Listen to JASON CASTRO Live tonight on Texas A&M radio

(picture credit: Chris Griffin / thebatt.com)

After celebrating his 22nd birthday this week, Jason Castro is in transit to Aggieland as I write. Traveling mercies for you Jason -- you're covered -- you travel a lot!

Tomorrow, March 28, is Texas A&M's community giveback "The Big Event". Jason Castro will be performing the concert with his brother Michael Castro opening. How cool is that?! WHOOP!

This is Jason's school. He is a Texas A&M Aggie through and through and appreciates his Aggie family's support.

So tonight, Jason will be playing a live acoustic set on the Aggie student radio broadcast. You can stream it and listen from your computer -- No cost to you :)

The show will be 10:00 Central time (11:00 p.m. EST) Click HERE to listen.

You can also read Jason Castro's new interview with the Aggie newspaper "The Batt".

I've been really busy so please forgive my silence here, but you can check me out on Twitter also.
HUGS -- see you this weekend!

MANDISA releases her sophomore CD "FREEDOM" -- Download "My Deliverer" Free

Bucky Covington isn't the only talent that came out of Season 5 of American Idol. A number have parlayed their AI experience into successful careers. Not to offend anyone,I will only include Bucky's fellow contestants of which I am personally aware--those being Chris Daughtry, Elliot Yamin, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Hicks, Ace Young, Katherine McPhee, and Mandisa.

Mandisa left AI just before Bucky's exit and shortly after her AI experience authored her book IDOLeyes. I didn't read her book, but I have heard from friends that it truly ministered to them. I personally have not met Mandisa but know several people that have and she truly let's her light shine!

Her first CD, True Beauty, was released in 2007. She has since received a Grammy and Dove Award nominations.

Today Mandisa drops her sophomore CD Freedom. I am sharing a free download from that CD of the song called My Deliver. I think you will enjoy it. You can download it HERE.

Mandisa has recently lost 70 lbs. and is rejoicing and ministering to others in that area. She has grown even closer to the Lord in her journey to become healthy.

Keep Mandisa in your prayers.

(photo and download credit: hearitfirst.com)

Maria Long - INSIDE

(photo credit: Maria Long)


I have posted about Maria Long previously but her song is so relevant to today that I wanted to share it again. Maria's music is about "YOU" and will speak to your heart.

Maria has a heart for today's teens. Mind you, she looks like a teen herself and is beautiful inside and out! She is good people!

If you like Barlow Girl, you'll love Maria Long. Whether or not you know either, please take a look/listen at the video below and maybe even stop over at Maria's Myspace for more videos and to give her some support.

INSIDE:


Maria also invited her friends to visit her Youtube channel so go take a peek there as well.

This is really IMPORTANT! Take a Stand - BE HEARD -- TIME IS RUNNING OUT! YOUR Rights are at stake!

I worked in labor and delivery, newborn nursery, and pediatrics for years. I could write a book with all the the things that I have experienced. One thing that stood out above all was the preciousness of life and the grief when it is lost -- even before that life enters the world.

Before I get onto my soapbox, I feel there another equally important message here--that of being forced to do something against your faith. This could lead to someone to lose their career or go to jail. This is a severe threat to anyone who has a conscience--not just in this case. What if you were made to commit an act so totally against your values just because you worked in a particular career? This is major danger to our rights.

So I'm getting on the soapbox now--and it's Red and Gold with purple tassles LOL:
I have seen it with my own eyes, I know a child in the womb is a living child. My belief is what the Bible tells us -- life begins at conception when God breathes a spirit into that child. For those that do not believe in God, they think of the cells as just that -- a lump of cells -- how sad. I hope that they never have to experience a reality proving otherwise.

That being said, as a nurse I always had the right to live by my conscience and NOT take part in an abortion because it was against my core beliefs. Legislation is about to change that and REQUIRE doctors and I believe all medical personnel to assist in abortions against their own convictions. This will be both emotionally and spiritually devastating to someone. Unless you have witnessed it yourself, you cannot understand the depth at which it grips you to see such a procedure. (in its numerous stages)

Please check out and sign the petition at HERE.

Take a stand where it counts!



Be Heard Project -Protect Pro-Life Doctors from beheard on Vimeo.

Miley Cyrus / Hanna Montana - New Video - Bucky Covington..playing

I've been working on a number of things lately so I haven't had time to focus on sharing -- but I am posting a bit today. As you see, that will happen from time to time -- a lapse here and there.

