All Star Concert Hopes To Save The GMA
Amy Grant
Christian and Gospel music’s premier artists will gather in Nashville on Monday night, Oct. 12, for the Save The GMA concert at the Loveless Cafe Barn. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace, Fisk Jubilee Singers and The Booth Brothers are all on board for the show to be produced by five-time Dove Award Producer of the Year Brown Bannister.
Under increasing financial pressure, the Gospel Music Association is hoping this all star event will raise enough money to keep the organization running. The GMA laid off more than half of its staff in early 2009, and earlier this month Pres. and CEO John Styll also exited.
Michael W. Smith
Daywind Music Pres. Ed Leonard, who serves as chairman of the GMA Board, explains the organization’s importance. “In a time of restricted sponsorship dollar availability and financial hardships faced by many in our community, the GMA has continued to be there for all of us, offering first class events, tackling important legislative issues and promoting the genre to the world through the Dove Awards.” Among the GMA’s other initiatives are GMA Music Week, the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and Immerse.
Save The GMA is open to the public and industry, with tickets priced at $1,000. The cost covers event production and a significant tax-deductible donation. Tickets are available by calling the GMA office at 615-242-0303, ext. 238.
With the global economic crunch causing shelters to close, after-school (and school programs) to close, and a long list of charities to shut down, it DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY.
This is exactly the kind of program GPP helps keep alive with our wind farms – tell Amy to write and bang on our email – and lets keep these programs going.
Nothing wrong with fundraising for a good cause. But I would like to challenge GMA to rethink their mission. Is the Christian music industry really reaching the world, or is it an ingrown organization operating under the same principles as the world? Is it ministry oriented, outreach oriented, or is it purely business driven?
I love Christian organizations, want every one of them with a heart for God to thrive, and hope that GMA thrives even more. But it’s time to reflect on and challenge ourselves with what God wants for both GMA and for Christian artists, as they reach out to shine, not like stars the world idolizes, but like stars in the universe.