Highlighted Performances and Activities

NOTE: GWCC = Georgia World Congress Center. All NCYC activities at GWCC take place in Building B.

Spirit & Song Showcase

Grab a bite and come hear your favorite Spirit & Song artists! This showcase will feature all your favorite music from Spirit & Song 1 AND 2. Shout, laugh, sing, and honor the Lord with your friends, great songs, and today's best contemporary Catholic artists. Sponsored by Oregon Catholic Press.
Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
GWCC Level One – Hall B1

Georgia Dome Performances

Thursday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ceili Rain
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. John Angotti
Friday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tony Melendez
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Cheer Up Charlie

Concurrent Session Warm Up Performances

Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Danielle Rose GWCC Level One - Hall B2
  Joia Farmer GWCC Level One - Hall B3
  Tammy Ann Winn GWCC Level Five - Murphy Ballroom
Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Kelly Pease GWCC Level One - Hall B2
  Sarah Hart GWCC Level One - Hall B3
Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. David Yackley GWCC Level One - Hall B2
  Sarah Bauer GWCC Level One - Hall B3
  Chris Padgett GWCC Level Five - Murphy Ballroom

CCHD Award Presentation

Join Jesse Manibusan and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development as they present the 2005 CCHD Multi Media Youth Arts Contest Award to youth from St. Michael’s Church in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for their DVD titled, Let Their Voices Be Heard!, which outlines the problem of homelessness in Hawaii and introduces possible solutions.
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Catacombs Café in Peachtree Corners (GWCC Level One - Halls B4-B5)

Hip-Hop/Rap Concert

Join Righteous B, Mars Ill, and Verbs for an afternoon of music that both entertains and challenges. These artists combine poetry with rhythm to offer listeners an experience that will move you in body, mind, and heart.
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
GWCC Level One – Hall B1

Comedy Club: God! You Crack Me Up!

Laugh it up with APeX Ministries, Bob Perron, Over the Top Ministries, and Oddwalk Ministries as they explore the funny side of faith.

Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
GWCC Level Five - Murphy Ballroom

Dance of the Decades

Join Anna Scally for a dance you will not want to miss! What is your favorite decade of music? Arrive dressed in a great costume that represents your decade from the 50s to the 00s. We will dance the afternoon away to the biggest songs of each decade. Bring your energy, costume, and positive attitude to this major dance celebration. Prizes awarded for the most creative costumes. This includes the adults!
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
GWCC Level One - Hall B3

Performer Biographies

 

PERFORMER BIOGRAPHIES

John Angotti

John has been a published composer with World Library Publications since 1995. An accomplished and superb pianist, he began studying piano at the age of seven in Clarksburg, West Virginia. John has a marketing degree from West Virginia University and studied voice and piano at the United States Military School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia. He performed with the U.S. Navy Band for two years, traveling extensively throughout the United States and parts of Europe. John is currently director of music at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. Visit www.commongroundllc.com

Ceili Rain

Ceili Rain is a six-headed musical joy-monster! The Ceili (KAY-lee) boys are here with rock and roll news: bagpipes can be cool! Celebrating ten years together with glowing reviews in Billboard Magazine and airplay on Christian stations across America, Ceili Rain returns for a fourth consecutive NCYC main-stage appearance! Visit www.ceilirain.com.

Cheer Up Charlie

CUC is a band that has been tested, tried, and been found faithful to the call of Christ. Formerly known as Scarecrow and Tinmen, this powerhouse of ministry, music, nose-foam, and sheer mayhem boldly go where the average Christian band will not. With more than twelve years of fulltime ministry under their belt, this band knows the ins and outs of what it takes to reach the hardest heart. Currently in the studio, producer, and CuC lead singer, Bradley DeRosia says, “This music is truly a cut above. Not only does it R-A-W-K, it touches the spirit in a way that leads to lasting change.” Visit www.cheerupcharlie.com.

Tony Melendez

came to international attention in 1987 when he was selected by the youth of Los Angeles to perform for Pope John Paul II. Born without arms because of a drug prescribed to his mother named Thalidomide, Tony plays guitar and push-button organ using his feet. So moved by the performance, the pope approached Tony, kissed him, and commissioned him as a “hope giver.” Since then, he has traveled throughout the world making appearances in countless stories on television and in newspapers and magazines. Tony resides in Branson, Missouri, with his wife, Lynn, and their children. Visit www.tonymelendez.com.

