I was blessed to get to watch Chad perform live at the 2014 ICM Awards Showcase. That night Chad told us he had a head cold. I thought wow if this is how he sings with a head cold I cant wait to hear him with out one because he is rocking it.
This week I decided to try out doing a phone interview. I had a blast. My friend was there with me and she said “wow you cant hide your emotions by your face for sure.” When I asked what she meant, she said ‘you looked like you love every minute of what you are doing” I sure do. So here it is KIJS with Cassie-Interview with Chad Williams
Interview with Chad Williams
Chad Williams grew up playing music with his family now still continues to sing and play to encourage others. In 2013 he had the opportunity to debut at the Inspirational Country Music Awards Week in Nashville , sharing the same stage with Jeff Bates ,Tommy Brandt, Randy-Paul, Aaron and Amanda Crabb, Cross Country the Band and many more. Music is and always will be a part of his life. His style is very different with a inspirational twist ,very soothing yet with a hint of country, blues , and whatever else you may pick up on. Nevertheless he always leaves you wanting to tap your feet right along.
I love Blues Music and this song is now one of my favs. Click Below to listen to Blues Gospel.
I have always loved watching Rope Myers compete in Rodeos. I was talking with Carol and Hannah Hogner one day about my blog and they mentioned to me that Rope and his wife Candice work with Sky Ranch. I went and looked up Sky Ranch and fell in love with what they do and what they are all about.
Sky Ranch is one of North America’s premiere Christian Camps, as well as a Recognized School Programs Provider, and Retreat/Conference Center. Sky Ranch exists to provide people with a positive, recreational, fun, and memorable experience, while being exposed to the truths of the Word of God. About Sky Ranch
INTERVIEW WITH ROPE AND CANDICE MYERS
What led y’all to link up with Sky Ranch? In 2004, I was singing and speaking at a regional FCA banquet in Tyler, Texas. At that time, we had lived in a Van for nine years, but neither Rope nor I knew much about Sky Ranch – – so much of our time had been spent on the road. As part of our rodeo and ministry schedule, we were doing several rodeo camps across the country each year. After the banquet, a woman introduced herself to me, gave me her card (she worked at Sky), and told me that she thought the Lord was telling her that I was supposed to be connected to Sky Ranch somehow. A few visits, a tour, and one long meeting later, and we decided she was right. Rope came on in 2004 as a consultant for their horse program, recognizing that at some point, what he really wanted to do was build a rodeo training program that would build champions in and out of the arena. During the 2005 rodeo season, he decided he had been missing too much of our own kids “stuff”, and came home, to a semi-retirement from rodeo. He began plans for building a program called “Champions Rodeo” and the facilities to support it. I continued to travel some in ministry, but also came on staff to help with the marketing and communication of the new rodeo program. My role at Sky Ranch has continued to increase over the years, and I currently serve on the Leadership Team as Director of Marketing. I manage the marketing strategy and team for all Sky Ranch locations – in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.
Can you tell our readers what your program is that you offer at the ranch? Sky Ranch is celebrating 60 years of “impacting lives forever”. The program Rope is most closely connected to is the one he established – Champions Rodeo.
This program consists of a variety of camps – Young Riders- for the beginner – – this is for kiddos just beginning their rodeo career – some are just learning how to ride, and some have a little experience. They are 7-12 years old, and learn the basics of timed event rodeo – horsemanship, barrels, poles, goat tying, and roping. We have three sessions each summer, which are a week long. In addition to several hours in the arena, campers enjoy all of the fun activities at Sky Ranch – the Blob, swimming pools and water slides, ropes courses, ziplines, and more! Sky Fillies is a new program this year, and was birthed out of the need to have a session for early teenaged girls who just love horses, but may not ever compete in rodeo. We are offering it for one full week session in June. Champions Rodeo Clinic is for the more advanced competitor – generally kids who are already competing in rodeo. We bring in world class rodeo athletes like David Key, Lynn McKenzie, Janet Stover, Blair Burk, Jacky Stephenson, Chad Masters, and others, to instruct kids in their chosen area of rodeo. They also have opportunities to share their faith and testimonies with the campers. Over the years, we have been blessed to have so many incredible rodeo role models come through this program and share what they have with these kids. This clinic takes place in August, toward the end of the summer camp season. Elite Rodeo Clinic is for our most advanced competitors – high school and college aged. It is an invitational program that is held over the Christmas/New Year break, and includes event instruction as well as classroom time that covers subjects such as “Marketing Yourself”, “Finances for Rodeo and Beyond”, “Health and Fitness”, “Rodeo 101 – How to Enter, Practice, and Get Down the Road”, as a few examples. We also invite several college rodeo coaches who use this time for recruiting future athletes.
