By Allen Payton

Featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as a debut artist, gathering “New Artist of the Year” and “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” awards, and having the top-selling debut release from 2012 in its genre, for King & Country is currently on its next season with a new album – that’s hit #2 on the iTunes charts in America – and a major market, 40-city fall tour. Comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, the duo continues on their “YOU MATTER – THE TOUR” Friday, October 10 at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood, in support of their sophomore release, RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG.

They’re hitting significant venues in cities like Los Angeles (Chino and Riverside, CA), Washington, D.C. (Woodbridge, VA), Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, San Diego, Las Vegas, Austin, Albuquerque and more before wrapping up in New York City on Nov. 23.

Being sponsored by Compassion International, during their tour for KING & COUNTRY are planning a full night of live music, with no opening band, and will play their current hit single “Fix My Eyes” and more new music, as well as fan favorites like “The Proof Of Your Love” from their critically acclaimed debut album, Crave.

“While Crave was a great foundational piece, particularly if you have seen us live, you will see this springboard into a new and more developed version of what for KING & COUNTRY is with the rhythm and all of these different components,” says Joel, reflecting on the new album. “One of the things that is really exciting with the album overall is that we have about 300-plus shows under our belts at this point with a group of guys that have become like brothers. We have made these discoveries along the way—our love for rhythm, our excitement for theatrics. These sorts of things have naturally found themselves inside the new record.”

In an exclusive interview with the Herald, older brother Joel gave some insights into the band.

A Christian pop group, for King & Country derives their name from an old English battle cry. The brothers are originally from Australia, which is part of the commonwealth of Great Britain, thus the English connection.

They grew up and are based in Nashville, where their father worked as a promoter in the music industry. He is now their manager. Their older sister is Rebecca St. James, also a Christian recording artist, and speaker.

Launching their own musical career in 2007, they’re a “10-year overnight success,” Joel said with a laugh.

When asked about their style of music, Joel offered, “Absolutely the spiritual side, we write music for God and people.”

“We are Jesus followers,” he added. “Absolutely Jesus and hope are central themes of for King & Country. But, we want the music to be heard.”

“Jesus’ benediction on earth was to go out and make disciples and that’s what we take very seriously with our music. Whatever your faith, even Muslim, our desire is that you will be able to find the humanity and honesty in the music and that you will be able to be inspired by it.”

Much has happened in their lives the past few years, since release of their first album, in 2012.

Younger brother Luke and his wife Courtney had a baby. Now, they’re pregnant with second child. Courtney’s with them on this tour, Joel mentioned.

Last year Joel married Moriah Peters, who hails from southern California and is also a Christian recording artist.

They’re both on tour, right now, which takes some coordination in order to spend time together. Moriah performed in New York on Sept. 18 and the band performed the next night, in Pennsylvania.

They just purchased a motorhome which will serve as their home on the road.

“We’ll do three or four shows a week,” Joel stated. “We try to knock out a tour over a two month period. Nashville was sold out.”

Both brothers sing. Luke is the drummer, because “he’s much more proficient, rhythmically,” he said. He also plays the glockenspiel and harmonium.

“I play a little piano but really focus on singing,” Joel added. “We have five band of brothers. I leave it to them to handle the instruments.”

With soaring melodies, driving rhythms and powerful, personal themes of RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG., for KING & COUNTRY has created an album that lives up to the band’s name, a reflection of standing and fighting for something bigger than yourself, a mission statement that drove the duo from the first words written for this project until the last note was recorded.

“RUN WILD. LIFE FREE. LOVE STRONG. is a statement of reclaiming our birthright as humans to live a life that is for others–a life that is others-focused, God-focused—and in that find what it truly means to run wild, live free and love strong,” says Joel.

The first single from RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG., “Fix My Eyes,” has remained in the Top 5 on iTunes Christian/Gospel singles chart since its release May 1. In addition, Nielson BDS reports that the single had the most stations supporting first-week at Christian AC/CHR radio than any song since 2009, including 100% of the Christian CHR panel. With 98 reporting stations currently spinning “Fix My Eyes,” the song hits No. 10 on the National Christian Audience National Airplay Billboard chart and continues to climb. The song also jumps to No. 3 at Christian CHR while hitting No. 11 on the AC Indicator chart. Fans can get an inside look at the inspiration behind the song “Fix My Eyes” and their exciting live show in this new video: http://smarturl.it/fixdoc.

