Avalon recently lost the voice of soprano Cherie Adams, who announced she plans to venture out on a solo singing career. Melissa Greene will step in for Adams, who also has plans to speak at women's conferences and publish a book for Christian single women. Greene, formerly with the group Truth, will join Janna Potter-Long, Michael Passons and Jody McBrayer on their "Joy" Christmas tour.
November is National Adoption Month. As you may know, many contemporary Christian music artists have not only been promoting adoption, but have actually been taking that step in their own lives.
A couple of years ago, Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, adopted their daughter Shaohannah from China. A few months later, Geoff Moore and his wife, Jan, adopted their daughter, Anna, from China as well. If you have ever been involved with adoption, you know it can be expensive. With that in mind, Chapman and his family have created a foundation called Shaohannah's Hope to raise funds for other families who can't afford to adopt a child. And while we're on the subject of Chapman, fans will be interested to know he is turning the big four Ooooh (40) in November.
Add dc talk's TobyMac to the list of growing families. Toby and his wife, Amanda, recently adopted two children, a girl named Marley and a boy named Moses. Rumor has it that Toby is now doing feedings and songwriting late into the night.
Talking about new additions, the Audio Adrenaline family just continues to swell! Congratulations go out to bass player Will McGinniss and his wife, Andrea. They are expecting their third child in early 2003. The McGinniss' have probably been stocking up on baby supplies with guitarist Tyler Burkum and his wife, Allison, who are expecting their first child late this year.
Also this year, the members of Third Day have been seen rolling up their sleeves and wielding a hammer. Third Day got involved with Habitat For Humanity a few years ago, and have been enthusiastically working to build houses ever since. Mac Powell and the guys regularly take part in the actual construction of new homes for families who need a roof over their heads.
The Newsboys have taken leave of their homes this fall to spread God's Word, literally! The "Thrive-It's All In The Word" tour features not only great Newsboys' music, but also a call to the youth of America. The boys are urging youth to commit to reading the Bible as the source of strength, wisdom and inspiration essential to growth as a Christian. I know many a parent who will buy a ticket for that, and even watch the concert from start to finish.
Look for NewSong to appear in "The Christmas Shoes" movie this holiday season on NBC. To premier Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, "The Christmas Shoes" movie is taken from Donna VanLiere's novella of the same title. VanLiere was inspired by NewSong's hit radio single that tells the moving story of a little boy who longs to buy a pair of shoes for his dying mother.
That's it for the happenings offstage. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas season!