YOUNG RIDERS
How many children a year are you able to touch through this program? Current capacity for all of these programs is about 350 kids per year. As we continue to fund raise, one of the items on our “wish list” is a “bunkhouse”. We currently share cabin space with traditional Sky Ranch camp, which is topping out at capacity each session – this limits the numbers of sessions that we can do each summer. Rope puts a limit on how many campers he will take each session, to ensure the integrity of the program, and individual attention to every camper.
What would you say has been the most heart touching experience for y’all while working with these children in your Champions program? Over the years, we have had the opportunity to get to know so many kids and their families. They all have a story. Of course there is no greater joy for us than to witness a camper (or their parent) come to know the Lord for the first time. But lives are impacted in so many ways during these camp sessions. Here are a couple of quotes for you to use: . “My daughter said she came home feeling closer to the Lord. May God bless what each of you guys do there and continue to touch the lives of so many youth!” – Champions Rodeo camper mom “I just wanted to take a moment and thank you and all of the staff which participated in the Elite Rodeo Clinic. (My son) came back with such enthusiasm about everything the camp offered. He immediately said for me to budget for the camp in 2015. The entire experience sounds like exactly what he needed after having such a difficult year in 2014 with his injury. If possible I hope you will let each of the staff members involved know how much our family appreciated them taking the time to instruct and encourage (my son) in rodeo and in life events.” Mom of an Elite Rodeo Clinic student.
What’s the greatest need you see at Sky Ranch that we can let our readers know about for support? We have an annual fundraising event called “Cowboys & Cowboys”. The Gala raises money for the scholarship program and to support all of the ministries of Sky Ranch. This is one way that we are able to send many rodeo kids to camp, who might not otherwise be able to afford to go. Legends of the rodeo arena, along with former and current Dallas Cowboys, show up for the evening to help raise the funds necessary through a dinner and auction. Beyond that, there are always ways that people could help support the rodeo programs specifically – first, with their faithful prayers. Second, with in-kind donations. We serve a very creative God, and have watched Him bring the coolest things across our path – – from big fans for the arena, to outdoor lighting, to dirt work for the driveway and parking area. We do our best to not limit God by the things we think we need. He knows what we need – usually before we do! – and He knows how He wants to provide.
Champions Rodeo Clinic
The perfect blend of summer camp and rodeo training school is offered at Sky Ranch Champions Rodeo Clinic. This camp is recommended for young people who already have some rodeo experience. Campers entering grades 4 through 12 get the chance to learn from the nation’s top rodeo experts in Sky Ranch’s two competition-sized rodeo arenas.
If you would like to make a donation to Sky Ranch Please check out the link below. This ministry is for sure a fertile place to plant a financial seed.
I met Kimberly Dawn at the 2014 ICM Awards. She is such a sweet woman of God. I enjoyed her showcase and loved her true country sound.
Kimberly and I have a sweet mutual friend; Richard Frazier. Richard Plays Kimberly’s music on The Richard Frazier Show. He networked and connected us together. I am so glad he did.
Kimberly called me the other night and we talked for over an hour. She shared her heart with me and what God is done in her life. She blessed me with this interview.
KIMBERLY DAWN
Kimberly Dawn Nutter, a native of Greenbrier County, WV, is a comparatively new edition to the Country/Gospel music industry. Since professionally beginning her career in 2013, her singing and songwriting abilities have made her one of the most influential voices of “this generation’ of Country/Gospel music. Kim always strives to reach out lyrically to the sick, afflicted, and broken-hearted, and her efforts have gotten noticed, often resulting in her music being described with words like: joyful, uplifting, inspiring, affirmative, exuberant,and universal in its appeal and intention. Her message is quite abundant with love, faith, rhythm, wisdom and soul.
