CCM Happenings

By Robert Gruber

Tender Mercy, the husband/wife musical duo of Trent and Mary Shaftner, recently completed a nine-song project of their original folk-renaissance style music. In between regional concerts, they are jumping into another project as well. No stranger to music or stage, Mary, an accomplished flutist, is a daughter of The Cumberlands, who Trent regularly assists on bass.

The Swordsmen are staying busy these days. Solid bookings through November include the Apple Festival in Bedford on Sept. 9, and their share of the quartet contest on Sept. 23. Their brand of a cappella stylings is very much in demand — catch 'em while you can in this area (and pick up a copy of their excellent debut album, Of the Spirit).

Filer of Soul, the latest project from Fish Tales, is scheduled to release in late September. These guys are creative and versatile enough to merit regular bookings at Jubilee Coffeehouse (located at 1765 Bardstown Rd.) and elsewhere. Also making a big splash at Jubilee is a new hard-rock band from Scottsburg, Ind., Sticks and Stones. Fronted by (shaved-headed maniac for Christ) Dan Miller on lead shriek, this crew is stirring up much action for moshers and headbangers alike. Catch them in September on the 1st, opening for Gotee recording artists Johnny Q. Public in Madison, Ind.; on the 8th, headlining the Old Settler's Festival in Salem Ind.; and on the 9th at Jubilee.

Slamtrance, an alternative rock band in the vein of Soundgarden and Mad Season, is undergoing some changes in personnel. Though no details were firm at press time, they are adding a second guitarist, as well as readying their first recording, Mind Surfing with the Dogs, for release. Slamtrance will be playing the One Accord Festival at Otter Creek Park (near Ft. Knox) on Sept. l5-16, along with Zeal, Via, Omega Highway, and the Sluggers. Slamtrance will also be opening for Johnny Q. Public when they hit Louisville's Trinity Chapel (off Whipps Mill Rd.) Sept. 2.

Congrats again to Scott Robinson (Frontier, etc.) for taking home the GMA award for Rock Song of the Year among unpublished writers, entitled "A Love Song." It is available locally at Christian bookstores on the Head's Up/Building Together project. Last year Scott took three out of ten slots in the L.A.S.C. competition in the Christian music category.

Sanctified Jam Factory, Inc., Louisvi1le's night "life" alternative to the bar scene, is putting on the "Just2Jam" Labor Day weekend blow-out at Churchman's Chapel near Taylor Blvd. Musical acts include Omega Highway and Lost Cause on Friday; Sat., Chuck Jeter and Keith Fowler open for Gotee rappers GRITS (former dancers with DC Talk). There will also be rave-style dance parties held both nights before and after the live shows. Advance tickets can be purchased at The Wellspring, Berean and Family Christian bookstores. Contact Ed Amundson at the S.J.F. 24-hour hotline, 329-0313, for more info.

Paul & Leslie Turner look to have their Something For Everyone album out in mid-September. Friends like Mario DiSilva (Peaches), Jerry McBroom (Bride), Steve Millikin (Ray Boltz band) played parts in making this possible.

Dwight Ashley has kept busy this past year singing with the praise and worship group traveling between Promise Keepers. This month he flies to Boulder, Colo., to become one of nine p&w leaders nationwide to be leading the regional and national events for PK. Go Dwayne! He will also start a new project in late Sept. with B. J. Davis and Simeon Amburgey.

Speaking of Simeon Amburgey, besides his keyboard responsibilities with the Benny Hinn crusades, he has begun his own music business. Sound Creations will provide artists and music ministers the opportunity to have custom tracks done locally at a reasonable rate, with a couple of unique twists! For more info call Simeon at 937-7650.

Campus Life and N.J.M. will be sponsoring "Party In the Park '95" on Sept. 30, starting at 1 pm. Five bands — Slamtrance, Via, Blaster the Rocket Boy, Johnny Q. Public and Four Living Creatures — will be performing. At press time, the exact location of the event was narrowed down to either Cherokee Park or the Iroquois Amphitheater. This show will be the hype! Call 635-7607 or 451-7189 for details.