AUSTINS BRIDGE ‘BRINGS CHURCH’ TO ICRS 2007
Performance Captivates American Idol’s Mandisa 

Atlanta, GA (July 16, 2007) – Daywind Records artist, Austins Bridge, performed during the New Artist Showcase Luncheon among some of Christian music’s hottest new artists at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta, GA, last week.

EMI/Sparrow recording artist and American Idol Season 5 finalist, Mandisa, hosted the luncheon that was held for the Christian booksellers.  With over 350 in attendance, Austins Bridge brought the audience to their feet after singing their #1 song “He’s In Control.”  “If y’all boys went to church with people that looked like me, they’d eat y’all up” exclaimed Mandisa after Austins Bridge ‘brought church’ to ICRS.

Austins Bridge spent two full days interviewing with various radio stations and TV programs, as well as performing a few of their songs at the New Day Christian Distribution breakfast, and signing over 500 copies of their self-titled debut project.  “We really enjoyed having the opportunity to show our appreciation to the booksellers.  They are such an important part in our ministry and in helping us get the true Message out,” stated Justin Rivers of Austins Bridge.

ICRS is the largest event designed for Christian store owners and operators to enable them to succeed. With its inspirational speakers, informed presenters, leading suppliers, artists and musicians, and thousands of fellow Christian retailers, the International Christian Retail Show is a source of nearly unlimited value you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution, Word and WEA. In addition to Austins Bridge, Daywind is home to great artists such as Legacy Five, Brian Free and Assurance, Hope’s Call, and others.

For more information on Austins Bridge, visit www.austinsbridge.com or www.daywindrecords.com.  For booking, contact the Tana Lonon Agency at www.tanalononagency.com.

For further information contact:

Dora Pop/Daywind Records
615.822.4524, dpop@daywind.com

Janet Bozeman/Bozeman Media
615.376.2246, bozemanmedia@comcast.net

AUSTINS BRIDGE LOGS 1800 MILES ON LAST WEEK’S RADIO PROMO TOUR AND
RECEIVES MAJOR PLAYLIST ADDS

Nashville, TN (June 26, 2007) ---- Pop/Adult Contemporary group, Austins Bridge, headed off to Louisiana and Texas in support of their new AC single, “I See Daylight,” for a major radio promo tour that covered 1800 miles. The group did an on-air performance at WBSN (New Orleans, LA) and did a live interview at American Family Radio (Dallas, TX).  They also had meetings with key staffers at KSBJ (Houston, TX), KLTY & KCBI (Dallas, TX), and KSWP (Lufkin, TX). 

While on the trip to Tulsa, Austins Bridge started the day by appearing on the top-rated morning show, Six In The Morning, on the local CBS affiliate, KOTV-TV.  They performed three songs from their new self-titled CD on Daywind Records, “I See Daylight,” “Life’s Too Short,” and “Dry Bones.”  After their strong performance and interview on the television show, KKCM-FM changed the station visit with Austins Bridge to an on-air live interview and taped performance to air later.

“Austins Bridge had a great impact on every station we visited,” says Shannon Becker, Marketing Manager, Big Town Promotions & Productions. “As a result of the successful trip, the band received commitments from 50% of the stations they visited for airplay.” 

                       

#1 PHOTO (Left to right): Libby Krimsier, Music Director/Morning Host, WBSN; Jason Baird, guitar/bass, Austins Bridge; Julie Hedrick, Promotions Director, WBSN; Justin Rivers, lead vocalist/lead guitar/piano, Austins Bridge; Mike Kofahl, guitar, Austins Bridge

#2 PHOTO (Left to right): Mike Kofahl, Austins Bridge; LeAnne Taylor, Co-host/Six In The Morning, KOTV-TV; Justin Rivers, Austins Bridge; Casey Norton, Co-anchor/Six In The Morning, KOTV-TV; Jason Baird, Austins Bridge

Media Contacts:

Janet Bozeman/Bozeman Media
615-376-2246/bozemanmedia@comcast.net

Dora Pop/Daywind Records
615-822-4524/dpop@daywind.com

AUSTINS BRIDGE TO GUEST STAR ON GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL’S "HOT LIST"

Nashville, TN (May 23, 2007) – The members of Austins Bridge reveal their favorite Christian concept videos on Hot List with Gospel Music Channel (GMC), Sunday, May 27, 2007.

