Jimmy Wayne to Walk HalfWay Accross America for At-Risk Kids

(photo credit: countryweekly.com)

I know that there are a lot of other artists out there that pick a charity for tax purposes without really having a personal connection to the cause, but not Jimmy Wayne -- Jimmy "talks the talk" and "walks the walk" for a cause I know he is truly passionate about.

Jimmy intends to brave the frigid winter climate and walk halfway across America to raise funds for at-risk youth. He knows from his own experience what it is like to be an at-risk child and to be a homeless child. He credits his success in life to his foster parents who met him halfway by taking a chance on him, helping him to turn his life around.

If you ever met Jimmy, you know he is a passionate and compassionate guy. He is a giver, not a taker. He is now using his celebrity to give back and to bring attention to the plight of homeless children and young adults -- especially those youth who leave the system with no direction or resources and are literally turned out on the street without recourse.

On January 1, 2010, Jimmy will be venturing out on foot to trek from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ hoping to raise awareness and funds for these youth. Don't expect Jimmy to be walking during the day and relaxing in a four-star hotel -- Jimmy is dedicated and driven. He will be walking in whatever weather January decides to deliver and plans to sleep on the ice-cold ground just as many of our youth do on a daily basis. (This is actually a dangerous venture, with susceptibility for illness and complications such as frostbite and on another note--street crime).

Jimmy asks that you "Meet Me Halfway" (as his trek is called)(in conjunction with HomeBase Youth Services) and calls each of us to action:
"Because I was helped when I needed it, I want to try and help now. If the bit of celebrity I have can help me raise awareness of this situation --that there are kids and young people out there who need our help, then I feel like I have accomplished my goal. I'm not asking people to come out and walk with me, but I am asking them to meet me halfway by getting involved-- donate money, adopt a kid, learn more about the foster child/foster parent program in your local community. There's so much one person can do, and so many ways they can make a difference. It just takes one person to help someone to a better life."

Please go visit Jimmy's official website and read more about his walk and how you can meet him halfway.

I personally ask that if you are reading my blog that you also support Jimmy in prayer while he is on his journey for both his protection and the success of this charity event. Also, say a prayer for these children as well and that God speaks to hearts concerning each child individually.

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Matthew 25:34-35 "Then the King will say to those at His right, 'Come, my Father's blessed ones, receive your inheritance of the Kingdom which has been divinely intended for you ever since the creation of the world. For when I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was homeless, you gave me a welcome.'"

Bucky Covington -- TOMORROW re-opening of Hard Rock Cafe Nashville -- and New Year's Eve

(photo credit: hardrock.com)


It's the end of the year and it has been snowy, rainy, and cold so I have been staying home cuddled up with THE Good Book, some crocheting, and some music. There are a number of concerts I would love to be attending, but life sometimes changes the plans you make -- so, I won't be going to any of the shows I originally thought I would be. (but January is already planned--God willing).

Even though I cannot travel to see Bucky this month, I hope many of you are going to attend at least one or more of his last few shows of the year.

Prior to Bucky Covington's performance at the New Year's Eve event sponsored by 93.1 The Wolf in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he will be performing TOMORROW, December 29, 2009, at an event sponsored by ASCAP -- An Evening with Bucky Covington at Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe. This event is to celebrate the Hard Rock's re-opening of the Nashville venue.

Bucky will also be presenting his winnings from his successful game-playing on Smarter Than a Fifth Grader to the charity close to his heart -- the Arthritis Foundation (Tennessee chapter). Bucky was recently named celebrity ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation and he will continue to serve as its ambassador through 2010. (Woohoo -- Bucky we are so proud of you and thankful for all you do. Mwwwahhh!) You can buy tickets at the door or online HERE.

According to Music Row, this Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (December 30), Bucky will also be appearing at the Hard Rock's official grand re-opening ceremony--the Hard Rock’s Guitar Smash ceremony.

MUSIC - MUSIC - MUSIC -- Bucky Covington - Jason Castro - Jimmy Wayne - Jason Michael Carroll - Danny Gokey - Chris Young

Hello world.. sorry, but due to life and technology.. I have been absent from my blogging duties for longer than I realized. OOPS.

