Oct 16th, 2009
If you are planning on coming to Calgary on October 20-24 for GMA Canada Week, we have details about the schedule, as well as details about what to expect at GMA Canada Week 2009.
For the complete schedule of the week, click here. For details about the concerts, posters for showcases, and more details about the event, click here.
The Covenant Awards Concert on Friday October 23 will feature Downhere, Brian Doerksen, Fresh IE, Carolyn Arends, Mike Janzen, the Hunter Family, and many more. Don’t miss this highlite of Canadian talent at First Alliance Church in Calgary Alberta.
Covenant Awards Banquet and Gala tickets available now!
Oct 6th, 2009
The performers and program for the Covenant Awards and Banquet are set and ready to roll. Tickets are available for all of the events that are part of the 2009 GMA Canada Week. Visit the ticket form here for all of the options for purchasing tickets.
Also, many nominees are asking where their category will be announced, and we have that information available here.
The following categories will be presented at the Awards Show:
Francophone Album of the Year
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Praise and Worship Song of the Year
Seasonal Song of the Year
Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Special Events/Compilation of the Year
Urban/R&B/Soul Song of the Year
Album of the Year
Artist of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year
Group of the Year
New Artist of the Year
Producer of the Year
Recorded Song of the Year
Song of the Year
The following categories will be presented at the Banquet:
Children’s Album of the Year
Children’s Song of the Year
Choir Song of the Year
Classical Traditional Album of the Year
Classical/Traditional Song of the Year
Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year
Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year
Folk/Roots Album of the Year
Folk/Roots Song of the Year
Francophone Song of the Year
Gospel Album of the Year
Gospel Song of the Year
Inspirational Album of the Year
Inspirational Song of the Year
Instrumental Album of the Year
Instrumental Song of the Year
Jazz/Blues Album of the Year
Jazz/Blues Song of the Year
Modern Rock/Alternative Album of the Year
Modern Rock/Alternative Song of the Year
Modern Worship Album of the Year
Modern Worship Song of the Year
Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year
Praise and Worship Album of the Year
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year
Rock Album of the Year
Rock Song of the Year
Seasonal Album of the Year
Southern Gospel Song of the Year
Urban/R&B/Soul Album of the Year
CD/DVD Artwork Design of the Year
Music DVD of the Year
Video of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
See you in Calgary!
Hunter Family and Young Street Vocal Band in Concert as part of GMA Canada Week.
Sep 20th, 2009
The Hunter Family has become a household name in Southern Gospel, having shared stages with all of the major acts in Southern Gospel music from both sides of the border, including being featured at the Southern Gospel Quartet Convention in the US. They bring a fresh energy and youthfulness to the stage that is infectious, and is sure to both entertain and motivate the audience in their faith.
Young Street Vocal Band has been a backbone in Canadian Southern Gospel through the years, performing and recording CDs that have been a benchmark for our Canadian groups. Wayne Dyck, one of the key members, also organizes the Canadian Gospel Music Celebration in Red Deer each year, providing a great platform for fans and artists alike in the largest annual Southern Gospel event in Canada.
First Alliance Church will host the event on October 22nd, as part of the GMA Canada week, which includes a conference for musicians and songwriters, a song and performance competition, and concerts by artists such as Brian Doerksen, Downhere, High Valley, and of course the Hunters and Young Street Vocal Band. The Covenant Awards Banquet and Show will cap off the week on October 23, also at First Alliance Church.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased online here.
Downhere and High Valley tour Alberta leading up to GMA Canada Week
Sep 18th, 2009
After garnering 11 nominations for the 2009 Covenant Awards, Downhere will headline a four city Alberta tour mid October. Downhere, who just came off of a tour with Building 429 as an opening act, will now take the stage and give a full performance, with fellow label mates High Valley, and Nashville based Shaun Groves. The evening promises to be a high energy, rock and country night of the best in Canadian Christian Music.
Downhere will also be a part of the 2009 Covenant Awards show, happening at First Alliance Church on October 23 in Calgary.
The tour will be in Edmonton (Sherwood Park Alliance Church) on October 18, Grand Prairie (People’s Church) on October 19, Lethbridge (Evangelical Free Church) on October 21, and as part of the GMA Canada Week in Calgary (First Assembly Church) on October 22.
If you are looking for tickets, your local Christian retailer will have them on hand, or you can visit their ticket sales page here.
Looking for hotel and location information for GMA Canada Week?
Sep 7th, 2009
Hi!
