Events
CONCERT REVIEW: “The Two Story Project” Concert Series
Hip-Hop artist Donney Wright and contemporary worship artist Lauren Lee have come together to form the Two Story Project. Though the project isn’t an actual “project”…yet, what the duo have created is something unique and spectacular. The Two Story Project, according to Lauren Lee, is about “two different artists, from two different backgrounds, who love Jesus, sharing the story of Jesus.” Lee and Wright have taken this show on the road throughout Wisconsin, with special guest Jasmine Sims, and were most recently in the Chicagoland area where I had the privilege of being in attendance.
The evening was set in motion with a dynamic piece from spoken word/hip-hop artist Just Steve who hit the stage with the worship collective, Atmosphere of Heaven (also known as A.O.H.). AOH got everyone ready for an awesome night by leading the crowd in worship and setting a great atmosphere for what was about to take place.
Spoken word artist Jasmine Sims took the stage next and wowed the audience with a few different pieces. Her creativity, delivery, and poise on the mic was incredible to watch. “A faith that isn’t tested isn’t proven” she reminded us on “Don’t Waste Your Life;” which was her last piece of the evening. Being the only poet on a tour with musicians can be challenging for some, but according to Jasmine its fine for her. “Opening the night and setting the tone can be nerve racking, but I enjoy it” said Sims. And set the tone she did.
Next up was Lauren Lee, backed by a talented three-piece band that was just as much a part of the show as the artists in front of them. The band helped Lauren deliver a beautiful merger of worship and rock that was like nothing I’ve ever seen or heard before. Lauren’s voice was powerful, yet she made it seem effortless. As the night went on she continued to showcase her versatility song after song and her performance was definitely one of the highlights of the night.
The introduction of Donney Wright into the show on “The Great Exchange” was both smooth and surprising. The transitions throughout the entire evening were flawless and well planned and made the show flow perfectly. Donney came out to close the show and brought a great deal of energy and fun to the stage.
Many rappers think going out on stage and rapping over their instrumentals are enough to satisfy a crowd, but audiences want to see effort and creativity and that’s what Donney brought. With a dance break in between sets and playing familiar songs for the crowd to sing along to, he made sure spectators were engaged. But, he could also rap! With messages that spanned making music for the love of it to sex trafficking and self-image, Donney gave us unforgettable lines like “the truth don’t need a hook.”
Though the featured artists on this tour are two completely different artists doing two completely different genres of music, the combination of Donney Wright and Lauren Lee on the Two Story Project is well balanced and pure quality! You can tell the two have a genuine love for not only Christ, but one another as well and it shows in the way they interact and perform on stage. The show was a creative blend of styles that seem to be polar opposites, but actually mesh very well and the artists complement one another. If you see or hear about the Two Story Project coming to your city, don’t hesitate…GO!
WATCH CONCERT RECAP VIDEO:
Shout Out to the leaders and youth at “Consumed Ministries” of Christian Life Center in Tinley Park, IL for hosting this event! They did an amazing job! If your ministry is interested in hosting this tour or another similar event, contact us at info@artsoulradio.com to see what artists and tours are available to be booked in your area.
(June 12, 2025) – Central City Productions proudly announces the nominees for the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards presented by Procter and Gamble, across 36 categories, honoring the year’s best and brightest in gospel music. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Returning for another unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, the 2025 show will feature electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and special honors recognizing gospel legends and rising stars alike. Tickets are available now by visiting StellarAwards.com.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “For 40 remarkable years, the Stellar Awards have been a beacon of excellence, celebrating the voices, vision, and victories of gospel music. We honor not just the genre of gospel music, but the legacy of our history, our faith, our culture, and our community that has inspired Black & African American generations for four decades with our Stellar Gospel Music Awards.”
Public fan voting will take place in two categories this year, Urban Single or Performance of the Year and Praise and Worship Song of the Year. Fan Favorite Voting powered by Tide runs from June 16, 2025 until July 18, 2025 and those votes will determine the winners of those categories.
Nineteen-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr. and Stellar Award winner, Jason Nelson lead the field of nominees this year with nine nominations each; both landing top nominations in the key categories Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year (Nelson’s You Belong: Live in Durham; and Mike Jr.’s I Got Away EP).