So since I have been gone for a while, I am just going to hit you with a whole bunch of things (with info and links and lots of music to listen to) since numerous things have transpired in the world of the artists that I enjoy and support.

I have also enjoyed many shows which I have not blogged about.. my bad.. sorry. I might start to post some of those things in the blogs to come.

Let me catch you up ..please note that these artists are not in any particular order .. (except for Bucky of course..he gets top billing because God introduced him to me for His own purpose --SIDE NOTE: HEY JMC.. you know I love ya too :)

First of all, like I have said previously, I enjoy artists that are humble and appreciative and these guys are definitely that! (they each also have a fantastic love of life and great sense of humor) (so why not share some positive music!)
(p.s. I have not personally met Chris Young but I know many that have -- the others I can tell you personally that they are really down-to-earth and wonderful guys)

(photo credit: Lyric Street Records)

BUCKY COVINGTON
Well, Bucky is busy as usual touring all across the United States. Honestly, I don't thing he has stopped touring for more than a week or two here and there since he put out his first CD in March 2007. (that came right off of his American Idol 2006 tour -- I guess even though his first plane ride was in 2006, he has probably flown more than most people by now -- and in unusual planes too!)

I am so proud to see how much Bucky has grown over the last few years -- in so many ways. This is one boy for whom God has called me to be diligent in prayer. In doing so, he and his family have a special spot in my heart. (Disclaimer: I pray for a number of the artists I know and enjoy, but Bucky was specifically put on my heart by God so I guess it's a calling of such)

Since returning home from the concert in Rockingham in late September, I have heard Bucky Covington's new single "Gotta Be Somebody" regularly played on the radio (but not quite nearly as much as I would like). This song is really good. The video for the song made it into the CMT top 20 countdown. Go check it out (p.s. I AM IN THIS VIDEO ..FIRST ROW :) you can't see me, but I can :) Click HERE for video.

Bucky released an EP entitled LIVE FROM ROCKINGHAM which is now available and is includes live performances of his three hits and two new singles which will be on his upcoming sophomore CD including Gotta Be Somebody. Go take a listen and buy it on Amazon or iTunes.

Bucky's live shows are filled with so much energy that you can't walk away without having experienced a really good time. Check out his schedule on Bucky's myspace and BuckyCovington.com.

Follow Bucky Covington on Twitter HERE

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(photo credit: JasonCastroMusic.com)

JASON CASTRO
Jason's new single "Let's Fall in Love Again" is also available on iTunes and at Amazon.com or go check it out at JasonCastroMusic where you can also pre-order his CD with some goodies to go along with it.

Jason, like Bucky, has a recognizable voice and he has gotten even better since his time on American Idol. I think he will be around for a long time.

I admire the faith that Jason is not ashamed to share by walking the walk in his service to others and sharing the love God has put in his heart. His laid-back life is definitely due to the peace God has given him. I am so thrilled for what God has in store for him.

Jason has already started his national tour and will be coming to a venue near you. The plans are for his first CD to be released in early 2010.

You can view Jason's tour schedule on his myspace or JasonCastroMusic.

Follow Jason Castro on Twitter HERE

(photo credit: MichaelCastroMusic.com)

SIDE NOTE: I also really enjoy the up and coming Michael Castro (Jason's brother)both as a person and a singer. He exhibits the same values as his brother which I believe stem from his faith and family. His voice is definitely recognizable and I think he is going to have a future as an artist. Take a listen to some of the songs on his EP on his official site where you can purchase a copy for yourself. Also, keep your eyes glued to the new Season 9 of American Idol because we believe Michael has made it through the first two rounds)




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(photo credit: TheValoryMusicCo.com)

JIMMY WAYNE
Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy -- what a precious guy! Jimmy Wayne has been around for a while and has endured many trials and tribulations in his life and in his career only to create an even more giving and appreciative young man. Jimmy's current CD "Sara Smile" is out now and also available on iTunes and at Amazon.com.

