2008 marks the 25th time Cornerstone Festival has taken over the heart of summer. Here is the announcement from Executive Director John Herrin of a very special Friday night communion service:

In honor of our twenty-fifth celebration together, on July 4th we will gather to celebrate God’s blessings and to re-commit ourselves to serving Him. We want to have clean hearts before God, but hands dirtied by the hard work of loving our neighbors - ALL of our neighbors. Cornerstone Festival and WorshipTogether.com present a special night of worship with a mission.

God Of Justice; Worship With Dirty Hands
Celebrating The 25th Cornerstone Together

Featuring the music and ministry of The David Crowder Band, Charlie Peacock, Robbie Seay Band, The Glorious Unseen, Michael Gungor Band, The Lee Boys, Michael Farris, the Lost Dogs, 77’s and many more.

This will be only the second time in our long history that all other activities will be suspended as we all come together at the Main Stage for an unforgettable night that will include Charlie Peacock leading us in communion. We’ll end the night with a massive fireworks display.

If you have been waiting for the right time to check out Cornerstone, this is it.

Hope to see ya there,
John Herrin
Cornerstone Festival director

As 2008 bands are announced, they are posted here.

A Familyre Christmas - Vol. 1

“It’s the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
a download in a Danielson tree!”

That’s right, folks.

Since Monday, Dec. 10, at the Sounds Familyre Blog, we’ve been hard at work on stocking-stuffers for you and your loved ones: Christmas tunes (original and otherwise) performed by the Sounds Familyre Famile! One song per day for thirteen days. Baker’s dozen!

All songs are FREE for downloading, so you can make your very own ‘A Familyre Christmas - Vol. 1′ CDs! When you go to the blog, scroll down to the widget and click on the tab that pops up when you roll-over the file name. Then click on the option you want (’preview’, ‘download’, or ‘get web link’). Make sure to come back tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the day after that…

Finally, to download the album cover (created by the inimitable Anita Santiago), just click on the image at the top of the blog post. The album cover is already formatted with jewel-case dimensions, so all you need to do is print to 8 1/2 x 11 paper, and you’re ready to roll!

The list of contributors is as follows (though not necessarily in this order): Danielson, Leopulde, Dan Zimmerman, Elin, Soul-Junk, Lenny Smith, Joshua Stamper, Rachel, Ben + Vesper, Sufjan Stevens, Woven Hand, Half-handed Cloud, and The Singing Mechanic.

Enjoy!

Here’s my brand new song shrine for singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg. It’s a blog thread intended to welcome all Dan fans to post their memories, poems, songs and links about and for Dan Fogelberg. I started it off with my new Dan Fogelberg Dr BLTribute: /It’ll Never Be the same Auld Lang Syne/:

http://www.bakotopia.com/home/Blog/drblt

(scroll down as needed).

Hello Warriors, first of all huge thanks to everyone who has shown love and encouragement this last week. We are excited that you love the cover just as much as we do. If there are any of you out there that haven’t seen the cover hop on over and check it out! CLICK HERE—>www.promotionscrew.com/payableondeath

So many of you signed up for the contest too, we’re picking winners all weekend. So look out to the MySpace bulletins/blogs for the announcement of winners, we should have that ready this Monday December 17th!

Our New MySpace
Have you guys checked out the new space layout? Do you love it or what! Check it out if you haven’t and be sure to leave us a comment. Oh and while your there you can grab one of the P.O.D. customized layouts for your own MySpace. You can choose from the white layout, or the black layout.

Also newly added on the MySpace, we have just set “Christmas in Cali” available for Download. So now you can enjoy the song whenever you want. All you have to do is go to the player and directly underneath the song, click on the Download link. Enjoy!!

Street Team Revamped!
Everything is getting overhauled now that the cover has been released. The Street Team site has just been revamped, and a few tools are even ready for you to use. There is a banner, buddy icon, avatar and even wallpaper! Stay tuned as there is plenty more to come.

PayableOnDeath.com
The countdown is on, as the website is also being redesigned for the next phase and new album. We are working fervently to get the site ready for a big unveiling on New Years Day! The website will launch the first glimpse of new music, and a special animated video too. So get ready!

Missed the Wallpaper?
If you missed out on the wallpaper for your phone, don’t worry you can still get it by joining the Mob now. As stated earlier we will be posting exclusive photos, offering customized ringtones too so be sure to get connected with us.

You can sign up two ways, one is to Text POD to 66937 once you do that, you will receive a text welcoming you, and asking you to confirm by replying with a Y. The other way to sign up is to click on the Mozes widget on our MySpace profile or just click here: http://www.mozes.com/pod/mob_landing

Well, its time to get going, we should have some BRAND new photos to share with everyone soon, so stay tuned to for the latest shots! Enjoy your weekend and continue to spread the love!