Hot List showcases great gospel videos within a specific theme, like songs of prayer, southern gentlemen, Gospel classics, artist favorites, and many more. Austins Bridge’s Hot List will premiere on May 27, 2007, at 8:00 PM EST and encore throughout May and June.

GMC recently became available in nearly 20 million homes when it acquired the Black Family Channel (BFC) earlier this month. GMC is now available in major markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Boston, Houston, and many others. The acquisition launches GMC in all ten of the top ten markets and 23 of the top 25.

"GMC is helping spread the gospel in new and exciting ways," states Justin Rivers of Austins Bridge. "We are so thrilled to partner with an organization that is stretching its boundaries and telling the message of Christ to such a vast audience."

Austins Bridge released their highly acclaimed, self-titled debut in March, 2007, and is set to release "I See Daylight" to CCM radio in mid-June. "I See Daylight" is the follow up to their #1 Southern Gospel single, "He’s In Control."

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution, Word and WEA. In addition to Austins Bridge, Daywind is home to great artists such as Legacy Five, Brian Free and Assurance, Greater Vision, and others.

For more information on Gospel Music Channel, visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com. For booking, contact the Tana Lonon Agency at www.tanalononagency.com.

AUSTINS BRIDGE ON GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL

Austins Bridge is scheduled to make their worldwide broadcast premier, this Saturday, on the Gospel Music Channel program: Front Row Live. Jerry Williams, director of programming for GMC, says: "We're really excited to have Austins Bridge on Gospel Music Channel. These guys are craftsmen when it comes to music, and their hearts are all in the right place."

Group member, Mike Kofahl told reporters: "We would love to thank the GMC for there constant support of Austins Bridge. We count it a blessing that we can partner with such an amazing company, working together, spreading the message of Jesus Christ to the world."

The Front Row Live show featuring Austins Bridge will premier Saturday at 9pm.. and encore throughout April and May.

Front Row Live:  Austins Bridge premiers Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 9 PM EST on the Gospel Music Channel

Replays:  12 AM EST and 5 AM EST Sunday, April 15, 2007
                9 PM EST Monday, April 16, 2007
                12 AM EST and 5 AM EST Tuesday, April 17, 2007

visit:  www.gospelmusicchannel.com

Radioactive DJ’s Speak Out About Austin’s Bridge
Austin’s Bridge Holds Number 1 For Second Week On The Radioactive Airplay TOP 100

Daywind newcomers Austin’s Bridge scored their 2nd week at Number 1 atop the Radioactive Airplay TOP100 Chart for the week ending March 20th. The group is made up of members Mike Kofahl, Justin Rivers and Jason Baird. Their story began in early 2006 when Mike and Jason joined Justin (formally of the Crabb Family) to form an all male trio named Austin’s Bridge. Since that beginning the group has gained a tremendous following of fans including radio DJs from across the country. Here’s what some of the Radioactive Airplay DJ’s have to say about Austin’s Bridge:


"like a fresh breath of air for spring, this new song by Austin's Bridge is getting a lot of response from our listener's, give it a try..."
-----
Don Mabee
Manager
Newsong FM
Saint John NB
Canada


Austin's Bridge has a great, fresh, sound that is another example of how the next generation is carrying on the Gospel in song. I've heard some compare their unique harmonies to an "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" or "Rascal Flatts" sound which, even if you disagree, gives credence of their
popularity-to-come!
-------
Daniel Britt
XM Satellite Radio
NewLife FM, Atlanta



