Tell My FriendsRobert Madu
One of the premier voices being heard to proclaim God’s Word is Evangelist Robert Madu II. At a young age, his unique gifting and powerful anointing has catapulted him to the forefront of evangelistic ministry today.
Robert travels both nationally and internationally ministering to several Churches, Youth Groups, and Schools through dynamic preaching and drama. His ability to minister to people of all cultures and generations through his in-depth Bible preaching, sense of humor, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit has made him one of the most sought after communicators. In addition to his traveling ministry, he serves as the Student Ministries Director at Trinity Church, in Cedar Hill, TX.
Matt Tapley
Matt Tapley communicates the Truth with passion, wisdom, and a great sense of humour. He is the Lead Pastor of Lakemount Worship Centre In Grimsby Ontario, where his ministry is centered on equipping God’s people to see God’s Kingdom and Will established right here and now. His desire is to see the church of Jesus Christ be all that God has called us to be. Matt is a renowned speaker and extremely gifted worship leader. He has the ability to teach and exhort and speak the Word in a way that awakens the heart and mind to Truth. Matt and his beautiful wife Lisa have three fantastic kids: Abigail, Joey, and Sarah.
Mike Miller
Pastor Mike Miller pastors Shiloh Youth in Halifax, NS, as well as travels and preaches. He believes that this generation is our nation’s greatest resource. Pastor Mike and his amazing wife Nancy, who he met on a mission trip to Newfoundland, were married in May 2000 and have two children – son Joshua and daughter Mattie. Shiloh was founded in September, 1984 and has always been known for its passionate music, in-your-face preaching and pure young people. Today, Pastor Mike and his team reach out to 300+ students every week. Shiloh is helping youth and young adults, on different campuses all across the city, experience God and discover His purpose for their lives. Mike is living his dream and he believes you can too.
Brett Ullman
Often introduced as an expert on media influences, Brett Ullman travels North America speaking to adolescents, leaders and their parents on topics including sexuality, substance abuse and self-injury. Driven by a desire to discuss, explore and share the Christian reality of living in a media-saturated world, Brett’s seminars engage and challenge attendees through high-impact, technology-driven presentations. Participants are inspired to reflect on what we know, what we believe and how our Ancient Faith ought to serve as the lens through which we view and engage modern culture. Husband to Dawn, and father of Bennett and Zoe, Brett and his family make their home in Ajax, Ontario where Brett leads and directs Worlds Apart, a charity focused on empowering individuals to re-align their lives with Biblical core values often muddled by media but central to Christian living.
Overflow House Band
The Overflow House Band is a collaboration of regional Canadian talent. This is a group of highly talented musicians and worshippers from across Ontario, with the single focus of making the name of Jesus high and leading you into God’s throne room of worship. Overflow loves their House Band!
Thousand Foot Krutch
A popular 1966 poem, “Please Hear What I’m Not Saying,” begs the reader, Don’t be fooled by the face I wear, for I wear a mask . . . I tell you everything that’s really nothing, and nothing of what’s everything, of what’s crying within me.
In 2009, Thousand Foot Krutch takes a hard rock hammer to this universal matter of hidden emotions—confronting what lies beneath us and, in turn, burning off some major tension on its fifth Tooth & Nail album, Welcome to the Masquerade.
Take off your masks, and let’s let it all out. Release what’s undercover ‘til the truth comes out, spits front man Trevor McNevan on a title track that surges with action film adrenaline before cresting to a blunt spiritual admission: I’m not okay.
In fact, Welcome to the Masquerade reveals what Thousand Foot Krutch continues to learn from its growing legion of fans. Since the Toronto act’s worldwide launch in 2003, otherwise introverted listeners have felt surprisingly comfortable pouring their hearts out to McNevan, drummer Steve Augustine, and bassist Joel Bruyere. Their unique approach to music—often as heady as it is heavy—creates a space where it’s safe to go deep one moment and just cut loose the next. Through these songs for the broken and broken-hearted, Thousand Foot Krutch provides that crucial outlet to a widespread audience.
With hope comes levity, and Welcome to the Masquerade will be heralded for its rave-ups just as much as its darker depths. An early Thousand Foot Krutch hit (“Rawkfist”) earned airplay on ESPN’s SportsCenter and throughout the professional sports world, and in that vein, the new “Smackdown” pays perfect stomp-clap homage to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” There’s also “Fire It Up,” an in-your-face anthem with an irresistibly simple hook.
Welcome to the Masquerade was recorded in Seattle, Nashville, and Canada, produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, The Almost) and Trevor McNevan with additional production by Thousand Foot Krutch, and mixed by Randy Staub (Nickelback, Metallica). In a world of masqueraders, Thousand Foot Krutch welcomes you to the ball.
