Hey people– just a quick reminder to keep your prayers coming for Gerard Bonner, host of Bonnerfide Radio.  We added him to The Prayer List on Monday.

Click here to read the initial post and to see the prayers that have already been offered (yessuh!) in Jesus’ Name.

And pray with us!!!

We’re still rolling with our weekly series– The Prayer List– in which we pray for one member of the gospel community each week.

This week, I’m adding Gerard Bonner to The Prayer List.

As one of the co-founders of GospelFlava.com, you’ve probably read dozens of Gerard’s articles and reviews, as well as benefitted from his photography skills for a decade. But, for nearly a year now, the gospel community has also been blessed BIG time by his innovative internet radio show– Bonnerfide Radio.

Gerard Bonner has gained the recognition and support of artists, labels and consumers alike. He was nominated for Internet Radio Show of the Year at the 2010 Stellar Awards and was recently awarded Internet Radio Station of the Year at GMWA’s Crystal Mic Media Awards.

But the enemy is mad. In January during Stellar Awards weekend, after throwing a landmark launch party that is STILL being talked about, Gerard and two associates were in a collision with an 18-wheeler, totaling the car he was in.  They all walked away bruised, but alright. Then, this past week, his tire blew out on the highway en route to Bobby Jones Gospel tapings– again, safe and spared from a MAJOR accident that happened just a mile ahead of him, around the time he would have arrived there, had his tire not blown out.

All that to say– we’ve gotta lift up our brother.

Father, thank You for the life, gifts and calling of Gerard Bonner.  Thank You for orchestrating so many aspects of his life– the good and the bad– to be for his ultimate well-being, and Your ultimate glory.  Thank You for being faithful to him, even in times when it felt like You were missing in action.  Thank You for having more plans for Gerard than he could have dreamt for himself.

Lord, I pray for protection for Gerard.  I pray for physical protection, but also for spiritual protection and emotional protection.  I pray that all of the things You’ve placed in him would be guarded for Your glory.  I pray that he would dive deeper into relationship with You, pursuing You more, craving time with You more.  And I pray that when he comes to You, that You would hide him in the safety of Your wings.  God, please cover him.

God, thank You for Gerard’s humility and his passion for the gospel music industry.  Thank You for his heart of servanthood.  I pray that it would grow even larger.  I  pray that Your Kingdom would be blessed by this one man, that testimonies will continue to be told of Your goodness and Your grace, and how his trusting in You was rewarded openly.

Father, expand the reach of Gerard Bonner.  Let his faithful devotion to You be announced and noticed.  Let opportunities open up for him and shut doors that he ought not enter.  Surround him with people who are good for him, not opportunists looking to latch on to his calling.  Help him to have brothers and sisters in Christ who will challenge, edify and hold him accountable.

Finally, Lord, bless his daughter and bless him as father, to model the fathering that You do for Your children every day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Okay, fam… let’s hear what you’re asking God for as it relates to our brother, Gerard Bonner.  Post your prayers in the comment section!

Purchase or Pass is the new series from Mia Paylor, GospelPundit.com’s newest contributing writer (click here to read about her).  Here, in her first post, she comes clean. Go on, Mia.  Tell ‘em what you did…

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I have a confession to make. I never purchased or listened to the gospel CD’s released by Michelle Williams, Dave Hollister, Heather Headley… notice the trend? I admit that I normally don’t purchase projects released by those I think are “I can’t make it financially with secular music so I’ll just make money off of church folk” gospel artists. It’s not that I believe secular artists aren’t saved and don’t desire to see souls saved. I just don’t want to hear what I’m thinking was motivated by money…not ministry.

So, you know what I didn’t do when I heard that Jason Champion, former member of the R&B duo, Men at Large, released Reflections through EMI Gospel. That’s RIGHT! I didn’t buy it! My fellow R&B connoisseurs remember Men at Large or, at the very least, you remember their hit, “So Alone”. I sure do…cause that was my JAAAM!

But, while listening to Bonnerfide Radio recently, I heard Jason’s song, “Find a Reason”…and I LOVED it! Through this guitar-laced jam (with what I swear are some Prince elements from the Purple Rain era), Jason declares that in spite of what we face in life, we must always find reasons to do what God calls us to do. I found myself listening to that song over and over again until I finally told myself I needed to download it…because I was DONE fast-forwarding halfway through that 2 hour podcast just to listen to it! Then, after previewing all the tracks, I knew I had to download the whole CD. And I’m GLAD I DID!