God is good and I continue to praise Him for who He is and for his mercy and forgiveness.. and every breath that I and my family and friends take. (have you too?)

Thanx to Trish who told me about this video, I am sharing this video from the new Hanna Montana movie with Miley Cyrus. The video is cute and catchy. More importantly for me, I see Bucky Covington playing guitar in the back on the right side near the drums. Yes, it's the tall guy with the long blonde hair wearing a kind of greenish shirt (and jeans, of course). Way to go Bucky! We are so happy and proud of you!

This video might spark one of those dance revolutions .. I prefer the kids singing this song to "Crank That" which is also very catchy, but the words are filthy and a lot of people don't even realize it! -- and some don't care (it definitely doesn't give glory to God).

So, here ya go: Miley Cyrus in Hoedown Throwdown:



(credit to AlexIIIMontana for posting)

AIG Bailout was nothing compared to this! (Casting Crowns)

Just popping in for a sec...still working on something, but I got this in a Tweet from Mark Hall (Casting Crowns) and I love it because it is so true, so I am sharing:

"You think AIG was a big bailout? He who knew no sin, BECAME sin for us that we might be blameless in God's sight. Thank you Jesus!!!"

Alive! (Galations)

Hi guys,
I promise I am still Alive!! I have been quiet because I have been major busy.
There is a lot of stuff going on with new CD releases -- Bucky Covington, Jason Michael Carrol, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and our Jason Castro.. soon very soon.

Lots happening on American Idol too, but there are lots of other sites out there for that :)

I promise I will get some words typed into this blog very soon. Please be patient with me.

I am also working with a few artists to start putting some of my interviews into my blogs :)

I pray you draw closer to your Savior. (Praising him helps to get you even closer - there is power in praise!)

HUGS
ME

I am Alive:

"I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galations 2:20

Can I get a whoop, whoop?

Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, with Miley Cyrus cameo (Hannah Montana)

We've known for a while now that Bucky Covington had a role in Miley Cyrus' new Hannah Montana movie (soon to be released.) Bucky plays a member of Billy Ray Cyrus' band.

Thanx to Fran at Buckytownusa for pointing me to the first video to come from the movie.

The video is Billy Ray's song "Back to Tennessee" (listen to the words.. 'how sweet the sound'). Keep your eyes peeled for the shots of Billy with the band. Bucky is behind him -- first on the left, then on the right (with the full head of beautiful blonde hair).

There are a few quick shots of the band. Remember, this is just a song video and I hope we get to see a bit more of Bucky in the movie, but if we don't, there is always next time! (Way to Go Bucky!)

Back to Tennessee:

David Archuleta sings Selena's Como La Flor

This past summer I had the opportunity to take a number of really great trips to see some of my favorite artists in concert.

Several of those trips included attending the American Idol Live tour in several cities. Why you ask? To see Jason Castro -- and different cities offer different opportunities and meeting new friends in new places. Each attendance allowed me to leave with something special -- a fun experience, a new friend or two, a special memory. (I actually got to celebrate my birthday with a group of wonderful sisters and got a special birthday hug from Jason Castro and special song just to me from Michael Johns LOL)(Even more special was I got to pray with Jason Castro -- but I digress, this post is about David Archuleta)

Many of the Season 7 American Idol Alum dove head first into the entertainment business and are finally getting to pursue their careers along with a fanbase. Some are already on the radio because of the way AI contracts are written and others are working on bringing their music to you as soon as they can. (There is a lot of redtape in getting a song out to your ears for purchase.)

David Archuleta's songs can be heard repeatedly on the radio. He is now touring the country in his solo career and meeting fans. So, Thursday night (March 12), a beautiful sister DH (Lorraine from Texas) attended David Archuleta's concert in San Antonio, Texas. (I got to meet and talk with David a few times and he is one of those with a beautiful heart -- no wonder he and Jason Castro became good friends).

While at the concert, David (Archie as we call him) was asked to sing something in Spanish by the fans. (San Antonio after all has a large Spanish influence and population). Lorraine was able to catch this video of David singing a snippet of Selena's Como La Flor and enjoying every word. The fans singing along made this a really cool moment as well for David and the audience. (Note, if you don't know who Selena is, you can google her, or you might remember her from the movie that truly launched Jennifer Lopez's career "Selena")

Thank you Lorraine for sharing and for giving me permission to post. Hugs to you girl :) and keep Shining Your Light :)



Glo... pass this on to our Donna please.