Kim has striven to rise from the shy young vocalist she started as to where she is today. She whole-heartedly believes that her career is an answered prayer and an opportunity to use her combination of talent, extraordinary work-ethic, and girl-next-door likeability to continue both her artistic growth and growth with her ministry.
How long have you been singing Country and Inspirational Country Music? I’ve been singing and writing all my life. However it wasn’t until after my children and myself experienced an enormous tragedy in 2011, I began to pursue my singing possibilities in the year 2013, I was encouraged by a professional friend to submit four of my songs to Internet Radio and in two days they charted in at #1, and remained in the top 20’s for over three weeks.
Are you an independent artist?Yes.
What artist would you say has influenced your music the most? I have several influences from different genres: Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Louie Armstrong, Jason Crabb, Allyson Krauss. The most influential in recent times would have to be Carrie Underwood.
What was your first song to hit the air waves? “Holding On “
And which station started your adventure on air? Wow, I started out on hundreds of different radio stations, thanks to HMG Christian Country Radio.
Click on link below to listen to this great song by Kimberly Dawn
What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do? It was on a memorial day weekend, “Kimberly Dawn had been scheduled to perform for the Veterans and POW’s . We had several sound problems , not to mention my lead guitarist was stuck in a wreck just a few miles away, no one was hurt of course. He called in and said he could not make it to play, I was feeling very discouraged , but the show must go on. I looked up and saw a special needs couple raising their hands toward the heavens with smiles on their faces and tears of joy for the Lord streaming down from their eyes as they danced in circles all around the area while we played. Of course I was crying too, but I saw the love of God at work. That’s one of the most memorable times on this journey. But there have been many blessings almost too many to count.
What motivates you to keep going when you’re tired?I think about the calling God has placed on my life. I think of how Jesus died for us and He never gave up on us. Lord willing I will press through and keep on keeping on!
Do you have any new projects in the making? Absolutely , in just a few weeks we will have a complete album of twelve songs “ Reaching Higher “, as well as a single called “ Can’t have Me”.
Do you write any of your own songs? Yes, I write all of my songs and my husband helps me with music arrangements on a lot of them.
What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing?“Reaching Higher “ is one of my favorites, it brought me through one of the hardest times in my life. All of my songs relate to an experience God has brought me through.
Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording? There have been several; however everyone in the band got big kick out of me biting the mic, while we were on the air live at the Floyd Country Store in Floyd Virginia. I will share with you that my dress seam ripped straight up my leg at the Nashville Palace in Nashville Tennessee, while preforming and anyone that commented on my dress thought it was made that way. I just kept on singing however, I laughed half the night over that one.
Can you tell us about the clothing and accessories you have on your website?Yes, the line of clothing and accessories are designed to represent the lyrics from various songs recorded. Proceeds go to a non-profit organization recently founded called Solomon’s Porch. For families, who have been and are afflicted by Drug Addiction, Loss and or Abuse. That’s another project I am working on.
What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you? Isaiah 59:1 Behold the Lord’s hand is not too short to save, and his ear is not too deaf to hear. As long as we cry to God with sincerity , He can hear us and He will save us. I share that scripture with people that feel they are unworthy of God’s love and mercy .
To learn more about Kimberly Dawn and her music please check out her website below.
I am really excited about this interview with Bart Fortenbery. I have been reading Bart’s website information, listening to him minister and listening to his jams…Loving what I am reading and hearing.
Check out this Video of Bart Ministering on Living to Please God
BART FORTENBERY
In 1993 Bart gave his life to Christ. Since then, he knew that God had a special plan for him. Bart has always had a love for music. Once he discovered Christian music, he knew that was where God wanted him to be. Bart’s mission, is to help the lost get saved but also help the saved stay encouraged in their walk. With the message in his songs and his testimony of money struggles, going through a divorce, losing a home, yet never giving up; most people can relate to his life. Bart says, We often try so hard to do what is right and yet, Satan keeps trying to wear us down. Personally I have wanted to give up many times. Through the love and encouragement of others I have continued to follow Gods will. That is the same thing I want to send to others.
