Mike Janzen
A JUNO-nominated artist gifted in jazz, classical, and folk, Mike Janzen is a unique Canadian talent. Possessing “a rare and infectious gift” (Steve Bell), Janzen’s artistry is displayed in his original work and his collaborations with others (Daniel Lanois, Hugh Marsh, Larnell Lewis). Janzen’s most recent release is The Psalms Project Volume I & II (2021), a double album of original songs reflecting on the Psalms. Described as “salve for the soul” (John Bailey, JUNO-winner for mixing), this album comprises 19 songs written and composed while recovering from a debilitating concussion just a few years prior. Janzen’s responses to God lifting and carrying him through his difficult circumstances slowly formed the lyrics to songs in The Psalms Project. The first volume, The Carried Words, has a folk-pop sound and includes some of Canada’s finest musicians, including Steve Bell, Erin Propp, Davide DiRenzo, and Joey Landreth. The Lifted Songs, the second volume, is more meditative in nature. Guest performances include JUNO-winner Laila Biali, trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, and the beautiful sounds of a 14-piece string orchestra. The entire project has been described as “a soulful marvel of songwriting” (Steve Bell), and “an oasis for the spirit” (Laila Biali). In summer of 2021, “Abounding in Love” from Volume I hit the Top Ten in Christian radio in Canada, showing how Mike Janzen’s gorgeous melodies and Scripture-inspired lyrics now help to shine the light of the Psalms for others walking in dark valleys. In 2015, Janzen released the JUNO-nominated album Nudging Forever, containing original compositions blending lush orchestral sounds with the spontaneity of jazz. His more recent work is more sacred in its focus. Lent (2019) is a collection of arrangements of hymns and spiritual songs. Mike Janzen is also one of this country's top orchestral arrangers, deemed “brilliant” by Holly Harris (Winnipeg Free Press). Janzen’s orchestra show, Reimagining Broadway, debuted in 2014 with Sarah Slean and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He also heads up the Mike Janzen Trio, which features world-class musicians George Koller and Davide DiRenzo and delivers an energetic sound that melds folk, jazz, and gospel. He currently is working on Psalms Vol. 3 as well as The Manna Sessions, a project featuring diverse original songs revolving around themes of redemption, provision, and times of waiting http://mikejanzentrio.com
Kechi Okwuchi
More Than My Scars is her incredible story. A story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up with how we look on the outside rather than seeing that our true value is within. Now in her early 30s, Kechi has spent the last 16 years refusing to be defined by her trauma. Follow her as she decides for herself what role her scars will play in her life before society decides for her. Her strong sense of identity, rooted in seeing herself the way God sees her, has allowed her to live authentically in a world that constantly seeks to define us by its ever-changing (and ever-shallow) standards. Kechi's story will inspire you to love and accept yourself as you are and confidently present your true self to the world. http://kechiofficial.com
Chad Judice author of “Waiting for Eli” shares of their journey with their infant son Eli who was born with a dreaded birth defect called spina bifida. It is an inspiring story of faith, hope and the power of prayer. The book takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride, starting with the day the author first learns of his son’s medical condition. This moving story has a strong pro-life, pro-love message, and is made even more compelling by the author’s descriptions of little miracles along the way. http://chadjudice.com
Tim Menzies
For more than four decades, GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso Tim Menzies has written, recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in music. As a songwriter, Menzies’ compositions have been recorded by George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Randy Travis, Patty Loveless, Toby Keith, Shenandoah, Martina McBride and Trace Adkins, among others. He is also a sought-after session musician, having played guitar on recordings by Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, to name a few. The Mechanicsville, Virginia, native grew up performing along the East Coast and in Canada with his four siblings and parents. In addition to their own concerts, The Menzies Family regularly opened for such legendary artists as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard. Upon moving to Nashville in the early 1980s, Menzies began his professional career as a founding member of the acclaimed Warner Bros. country group Bandana. Following a six-year tenure with the band, Menzies released solo albums under the moniker Tim Mensy on Giant Records and Columbia Records before shifting his focus to songwriting. Reba McEntire’s “Love Needs A Holiday”; “Mama Knows” by Shenandoah; “Nearest Distant Shore” by Trisha Yearwood; and “If You Were The Friend,” recorded by Tammy Wynette as well as Kenny Rogers, are among Menzies’ most noteworthy compositions. Menzies became a Christian in 1991 and the trajectory of his personal and professional life shifted dramatically. His debut Christian recording, the GRAMMY-nominated His Way of Loving Me, bowed in 2013, followed by the GRAMMY®-nominated His Name Is Jesus in 2019. Today Menzies combines his passion for Bible teaching, songwriting and singing in a unique ministry called “The Word and Song.” Presenting the Truth of Scripture alongside songs that demonstrate Biblical life applications, Menzies brings “The Word and Song” events to churches around the country each year. http://timmenzies.com
Junior Smith serves as the Walk of Faith Pastor for the Crossroads Prayer Centre.
Up Next in 2023
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April 18, 2023 - Telethon - BELONGING...
Mike Janzen
A JUNO-nominated artist gifted in jazz, classical, and folk, Mike Janzen is a unique Canadian talent. Possessing “a rare and infectious gift” (Steve Bell), Janzen’s artistry is displayed in his original work and his collaborations with others (Daniel Lanois, Hugh Marsh, Larnell Lewis)... -
April 17, 2023 - Telethon - BELONGING...
Elijah Stacy suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal muscle wasting disease. At the age of sixteen, to avoid agonizing surgery, he had to endure enough physical therapy to change the shape of his own spine. It had never been done before, but still, his doctor gave him a small "if." “In ...
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April 17, 2023 - Telethon - BELONGING...
Elijah Stacy suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal muscle wasting disease. At the age of sixteen, to avoid agonizing surgery, he had to endure enough physical therapy to change the shape of his own spine. It had never been done before, but still, his doctor gave him a small "if." “In ...