With eight nominations, Cece Winans is recognized in the top categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for More Than This. Winans’ More Than This also features the single, “That’s My King.”
Other artists earning multiple Stellar nominations include: Mississippi Mass Choir, Adia, Deitrick Haddon, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kenny Lewis & One Voice, Micah Lee, Tamela Mann, Chandler Moore and FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, and Marcus Cole).
The Stellar Awards also announced nominees for the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards in six categories, including top categories Gospel Announcer of the Year, Syndicated Gospel Radio Show of the Year, Internet Station of the Year, and Top Market of the Year.
Adding to the excitement, August 14th – August 16th, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS week, a fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show, sponsored by Chevy and Aflac. From Master Classes and soundstages, to fashion shows, comedy showcases and more – the Stellar Plus 1 week offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. For more information on Stellar Plus Events visit stellarplusexperience.com.
40th Stellar Awards taping Tickets are available now at stellarawards.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. Some of the biggest names in Gospel will appear as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and X, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
The 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
This year’s Stellar Awards is presented by P&G (Procter & Gamble) with additional sponsorship provided by AT&T, AFLAC, State Farm, Walmart, Olay Body, Chevy and Tide.
A full list of the 40th annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit stellarawards.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.
ABOUT THE STELLAR TV NETWORK
Launched in April of 2023 under the management of Central City Productions, Inc., The Stellar Network fills the void for a family-friendly, entertainment, lifestyle network targeting Black audiences. The Stellar Network is the first in uplifting content with positive, inspirational, and entertainment programming. Stellar’s goal is to be the most preferred network to Black audiences in the country.The Stellar Network can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Vizio & Vizio WatchFree+ (app), and Xumo Play. For more information visit www.stellartv.com
ABOUT CENTRAL CITY PRODUCTIONS
Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer, programmer, and syndicator of its exclusively owned African-American programming. Celebrating 55 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), America’s Black Forum (www.americasblackforum.com), Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringking.com), Mentoring Queens (www.mentoringqueen.com), and Black History Honors among many others. For more information, visit www.ccptv.com.
Chosen Journey Is Set to Host Groundbreaking Finale in Atlanta on June. 22nd. As we are inching closer to the Birthday Bash Weekend, fans are gearing up to celebrate Hip-Hop and faith in a new way!
What Is Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash?
If you’re not familiar with the Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash, we’ll get you caught up to speed! The Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash is an annual Hip Hop event in Atlanta that celebrates the station’s birthday and features a variety of artists.
This year, the event is blending faith with HipHop on the final night of the 3 day Birthday Bash. Trendsetter Sense, the host of Hot 107.9’s Chosen Journey, is set to host the finale of the event on June 22nd. In honor of the finale, the set is being called Chosen Journey Birthday Bash Finale. The show is scheduled to be held at Center Stage in Atlanta and will feature an all-Christian Hip-Hop lineup. This year, it includes the following Christian Hip Hop artists: Anike, Nobigdyl, Miles Minnick, Childlike CiCi, WhatupRG, Jon Keith, 1KPhew, Aaron Cole, Kijan Boone, Swaizy.
Tickets are currently on sale at www.centerstage-atlanta.com.
Tickets are going fast! Experience the first-ever Christian Hip-Hop finale at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash. Buy your tickets now.
Chosen Journey’s Mission to Blend Faith & Hip-Hop:
Chosen Journey talks about moving from secular radio to pushing Christian music through his new show “Chosen Journey”. He shares how his recent journey of following God’s obedience to begin this show has led to him creating a the Birthday Bash which is coming to the city of ATL coming on June 21st.
Christian Hip Hop Artists Performing at the Birthday Bash Finale
If you’re unfamiliar with the CHH artists being featured on the closing night of the 107.9 Birthday Bash, we’ll get you caught up! Scroll down to get a sample from each artist below.
1) NoBigDyl
Known for his lyricism and thoughtful production, nobigdyl. has become a key voice in CHH.
2) Miles Minnick
A West Coast CHH favorite, Miles brings energy and bold faith to every performance.
3) Childlike CiCi
4) Anike
5) Whatup RG
6) Jon Keith
7) 1K Phew
8) Aaron Cole
9) Kijan Boone
10) Swaizy
THE STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS SET TO CELEBRATE ITS 40TH YEAR IN MUSIC CITY
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