P.O.D.

PayableOnDeath.com
MySpace/PayableOnDeath

Certified Gold, Incense And Myrrh, the latest release from the prolific Rock Doc, is the subject of most of his December blog posts, and of course, with each post, there is always a song: http://www.bakotopia.com/home/Blog/drblt

Set your TIVO! Seattle’s The Myriad’s live finale win of MTVs Dew Circuit Breakout 2007 is set to repeat at the following dates & times:

Monday, 12/17, 9 a.m. EST
Tuesday, 12/18, 5:30 a.m. EST
Wednesday, 12/19, 12 p.m. EST plus after party footage
Thursday, 12/20, 1 a.m. EST plus after party footage
Thursday, 12/20, 4 p.m. EST plus after party footage
Friday, 12/21, 7 a.m EST plus after party footage
Tuesday, 12/25, 8 a.m. EST plus after party footage
Wednesday, 12/26, 11 p.m. EST plus after party footage
Thursday, 12/27, 9:30 p.m. EST plus after party footage

To hear some of the fuss, go to The Myriad’s myspace page.

From P.O.D.’s Sonny:

Next album dropping is by our very own Jason Truby, we know that everyone has been wondering what Jason has been up to since his P.O.D. days. He has been spending time with his family, working on two albums. And may soon be doing shows again. His second Acoustic Album “Waiting On The Wind” is now available! The title comes from 2 Samuel when the Lord went before David instructing him to cover behind the balsam trees, and wait for the wind to hit the trees. Once the wind came they knew the Lord was going to go before him in battle. This album is available only on JasonTruby.com you can also listen to a couple of new tracks on his website. Be sure to place your order today and don’t forget to snatch a couple extra copies for gifts!

STRAIGHTJACKET AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD At StevenDelopoulos.com

Download the record now at Steven’s online store.

The record is now available on iTunes (DRM-Free). The Animation is killer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4b7ECl81uc

“So New, There’s Still No Title,” professionally filmed and posted on YouTube, is a fresh new piece performed by Buddy Miller, made possible by a grant from ASCAP. The vid caption reports:

As a songwriter, guitarist and producer, Buddy’s been associated with Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, Solomon Burke and Lucinda Williams. His Solo albums have been incredibly well received - the latest, Universal United House of Prayer, was named Album of the Year at the 2005 Americana Music Awards. The songs he’s written and recorded with his enigmatic wife, Julie, stand as some of the most haunting and honest ever committed to tape. “so new, there’s still no title” was written by Julie on the night before this session and marks the first new music from the duo in over 2 years! (less)
Added: November 29, 2007

Available digitally and in four exciting physical formats, remastered CD, 2CD set, 3 disc box set and double vinyl, The Joshua Tree is rereleased this week.

The album has been meticulously remastered from the original analogue master tapes to celebrate 20 years since its first release.

In 1987, The Joshua Tree reached Number 1 around the world and won a Grammy for “Album of the Year” and Time Magazine put the band on its cover, proclaiming them “Rock’s Hottest Ticket”. Including the singles I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, “Where The Streets Have No Name” and “With Or Without You”, The Joshua Tree went on to sell in excess of 20 million.

Visit AMAZON.COM to watch exclusive video of “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” and “In God’s Country” taken from the band’s 1987 Hippodrome de Vincennes concert in Paris. You’ll find the show on the live DVD in The Joshua Tree Box Set, which alongside the remastered album also includes a bonus CD of b-sides and demos from the original album sessions. The Joshua Tree is also available as a 2CD Deluxe Edition, double vinyl set and single disc Remastered Edition - all in stores this week.

Check out www.U2.com for more information.

Carolyn Arends writes a new song for her church’s Christmas Eve service every year. Eight of those songs are featured on her Christmas release, Christmas: An Irrational Season. Of course, since that disc’s release in 2004, Carolyn has not stopped writing her annual song, so that means there are two more Arends Christmas songs in the world. (Not counting the 2007 song. Don’t bug her about that one yet. She’s still working on it.) Anyway, Carolyn just finished recording 2006’s song (”What Kind of King is This”) and 2005’s song (”Everything Changes at Christmas”). As a way of saying thank you to her fans and friends for their support and encouragement, Carolyn wants to share these songs. No strings attached, no purchase necessary. The first song is available for download RIGHT NOW at FeedtheLake.com (go to the site, click on the link on the very first page, follow the directions — simple!) The second is currently being mixed should be available in a week.