Michael Castro - perfecting his God-given talent

Jason and Michael Castro (photo credit: Michael Castro's website)


Michael Castro, brother of Jason Castro the season 7 American Idol Alum, has been perfecting his God-given talent by practice, practice, practice.

Michael is also sharing that gift with others in concert while giving his time to a youth project based in Texas called Planet Kidz. And from the videos I've seen, the Kidz are loving Michael. :)

Michael had a gig tonight and I just wanted to let him know that we were there with him in spirit. Praying against the physical afflictions that he was dealing with today and asking the Lord to give him strength to get through the show tonight. Michael is a trooper and he was able to perform after all. WHOOP! (News from Michael -- he made it through the show!)

So, on another note, if you get the chance to attend THE BIG EVENT at Texas A&M on March 28, 2009 (see previous post), you might be blessed to hear both "CASBROS" (thanx to Kali for that term LOL)... or in English, "Castro Brothers" for those that can't figure it out LOL
Jason and Michael Castro performing at the same venue on the same day.. how cool is that.

I'm sending love and hugs to the boys and their family.. and lots of prayers.

Jesus bless!
and Nighty Night!

Bucky Covington -- News out of Jacksonville, FL tonight

Due to a conflict in my own schedule, I was unable to get the opportunity to hear Bucky Covington sing his new single tonight.

News out of Jacksonville, Florida (where he was in concert) is that the new song is great! I can't wait to hear it so I will be searching Youtube and any other media sources online to see if anyone was able to record a video.

I heard that FLCathy may have something to share with us when she returns and uploads what she has captured. (She usually talks some great videos and pictures)

Until then.. Jesus bless you all.

Bucky Covington Update 3/12/09

(Banner credit: Lisa/JudgeFL)

I'm running right now, but this UPDATE just in from Lyric Steert regarding Bucky Covington's new CD and Single:

FROM LYRIC STREET:
The moment you've been waiting for has arrived - Bucky's NEW Album will hit stores on September 8, 2009! This has been a highly anticipated follow-up sophomore album, after the huge success of Bucky's debut album with "A Different World," "It's Good To Be Us," and "I'll Walk." Keep an eye out for more details coming your way soon!

BUCKY'S NEW SINGLE

Bucky's first single off his next album has been announced - "I Want My Life Back" is coming to you sometime in April! We will keep you posted on an exact release date as soon it is announced.

Jason Castro in Concert at Texas A&M University 3/28/09

JASON CASTRO IN CONCERT AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, March 28, 2009
Tickets on sale NOW

I am saddened that I will not be able to attend Jason Castro's next concert, but am anxiously looking forward to the rest of his career. I know I can't attend EVERY concert, but if I could, I would. (Jasonnn, come play on the East side next time :)

I wanted to share the info for his next gig as it is THE BIG EVENT and maybe YOU can make your own arrangements to attend. Check it out HERE.

When I reviewed the information provided by the University, I immediately knew that Jason's participation in the event was typical JASONNN! Jason Castro has the "heart of a servant." Serving and helping others is rooted deep in this boy. His concerts to date have been connected to a cause and that is one reason that I admire him so (HE IS SECOND). Jason is also an Aggie and he holds Texas A&M dear to his heart.

THE BIG EVENT, held every year by the school, is a project in which the students show their gratitude to the surrounding community by taking part in service-oriented activities. This outpouring promotes interaction between the students and their neighbors.

In connection with MSC Town Hall, Jason Castro will be performing at Rudder Auditorium on Saturday, March 28, 2009 as part of THE BIG EVENT. Also, a little birdie (with a platinum streak and a faux hawk) mentioned that Michael Castro --Jason's brother and also an Aggie -- may be performing the opening set. This will be huge for Michael and very exciting, I'm sure. WHOOP!

Tickets can be purchased NOW:
- In person at the MSC Box Office
- Online HERE, or
- By telephone at 979-845-1234 or Toll Free 888-890-5667

$15 for students, $20 for non-students
Doors Open at 7pm

NOTE: The first five rows have been reserved for Texas A&M students.

Jason Castro Fan Club members should check the VIP Lounge or watch for an email with pre-sale ticketing information.

If you are not a Jason Castro Fan Club Member and would like to become one, please see Jason's website at Jason Castro Music.

