by Mckenzi Harris | Nov 5, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, BREAKING NEWS, News Slider
Gospel artist Kirk Franklin says he will boycot future Dove Awards, the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and the Gospel Music Association (GMA), until “tangible plans are put in place to protect and champion diversity.” The GMA has responded by beginning a process to reconcile with Franklin and other stars who have announced support for him. The GMA Dove Awards, an annual show that recognizes achievement in the Christian music industry, took place on Lipscomb University’s campus for the seventh consecutive year on Oct. 16. Franklin’s boycott, that he announced early in November, is in response to the network removing comments during his Artist of the Year award acceptance speech. Franklin spoke of the death of a 28-year-old black woman who died after a Fort Worth police officer shot through her window Oct. 12. “A young girl by the name of Atatiana Jefferson was shot and killed in her home by a policeman, and I am just asking that we send up prayers for her family and for his,” Franklin said. “And asking that we send up prayers for that 8-year-old little boy that saw that tragedy.” That moment, along with others, was edited out of the 50th Annual Dove Awards television broadcast. In response, Franklin took to social media and posted a video calling for a boycott of the show. He said the ultimate goal of the boycott is “reconciliation and accountability.” “It is important for those in charge to be informed,” he said. “Not only did they edit my speech, they edited the African-American experience.” Franklin said that this isn’t the first time the GMAs have chosen to...
by Madison Sharp | Nov 1, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
When attending “Bright Star” at Collins Alumni Auditorium, “people should expect to laugh, but be prepared to cry a lot as well,” said Emma Harvey, a member of the ensemble cast. The innovative musical by comedian actor and musician Steve Martin and by Edie Brickell, former leader of the New Bohemians and wife of rock lyricist Paul Simon, will run November 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 7:30 pm; November 3 and 10 at 2:30 pm in Collins Alumni Auditorium. “The play centers around the life of Alice Murphy, it’s set in the 1920s-1940s,” said Harvey. “It is a story of loss, love, and redemption.” The leads of the show are Hatty King and Easton Curtis. The musical is the first of its kind — it’s bluegrass centered and blends that rootsy music with traditional musical theater. The play actually sprung from a 2013 album by Martin — who also is an acclaimed banjo player — and Brickell, “Love Has Come For You.” Two songs from that album are part of the score, with the rest composed by the star tandem. Brickell is credited with the lyrics, while Martin wrote the book. This show is way more focused on the adult audience and gracefully tackles real-world issues. Students can attend the play for free by using the code StuTix1920 at checkout. Photos provided by CEA photographer, Sarah...
by Kathryn Farris | Oct 12, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
It’s that time of year again — a white tent has been placed outside Allen Arena, and weekly parking email warns of an expansive list of closed parking spots for Tuesday evening when Lipscomb will host the 50thannual Dove Awards. It’s Lipscomb’s seventh year hosting the GMA Dove Awards, and as usual, several genre heavyweights will be in attendance. This year’s guest list includes artists like Lauren Daigle, Amy Grant, Hillsong Worship and MercyMe. Performances are expected from the five new artist of the year nominees Riley Clemmons, Austin French, Kelontae Gavin, Josh Baldwin and Aaron Carter. The nominations for major category song of the year shine a light on writers and performers like Francesca Battistelli’s “The Breakup Song” and Lauren Daigle’s “You Say.” Daigle’s song “You Say,” co-written by Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury, recently broke the record for the longest No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. Presenters will include comedian John Crist, Kathy Lee Gifford, for KING & COUNTRY and Lipscomb alum Pat Boone. Lumination will bring you full coverage of the big event, so check back Tuesday evening. Till then, check out last year’s coverage here. Photo by Ben...
by Tia Calvin | Oct 4, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Before her class began at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Emily Patti spent a few minutes adjusting her seat pedals and fixing her microphone. She greeted students individually as they walked in the door and warmly welcomed new members. Then, she dimmed the lights, got on her bike, and blasted the stereo. This is Spin, the world of indoor cycling, which first found its way to Lipscomb University in 2009. Since then, group fitness has had a sharp increase in participation with Spin being the most attended class on campus. The concept of Spin is simple: a 45-minute fitness session where students ride stationary bikes at various levels of resistance while led by an instructor. This, combined with bass pumping music and a dark room, makes for an immersive yet entertaining workout. In recent years, spin classes have become extremely popular, with celebrities like Beyonce and former President Barack Obama loving the fast-paced and high-intensity workouts that make them break a sweat. But it’s more than just the challenging workout that keeps students coming back week after week. Some students rely on the class environment with an upbeat instructor to keep them involved in this fitness fad. “I love the fun group vibe here and the music,” said Lipscomb student, Abigail Hardage. “Yes, it’s a challenging workout, but Emily motivates me to be the absolute best. I honestly don’t think I’d be able to do on my own what she pushes me to do each week.” Emily Patti is the instructor for the twice-weekly class, she began teaching after a soccer injury left her unable to exercise with the team. She...
by Mckenzi Harris | Sep 22, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
A bit of nostalgia for ‘older kids,’ the children’s play Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse plays through Saturday, Sept. 28, at Shamblin. Lipscomb’s School of Fine and Performing Arts is presenting the show, based on the children’s books by Kevin Henkes. The tale features a mouse named Lilly who loves everything about school. Pals Chester and Wilson say they are two peas in a pod, but Lilly soon comes to town and eventually becomes best friends with both of them. “It’s really good for ages 5-10,” said Emma Harvey, who plays Chester, when talking about the play. “Adults love it too, though,” she said. “There are some really specific parts of the show that are geared towards adults, and that children just won’t get. For college students, it’s really nostalgic because we grew up reading the books.” Tickets for can be purchased here for the remaining shows at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in Shamblin Theatre. Harvey encourages her college schoolmates to catch it before it’s gone. “You should definitely come see this show for a little bit of nostalgia and fun.” Gallery by Madison Sharpe. DSC9178 Aperture: 4Camera: ILCE-7RM3Iso: 1600 « ‹ of 21 ›...
by Riley Hoag | Sep 19, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Sunday night Lipscomb School of Music hosted a free concert and viewing of part of Ken Burns newest massive documentary series on “Country Music.” The entire series consists of eight segments running at least two hours in length. Before students watched the documentary there was a concert featuring, Cindy Morgan, Scott Mulvahill, Johnson Roberts and Abby Siler. Cindy Morgan performed the longest set, but all of the singers sang an old hymn and the crowd sang along with them. After the concert was over the documentary started. “Country Music” details how country music began and its episodes explore the development of he genre to what it is now. Burns interviews country artists and music industry figures for the film series. Those interviewed include Carlene Carter, who carries the Carter Family name forward, Kris Kristofferson, who changed the literary style of country music, as well as megastars like Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton. Music and photos of such historic stars as The Carters, Mac Wiseman, Hank Williams, Cowboy Jack Clement are featured throughout the documentary. For example, episode six focuses on the wordplay offered up by Kristofferson and his contemporary from the folk-rock world Bob Dylan. The two men’s connections to Johnny Cash are explored in depth. The full documentary series is being shown on PBS stations nationwide (WNPT-Channel 8 in Nashville) and also is available On...
