Gospel Music Association benefit tops $350,000

The Christian and gospel star-studded benefit event held Monday night at the Loveless Barn raised upwards of $350,000 to support the Gospel Music Association, the organization reports.

Some of the industry’s biggest names, including contemporary Christian powerhouses Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Natalie Grant and Casting Crowns along with gospel star Kirk Franklin, and the legendary Fisk Jubilee Singers, played for an intimate (but near-capacity) crowd of about 350 supporters, with, the GMA says, some 10,000 viewers tuning in at home via the Internet (Godbeat.com and HearItFirst.com).

— NICOLE KEIPER

Inspirational Awards Are Tonight

The 15th annual Inspirational Country Music Awards go down at 7 p.m. today following four days of concerts and events. For the full list of nominees, go to Tennessean.com/music.

The awards ceremony is at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium, 1 Music Village Blvd., Hendersonville. Tickets are $45; for details visit www.ccma.cc.

— WILL AYERS

Little Big Town Will Grow

Country quartet Little Big Town is adding a member.

Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook told The Associated Press they are expecting their first child before performing at Keith Urban’s “We’re All for the Hall” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum fundraiser concert.

The baby’s due in March. No release date yet for the new album, though.

— ASSOCIATED PRESS

Taylor Swift On Cloud 9

Taylor Swift says she is “absolutely walking on a cloud” over her six nominations for the American Music Awards. Her tally, announced on Oct. 13, even beat late superstar Michael Jackson, with five nods and rapper Eminem, with four. The 19-year-old is up for the AMA’s big award, artist of the year.

— ASSOCIATED PRESS

Source: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091015/COLUMNIST0501/910150325/1005/ENTERTAINMENT/Gospel+Music+Association+benefit+tops++350+000