Person to Watch: Barack Obama

The US Senator of Illinois, Barack Obama, first made headlines around the nation with his captivating speech at the Democratic Convention during the last election.

Since that time, Obama's name has been popping up all over the place. He has been touring the nation (and the world) with a message of hope for the growing population of government cynics.

Right now our govenment needs to be less focused on party lines (goodbye red & blue, hello purple!) and more focused on fixing problems. Could this be the guy to make that happen?

New Music: Josh Groban

One of my favorite singers, Josh Groban has a new album out this month entitled "Awake". This album features more original material than the previous albums, but it maintains Josh's signature strong tenor sound.

Also noteworthy of this album is that Josh has teamed up with the beautifully pure acapella sound of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. (If you have never heard LBM before, you definitely should look them up. You can find more out more about them here.)

Tracks:
1. Mai
2. You are Loved (Don't Give Up)
3. Un Dia Llegara
4. February Song*
5. L'Ultima Notte
6. So She Dances*
7. In Her Eyes
8. Solo Por Ti
9. Now or Never
10. Un Giorno Per Noi
11. Lullaby (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo)*
12. Weeping (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Vusi Mahlasela)*
13. Machine (with Herbie Hancock)
14. Verita [Bonus]
15. Awake [Bonus]
16. Smile [Bonus]

"February Song":

Artist Spotlight: TaRanda Greene

Congratulations to TaRanda Greene, a friend of ours from Boone, who won both female artist of the year and song of the year from The Southern Gospel Music Awards.

TaRanda's sophomore solo project - "A Thing Called Love" contains a delightful mix of upbeat, catchy tunes (such as "Sky Full of Angels", which won the song of the year) to the powerfully worshipful experience of "Redeemer".

TaRanda sings with The Greenes, a traditional Southern Gospel group headquartered in North Carolina. They make appearances throughout the country, so go hear them if you get the chance. You can also see them on the Gaither Homecoming series. For more information, visit The Greenes website.

New Music: Sarah McLachlan

I have been a fan of Sarah's since I first heard her "Surfacing" album back in the late 90s (especially "Do What You Have To Do"). Anway, I was thrilled to hear that she was releasing a Christmas album.

Wintersong is just as fabulous as I imagined that it would be.

Tracks:
1. Happy Xmas (War is Over)
2. What Child is This? (Greensleeves)
3. River
4. Wintersong
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
6. O Little Town of Bethlehem
7. The First Noel / Mary Mary (I think this one may be my favorite)
8. Silent Night
9. Song for a Winter's Night
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
11. In the Bleak Mid-Winter
12. Christmas Time is Here

Please Pray for Lillie

We just found out Lillie, the two and a half year old daughter of Jonathan's cousin, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare but particularly agressive childhood cancer.

Please remember Lillie, her parents (Cory & Michelle) and her sister Hannah in your prayers.

Lillie's blog is here.

Make A Difference - Become (RED)

Each year 30 million people die of complications from AIDS. 60% (20 million) of these people live in Africa. AIDS is the leading cause of death right now in Africa. 5,500 Africans die each day from this disease.

These numbers are staggering. Countless numbers of these deaths occur simply because the victim did not have the financial ability or the access to obtain medication that could prolong his or her life.

There is a new campaign that has been put together by Bono and Bobby Shriver that will help raise money from the private sector to go to AIDS funding. The campaign is called (RED). The (RED) campaign has teamed up with iconic brands such as Armani, Gap, Converse and several others to produce (RED) branded products. A significant portion of the proceeds from these products will go to The Global Fund, assisting women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

To find out more about the (RED) campaign and the products available for purchase here.

Artist Spotlight: The East Village Opera Company

Opera meets Rock in a blend that you have never quite heard before. And the result is amazing. That's what you get with The East Village Opera Company. The group features two powerful vocalists backed by an extremely talented band. Get ready to hear "La Donna E Mobile" as you have never heard it before.

I love every song on the CD, but my favorite is "When I Am Laid In Earth". The band really shines in their version of "Overture" (from "Le Nozze di Figaro).

This is definitely a fun and exciting spin on Opera.

Levi Strauss Goes "Eco" Friendly

Jeans staple Levi Strauss announced a new "Eco" collection of denim for the Fall of 2006. The new jeans will be made completely of organic cotton. Additional eco products will be announced next spring.

Why go organic? Organic cotton is grown with innovative, biologically safe methods without the use of agri-chemicals. Agri-chemicals are often toxic to the environment.

To find out more about organic cotton, go here:

• Sustainable Cotton Project - http://www.sustainablecotton.org/ (beautiful site, btw)
  
• Organic Trade Association - http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/organic_cotton.html

Artist Spotlight: Joshua Radin

Lately I have been really into soulful folk rock with powerful lyrics and an equally powerful voice. Joshua Radin illustrates all of the above. His soft, yet strong poetic lyrics celebrate the beauty that love can be, even in heartbreak.

Visit his website for more information.

Five From My Playlist - 07/19/2006

1) "Closer" - Joshua Radin. This soft acoustical track takes me to a warm summer day with a cool breeze floating through the air. Really the whole album does. Sigh.


2) "Nothing in My Way" - Keane. So far I've been impressed with every song I've heard from this group. This melody makes me smile.


3) "Put Your Records On" - Corinne Baily Rae. A catchy tune with a fun message.


4) "Raindance" - K'Zula. I was looking for a relaxing track featuring African tribal drums. I found it.

5) "Main Ki Malhar" - Shivkumar Sharma. I wanted a track featuring the sitar, a traditional Indian stringed instrument. I found that too!