If you attend, please send share your experiences and/or pictures. My email is heart.throscopy@gmail.com

Danny Gokey's American Idol performance -- Michael Jackson week 3/10/09

Thanx to MJ's Big Blog (and Glo for pointing me in that direction), here is a video of Danny Gokey's performance tonight on American Idol. It was Michael Jackson week.

I love the comment by Kara that when she said Danny has JOY.
We know the JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH.

As, Jason Castro says... Shine Your Light... (Jason got it from the Book of Matthew) and Danny and Jason definitely read it and Shine!

Update on Bucky Covington's new single

Today I heard it from a Shinybass that Bucky's new single will begin to have airplay on April 6! I believe the March 16 date is the "ship" date, the date it gets sent out to all the radio stations.

Either way, it's still SOON!

If you are at a show, keep your ears open, maybe he will play it in advance of the release :)

If you are not a member of Bucky Covington's Fan Club and would like to become one, please see Bucky's website HERE or visit his Myspace at .
.

Bucky Covington - New Single, New CD! Woohoo!

April 17, 2007 was the day Bucky Covington dropped his debut CD -- and the rest is history!! (Shoutout to Irma and Rocky Covington who made this day memorable for me)

Bucky really did make history...(and I have said it already previously) but I am so happy to keep saying it -- BUCKY COVINGTON WAS BEST SELLING DEBUT COUNTRY ARTIST OF THE 2007 CLASS!

Bucky had three consecutive top 10 hits: "A Different World," "It’s Good To Be Us" and "I’ll Walk." (and I think that all of the tracks were worthly of being released as singles -- not one was thrown on the CD as a bad track or as we used to call it "the B side")

Well, the time has come for us to have some new music from the man. Wooohooo! (yes, I review music, but I am also partial to several artists as you can tell if you read my blog on a regular basis). (For the record, I appreciate "real" people, "humble" people, people with "good hearts" who are caring, giving, and compassionate -- that sums up Bucky in a nutshell).

Bucky's sophomore CD has a goal release date of June which is only around the corner. But, even more exciting is the release of Bucky's new single, "I Want My Life Back". I know, I've mentioned this before, but since it it scheduled to be released on March 16th.. ummmm that is 6 days..I think it is worth mentioning it again. (Like I said, this is my blog, so I share, you read--or not).

Many people have said to me that they don't "like" or "listen" to country music. You truly would be surprised at what is under the umbrella of this genre and you are sure to find many songs that you really like. Give it a listen -- why not start with a few of Bucky's songs on YOUTUBE and check out his new single on March 16th! (I'm sure you'll want to then buy the entire CD)


(Banner - courtesy of Lisa/JudgeFL

Danny Gokey - American Idol - Sob Story?

God works in such wonderful ways and mysterious ways. Even though we can't always understand or even see His hand upon the events in our lives, He is always continually working for His purpose and His glory.

I have been reading and watching items about the American Idol contestant Danny Gokey all over the news, in magazines, and online. The media is always hot to jump on a story and blow it out of proportion or for people to immediately grasp onto something and create drama over it.

That being said, put yourself in this boy Danny's shoes -- His wife, who he was deeply in love with, died only just this past year. (Mind you only a few months before he was interviewed at the audition.) Have you experienced the death of someone you loved deeply? Does that person continually stay in your daily thoughts for a long time? Do you cry? Are you in pain over your loss? The answer is absolutely YES! I think that grieving can take a year to three or more and some people never are able to deal with the loss.

Danny surely is going through his grieving process in the public arena and the story has been focused on (oh I hate those sentences ending in prepositions, but .. oh well). When Danny was first interviewed, I am sure he was consummed in the feelings of loss and pain. It is typical of people to pick apart and try to destroy someone that they do not like for one reason or another. Hence, all the negative stuff circulating around.

Danny is not the one playing the "sob story" card, but we also know American Idol loves a good back story to pull at your heart strings beginning with the tough lives of Kellie Clarkson and continuing every year focusing on someone such as Fantasia or Kellie Pickler. Many people pull for the underdog to win because they have well wishes for something better. Others, well...not everyone cares about the people, they just watch TV.

Also, speaking to those that have "ears to hear", we know persecution is satan's modus operandi. But, to God be the glory because no matter what, why, or how -- Danny Gokey's name is out there and is bringing attention to him.

I believe that those without a negative attitude in their own lives will see the light Danny shines and be drawn to it. God allows much for His purpose.

and again, Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

There are others that serve Christ on this years show and I am praying for them as well -- join me.

