Allstar Cast including Denzel Washington, Blair Underwooe, Cuba Gooding,Jr. and Angela Basset Featured in New Audio Bible

ENSEMBLE CAST OF CELEBRITIES UNITE TO RECORD AUDIO BIBLE
Zondervan and Inspired By Media Group Partner to Deliver Inspired By...The Bible Experience

Denzel Washington as "Solomon"
 

Blair Underwood is the Voice of Jesus

Blair Underwood

Actor Blair Underwood records the voice of Jesus for "Inspired By...The Bible Experience," an audio Bible voiced by an all-star ensemble cast, which is scheduled for release Fall 2006
 

Denzel Washington, Blair Underwood, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Angela Basset Featured in Audio Bible.

Grand Rapids, MI - Zondervan and Inspired By Media Group will release Inspired By... The Bible Experience, a dramatized audio recording of the Bible featuring an unprecedented roster of stars from stage and screen. More than 80 stars such as award-winning actors Angela Bassett (Esther), Blair Underwood (Jesus), Denzel Washington (Solomon) and Cuba Gooding Jr. (Judas) lend their voices to this project of biblical proportions to form an all-star ensemble cast.

Releasing this fall, a reenactment based on the entire text of the New Testament, Inspired By... The Bible Experience includes dramatic performances set to sound effects and an original musical underscore. Developed and produced by Inspired By Media Group, a company comprised of new media and entertainment industry veterans committed to producing creative and culturally relevant products for the faith-based and family markets, this first-of-its-kind audio Bible will be published and distributed by Zondervan, the world's leading Bible publisher.

"With the recent resurgence of faith-based entertainment and its appeal to both urban and mainstream audiences, this project serves as a cultural bridge connecting people of all races and ethnicities," said Ron Belk, executive producer, "We are excited to partner with Zondervan to produce this unique and inspiring Bible."

In addition to Belk, veteran television and film producer Kyle Bowser, Grammy-winning music producer Louis "Buster" Brown and Emmy-winning casting director Robi Reed also serve as executive producers for Inspired By... The Bible Experience and comprise the multimedia company's senior management team.

In addition to Bassett, Underwood, Washington and Gooding Jr., Inspired By... The Bible Experience audio Bible features a cross-generational roster of talent representing a wide variety of entertainment genres and personalities. With more than 80 African-American celebrities and notable personalities recorded to date, television and film favorites such as James Avery, Tisha Campbell Martin, Loretta Devine, Charles Dutton, Robert Guillaume, Jasmine Guy and Boris Kodjoe are among the ensemble cast. NFL Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, minister Juanita Bynum and legendary gospel singer Shirley Caesar are also featured. Voices from the music world spanning gospel, hip-hop and R&B include Common, Faith Evans, Heavy D, Anthony Hamilton, Kirk Franklin, MC Lyte and Angie Stone.

The company also plans to launch Inspired By... The Bible Experience, Old and New Testaments in 2007, as well as a number of other Inspired By... branded products, including an accompanying soundtrack.

"I am proud to be a part of this landmark project that has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with so many of my peers to bring this unique and timely version of the Bible to the global marketplace," said Blair Underwood.

Inspired By... The Bible Experience will be recorded using Zondervan's Today's New International Version (TNIV) Bible translation, a version selected by Inspired By Media Group because it represented the best combination of accuracy and readability for the audio Bible product and is targeted specifically for the 18- to 34-year-old demographic.

"Zondervan recognizes that there is a large and powerful audience looking for this type of culturally relevant product," said Paul Caminiti, Zondervan vice president and publisher of Bibles. "We're excited about the opportunity to bring Inspired By... The Bible Experience to the urban Christian market and expect it to have strong crossover appeal."