I have not stopped listening to it. The lyrics are completely Christian and relatable. The production was handled by greats such as Warryn Campbell and Gerald Haddon. The R&B vibe is consistent throughout the entire CD. “Always” (with its millennium disco vibe) and “Friend of Mine” (with its base driven groove) keep me dancing! And, most importantly, I felt Jason’s heart in every song…which prompted me to dig up his story. I learned that God released Jason from Men at Large and, shortly thereafter, he began recording and touring with Kirk Franklin. He’s a family man with a powerful testimony and a heart for ministry. His wife, Paula, is featured singing beautifully on “For Better or For Worse”.

I’m now a changed woman! No more passing on purchasing a gospel CD simply because the artist just hopped off of the secular bandwagon seemingly because they were too broke to stay there! Instead, I’ll do a bit of research…try to get a feel for their true motive for recording the project by reading bios and interviews…listen to their song clips to see if my Spirit-man connects with them. Then, I’ll decide to purchase or pass.

So, Jason, PLEASE forgive me! Accept this heartfelt editorial as a penance for doing you sooo wrong! I withheld a blessing from myself and, most importantly, you…because you deserve every cent I paid for it.

I won’t be making this mistake again. What about you?

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Okay, so I guess I’ll confess, too.  When Mia told me she was writing on Jason Champion, I was SoOooO excited because I had JUST discovered the full album, myself.  I had heard tracks from it before, and I loved his voice and the music, but never listened all the way through!

IT IS INCREDIBLE.  Definitely my favorite album of the past 30 days– even though it’s 2 years old.

So, I stand with Mia on this one.  Do yourself a favor, if you have not already done so, BUY THIS ALBUM.  At least, take a listen to see if you wanna do it.  Click here to listen to snippets and to make a purchase.

Tell me–

(1) Whatd’ya think of what Mia had to say?  Didn’t she do a great job?!

(2) Did you Purchase or Pass on Jason Champion’s project?  What are your thoughts on the album?

One of the most highly publicized events of the Stellar Awards weekend was the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party, the celebratory event hosted by Gerard Bonner for… well, the entire industry.  The party did not disappoint… it was a virtual who’s-who of folks in the industry and just about everyone rolled through at some point to show their love.

In case you don’t know by now, Bonnerfide Radio is a new internet radio station created and hosted by Gerard Bonner (also of GospelFlava.com).  Within months, the interactive radio show/chat room experience was nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station Of The Year, and garnered the support of MAJOR gospel artists, including Fred Hammond, J Moss, John P. Kee, Sheri Jones-Moffett and countless others.

The night, hosted by popular journalist and personality Jawn Murray, boasted performances and appearances from new and established artists including PJ Morton, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, George Huff, Melinda Watts, Myron Butler, Candy & Peaches West, Algernon, Tre Thomas, Claude Deuce, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Rae Ellis, CMO, Dominique Side, JJ Hairston, Darnell Davis & Remnant, Lisa Page Brooks… I have to stop there cuz I’m losing myself in the evening again.

But just imagine a relaxed (though packed to the RAFTERS) lounge setting at Nashville’s popular venue, Limelight, featuring food and drink, enhanced by ministry/entertainment from some of the most creative and skilled vocalists in our game.  That’s where I was on Friday night!

Wanna make sure I mention this testimony, too– immediately after THIS event, Gerard Bonner was involved in an automobile accident in which his car was totaled.  From what I understand, he was hit by another car, which sent his car head-on into a truck… an 18-wheeler.  Praise God, Gerard and the passengers with him, walked away with only minor bruises– no internal bleeding or complications whatsoever.  When I spoke with him a few hours later, he was resting up to make sure he had enough energy for the rest of the Stellar weekend!