We’re glad to see you’re coming to the GMAC Conference 2009. The entire GMAC Week (October 20 – 24, 2009) is going to be full and exciting, starting with Tuesday (Oct. 20th) night’s worship concert; including all the workshops, seminars, and sessions of the Conference; ticketed concert events, and the Covenant Awards Banquet and Show; and capped off with encore seminars on Saturday (Oct. 24th)—Band Bootcamp and Vocal Artistry Bootcamp. More details about the GMAC Conference will be released as confirmations come in from speakers and clinicians.
The GMAC Conference (Wed. morning through Friday afternoon) is being hosted by Samaritan’s Purse, at their beautiful facility in NE Calgary (shared with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association), within sight of the Calgary International Airport. There are two hotels adjacent to the Samaritan’s Purse building, with which we have been able to secure a special rate on behalf of our GMAC Conference guests.
Samaritan’s Purse
http://www.samaritanspurse.ca
20 Hopewell Way, NE
Calgary, Alberta
Here are the steps to follow to book your room at our special rate:
1.You must reserve by phone (before Oct. 6) to get the special rate we have secured for our GMAC conference guests. Note that all online bookings will be at regular rates.
2.You must use the hotel’s group confirmation number for our group (see A & B below), which will identify you with the GMA Canada Conference, at Samaritan’s Purse from Oct. 20 – 24, 2009.
3.Then reserve, using your own name and credit card to guarantee your booking. Check that you are getting the rate you should be getting (from the info below, depending on which hotel you choose).
A.The Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary Airport, 25 Hopewell Way NE
To book at our special rate, before October 6, 2009, call the Central Reservations line at 1-800-SANDMAN and refer to the Sandman Hotel’s group confirmation number: 244994. Provide your own name and credit card to guarantee your booking.
The Standard Double Bed Guest Room —$94/night + taxes
Spacious Standard Room features a 25-inch TV, large work desk, and free high-speed internet access. There are no connecting rooms or roll-away cots in this hotel.
A hotel shuttle is available, which gives complimentary service from the airport; there is a $3 charge for drop off back to the airport. The Sandman Hotel has an indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness centre, and a Business Centre. A few smoking rooms are available (Note: the entire property at Samaritan’s Purse is a non-smoking area). Coffee/tea, granola bar, and fruit are available in the lobby each morning. There’s a Moxie’s restaurant onsite, for room service and in-restaurant meals. Check in is at 4 pm; check out is at 11 am; luggage storage is available or you may arrange a later check out. Cancellation policy is 24 hrs. in advance of arrival. This hotel is only six years old.
B.The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at Calgary Airport, 45 Hopewell Way NE
To book at our special rate, before October 6, 2009, call the Hotel Reservations line at 1-877-768-1888 and refer to the group reservation as “The Gospel Music of Canada Group Block.” At that time, provide your own name and credit card to guarantee your booking.
Standard Queen Bed Guest Room—$110/night + taxes
Spacious Standard Room features a 32-inch LCD TV, large work desk with an ergonomic chair, mini-fridge, microwave, and free high-speed, wired, and wireless internet access. Connecting rooms and roll-away cots are available in this hotel at an additional cost.
A hotel shuttle is available, which gives complimentary service to and from the airport. The Holiday Inn Express has an indoor pool, whirlpool, water slide, fitness centre, guest laundry, and a Business Centre in this completely non-smoking hotel. A complimentary Express Start Breakfast is included with each night’s stay, providing you access to a hot & cold continental breakfast bar, including a variety of fruits, cereals, yogurts, breads/pastries, and proteins (omelets, sausage, etc.) . Check in is at 4 pm; check out is at 11 am; luggage storage is available or you may arrange for a later check out time (1 pm, at the latest). Cancellation policy is 6 pm day of arrival. This hotel has been open since February 2008.
I hope this is helpful to you. We look forward to seeing you at the GMAC Week (October 20 – 24, 2009)!
Sincerely,
Debbie Jantzen
GMAC Administrator
GMA Canada Member Voting and Blessings Fan Choice Awards now officially open
Sep 6th, 2009
The General Categories are nominated through a judging process of judges chosen from across Canada. These results are then combined with the votes from the membership base, from which the winners are decided. Each member receives one vote, regardless of how many votes you submit.
If you are a member in current standing, your are invited to cast your vote for the folowing categories:
Recorded Song of the Year
Song of the Year
Album of the Year
Producer of the Year
New Artist of the Year
Group of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
Artist of the Year
To be a part of the process, please click here and cast your vote.
If you are looking for the Blessings Fan Choice Award, click here to vote for your favorite artist of 2009.