About Inspired By Media Group
Branded by its signature banner Inspired By..., Inspired By Media Group, Inc., is committed to serving the faith-based and general markets by creating family oriented products that are culturally relevant in scope. With more than a combined 40-years in the convergent areas of music, television, film, theater, literature, new media and technology, the company is an industry leader in delivering contemporary multimedia products. Visit Inspired By Media Group on the Web at www.inspiredby.com

About Zondervan
Zondervan is the leading Christian communications company in the world. Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, produces Bibles, books, new media products, gift products from its Inspirio group and children's products from its Zonderkidz group. The world's leading Bible publisher, Zondervan holds exclusive North American publishing rights to the New International Version of the Bible, the bestselling modern English translation in the world. More than 215 million copies of the NIV have been sold or distributed worldwide. Visit Zondervan on the Web at Zondervan Bible Publishers

BISHOP T.D. JAKES HOSTS EXCLUSIVE 'EDITORIAL BOARD' STYLE TELECONFERENCE WITH FAITH-BASED MEDIA OUTLETS - APRIL 3

Dallas, TX (BlackNews.com) - To outline his vision and message for 2006, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Founder and Senior Pastor of The Potter's House of Dallas, will host a special teleconference to speak directly with African American faith-based media outlets around the country.

Bishop Jakes will discuss the Katrina Interfaith Coalition, his upcoming new book, Mega Fest 2006 and the role of the church in America.

This event is exclusively for reporters from faith-based media outlets only. To RSVP, please email cleve@newfutureusa.com or call (202) 277-7381.

Event: Editorial Board Style Teleconference Call Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 Time: 10 a.m. Central (11 a.m. Eastern)Access #: (866) 704-7500

About Bishop T.D. Jakes and The Potter's HouseBishop T.D. Jakes is the founder and senior pastor of The Potter's House based in Dallas, where he leads a nondenominational congregation of more than 30,000 members. He is the visionary behind the historic MegaFest Christian family conference, which attracted more than 100,000 men, women, young adults, and children throughout a four-day period in August 2005. MegaFest will return to Atlanta in 2006, July 19 - 22. The Potter's House is the Voice and the Hand that encourages people to change their lives with hope, comfort and peace. For more information about Bishop Jakes and The Potter's House, visit www.thepottershouse.org

Editor's Note - This event is limited to Faith-based media only

DETROIT'S CRYSTAL ROSE RECORDS SURVIVES ROUGH TIMES AND CONTINUES TO MAKE PURE GOSPEL

Label's All-Star "Pure Gospel" Compilation Project In Stores Now

Gospel Entrepreneur Brian Spears 

Pure Gospel CD 

Gospel Record Label Defies the Odds

Detroit, MI (BlackNews.com) - In a time, where independent recording labels are either folding due to shrinking CD sales because of illegal downloading or selling out to international conglomerates, Detroit's Crystal Rose Records has managed to remain both viable and independent. In the last decade, an array of independent gospel labels such as Gospcentric (Kirk Franklin) and Word (Karen Clark Sheard) have been sold to billion-dollar companies that have now created a virtual monopoly on the gospel music industry.

In spite of the business squeeze, Crystal Rose has maintained a strong footing in the gospel field. Their 2004 project "Unplugged: The Way Church Used to Be" by Ricky Dillard & the New Generation Chorale was nominated for a Grammy award and was one of the Top Ten CDs of the year. This spring, Crystal Rose President, Brian A. Spears, is not resting on his laurels. On February 28th, the label will release a twelve-song CD of gospel classics entitled "Pure Gospel: Top Gospel Choirs Live in Praise & Worship" (Retail List price: $9.99) that features Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers and Kim Burrell, among others. With distribution via Taesis/Ryko/WEA, Crystal Rose has an aggressive release schedule this year. Aside from several high-profile projects that are still in negotiations for release, the label has forthcoming projects on the release schedule by former Oprah pop star contestant, Lorenzo Owens (via the D-Town/Musicmind subsidiary), and smooth jazz gospel pianist Michael Mindingall's first Crystal Rose project, "Praisestrumentals."

Spears began his career in retail management with Dayton Hudson, a mid-west corporation. Later, he met Don Davis, an independent producer and studio owner. Davis had produced artists such as the Dramatics, Johnnie Taylor, the Dells, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. He gave Spears the opportunity to learn the music publishing business through managing Groovesville Publishing. Spears later ran United Sound Studios where artists such as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and Anita Baker recorded. When LJ Reynolds left the Dramatics in 1984 Spears became his manager and formed his own management consulting company where he also managed the late gospel legend, Thomas Whitfield. In the early 1990s, Spears founded Crystal Rose with attorney Ben Whitfield, producer Michael J. Powell and choirmaster, Donald Lawrence.

