Church of God Music Ministries, part of the Division of Discipleship at International Offices, presents Music Explosion 2012, held at North Cleveland Church of God and the Lee University Conn Center, Wednesday Feb. 22, through Friday, Feb. 24.
Larry Horrell, coordinator of Music Ministries for the Church of God, stated, “Music Explosion has historically distinguished itself with an emphasis on teaching, while similar conferences have placed greater emphasis on previewing new music. Expanding this in 2012, we plan to offer more than 60 sessions over two days for attendees to choose from and personalize their own experience.”
Day sessions will be conducted at the North Cleveland Church of God, where more than 60 workshops will provide instruction and inspiration for church musicians. Reading sessions premiering new music from SpiritSound Music and other Christian publishing exhibitors will offer various resources and services benefitting music ministries.
Two evening worship concerts will feature performers Israel Houghton and New Breed, Johnny Minick and John's Call, Mark Harris, Sisters and The Voices of Lee.
Registration begins Wednesday, from 1–5 p.m. in the North Cleveland Church of God-Bryant Hall, followed that evening at 7 p.m. by a worship concert in Lee University’s Conn Center, featuring Mark Harris, Sisters, and Johnny Minick and John’s Call. The concert is free and open to the public.
Thursday, the day session at North Cleveland Church of God will feature guest speaker, Second Assistant General Overseer Mark Williams.
On Friday, the conference will conclude with the second worship concert in the Conn Center, featuring Israel Houghton and New Breed, and Voices of Lee.
Israel Houghton and New Breed have most recently added to their numerous awards, a 2011 Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album (Love God. Love People.). The African, Middle Eastern and South American influences in the group’s music have developed a multi-cultural and multi-generational following. Friday evening's concert with Israel Houghton will be ticketed with a student rate of $15.
Johnny Minick and John’s Call is a southern gospel group comprised of Johnny Minick, Allison Durham Speer, Mike Allen, Aaron Minick and Sherry Minick. John’s Call is frequently heard on Gaither Homecoming tours.
After 15 years with 4Him, a collaboration that resulted in 22 No. 1 hits and 8 Dove Awards, Mark Harris released, The Line Between the Two, in June 2005, communicating a more personal message to his listeners.
The vocal trio, Sisters, is traveling the country sharing the dynamic harmonies from their albums, Sisters, and Renewed. Sisters is presently touring with nationally known singer/comedian, Mark Lowry.
The Voices of Lee have appeared on “Good Morning America” and Bill Gaither’s video series. They have toured Europe with concerts at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and England’s Ely Cathedral as well as Christmas at the White House. Most recently, they have appeared on NBC’s The Sing-Off competition for a cappella groups, finishing as second runner up.
“Our goal this year,” said Mr. Horrell, “is to make Music Explosion essential, engaging and as economical as we can for any church to send their music personnel.”
Registration for students is $39 to attend the entire conference, $99 per individual and $79 per group (of five or more). For more information about Music Explosion and to register, visit www.spiritsoundmusic.com or call 1.866.764.3875.