Now, I’m not big on blaming everything on the devil… I think, sometimes, folks just have auto accidents.  But if you were blessed to watch how God has been dropping miracles for Gerard left and right over the past several months, and if you had seen how that evening was a confirmation of so many of Gerard’s dreams and ambitions (based on his calling), and if you had seen the wreckage and how the accident REALLY could’ve turned out another way… you’d probably be rejoicing that the hand of God remains more powerful than any attempt of the enemy, that His plans can never be ruined, that He’s a God of mercy, grace and love… I’m not thrilled about the accident, but I am thrilled that God is consistent in showing His children “I’m here for you… I’ve got plans for you… I’ve got you– physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually…”  Let’s rest in that.

Anyway… it was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime type of deal, cuz how many launch parties can be thrown?!  But maybe, if we’re nice to him, Gerard Bonner will throw the industry another shindig next year…

In the meantime, you can check out his live radio show EVERY weekday morning, from 9am to 12noon ET, at http://www.getbonnerfide.com/.  You’ll immediately see what everyone is raving about…

Okay, good news and bad news…

The bad news is that there won’t be any new posts on the site today.  The good news is that you can follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute tidbits and recaps of EVERYTHING I do during Stellar Weekend… and that’s gonna be quite a bit.

My wife and I already hit up two events and saw a bunch of folks last night.  Today, there’s the BMI Trailblazers luncheon, the Nominee luncheon, an advance listening suite for Lowell Pye, the Stellar Awards Pre-Show, the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party… geeeez!

Then Saturday, there’s a Stellar Award Radio Station luncheon, the Notes On The Red fashion show, the Stellar Awards Red Carpet, the Stellar Awards taping, a Stellar Awards Post-Party and an afterparty hosted by Urban Soul Cafe.

I know I’m leaving stuff out cuz I can barely remember it all– suffice it to say, you don’t wanna miss a minute of it.  You’ll feel like you’re here in Nashville! LOL

See you on Twitter!

Doggone it, they’re definitely two of my favorite brothers in gospel music.  Each has a unique musical style, but both contribute to this industry in a way that is necessary and appreciated.

I hear they’ll be performing together at the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party on Friday night in Nashville!!! Who’s gonna be there?

Here’s Jonathan Nelson and his twin, Jason Nelson, singing “Right Now Praise” with a little Maurette Brown Clark at the end… just because.

Anyone else love this song???

If you’re gonna be REMOTELY close to Nashville for Stellar Awards weekend, make sure you mark the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party on your calendar.  It’s going to be awesome!

Bonnerfide Radio is the brainchild of host Gerard Bonner.  In just a few short months, the show has raised the bar for what gospel radio should be.  He’s even been nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station Of The Year!

To celebrate the launch of his new show, Gerard is having the launch party of a lifetime on Friday, January 15th.  Featured guests include Sheri Jones-Moffett, JJ Hairston, Lisa Page Brooks, Vashawn Mitchell, Melinda Watts, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, and MORE.

Click the image below to see the full-size flyer and for more details.  Tickets can be purchased NOW at http://www.GetBonnerfide.com.

I plan to be in the house.  For SURE.  Who else???

And don’t forget– you can tune in to Bonnerfide Radio every weekday morning, from 9am-12:30pm ET (with a little afterparty usually thrown in) at GetBonnerfide.com.

If you were at Marvin Sapp’s live recording (or at www.VerityRecords.com) on Friday night, you heard the great music that he plans to put on his new project, tentatively titled Here I Am, expected in the first quarter of 2010.

My wife and I were fortunate enough to make it to Grand Rapids for the event.  Once we got there, we met up with Gerard Bonner (Bonnerfide Radio, GospelFlava.com), Jawn Murray (AOL Black Voices, Tom Joyner Morning Show, etc.) and Sheilah Belle (The Belle Report) before heading to the venue.  Once there, we got settled in the front row along with Neechy (RocSpace) and the folks from Verity before the recording began.  When I tell you we were cutting up from JUMP… let’s just say we were a rowdy group.

Before the recording, Aaron Lindsey’s wife, Adrian, surprised him with an award to recognize him for his commitment to the gospel/Christian industry, and for writing and producing such GREAT music.  It was kinda awesome of her… wanna point it out cuz you wouldn’t know it if you weren’t there.

Next, Marvin Sapp’s brother, Henry Sapp, performed a stand-up routine to get the crowd ready.  I’m not a huge fan of stand-up, but he had the crowd laughing a bit.  Finally, drummer extraordinaire and MC-for-the-night Ray Bady came to the stage to introduce Marvin Sapp.