Vickie Winans and TD Jakes Produce "Woman to Woman" CD/DVD 

TD Jakes and Vickie Winans Produce "Woman to Woman" CD/DVD

Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) - Bishop T.D. Jakes will host Vickie Winans' long-anticipated "Woman to Woman" Live CD/DVD Recording Event on Friday, May 12, 2006 @ 7:00 PM (Mother's Day Weekend) at the 10,000 seat House of Hope Church, 752 E. 114th St., Chicago, IL. Her new single from the set, "It's Alright," is currently racing up the Billboard music charts. The project comes on the heels of her recent chart topping, Grammy nominated and Stellar Award winning CD "Bringing it All Together" (featuring the BMI Most played gospel song of 2003 - "Shake Yourself Loose"). Winans, who has carried this concept album in her mind for over ten years, will record the live half of the 30-song, double CD at the House of Hope and the total collection will be released on August 8, 2006.

The Verity/Sony/BMG CD is a groundbreaking project dealing with a variety of issues - from a Christian perspective - which women face and struggle with on a daily basis. At the elaborate live recording featuring a live band and stylish costume changes, generations of women (from children to great-grandparents) and the men in their lives will come together for what will be a historic evening of music and ministry. Winans' 82-year old mother, Mattie Bowman and her entire family of 100 or more people will also be on hand to support Winans' big night.

Winans' mentor, Bishop T.D. Jakes, will also be there to host this special evening. "As a woman that has struggled with many issues, Bishop's messages to women have changed my entire life!" beams Winans. "I was in the Chicago airport and cried like a baby when the call came through that Bishop Jakes had consented to be with me for my recording. Bishop Jakes is one of the most brilliant, powerful, and anointed men that has ever lived!" In honor of her 20th anniversary in the music business, Winans will honor the 20 people that have made the greatest impact on her career on that night.

All tickets are free and can be picked up at the House of Hope Box Office at 773-371-2300 or by contacting April Washington-Essex at 248-253-8890 or VWINANSRSVP@AOL.COM. www.vickiewinans.com

Bishop TD Jakes  

AMERICA'S MOST POPULAR PREACHER AND HARDEST WORKING WOMAN IN GOSPEL COME TOGETHER FOR ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT

Bishop T.D. Jakes to Host Vickie Winans' "Woman to Woman" Live Recording in Chicago!

TOTAL CHANGE OF HEART MINISTRIES INTRODUCES THE GREATEST REVIVAL IN THE HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS 7-YEAR CRUSADE

Revival Claims to Aim to Revive MISSISSIPPI both spiritually and economically.

More On Total Change of Heart Crusade

Ashland, MS (BlackNews.com) - Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and shout with praise for the largest soul-saving and life-changing spiritual resurgence to shake Mississippi.

Set to begin July 1, 2006, the Total Change Of Heart Crusade is a groundbreaking and unprecedented mission geared towards restoration.

This extraordinary movement is a commitment to spiritual, social, and economic development during the course of 7 years (covering 82 counties). Its goal is to provide proactive and practical solutions to changing lives. This crusade will help people embrace a life of purpose and instill a deeper level of worship.

Total Change of Heart Ministries invites you to participate in this blessed opportunity.

As Kingdom Investors (concerned citizens), TCOH seeks your support in rebuilding the African-American community in Mississippi and requests a one-time charitable and tax-deductible donation of $84 (coverage for 7-years), which comes out to just $1.00 a month or send whatever you can. Your contribution will enable Total Change of Heart Ministries to sustain children and adult ministries. TCOH will also be able to develop housing, educational, and medical facilities. With your endowment, TCOH will continue to nurture hearts and touch lives.

God created the world within seven days, imagine what can be accomplished through his children in seven years!

Jesus said, "Blessed are the Pure in Heart: for they shall see God." (KJV - Matthew 5:8)

Become a part of this crusade and bless others TODAY.

Please make your donation @ www.TotalChangeOfHeart.org by credit card, or mail your check or money order to: Total Change Of Heart Ministries @ P.O. Box 205 Ashland, Mississippi, 38603.

