October 23, 2007
Contact:
NSU Office of Public Affairs
Lourdes Rodriguez-Barrera
954-262-5309
954-445-1287
rodrlour@nova.edu
Caroline Rucker
Project Coordinator
The Gospel Complex, Inc.
954-494-7596
Nova Southeastern University Co-Sponsoring 21st Bi-Annual Gospel Industry Retreat
Ft. Lauderdale (Davie), Fla. - Nova Southeastern University is proud to co-sponsor the 21st Bi-Annual International Gospel Industry Retreat (IGIR) Nov. 18-20, as it returns to South Florida with a star-studded schedule of events. This much anticipated annual event will include a concert celebrating the release of Dr. Bobby Jones’ newest CD – “Bobby Jones the Ambassador.”
The IGIR, held in South Florida since 2004, brings together gospel artists and gospel music industry executives for two days of educational seminars and hands on training focusing on developing and maintaining the skills to be successful in the music industry. The theme of the November Retreat is “Emerging Technologies and its impact on the Gospel Music Industry.”
“We feel that it is imperative to keep new and established artists up to date on the industry and what it takes to be successful, especially with the new technology that has exploded on the scene. We want gospel artists to stay competitive with the technology and learn how to use it to their benefit,” said Ambassador Bobby Jones, Ph.D. founder of the International Gospel Industry Retreat.
Topics for the November IGIR include: How has the IPod/MP3 player affected Gospel Music Sales; What are the pros and cons of popular websites that feature gospel music happenings, i.e. MySpace; Facebook; and YouTube; How has modern technology affected the presentation of Gospel Music over the airwaves, i.e. Satellite Radio, Syndication, Radio One, online streaming; What technical advancements are available to create better quality for recording Gospel Music.
A special tribute is planned to celebrate the life and works of Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Kim Burrell during the evening television tapings
In addition to the traditional seminars and musical television tapings, the IGIR will culminate with a special concert aptly named Golden Sounds of Greatness In Gospel Music and Education celebrating the release of Dr. Jones new CD – “Bobby Jones – the Ambassador.” The event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18 at Nova Southeastern University’s main campus located at 3301 College Avenue in Davie, Florida. The concert will showcase many of the artists who appear on the CD including: Vanessa Bell Armstrong, J. Moss, 21:03, Duranice Pace, Cliff Jones, Darwin Hobbs and many more. Producers Donald Lawrence and Teddy Riley, and PaJam will be in attendance.
Ticket prices are $20 per person and all who attend the concert will receive a copy of Dr. Jones’ CD courtesy of Zomba Record Label. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Gospel Complex for Education & Preservation, which is being built in Lauderhill, FL. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.
“Nova Southeastern University is committed to education,” said Delores Smiley, Ed.D., Dean of Community Education and Diversity Affairs at NSU’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services. “Having Dr. Jones as a visiting professor in our master’s program has been a privilege. It has been an incredible journey for our students, staff and faculty. We are committed to providing continued opportunities for Dr. Bobby Jones to share knowledge and experiences as co-professor in the Master’s Program for Interdisciplinary Arts at the Fischler School of Education and Human Services at NSU. We expect that by serving as strong supporters of the Gospel Complex, we can provide opportunities for our youth and the industry to continue to grow in South Florida.”
The International Gospel Industry Retreat is sponsored in part by Nova Southeastern University, VISIT FLORIDA, The Word Network, Royal Caribbean International, SGN The Light, Urban League of Broward County, WaMu, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
For complete details including information on the educational sessions and concert, visit the IGIR website at www.gospelindustryretreat.com.