Curtis Stephan

Curtis is a recording artist who brings his extensive background in music to minister to youth. Having earned a master’s degree in music from the prestigious UNT College of Music, he turned his sights to serving God through service to the church. Curtis is currently music director at St. Ann’s in Coppell, Texas, where he has been for six years. His third and most recent CD Through the Storm demonstrates lyrical vocal stylings combined with a cutting edge rock guitar tone. A Texas native, Curtis has performed with mainstream Christian artists such as Shaun Groves, Kutless, and Wayne Watson. Visit www.razedrecords.com.

 

 

GWCC Level One – Hall B2

Kelly Pease (Friday at 3:30 p.m.) is a young, Catholic woman passionately seeking the heart of Jesus. She has been writing and recording music since the age of fourteen. At twenty-one, she is still using her music to convey thoughts and prayers. “My vision for my ministry and my life is just to stay plugged into His heart so that I can share Him with other people.” In a spirit of true authenticity and excitement, she shares her heart for God. Kelly lives in Louisiana.

Danielle Rose (Friday at 1:00 p.m.) is a 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with degrees in both theology and music. Born Danielle Skorich, she has taken “Rose” professionally to commemorate the rose Mother Teresa gave her while volunteering in India at age seventeen. It was a reminder to share her gifts as they unfold like a rose, in God’s time. Danielle began composing and singing her own original material while at Notre Dame. She has released two CDs, Defining Beauty, in 2001, and, Mysteries—A Musical Exploration of the Rosary, in 2003. Visit www.daniellerose.com.

David Yackley (Saturday at 12:00 p.m.) has been involved in bringing young people to Christ through uplifting contemporary music for the last decade. This singer/songwriter recently released his first album for World Library Publications, Offering. It is an outgrowth of his personal faith and his work in the Life Teen movement. He currently leads the Lighthouse Band for Sunday night Life Teen Masses at Holy Family Catholic Church near Seattle, Washington. Originally from Ohio, David lived in Rochester, New York, and Atlanta, Georgia, before arriving in Seattle in 1996. Visit www.yackley.com and www.wlpmusic.com.

GWCC Level One – Hall B3

Sarah Bauer (Saturday at 12:00 p.m.) is a singer and songwriter who combines purity of mind, heart, and purpose in her music ministry. The energetic twenty-three-year-old is one of the freshest voices in Catholic music. Her latest album, Lead Me Home, expresses her joyful faith while inviting others to trust in God’s plan for their own dreams. Learn more about Sarah Bauer and Dare to Dream Ministry at www.sarahbauer.com.

Joia Farmer

Joia is a singer and songwriter from the wild west of Colorado. She is currently working on new album due out in spring 2006. Joia is passionate about infusing others with the joy and peace she has found in Christ and hopes her music does just that! She is mother to three AWESOME kids (Jack, age three, Ava, still in China, and Baby #3, still in the making) and proud wife of Brad Farmer of APeX Ministries. One day she hopes to have a day to herself, to play the piano in front of people, and own a car that is NOT a minivan. Visit www.joiafarmer.com.

Sarah Hart (Friday at 3:30 p.m.) is a modern-day poet and troubadour whose lyrics explore the transforming power of faith. Her concerts are energetic, story-filled, jump-up-and-sing experiences! Her unique perspective as a woman, wife, and mom of young children allows her to share her faith in a transparent way. She is the recipient of two Unity Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, and Producer of the Year for the collection Daughters of God. You can get her latest release, Into These Rooms, through www.sarahhartmusic.com or www.spiritandsong.com.

GWCC Level Five – Murphy Ballroom

Chris Padgett (Saturday at 12:00 p.m.) has utilized music and stories to convey the love of Christ to a generation in need of Good News for close to a decade. Amidst the skepticism and cynicism of the world's ideologies, Chris lifts high the message of Jesus' transforming generosity to anyone who will listen, even if it isn't popular with today's trends and fads. He married his high school sweet heart more than fourteen years ago and currently has seven children. You can find out more about Chris and his apostolate at www.chris-padgett.com.

