KB: Matt, What’s new this year at CMS?

MK: We are doing the Late Night Groove Lounge this year for the first time… it will feature local Buffalo artist, Mick Hayes.  Also, we will be doing the Songwriters in the Round for the first time in Buffalo. Some well known folks will each share a song, unplugged.

We have some brand new workshops this year, featuring the Nashville session players who will be backing up Dave Cleveland. John Hammond on drums, Craig Nelson on bass and Jason Webb on keys.

KB: What is the mission of CMS?

MK: Our mission/goal is to provide practical resources and training for Christian artists to improve skill and inspire talent for God’s glory! We do this by putting together world-class teachers at the conferences (there are also conferences in Washington State and Nashville), by publishing Christian Musician and Worship Musician Magazines, by selling great products on WorshipGuitarPlayer.com, and by streaming our events Live and OnDemand at CMSstream.com.

KB: Is the a moment from a CMS that has stuck with you?

MK: At the close of CMS Northwest 2012, the band One Sonic Society was finishing their set… it was the last song of the night, and of the event, for that matter. The moment was so sweet and thick with the power of the Holy Spirit, that when the song faded, there was ABSOLUTE silence in the room of 2,000 people. Not a peep. No one coughed, no one whispered, nothing… complete stillness before the Lord. It was powerful… and the stage was completely black. From the glow of the amp lights and stage gear, I saw Jason Ingram walk back to Paul Mabury and say something to him in his ear… Paul got up from the drum throne, walked to the front mic in darkness and spoke this phrase, emphasizing a different word each time… “Be still and know that I am God.” A few lights lit the stage now. Paul prayed over the crowd… Bruce and I bid farewell to the people, and CMS Northwest 2012 was done. The most powerful moment I can recall during a CMS event.

KB: Kingdom Bound has had the pleasure of working with CMS for the past several years…what does that partnership mean to you?

MK: We are extremely grateful to Kingdom Bound for their partnership with our New York and Nashville events. There’s no way we could do it without them. They bring a strong history of event promotion and an incredible team that supports the vision of the CMS.

Our prayer is that we can continue to move forward to make an impact in the lives of creative people for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom.

KB: What kind of feedback have you received from past CMS Attendees and Presenters?

MK: A TON!  Here are a few:

“I’ve earned more in the first morning than I have in years.” – Nashville attendee

“This was far and away the most helpful and practical Christian event I’ve ever attended.” – Jarrod Neufeld

“All classes, organization, flexibility where needed, talent, musicians, entertainment. To me, I could not have been more pleased and will be there next year.” – J. Noonan

And finally…from one of the most talented artists we’ve ever had the opportunity to partner with:

“I have had the privilege to be a part of the Christian Musician Summit conferences over a number of years now, and I can tell you it is an event that both educates and encourages musicians, vocalists, technicians and anyone who desires to improve their skill and having an impact in this world with their God-given talents. The people who have tirelessly put all this together are true servants and amazing human beings that I have come to love and respect. Thank you CMS for all that you’ve done in encouraging us!”~ Phil Keaggy

For more information about workshops and how to register for CMS at The Chapel, click HERE (link to register).  for evening concert information, click HERE

American Idol Season 11 finalist Colton Dixon’s debut album A Messenger is available TODAY on Sparrow Records/19 Recordings! Thanks to his amazing fans, Colton is already a chart-topping artist via the album’s first two singles, “Never Gone” and “You Are” and A Messenger is already topping the iTunes Christian/Gospel album chart and is in the top 5 of the overall album chart at iTunes.

A Messenger features 11 tracks that showcase the multi-talented singer/songwriter’s trademark balance of vocal tenderness and intensity, his energetic piano playing and, above all, a sense of hope and inspiration.   In addition to these 11 tracks, fans that purchase the album at Walmart will receive an exclusive bonus track, “The Shape of Your Love.” If you already pre-ordered or plan to buy the album on iTunes, don’t worry you get your own exclusive track – “Wake Up.”

In support of A Messenger, Colton Dixon will be touring as a special guest on 46 dates with Third Day, starting February 21, 2013 in Fairfax, Virginia. Can’t wait that long? Join Colton live on your computer today at 8:00PM ET/5:00PM Pacific for a special online album release party via StageIt! Colton will also be hosting a series of album release parties across the country in partnership with KLOVE and Air1. Check out the link here to see if there is one near you. If you live in Orlando, you are in luck – Colton will be hanging out with Z88.3 for their own album release party on February 8 – details here.

A Messenger is available anywhere you buy music including iTunes, Amazon, Walmart , Lifeway, and Family Christian Stores!

Be sure to keep up with all the Colton news by following the hashtag #amessenger on Twitter.

www.coltondixon.com

Grab your friends, family, neighbors…anyone you can and head out to Coca-cola Field in downtown Buffalo for Rock the Lakes. Join Franklin Graham along with Skillet, Lacey Sturm from Flyleaf, Tedashi, Michael W. Smith, Building 429, Flame, Reilly and others on September 22 & 23. Volunteers are still needed. Visit rockthelakes.org/buffalo for volunteer info and event schedule.

If you missed having Chris Tomlin at Kingdom Bound this year, so did we.  So…we are bringing him to the Western New York area this October. He’ll be at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY on Sunday, October 28th at 7:00pm. He’ll be joined by new-comers All Sons & Daughters.  Tickets are just $35. To order online, click here. By phone, call Kingdom Bound at 800.461.4485. If you are in the Rochester area – you can pick them up at the Cultural Life Center Box Office at RWC.

Casting Crowns is   on SUNDAY, August 5th at 9:30PM

Switchfoot is   on MONDAY, August 6th at 9:30PM