For more information, go to her website, http://www.carolynarends.com

Three Girls And Their Buddy Tour
(Featuring Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller)
January 11, 2008 - Chattanooga, TN (Tivoli Theater)
January 12, 2008 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theater) tickets on sale 12/7/07 10am
January 14, 2008 - Chapel Hill, NC (Memorial Hall)
January 15, 2008 - Asheville, NC (Thomas Wolfe Auditorium) tickets on sale 11/30/07 at 10am
January 17, 2008 - Roanoke, VA (Roanoke PAC) tickets on sale 12/01/07 at noon
January 18, 2008 - Indianapolis, IN (Clowes Hall) tickets on sale 12/07/07 at 10am
January 19, 2008 - Milwaukee, WI (Pabst Theater) tickets on sale 11/30/07 at noon
January 20, 2008 - Lexington, KY (Singletary Theater)
January 22, 2008 - Athens, OH (Ohio U Templeton-Blackburn)tickets on sale 12/08/07 at 10am
January 24, 2008 - Cleveland, OH (Allen Theater)
January 25, 2008 - Pittsburgh, PA (Carnegie Music Hall) ticlets on sale 12/07/07 at noon
January 26. 2008 - Ann Arbor,MI (Folk Fest) tickets on sale 12/03/07 10am Ticketmaster, 9am MI Union Ticket Office 734-763-TKTS

Mike Farris’ homepage is selling everything for $7.99 including Christianity Today’s album of the year.

The Lost Dogs, Fools Of The World, & Lo-Fidelity Records present: The Lost
Dogs, “We Like To Have Christmas.”

For years The Lost Dogs have wanted to release an entire Christmas album especially for our fans. Finally, we present to you “We Like To Have Christmas,” a Yuletide album for the entire family. This light-hearted collection of modern holiday tunes and traditional carols is fashioned after the old cornball Christmas record albums our parents bought on the cheap in places like grocery stores and discount department CD bins. We sincerely hope that it will bring you and your family much joy this holiday
season as well as in all the Christmases to come. It Includes several tracks originally featured on Terry Taylor’s “Songs For The Day After Christmas,” now re-imagined and re-recorded by the Lost Dogs, a couple of “long out-of-print” specials, and surprise cameo appearances from Gene Eugene, Riki Michelle, Dr. Edward Daniel Taylor and others. This is a holiday album you won’t want to miss!

The track list for this release is as follows:

The Chipmunk Song
Song For The Day After Christmas
Here Comes Santa Claus/Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Babe In The Straw
Plastic Baby Jesus
Big Fruitcake From Hell
O Holy Night
Silent Night
White Christmas
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Price - $15.00 (plus shipping)

The release date is tomorrow, November 30th, with shipping beginning on
December 4th. Order your copy online from www.thelostdogs.com and
www.lo-fidelity.com between November 30 and December 16 and be
automatically entered into a random drawing for 1 of 3 limited edition Lost Dogs snow-globes!!! A winner will be randomly selected from each store on December 17th with the winner to be announced online December 18th. (One additional snow globe will travel with the band on their upcoming tour!)

Due to USPS/UPS liquid shipping restrictions, offer only valid for US residents.

Recorded in St. Louis MO. by Steve Griffith (Vector) for the 1999 “EP” release, this live CD features a rare glimpse at this great band at the peak of the tour. (The band for this tour was Mike Roe, Mark Harmon, Bruce Spencer, and Scott Reams.) Mike had this to say about the recording:

“When Lo-Fidelity approached us about releasing a live album from our last tour (in 1999) to create a latter-day bookend to our much revered (and long out-of-print) live album from 1988 called ‘88,’ I was dubious. ‘Well, that’s mostly gonna be a crappy album. I have complete recordings of most of the shows on that tour and I don’t recall hearing anything I’d want to release!’ The keyword here is ‘most,’ because when Lo-Fi sent me a copy of this wonderful concert from old pal Brian Quincy-Newcomb’s Christ Church basement in St. Louis, MO, I was surprised at not only how good it was, but also by the song selection. I had totally forgotten that we’d even played some of these songs in concert, and it was a delight to hear them again. This album does indeed make a nice bookend to our old ‘88′ album, not only because of the title and identical cover concept, but also because it is remarkably similar in its ! energy. It’s proof positive that 1990’s version of the band had a dynamic adventurous spirit that gave us a willingness to stretch out and expand our material in the same kinds of ways that the old-time original 77’s from the 80’s did. I highly recommend it to both our longtime hardcore fans and to any friends we picked up along the way in the 1990’s and later. It’s surprisingly fresh sounding even though it’s been under wraps for eight years. What else can I say — it rocks. Hard.” - Mike Roe

The track list for this release is as follows:

Blue Sky
Flowers In The Sand
Outskirts
The Boat Ashore
The Stellazine Prophecy
The Best I Have
Blood And Roses/Pearls Before Swine
Snowblind
(total track time: 47 min)

Shipping begins Dec. 4th. Order your copy online from http://www.77s.com or http://www.lo-fidelity.com>.