More about for King & Country

The duo was named “New Artist of the Year” at the 44th Annual Dove Awards and “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” at the first annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Their critically acclaimed debut album, Crave, released in 2012, is the highest selling debut from a new artist in their genre that year. They made their late night debut performing their hit song “The Proof Of Your Love” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the song was named iTunes’ Breakthrough Christian & Gospel Song of the Year. ET’s “The Insider” said for KING & COUNTRY “make music that speaks directly to your heart” and have been “gaining popularity in the alt-rock genre.” American Songwriter commented that “for KING & COUNTRY may just be Australia’s answer to Coldplay.” In 2012, they were named one of Billboard’s 17 acts to watch and were CCM’s best-selling new artist.

For more information and a complete listing of tour dates, please visit: www.forKINGandCOUNTRY.com, www.facebook.com/forkingandcountry and https://twitter.com/4kingandcountry.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Saturday October 11, 2014 8:00 pm

Sunday October 12, 2014 2:00 pm

The Vagabond Players present this Tony award-winning musical comedy by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin celebrates the mania of competition as six funny, eccentric misfits compete for the Spelling Bee title in this witty Broadway hit.

Tribute To The Music Of John Denver starring Jim Curry

Sunday October 19, 2014 3:00 pm matinee

The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time. Join acclaimed performer Jim Curry for this tribute to the music of one of the most beloved singer/songwriters ever to grace the stage.

House of Floyd – The Music of Pink Floyd

Saturday October 25, 2014 8:00 pm

House of Floyd is San Francisco’s premiere Pink Floyd tribute band.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Ticket Office 604 W. Second Street (next door to the theatre) Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and one hour before showtime, by phone 757-9500 or online at www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

Rare Opportunity!

Frank Covino, Master Artist, will be in “Your Own Backyard”

Bringing Techniques Of The Old Masters Back to Life

Do you have the desire to paint portraits? But think “I could never do that”? Then this is for you! The Renaissance portraiture process is teachable and you are invited! In this workshop you will discover…

• A step-by-step approach to accurate portrait rendering.
• An inspirational and almost fail-proof process to artistic success.
• That No previous art instructions are required.
• How to pack a punch of “Wow Power” to your art skills and sense of accomplishment.

Don’t miss this very inspiring opportunity to be mentored by an incredible Italian-American artist who has dedicated his life to uncovering the mysteries of Renaissance art through science, math, and history.

Come and join the fun! Sign Up Today!

Will be held in Concord CA, October 20-24^th, 2014 from 9:00am-7:00pm for instructions, with a 4 hour window to work intently on our projects, implementing the skills Frank teaches us.

Total investment is $730

Class-size is limited save your seat with $300 non-refundable deposit

For more information and registration contact Melody Chapman, at 925-584-4898 or email at melody7chapman@sbcglobal.net.

The Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch is proud to present the works of artists living in and around the Delta at the Lynn House Gallery. With the many hills and valleys, along with East Bay Regional Park properties, artists have an abundance of opportunities to capture nature and all its wonders in many art forms. The Nature’s Canvas Exhibit has many works of art in oils, acrylic, mixed media and photography. The Lynn House Gallery is located at 809 West 1st Street in downtown Antioch. The exhibit begins on Saturday, September 20th, with a free artist reception from 2-4 PM and continues through October 4th on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1-4 PM. The artist reception and exhibit are free to the public.

Participating artists are: Amy Schmidt, Andre’ Salvador Betty Espindola, Beverly Knight, Carla Schueler, Carol Jurczak, Christine Mikulice, Clyde Cox, Corinne Rodriguez Evans, Ellen LaVaccare, FROgard, Gloria Cannon, Jennifer Frost, Joel Summerhill, Julia Offord, Julia Starr, Ken Tomlin, Linda Fead, Lisa Salazar, Lori Azzolino, Mark Jezierny, Michele Eakin, Pamela Miller, Pat Puryear, Patricia Draper, Robin Mayoff, Saundra Lyle, Sherry Cummings and Shirley DiMercurio.

For more information visit www.art4antioch.org/Nature’s_Canvas.asp or call Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325 9897.

From the Delta Blues Festival website

This year’s Delta Blues Festival will be held on Saturday, September 13 and is dedicated to one of our hardest working volunteers, Randy Sampson.

Randy lived and breathed blues music and was greatly responsible for most of the music you have heard on our stage. Randy joined the team on the 6th annual DBF. He almost single handedly raised enough donations in his first year to fund that year’s event.

Throughout the years, he would scout out band possibilities, sponsorship opportunities, and vendor participation, all while promoting the event (even in off season).

Blues should have been Randy’s first, middle, and/or last name. He loved the blues and the joy it brought to people. We wholeheartedly dedicate this year’s 16th annual Delta Blues Festival to the Memory of Randy Sampson. Long Live the Blues!