Tammy Winn (Friday at 1:00p p.m.) has toured the United States, Canada, and Europe for four years offering contemporary music at events such as World Youth Day and the National TEC Convention. Her soulful compositions and eclectic style earned her the WAMI award for Christian Artist of the Year in 2004. Tammy is also completing a master’s degree in religious studies from Cardinal Stritch University. One of her interests in the field of theology is the encouragement of peace and justice by advocating ecumenical and inter-faith development. Visit www.TammyAnnWinn.com.

Saturday Afternoon Activities

Hip-Hop and Rap Concert (3:30 to 5:00 p.m., GWCC Level One – Hall B1

Mars ILL is a major player in the Christian hip-hop scene and a staple in Atlanta's underground hip-hop community. Signed to Gotee Records, Mars ILL has several national releases under their belt. The mouthpiece for the group, Manchild, converted to Catholicism at Easter in 2003. Visit www.marsill.com.

Righteous B (Bob Lesnefsky as his mother calls him) spent several years in inner city New York as a youth minister where he cut his teeth in ministry and music. After blundering through experiences of traditional youth ministry and coming up dry, Bob started using hip-hop as a tool to share the gospel. "The goal of our music is to authentically share our lives, our stories, and our passions: all of which are intertwined with the heart of Christ. Our shows and records are centered on the voice of Jesus in John 10:10, ‘I have come that you might have life and have it to the fullest.’" Visit www.righteousb.com.

Verbs made his life joints known by co-hosting BET’s Rap City, appearing on Jam Zone, and performing on the televised Teen Summit Live. Through group and solo performances, Verbs opened for such mainstream hit-makers as Jay-Z, Outkast, A Tribe Called Quest, Camp Lo, and De La Soul. In hip-hop circles, Verbs is known as the rapper ready to pop, but this emcee comes to the mike with a whole lot more than mere talent. Ever reflecting on daily life, Verbs is a true hip-hop storyteller sporting a narrative rap style that tackles issues in a problem-conflict, solution-resolution manner. Visit www.verbs7.com.

Comedy Club (4:00 to 5:30 p.m., GWCC Level Five – Murphy Ballroom)

APeX Ministries (aka Gene Monterastelli and Brad Farmer) uses a unique presentation style they call Christian Vaudeville (which includes death defying juggling, humor, characterizations (skits), story-telling, audience participation, and personal testimony). In other words they throw things at each other and are funny. Gene one day hopes to compete in the Olympics as a solo synchronized swimmer. Brad is very strong! APeX can reached at APeXMinistries.com or 888/522-APeX.

Oddwalk Ministries consists of Shannon Cerneka, Orin Johnson, their families, friends, and all of you! Shannon and Orin officially founded Oddwalk Ministries in 2004 after many years of a more informal existence. It exists to help young and old alike embrace life as Eucharistic people through fun, upbeat, and interactive music and witnessing. They bring a message of participation, community, and mission to every group. Visit www.oddwalkministries.com.

Over the Top Ministries (Justin Russell and Anne Marie Cribbin) uses comedic music and storytelling to provide a laugh-‘til-you-hurl look at what it means to be a disciple of Christ. We all need to laugh at ourselves once in a while, because hey, sometimes faith is funny. And God is neat . . . every time. Visit www.getoverthetop.com.

Bob Perron is a Catholic edu-tainer. His blend of humor and education have made him a highly sought after speaker. Bob's presentations leave his audiences laughing, smiling, thinking deeply, and perhaps even shedding a tear or two. His excitement, enthusiasm, and love has motivated and inspired thousands of young people and adults since 1984. Currently the executive director of the St. Thomas More Center and the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Des Moines, Bob’s primary vocation is being a husband and father of four amazing children. Visit www.stooge4christ.com.

Decades Dance (4:30 to 6:00 p.m., GWCC Level One – Hall B3)

Anna Scally is president of Cornerstone Media and a columnist for Cornerstone’s Top Music Countdown quarterly poster. She is host of the audio show, Burning Issues, which deals with relevant youth topics. As an author, her work on popular music, religious education and youth ministry has appeared in several journals and popular publications. She has made more than two thousand public presentations at youth rallies, training events, retreats, and adult education days, as well as being a presenter at all the major conferences for religious educators in North America. Voted the American Business Women’s Association 2004 Woman of the Year, Anna petitions the “young church” to make a positive difference in their parishes, schools, and in their communities.