A breath of fresh air in southern gospel music. Their new single “He’s In Control” is fantastic. I look forward to more great music from Austin’s Bridge.
-----
Gayle Laird- Gospel Giant 104.3 – Brookhaven, MS



Austin's Bridge is in control of a possible number one song. I added this the moment I heard it. Austin's Bridge is exactly what will attract a new generation to Southern Gospel music.
------
Randy Todd
Program Director
THE ALL NEW 88 9
God's Country
www.worshipradionetwork.org



I had heard a lot of buzz about Austin's Bridge and this time the reality actually exceeded the hype. Their progressive soaring vocals and tight harmonies will appeal to a wide audience and I'm excited to be able to play this new group for my listeners.
------
Rob Patz, host of nationally the syndicated program, The Southern Styles Show
www.southernstylesshow.com



He's In Control By Austin’s Bridge is an excellent song with a Country/Bluegrass feel. The group has a very unique sound that sets them apart from most current artists. I look forward to hearing more from Austin’s Bridge!!
--------
Carl Dozier SGM Revival Radio
www.sgmrevival.com
A Live365 Station


Austin's Bridge's latest single, "He's In Control" is one of those songs you'll find yourself humming over and over. A nice bluesy piece that starts out simple and builds to a powerful, well harmonized ending. On top of the cool music, it has a powerful message about not giving up hope. It is getting plenty of airplay on SGM At Its Best on Live365.com. I have previewed their CD on their website and I look forward to getting this CD. These three young men have a lot of energy, and their love for the Lord shows in their music. Austin's Bridge is, without a doubt, the hottest new group in Southern Gospel music today.
-----
Ken Barnes
www.live365.com/stations/kb0hca
SGM At Its Best



You really need Austin’s Bridge in Heavy Rotation. “He’s In Control” Needs to be on every radio station on the air. I see them going a very long way in this Industry especially with songs like “He’s In Control”.
-----
Steve Robinette
Owner WVSG Radio .Com
www.wvsgradio.com


Their debut song "He's In Control" by Austin’s Bridge brings hope to all those who have become weary in the battle. I'm wondering where I can buy this CD. This will be one of those "heavy" played songs at
WFSR 970 am.
------
Rick Simpson
WFSR 970 am
Harlan, KY


I don’t think we have seen this level of activity at Radioactive Airplay on any release to date. Austin’s Bridge is possibly one of the hottest new groups to hit gospel music in a long time. Their music is refreshing and the appeal of the sound crosses the lines of age or genre. Fans from 9 to 90 love what they are hearing from this group.
-------
Charles Brady
Caraway Media Group
Radioactive Airplay.Com
 

***** Thank you to The Southern Gospel.com and Charles Brady for sharing this article, and to the Radioactive Airplay DJ's for your comments and support.  *****

Article Link: http://www.thesoutherngospel.com/more.php?id=2839_0_21_0

Posted by: Charles on Mar 22, 07 | 10:36 am
 

January 25, 2007 ~ AUSTINS BRIDGE PREPARING DEBUT RELEASE WITH DAYWIND RECORDS

HENDERSONVILLE, TN – Austins Bridge was recently at Daywind Sky Studios in Hendersonville, TN, finishing up vocals on their debut project with Daywind Records. The highly anticipated project, Austins Bridge, is produced by GRAMMY® and Dove Award winning Bubba Smith, and features ten new songs including "He Will Carry You," "His Burden’s Light," "Jesus, You Are" and "Life’s Too Short," along with a remake of the classic, "Dry Bones." Songwriters for Austins Bridge include Gerald Crabb, Annie McRae, Chris Binion and John Colgin, along with Austins Bridge members Jason Baird (baritone) and Mike Kofahl (tenor). Justin Rivers, lead vocalist, also wrote or co-wrote eight of the eleven songs.

"It was truly incredible to work with Bubba Smith. He is the best at what he does," stated Mike. "I can’t even begin to tell you how excited we are about this project."

"I was honored when they asked me to be a part of their musical ministry," shared Bubba. "The first time I heard Austins Bridge, I was absolutely blown away and knew that I had to work with them."