With lights and energy at level 10, Marvin Sapp took to the stage and performed some reeeeaaally great music.  For me, it got even better as the recording progressed.  Aaron Lindsey served as musical director/producer while Myron Butler worked the vocal production with some of the tightest background vocals you’ll find in the game (shout out to Candy & Peaches West and Deonis Cook).

My favorites of the night: “Fresh Wind,” a song with a churchy/quartet feel to it, the vamp of which we stayed on for a good while; “Comfort Zone,” an encouraging ballad penned by Ted Winn (who was in the house); and, of course, ”He Saw The Best In Me,” written by Sapp and Lindsey, which reminds me of “Never Would Have Made It” in terms of its lyrical simplicity but easy-to-relate-to sentiment.  I also enjoyed “Wait On Him,” “I’m In His Hands,” and “I Came.”  It was just an evening of really good music.

He capped off the night by thanking and acknowledging various people in the audience, which included Commissioned mastermind Michael Brooks (and, of course, his lovely wife Lisa Page Brooks!).  Almost as if unable to help himself, Sapp went into a quick impromptu medley of classic Commissioned songs written by Brooks– “City,” “Will You Be Ready,” “Giving My Problems To You”… it was tons of fun.  I got several tweets that the live feed was cut, probably because of licensing issues for those songs.  Sorry ya missed it!

Other folks of note in the crowd– Deborah Smith Pollard (Detroit radio DJ, author, speaker, professor and gospel historian), Michael Williams (drummer and former member of Commissioned) and Ken Reynolds (Integrity Music worship artist).

Pastor Sapp ended the entire evening by singing a small bit of “Never Would Have Made It,” like I’ve NEVER heard him sing in my life.  His range was limitless and he made me feel like it was the first time I heard the song, which is a very tough task given how much it’s been played.

Special shout-out to Kymberlee Norsworthy, Jazzy Jordan, Jeff Grant and Joseph Burney of Verity Gospel Music Group– you were fantastic hosts and you made the weekend great for us.  Plus, it was just good to see ya!

I’ve got a few photos for you below, but I urge you to check out Gerard Bonner’s website (http://www.GetBonnerfide.com, in the “In Concert” section) for a full collection of great shots.  And I also got a chance to chat with Marvin Sapp, Aaron Lindsey and Myron Butler after the recording.  I’ll tell you what they had to say later this week, so stay tuned.

Who else was in the house in Grand Rapids?  Who heard the recording online?  Which songs were your faves?

TALK TO ME!

I was rockin’ to Bonnerfide Radio this morning and he played a THROWBACK cut from James Hall and Worship & Praise.

I thought “yeah, they’re kinda no joke.”  This one is a bit more recent, but it’s still a classic.  Lemme know if you remember it!

This is MAJOR, folks… Industry vet Gerard Bonner is launching his own internet radio show, Bonnerfide Radio, next Wednesday, September 2nd at 9am ET.

Not only is he already well-known in the industry as co-founder and Associate Editor of GospelFlava.com, Gerard is a highly sought-after event photographer (he provided exclusive photos from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise’s most recent recording, Jonathan Nelson’s recent farewell concert, Vashawn Mitchell’s recent live recording and much more).

And he’s been in the radio game for a GOOD minute– he served as co-host of Virginia Beach’s “Morning Praise” on the Stellar Award-winning Rejoice 100.9 for four years, and he hosts the popular entertainment segment, “The Gospel Beat,” on radio shows in Pittsburgh, Nashville and New Haven.

Bonnerfide Radio will be a 2-hour radio show broadcasting exclusively from his site, http://www.GetBonnerfide.com, Monday thru Friday.  The show will feature the latest in music, news and provocative issues facing believers.

On a personal note to GospelPundit readers: I try REALLY hard not to lead you astray– I need you to trust me when I tell you that I fully endorse Gerard’s vision and calling in this industry.  His show is interactive (with a live chatroom during the broadcast) and full of a good variety of music.  This is gonna bless you, I promise.  I’m tellin’ you NOW where I’ll be every weekday at 9am ET.

Alright, who’s tuning in with me on Wednesday???