Total Change of Heart Ministries (TCOH), is a Christian nonprofit organization that is partnering with local ministries and organizations to empower African-Americans in Mississippi and move them towards greatness by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting Holiness (obedience to God).

Serving the Lord for eight years, Total Change of Heart Ministries, led by Pastor Sherwyn Thomas, has proven that anyone can make a difference. This anointed ministry is a true testament to the power of faith. Total Change of Heart Ministries is fighting for lost souls and leading them to God with messages of hope, healing, prayer, and deliverance. Their passion and dedication is witnessed through bible teachings, community outreach, and gospel music. Total Change Of Heart Ministries has a wide-reaching evangelistic fellowship and has been instrumental in educating and inspiring others.

New Gospel Play "When Doves Fly," Opens Friday April 21st, 2006
 

NEW GOSPEL PLAY WITH ORIGINAL MUSIC AND A TALENTED CAST PROMISES A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE AND A UNIVERSAL STORYLINE

Newark, NJ (BlackNews.com) - "When Doves Fly," is a gospel play written by Valerie J. Fullilove of Trinity Park Productions (www.trinityparkproductions.com) and produced by the Phoenix Ensemble Theater Company. Executive Producer, Tony Wilkes with an extensive background on Broadway and Director Marsha Trice, an actress, producer and director, are co-founders of Phoenix Ensemble Theater Company. Together they have an impressive track record with successful runs of plays all along the Eastern seaboard.

The Play
"When Doves Fly" is a contemporary story with a universal theme of stepping out in faith at a time when everything seems to be going against you. It is as refreshing as it is entertaining to watch the story unfold and witness first hand God's presence in the process and in the outcome. The characters, portrayed by some of New Jersey's most talented, are as real as you and me. They could easily be your brothers, your sisters, your friends and even your own church family.

Writer Valerie J. Fullilove, Co-Producer
 

Executive Producer Tony Wilkes 

More on "When Dove Fly"

The Music
The music is an original contemporary mix of styles that wraps around the storyline and leads to an unexpected surprise ending. Musical Director Trayce Evans worked tenaciously to get his own creations, as well as the music submitted by writers Marsha Trice, Saleem Trice, Omar Sisay, Khayree "Poparotsi" Wilkes, Valerie Fullilove and Gregory K. Ayers, as close to perfection as one can get. "If my name is attached to the project, I want it to be spectacular," says Trayce.

Showtime
Tony Wilkes intends for this to be a "long run," starting in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey and then touring across the country for as long as there is a demand.


"When Doves Fly" opens Friday, April 21st 2006 at 8:00 p.m. at Newark Symphony Hall in Newark, NJ. The show will run through Sunday, April 23 (3:00 p.m.) with two shows on Saturday, April 22nd (3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.). Tickets are $25.00. Tickets may be purchased at Newark Symphony Hall (973-643-8468), Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), or by calling Phoenix Ensemble Theater Company at (973) 372-6898 or Toni Pennington (Assistant to the Director) at (201) 344-7449.

Newark Symphony Hall
BOX OFFICE
1030 Broad St. Newark, NJ 07102

HOURS
Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Closed on Sunday
Tel: 973-643-8468
www.newarksymphonyhall.org

Is the Gospel of Prosperity Really the Gospel of Materialism? By Kamau Austin

I have been hearing about the Gospel of Prosperity for at least 22 years. Much of it seems to me to fly in the face of running a business.

The prosperity Gospel seems to have risen with tele-evangelism and now mega-churches.

I notice much of the Gospel of Prosperity focuses on nice things like cars, bling, vacations -- or the good things in life. Other than owning a nice house I don't see where most of what Gospel Prosperity types deem desirable leads to financial freedom.

Most of what prosperity Gospel types focus on would leave you in a lot of debt. It seems to appeal to very materialistic people.

Running a business takes a lot of discipline. You may not be able to have a nice car, jewelry, or even a big house. You will have to live below your means to reinvest in the business.

Where is it written that Jesus held a lot of personal possessions any way? I think the prosperity Gospel really takes us down a path of materialism. We need a Gospel of economic equity and financial freedom in my humble opinion.

I will explore this concept again in other posts.