Red Envelope Day - March 31st - stand up against abortion

If you know me personally, you know that I am a person filled with love, not hate, and definitely not drama.

I don't "debate" the things of God, but I will surely share and speak about those things openly. I try to live my faith to the best of my ability. I believe everyone has the "right" to believe what they want, even though there is only one Truth. I also believe that the Lord has given us the commandment to share that Truth with the world - and to do it in love.

That being said, I know that for everything that happens there is a spiritual reason behind it. It is important to fight things spiritually, besides taking action in love.

So, I am sharing with you about RED ENVELOPE DAY on March 31, 2009. It is actively participating in a cause with love and no drama. It is protest against abortion so that our concerns are heard by this administration.

The event is mailing a red envelope (or postcard) to the White House (or many and writing the statement on the back of it) -- not only will the numbers show support for the the belief that life begins at conception, it will also give an added boost to the economy by purchasing postage.

If you use postcards, you will save on the postage and still make your statement.

Check out RED ENVELOPE DAY and take part.

I remembr when I was in high school and we all gathered together in our cafeteria while we listened to music and pumped out a massive amount of postcard entries to a contest that we eventually won. The unified effort dramatically raised the number of our entry submission. Can you get together with your church, your family, your friends? Send in as many envelopes as possible and DON'T FORGET TO PRAY!

Jason Castro - new single VERY SOON

Jason Castro promised that he would have his new music available soon. And according to an email I received SOON is VERY SOON! Sooooo, keep your eyes and your ears open!

Whether you liked Jason Castro on American Idol last season or not, it is undeniable that he has the ability to move his audience and to be memorable. In a time when music is "loud" and in your face, Jason has natural talent to gently touch hearts.

I think we are going to hear amazing music from this boy for years to come. If his Myspace is the litmus test for his widespread appeal, then this young man is here to stay.

Jason appeared on the TV Guide Network's Idol Wrap this week and performed what we believe will be his first single "Love Uncompromised". I am one for reading between the lines and breaking down lyrics. I have had discussions with people about the beautiful lyrics and some believe that in consideration of Jason's faith that the song is about the "wedding night". I also think that way as well, but that is only my opinion.

Jason performs in this video with backup by Dave Lichens.



(VIDEO CREDIT - LUNDY)

Bob Mayo - keyboards, guitar - Frampton

I have been so bad in writing my blog this last month.. and so much great stuff has been happening. I guess it's better to live it than sit at the computer LOL

Anyway, I will post some other things today, but something I wanted to write about is that this past week is the anniversary of a very special person Bob Mayo (Bobby to me) of Peter Frampton fame. We lost Bobby suddenly at the end of February 2004.

If you were alive in the 70's or a fan of rock music at all, you may know the album "Frampton Comes Alive" and the infamous line when Peter Frampton introduced Bob Mayo to the world "Bob Mayo on keyboards, Bob Mayo on keyboards" in "Do You Feel Like I Do." Bobby's resume was astounding and if you peek at the credits of many of the albums you may have, you would might just find his name on them.

Bobby was a very special person, so much so that if you met him, he would touch your heart in some way that would be a memory (even before his notoriety).

I remember the day I met Bobby--he stole my heart and for a good while I had his. We all used to hang out down the block from my house at Dolly's Pizzeria. (Hey to Enzo if you're out there. Hope God has blessed you and the family) There were lots of special memories after that including a very special New Year's Eve, the day we went to Alexander's so Bobby and Enzo could buy socks LOL (fun times), the day Bobby got his new convertible 1968 blue Camaro, and when we went to see other bands play or to the Beach Boys concert, and less fun but definitely memorable were the numerous hospital visits after his car accident. (Shush, don't tell, but there were many times we snuck back after visiting hours and stayed hidden from the nurses for hours! LOL and I was a nurse myself). One morning back in 1995, I walked into my office and he was sitting there drinking his coffee. Though I hadn't seen him in a long while I greeted him and said, "Did you get my birthday card?". He laughed and responded "Of course, you always remember." (and I still do).

Bobby remained a friend until he passed away. We had lots of talks about music and Jesus and wrote lots of letters (a letter is what we used to do back in the day before e-mail). Bobby will always be in my heart and he is in my thoughts this week. Thinking of him now always causes me to tear up.

I've posted some videos of him previously or you can visit BOB MAYO or search him on Google or Wikipedia if you're interested.

I'm not posting the pictures I have as they are special memories not to be shared with the world.