In Roman’s 13:10 ;Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements;, and Ephesians 5:1-2 ;Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children, And walk in Love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God;. Bart says that we need to show more love and understanding towards each other and to be that reflection of Jesus Christ, so that others will want what we have , as Christians.
Bart is from the small town in Cherryville, North Carolina. He has 2 kids who is grown, daughter graduated from Sacramento State in California currently going for her masters at Appalachian University in NC and son who graduated from UNC Asheville and married living in Gastonia NC.
TO READ MORE OF BART’S BIO PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
Steven Curtis Chapman and I was introduced to Christian country by listening to Del Way
What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?
My first song released to radio was “The Power of Prayer” which went to #1 on the Inspirational Country Music Charts in May of 2003, which was written about a little boy who was dignosed with Spinal Bifada. And how The Lord has healed him through prayer. And station I am not sure.
What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?
It has not been one thing but a list of things that the Lord has placed me in and the learning experience has been overwhelming. Like, started leading praise and worship in a few churches, then started a youth band that went to different places and played, and then was offered the position as Youth Pastor at a church and I am still doing that and loving it, and was asked to fill in as a pastor and turning out to be a 4 month long event bringing the message every Sunday and leading praise and worship, and then being asked to speak in this church and that. I feel that The Lord was working in my life to do this, even without having an education to be a pastor. The pastor of the church where I am the Youth Pastor, has guided me and gave me advice along the way. And it helps when he is also a teacher at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Charlotte NC, a school that Billy Graham had a part in starting. And through the response from all the places that I have sung and spoke has reassured me to follow this calling.
What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
Just knowing what God has done in my life and used me in the life of others keeps me going even when the thought of giving up occurs.
Do you have any projects in the making?
I just finished a project, but am working on a Bluegrass project and Contemparary Project, and will be next year before those are complete.
What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
“He’s working on Making it Better”
Do you write any of your own songs?
I write all my songs,
What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sung?
I would have to say The Power of Prayer since it was my first release and #1
Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
I was not on a stage but I was singing in a Nursing home and the nurse had rolled a sweet ole man close to me as I was singing and he started coughing and he could not stop. As I was singing he coughed and his teeth come bouncing across the floor and I motioned for the nurse and never missed a beat singing. But afterwards it was a good laugh.
Can you tell us about Apple Lane Music Group?
I started this a few years ago, trying to learn about the song promotion part of the industry so I could help those starting out. I know how hard it was for me to come up with the money that some ask for, which is fine and they have done a great job for me in the past but it is hard to come up with alot of money. So I am learning as I promote myself. And my son had gone to College at UNC Asheville for Music production and he is helping me getting the studio up and running. I also give music lessons to students and used to have a music store.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLE LANE MUSIC CLICK LINK BELOW
What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?
That one is easy, and it is Galations 5, 22-23. If everyone had love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, this would be such a better place to live!
Thank you Bart for this interview
This has been one of my favorite songs so far. Recently I have been helping another artist on a project that has made my heart so tender towards our soldiers.
This last year I was blessed to attend the 2014 ICM Awards. As I was walking around all of the booths I saw a beautiful young lady standing behind one of the booths. I realized she was Miss Taylon Hope.
I had listened to Taylon on HLE Radio and fell in love with her voice. I had no clue she was only nine years old. As I stood and listened to Taylon speaking with others around her, I was drawn to her. Taylon spoke with others with such maturity, both intellectually and spiritually. My heart was drawn to her for more than one reason. I saw God in her and I also was reminded of two very special girls I have been blessed to get to know in my life. Taylon reminded me so much of the younger of these two girls all the way down to her beautiful red hair.
When you listen to someone on the radio you only imagine what they are really like. As I watched Miss Taylon singing her heart out on the stage, my heart melted even more. I knew right then I needed her cd. I also knew two young ladies I couldn’t wait to bless with Taylon’s music. I was so disappointed that I got so distracted and forgot to stop back by the booth and purchase one. Well God knew my heart because a few weeks later I was blessed by Taylon and her parents. They sent not only a cd for me but two autographed photos for the two special girls I mentioned above. They put smiles on lots of faces with that blessing.
I am so very grateful to present to you my Interview with Miss Taylon Hope.