The artists at the 16th annual event include King of the Rockin’ Blues and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Gregg Wright. Plus, Sherry Pruitt, Frank Bey & Anthony Paule, Caroompas Room, Curtis Lawson and Teresa & Louis Jones.

The alcohol-free event starts at Noon in Waldie Plaza between First and Second Streets, in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown district, includes live music, as well as food, arts and crafts booths and it’s all free! All ages are welcome. For more information visit www.DeltaBluesFestival.net.

Nuhad Levasseur and In The Light Voice Studio present:

“ENCHANTED A Journey Through Disney and More”

In The Light Voice Studio Vocal Showcase

Saturday, August 16, 2014    3:00 pm  PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME

General Seating:  $13 Youth (12 & Under): $8

GENERAL SEATING 

“ENCHANTED” featuring highlights from many Disney shows, such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Enchanted, and many others. Also included in the showcase are highlights from the Broadway musical Wicked and the Broadway musical Into The Woods…

Many of In The Light Voice Studio’s singers have been on American Idol every year in the top 100 in Hollywood, have appeared in New York in Broadway musicals, have performed with some of the biggest names in the music industry, have been seen on major television shows , and have gone on to land recording contracts.

Come and join us for the most entertaining evening of magical, whimsical, and enchanting music you’ll ever hear all compiled in to one show… If you love Disney music and the Broadway musical Wicked, you will love this show!!

THE DIAMONDS

50’s Rock & Roll

Sunday August 17, 2014 3:00 pm 

Tickets: Adults: $27  Seniors (62 & Over): $25  Youth (Ages 6 – 17): Free With Paid Adult or Senior

RESERVED SEATING

Classic Rock & Roll with today’s attitude! In 1957 THE DIAMONDS released an instant million selling hit called Little Darlin’. The song continues to sell worldwide and has been dubbed “the National Anthem of Rock and Roll”. To date it has sold approximately 20 million copies. The Diamonds’ many accomplishments over the years include: 33 appearances on American Bandstand, Doo-Wop Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, 16 hit records, 3 certified Gold Records, Soundtrack of “American Graffiti”, Soundtrack of “Happy Days”.

Through the years since the release of Little Darlin’, THE DIAMONDS have learned one important lesson-the durability of this classic rock and roll music is as much about the future as it is about the past. As a result, THE DIAMONDS continue to expand their audience to this day, performing in a variety of venues and settings worldwide. These performances include – with Symphony Orchestras, in Performing Arts Theatres and major concert halls, on cruise ships, in casinos, at county and state fairs, on tours of England, Ireland, Brazil, Chile, Korea, and Japan, for benefit concerts, corporate conventions and at nightclubs. “We’ve been pleased to find a growing audience among all age groups. They love songs they can understand, remember and actually sing the words to – today, tomorrow, or even 20 years from now.”

Close To You – Carpenters Tribute Concert

Sunday, September 7, 2014   3:00 pm 

Tickets: Adults: $27  Seniors (62 & Over): $25  Youth (Ages 6 – 17): Free With Paid Adult or Senior

RESERVED SEATING

The popular singing duo of the 1970’s and early 80’s focused on mid tempo pop and ballads with Karen Carpenter’s unique and expressive alto voice on lead vocals. Both Karen and Richard Carpenter contributed background voices which were overdubbed to create densly layered harmonies; an integral part of their signature sound. 

Michelle Whited performs a stunning presentation of reproducing Karen’s unique voice along with Don Stamey on piano. The entire live band consists of skilled musicians who perform flawlessly, assisted by only pre-recorded background harmonies. The result is a memorable performance that will keep you engaged as you revisit the remarkable music interlude from an era to be cherished for a lifetime.

Tickets May Be Purchased in Advance: At the Ticket Office 604 W. Second Street (next door to the theatre) Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 1 hour before showtime, by phone at (925) 757-9500 or online at www.elcampaniltheatre.org.

Convenience Fees: When You Buy at the Box Office: No Fees; By Phone: $2.00 Per Order; Online: $1.50 Per Ticket; Email Tickets: No Charge; Will Call: No Charge; Mail Tickets: Add $ 2.00 Per Order.

The Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch continues their partnership with Antioch’s Umpqua Bank and features six artists in their upcoming exhibit. The bank is a perfect venue for local artists to showcase their work, which changes every two months. The new exhibit is running now and continues through September 26th. 

Featured artists are: Michele Eakin, Jennifer Frost, Ron Johnson, Christine Mikulice and Andre’ Salvador.

Umpqua Bank is located at 3700 Lone Tree Way and is open Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, excluding bank holidays.

For more information visit www.art4antioch.org or call Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325-9897.