(VIA EURWEB) On the third weekend of January, the gospel industry takes over Nashville with the arrival of The Stellar Awards. For this cadre of gospel music devotees gospel music’s main event is far from their only option.
Due to its presence the Stellar Awards has had a mushroom effect, inspiring some twenty outside events held throughout music city at churches, the host hotel (Gaylord Opryland) and various other venues.
Hosted by record labels, radio stations or promotional companies, the type of events range from listening parties and showcases to recognition ceremonies.
Official Stellar Awards events began on Wednesday, January 12 with the Verizon Wireless and Stellar Awards Choir Boot Camp, which will conclude on January 15, when the 26th Annual Stellar Awards will be recorded live at the Grand Ole Opry at 6:00 p.m. But for many gospel industry insiders, the Annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Luncheon, being held a day before the award show, is a must attend affair. This year’s BMI Trailblazers are Pastor Shirley Caesar and Commissioned.
Following the luncheon, A-listers can dock for a buffet of grooming and pampering treatments and gifts in the 2nd Annual Official Stellar Awards Gift Lounge at the Gaylord from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Presenters, show talent, nominees and select SAGMA (the voting body of the Stellars) members will be treated to make up by eco-chic brand LAMIK, get to meet and greet life coach and author Ken Brown and take away a variety of products such as Carol’s Daughter.
The best part about the mix of events offered during Stellar Awards Weekend is fans have multiple opportunities to hear and see their favorite gospel acts, newcomers and legends.
Here’s where can find them:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13
“EVERYTHING FRESH” Access Granted
Featuring: Lexi (host), VaShawn Mitchell, Myron Butler, forever Jones, Isaac Carree, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., The Ambassador, Candy West, Avery Sunshine, Tammi Haddon, San Franklin and more! Plus- honoring LaShun Pace with Lifetime Achievement Award. Hosted by Urban Soul Cafe.
6:00 p.m.
Mercy Lounge | 1 Cannery Row #102 | Nashville, TN 37103
Tickets: http://www.urbansoulcafe.com
Relevé Entertainment’s New Artist Showcase
Featuring: Mali Music, Myesha Chaney and Vadia
11:00 p.m.
Mercy Lounge | 1 Cannery Row #102 | Nashville, TN 37103
More info: http://www.urbansoulcafe.com
Deitrick Haddon’s Church on the Moon Listening Party
Featuring: advance listen to the new album from Deitrick Haddon
11:30 p.m.
Mercy Lounge | 1 Cannery Row #102 | Nashville, TN 37103
More info: http://www.urbansoulcafe.com
Command Entertainment’s “When Artists Worship”
Performers: LeJuene Thompson, Chrystal Rucker, John McClure, Charles Martin, Kyla Jade, Michelle Prather.
6:00 p.m.
The Shamblin Theater | Lipscomb University | 3901 Granny White Pike | Nashville, TN 37204
Tickets: http://www.ce-music.com
BARR Media Group’s Gospel Spotlight
Lexi (co-host), Gerald Haddon, Tammi Haddon, Jai, Mitchell Jones.
6:00 p.m.
PowerHouse Christian Center | 819 Russell St. | Nashville, TN 37206
Tickets: http://www.planetsaved.net
The Gospel Music Artists and Industry Initiative Prayer Service
Born Again Church, 858 West Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37207
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Spcial guests: CeCe Winans
Movie Screening – Jumping the Broom
Bishop T.D. Jakes and Sony Pictures screening for “Jumping The Broom” screening at 8:00 p.m.
(Driving directions will be provided at Born Again Church.)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 14
BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL LUNCHEON
Rocketown (601 4th Avenue South) in Nashville, (invitation-only)
11:00 a.m.
THE OFFICIAL STELLAR AWARDS GIFTING LOUNGE
(By-invitation-only; industry exclusive)
Hosted by Central City Productions and Jireh Communications Group
Gaylord Opryland
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Media and invited artists may call 703-986-3464 for more information.
VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP 2011 RELEASE PARTY
Gaylord Opryland
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL
(Exclusive)
Gaylord Opryland
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
YLR Hype Event
Performers: Kyla Jade, Claude Deuce, Jai, Lisa McClendon, Mr. Del, Kevin Lemons
9:00 p.m.
Music Valley Event Center | 2416 Music Valley Drive, Suite 144 | Nashville, TN 37214
Tickets: http://www.YesLordRadio.com/tickets
YLR Anniversary Celebration 2011
Featuring: Lexi (co-host), Michelle Prather (co-host), James Hall, Judith Christie McAllister, Lowell Pye, San Franklin, Dathan Thigpen, James Grear, B Chase Williams.
7:00 p.m.
World Famous Nashville Palace | 2611 McGavock Pike | Nashville, TN 37214
Tickets: http://www.YesLordRadio.com/tickets
Bonnerfide Radio Party
Featuring: Torrence Glenn (host), Ted Winn, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, B. Slade, Avery Sunshine, Brittney Wright, Gary Mayes.
9:00 p.m.
Limelight Entertainment Complex | 201 Woodland St | Nashville, TN 37213
Tickets: http://www.getbonnerfide.com
Preacher Kid Productions’ Friday Night Live Showcase
Featuring: Jessica Reedy (co-host), James Hall(co-host), Da’ T.R.U.T.H.(co-host), Y’Anna Crawley, JR, Earnest Pugh, Wess Morgan, John McClure, Zebulon Ellis, The Ambassador, Crystal Aikin, Stephen Hurd, LeJuene Thompson, Shari Addison and more!
Time – midnight
Celebration of Life Church | 768 Forest Retreat Rd | Hendersonville, TN 37075
Tickets: http://www.pkpagency.com
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15
26th Annual Stellar Awards Radio Station of the Year Ceremony
Featuring: Lecrae, Canton Jones, Veronica Petrucci and more. Plus, the winners of Radio Station of the Year awards!
Time – 11:00am
The Opryland Resort | Presidential Ballroom D
Tickets: Free Admission
Preacher Kid Productions’ Da Urban Flavor Gospel Showcase
Featuring: Damita Haddon (co-host), JR, Tammi Haddon, Lowell Pye, Mr. Del, Kenny DeShields and more!
Time – 11:00am
BB King’s | 152 2nd Avenue | Nashville, TN
Tickets: http://www.pkpagency.com