To Tell
Meet To Tell – a piano-driven pop/rock fire ball blasting life through speakers and radio waves everywhere. Consisting of four of the most dynamic performers in recent memory, this band writes insanely contagious music (reminiscent of bands like Mariana’s Trench and The Rocket Summer) while putting on a mind-blowing show that makes your typical rock band look like a university lecture. Over the past two years, To Tell, fronted by Zach Havens, has sent heads turning and toes tapping across Canada and the United States with coast-to-coast radio play, a notoriously ambitious touring schedule, and one of the most jaw-dropping shows in recent history. Rounding out the line up are Nate Rundle, Justyn Schwindt, and Mike Switzer who each bring an unstoppable energy to every stage on which they play.
The year 2012 marks a turning point for this young band – After having toured from Halifax to Vancouver with seasoned bands like the Newsboys and Thousand Foot Krutch, To Tell is about to release their strongest effort to date in the form of an EP entitled Away from Everything. Produced by Joel Bruyere, this land mark release is living proof that the glory days of music lie directly ahead.
In the past, To Tell has achieved placement on several nationally broadcast television programs, and has received the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Mariana’s Trench, These Kids Wear Crowns, Tokyo Police Club, Hawk Nelson and The Spill Canvas to name a few. Based out of London, Ontario, To Tell writes songs that are not only drenched in passion and emotion, but race at the listener with walls of guitars, vocal harmonies that soar to the sky, and, of course, their signature piano notes that drop through the floor. This band is taking the world by storm with music that is upbeat and danceable, catchy and hummable, energetic and fun for anyone and everyone.
Harris III, Master Illusionist
You see the card in the illusionist’s hand, but seconds later you open your own hand to find that you’re holding…that same card. How in the world? You watch as the illusionist cuffs and padlocks his assistant into an impenetrable wooden box, but moments later she appears from behind a curtain and unlocks the box to reveal… the illusionist. Unbelievable! It just doesn’t make sense. Or does it?
His name is Harris, III (“Harris the Third”), and since receiving a magic set from his grandmother at the age of 9, he has been fascinated with magic, illusion and how easily the senses are deceived. At age 11 he gave his first public performance. Today, at the age of 27, he is a classically trained, award-winning, master illusionist, and an expert in the art of deception. He has performed before 1 million people in more than twelve nations on five continents. Harris’ performances not only amaze his audiences, but also awaken them to the lure of deception, the power of the senses, and the secret of living life based on deeper realities. This is magic at its best, and truly, a creative work of art.
While Harris has earned respect as an artist to many, ultimately, he’s an equally respected communicator. Whether telling a story, speaking from his heart, or performing magic, his ultimate goal is to inspire and challenge people, initiating change and transformation.
DJ Aaron White
Aaron White, from Collingwood, ON loves blending together a mix of spirituality and a downright kicking beat. Aaron is also the Director of Collingwood Youth for Christ and loves meeting teenagers on their turf and loves taking them on a journey into both electronic music and faith. Aaron spends most of his time behind the turntables to bring the latest monster tracks out to the dance floor by spinning Progressive house, Electro house, and Trance.
Jordan Raycroft
Jordan Raycroft is a singer-songwriter from Welland, Ontario who has a voice as big as he is tall, soothing and soulful all at once. Nominated for Male Vocalist and Folk Artist of the Year at the 2011 Niagara Music Awards, this indie/folk rocker is developing a strong presence around his story telling and foot stomping melodies. Whether he’s singing about something personal as a death in the family, or a world-scale issue such as the child sex trade, Raycroft makes you feel like a close friend by the end of his set.
“Jordan Raycroft is an artist to keep an eye on. Talent and confidence are a recipe for growth — and Jordan has a good bit of both” – MICHAEL HARGREAVES (Michou)
“He’s [Jordan] got a great voice, a really endearing stage presence and an impressive collection of heart-on-sleeve songs.” – PETER KATZ (Curve/Sony Music)
“He’s got the kind of voice that sounds soothing and soulful all at once, and somehow finds a direct line to your head and heart.” – COMMUNITY MUSIC, Guelph
Havenstance
Havenstance is a five-piece band out of Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada with a distinct and diverse musical expression. Their objective as a band is not playing for glory, fame, fortune, the love of music or any other typical reason bands are formed. They consistently state and stand by their creed: “This band is a platform to promote the freedom found in Christ’s unconditional love. Freedom is the Movement.” Throughout their lives, each member of Havenstance has faced overwhelming obstacles that they have had to overcome. Two have defied death, the diagnosis of doctors and medical science while another should be deaf, yet hears with precision. By speaking openly about their struggles, Havenstance is breaking down the judgmental and self-righteous walls of empty religion and testifying to how amazing and life changing knowing God truly is.