Jason added, "Our prayer is that this project will bring hope and encouragement to everyone who listens to it, and that it shares the message that Jesus Christ is the answer to whatever questions you face in life."

Austins Bridge showcased several of their new songs at the Winter Sales Conference for Word/WEA Distribution in Franklin, TN. They also performed twice at the Munce Marketing Group Convention in Hershey, PA, and will be a part of the upcoming Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) Advance in Indianapolis, IN. An hour-long feature concert is being taped for the Gospel Music Channel in February.

Austins Bridge will be available in your local Christian bookstore on Tuesday, March 20, 2007.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution and Word Entertainment / WEA. Daywind is also home to artists such as Greater Vision, Brian Free & Assurance and Hope’s Call, among others.

DAYWIND TO HOST MEET & GREET WITH TOP ARTISTS AT ADVANCE

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.— Tuesday, January 30, 2007, will be a night to remember as top Daywind artists meet with Christian retailers at the 2007 Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) Advance. One of the artists appearing in the New Day booth, #741, will be Jeff & Sheri Easter. Although they are a recent addition to the Daywind family, Jeff & Sheri have been adored by fans for over 20 years. The newest member of the Daywind family, Austins Bridge, has been catching both the eyes and ears of music enthusiasts and industry professionals everywhere they go. Be sure to stop by and meet this dynamic young group who is taking the nation by storm. In addition to their appearance at the New Day booth, these artists will also be appearing at the Word booth the next day.

Karen Peck & New River, one of Southern Gospel’s most loved groups and a recently signed Daywind artist, will be meeting with retailers Thursday morning at the New Day booth.

CBA Advance is the largest Christian retail winter trade event in the world. This year the event will be held at the Indiana Convention Center located in Indianapolis, IN, January 30 – February 1, 2007.

These Daywind artists will be releasing new projects in the first few months of 2007. The highly anticipated project, Life Is Great and Getting’ Better, from Jeff & Sheri Easter will release in stores January 23rd. For Austins Bridge and Karen Peck & New River, these will be their first projects with Daywind Records. The debut project from Austins Bridge will be in stores March 20th, and Karen Peck & New River’s release will be available in stores March 3rd.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution and Word Entertainment/WEA. Daywind is also home to artists such as Greater Vision, Legacy Five and the Perrys, among others.

For more information about artists with Daywind Records, visit www.daywindrecords.com. For more information on CBA Expo, log on to www.cbaonline.org.

Austins Bridge Signs Recording Agreement With Daywind Records

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.— Daywind Records announces the signing of new group, Austins Bridge. Austins Bridge is Justin Rivers, Jason Baird and Mike Kofahl.

Justin Rivers, former pianist for the Crabb Family, states, “It is a great honor to be a part of the Daywind family. We are so excited about the journey that’s set before us and are looking forward to walking through the many doors that God is opening to spread His wonderful Gospel that we love to sing about.”

Norman Holland, Vice President and A&R Director for Daywind, adds, “Austins Bridge is an amazing group of guys. They are not only incredible singers, but talented musicians and songwriters as well. We are very honored to have them as a part of Daywind.”

“Thank you to Ed, Dottie, Norman and the Daywind staff for believing in us. We are excited about our new endeavor with you all,” included Mike Kofahl.

Be looking for Austins Bridge’s debut Daywind Records release in Spring 2007. Based in Hendersonville, TN, Daywind Records is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution and Word Entertainment / WEA. Daywind Records is also home to artists: Triumphant Quartet, Legacy Five and The Perry’s among others.

For more information on Austins Bridge contact Kasey Embry at kasey@daywind.com or 615-822-4524. For booking, contact the Tana Lonon Agency at www.tanalononagency.com.

Caption: L - R: Ed Leonard (President of Daywind Records), Justin Rivers, Jason Baird, Mike Kofahl, Norman Holland (Vice President and A&R Director of Daywind Records)