The first single "Sara Smile" is a beautiful rendition!! Jimmy we are so proud of you!!

This song is special to Jimmy and is the one that started his career many years ago. Written by Daryl Hall and made famous by Hall & Oates, Sara Smile is the first single off Jimmy's new album --and wooohoo.. both Daryl Hall and John Oates have joined Jimmy on his remake of the song. (by the way, Hall & Oates' Sara Smile is nominated for a Grammy this year! -- what a perfect time for that!)

On December 15, 2009, Jimmy will appear on Daryl Hall's internet show called Live From Daryl's House. You can read about it here.

Follow Jimmy Wayne on Twitter HERE

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(photo credit: CMT.com)

JASON MICHAL CARROLL

If you read my blog, you should already know about Jason Michael Carroll (or JMC as he is known. (not to confuse the Jason's on my page --I'll call this Jason "JMC")

JMC who is well-known for his gifted voice, but also his great hair. This year JMC has sported several gradually shorter lengths (I've heard all kinds of opinions in the trenches, but it's his hair--he needs to have some say!) -- so the photos for the new CD show JMC sporting his new shorter doo. (Looks good!)

As JMC says himself, no matter what he sings "it sounds like a dirt road" -- It's so true -- his voice is recognizablely country no matter how rockin' he gets (and he does rock!)

JMC has a recently released a single called "Hurry Home" off of his newly released CD entitled "Growing Up is Getting Old". You can check out and buy the CD on iTunes or Amazon.com

Watch JMC's video for Hurry Home video on CMT

Visit Jason Michael Carroll's official page for his tour, listening and purchasing etc.

Follow Jason Michael Carroll on Twitter HERE

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(photo credit: DannyGokey.com)

DANNY GOKEY
Danny is fresh off of the American Idol tour and already on the first professional tour of his career. He was signed to a country label which we might think is a little unusual, but Danny's giving attitude and the expression of his faith in his songs has a place in country music. The key is whether or not country fans will accept him since he isn't true country. Since country music fans are mixed with people of faith and American Idol watchers, they could very well accept Danny into this genre with open arms.

I know God is in control and Danny puts Him first so no matter what the future brings, Danny belongs right where he is. Danny is a singer using his talent to benefit children and his foundation.

If you aren't aware of the work being done by Danny's foundation Sophia's Heart, please stop by their site to look around, donate, or purchase an item to benefit the cause. (I hope to see this bracelet on lots of wrists -- I've already seen a bunch of the shirts)

Take a listen to Danny's new single which is set to drop on December 22 "My Best Days are Ahead of Me" official site.

Follow Danny Gokey on Twitter HERE

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(photo credit: ChrisYoungCountry.com)

CHRIS YOUNG
Let me tell you a little about Chris Young. I've known "about" him for a while (Chris was the winner of Nashville Star a few years ago), I but never really listened to more than the few singles that were released. Recently, someone sent me his CD (thanx Icyfire)and I like what I hear.(I admire and love to hear a person's heart expressing their faith in their music).

Chris is definitely a cowboy with a soulful voice and he stays true to his country music roots. His new CD "The Man I Want to Be" is available on iTunes and the video with the same name has just released and I love it. Watch the video HERE

Take a listen to Chris' Rainy Night in Georgia HERE.. this is a classic previously recorded by Conway Twitty, David Ruffin (of the Temptations), Brook Benton, and just recently by Rod Stewart... (Whether you like country or not, I think you will like this song! -- besides Man I Want to Be, this one is a fav!).

And if you aren't familiar with Chris Young's song about the little black dress, make sure you check that one out too.

Visit Chris' official site http://www.chrisyoungcountry.com/index.php

Follow Chris Young on Twitter HERE

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There so many artists that I like and there isn't enough room to share them all, so when you get time, go listen to just a few more of the ones I listen to

Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights

Casting Crowns

David Crowder Band

Kris Allen

Luke Bryan

Joe Nichols

Jason Aldean

Josh Turner

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MESSAGE: Cole Degges... where are you?