Havenstance had an eventful year in 2011 including headlining the FEBYouth Jr. High Bedlam Youth Retreat, recording and releasing their second EP; ‘Are You Listening‘ as well as playing shows and leading worship all over south-western Ontario in front of audiences of up to 5000. ”The ministry that God has called us to is something that we don’t take lightly. This is our job, and more than that, this is our calling.”
Havenstance is ready and willing to face the challenges and bring the love, peace and joy that Christ has called them to share. Havenstance will not shy away from opportunity to speak openly about the reality of God’s love for all.
Sky Terminal
Sky Terminal is a modern rock band from Toronto, Ontario. The band is headed by lead vocalist Marcel Preston and features Anthony Moreino on percussion, Oliver Banyard on bass, and Mike Crofts as lead guitarist. The music is lit up with compelling melodies, driving rhythms, and brings a new edge to the rock music scene. Their debut album, “Don’t Close Your Eyes”, has been nominated for two GMA awards, including, “Best Modern Rock Band of the Year” and “Best Modern Rock Single of the Year.” Lead singer/songwriter Marcel Preston says, “I feel our album is a genuine expression of what lays within ourselves. From carefully plotting the dynamic structures of each song, to attentively crafting lyrics, we wanted everything to be meaningful. The thought process is very much along the lings of: ‘if what we say echoes out through eternity, let’s make every word count.’” As a follow up to the album, a live DVD filmed in Toronto featuring an unforgettable performance and thousands of fans singing backup is currently under production and is set to be released in spring of 2012. With the momentum of the latest single “Becoming Awake” receiving international radio play, Sky Terminal will be taking the dynamic set of tour globally through the coming year.
The Wedding Party
www.facebook.com/theweddingparty519
The Wedding Party, formed in late 2010, is a progressive metalcore band from London, Ontario. While coming together as a collective, and bringing a clash of influences, the music offered up on record and live tends to centre around heavy rhythms, melodic leads, sweeping keys, and convincing vocals. Though coming from very different places musically, professionally, and geographically, the members do find themselves united by a common Christian faith, as well as a desire to perform their music with a high level of authenticity (matching suits are a must; it is a wedding party after all). With the soon to be released EP “Brothers”, and forthcoming single “Blue Lagoon”, 2012 has positioned The Wedding Party to have their most promising and exciting year to date.
Crystalyne
www.facebook.com/crystalynemusic
Crystalyne is the newest musical project from Toronto’s Marissa Dattoli. After her first band Good & Broken were discovered by MuchMusic’s Disband, the band very quietly imploded, and seemingly vanished into thin air. They left behind a large online following with their Youtube videos collectively reaching over 1 million views, leaving thousands of fans wanting more.
Making the best of a bad situation, Marissa did not let this slow her down but instead continued pursuing her dreams in music, hungrier than ever. With the new found freedom, she started exploring different styles, genres, and found her place creating the unique sound that became Crystalyne. Finding band members with a similar vision through mutual friends, the group instantly became tightly knit, motivated and ready to make an impact.
After recording & releasing their first song “Weapon” in September, they instantly jumped on a national “motivational experience” tour through the organization LiveDifferent (hitting 60+ schools all across Canada) for the entire fall of 2011. The bands has soared past 9k+ hits on “Weapon” in less than 5 months, additionally seeing tremendous positive feedback from fans across Canada & beyond. With their debut EP set to be released in 2012, this is only the beginning for Crystalyne.
Behold! The City
www.facebook.com/beholdthecity
Starting a band in this over saturated music scene has never been more difficult, but Behold! The City, a melodic hardcore band from Barrie, ON are an anomaly in this industry. In under two years, they went from a group of friends playing local shows to a hard-working touring band that has gained a significant regional following.
But their goal as a band is not just to be heard and to gain success as they have been doing, but they desire to make a positive impact on anyone who listens to what they have to say. Their relationship with Jesus Christ comes first and foremost in their lives and their careers as musicians as they deliver messages of hope, courage, passion and God’s love through their music.
In June 2011, they released their first EP entitled “Kings and Cowards,” which they have been touring on since then. This has opened up opportunities to play with such bands as For Today, Straight From The Path, A Plea For Purging, The Chariot, Cancer Bats and more. Their hard work has garnered interest from certain record labels and industry professionals, which has led to a signing that will be announced shortly.
This year sees Behold! The City taking huge leaps in their music career with a cross-Canada tour planned and a full-length album in the works. With the foundation they’ve built and amazing friends and fans to support them, only God knows where their next step will take them.