TAYLON HOPE
Taylon Hope is a nine-year old singer and musician from West Jefferson, NC. Taylon began singing when she was four years old in her church. She currently maintains a busy schedule throughout the year of performing at churches, festivals, fairs, and other venues. She released her debut CD, recorded in Nashville, TN, “What This World Needs”, produced by Tommy Brandt, in September of 2014 . She is part of Beyond The Music Promotions, owned by Tommy and his wife, Michelle. Taylon plays guitar and is also learning to play piano and mandolin. She was nominated last year for Youth In Music Award for the 2014 ICM Awards and nominations for Youth Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the 2014 AMG Awards.
Taylon loves to travel, playing tennis, spending time with her friends, and spending time on her grandparent’s farm. Her favorite place to visit is Nashville, TN and one of her many goals for herself is to one day sing at the Opry. She loves animals and has a pony, a dog, and a cat. Taylon feels blessed to be able to share her love for music and she has a strong desire to continue traveling and sharing God’s word through her music.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Question #1. At what age did you start singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?
Since I was small my parents have always told me they could tell I had a strong love for music. I began singing in my church at the age of 4 years old. In 2013, at the age of 8, I began singing Christian/Country music after listening and talking with my friend and mentor Tommy Brandt.
Question #2.What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
The artist that influenced me the most would be Carrie Underwood. Her voice is amazing. I have had the opportunity to see her perform twice at the Opry. I love her latest song “Something In The Water” and how she is a Christian.
I also appreciate many other artists and musicians and their talents such as Hunter Hayes, Rhonda Vincent, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline. Christian Country/Gospel artists: Tommy Brandt, Mary James, Adam Crabb, and Kari Jobe.
Question #3. What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on the radio?
My first song to hit radio was my current new single “What This World Needs” and the first radio to play my new single was HLE Radio out of Jennings, Louisiana.
Question #4. Do you have any new projects in the making?
I just released my current CD recorded in Nashville, TN in September of 2014. Currently, I have lots of goals for myself and my music. I am currently booking new dates and events for 2015 and I am working on writing a new song.
Question #5. What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
My current single is “What This World Needs” I plan to release another single from my new CD this year.
Question #6. Does anyone else in your family sing or write music?
My Mom grew up singing with my Grandmother. My Mom and I do sing together and practice together a lot at my church. My Dad plays some guitar with me as well.
Question #7. What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing?
I would say my favorite song from my new CD is the song “She Prayed Anyway” I wrote this song and Tommy Brandt helped me with it. I wrote the song about a young girl my age in third grade. The songs tells about how others questioned the young girl for praying during the moment of silence at school. She decided that no matter what she would always put God first in her life and she prayed anyway.
Question #8. What do your friends think about you singing and traveling?
My friends think that my singing and traveling is cool and they ask me to sing for them. They like to hear me play guitar. My friends like to hear a lot about Nashville. I have had the opportunity to sing at many local events in my hometown and I got to sing the National Anthem at my school this year and for the high school football and basketball games.
Questions #9. Are you part of a record label or independent?
I am currently independent. I am a part of Beyond The Music Promotions owned by Tommy and Michelle Brandt. I love them and all of the artists that work with BTM promotions. It is so much fun to travel and sing with all of them.
Question #10. Who do you travel with on the road?
I travel with Dad and Mom.
Question #11. Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
One time my Dad was starting my music and he started the wrong song and I told the crowd he was a “work in progress” and everyone laughed. Also, while recording I have a really country voice and I laughed because I didn’t realize how country I was until I started recording. However, I love being country and that is who I am.
Question #12. What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?
My favorite scripture is John 3:16 and it means that God loved us so much that he gave up his only son for all of us. We serve an amazing God.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TAYLON FOR SHARING YOUR HEART AND MUSIC WITH US.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MISS TAYLON HOPE BE SURE TO CLICK ON HER WEBSITE BELOW
CLICK HERE TO GO TO http://taylonhopemusic.com/
Taylon can be reached for bookings or information at:
*[email protected]
*Phone contact 336-846-9589
I was blessed to get to watch Chad perform live at the 2014 ICM Awards Showcase. That night Chad told us he had a head cold. I thought wow if this is how he sings with a head cold I cant wait to hear him with out one because he is rocking it.
