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FFH'S FALL TOUR
FEATURING BIG DADDY WEAVE, SPECIAL GUEST WARREN BARFIELD
(Nashville, TN) August 1, 2003 – Critically acclaimed Essential
Records group FFH announces its significant major-market "Ready To
Fly" fall tour in support of its fourth and fastest selling album to
date, Ready To Fly. The 46-city, 27-state tour features Fervent
Records' best-selling band, Big Daddy Weave, and special guest,
Creative Trust Workshop artist, Warren Barfield.
FFH continues its "Ready To Fly" tour following its successful
spring tour that boasted sellouts and capacity crowds nationwide. The
fall tour will launch in Columbia, SC, Sept. 11 and traverse the nation
through late November performing in Houston, Baltimore, Cleveland,
Cincinnati, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Baton Rouge, LA, Detroit and
Phoenix, among other cities. (Full tour itinerary below.)
"The Spring leg of our Ready To Fly tour went so well and, since then,
so many wonderful things have happened in our personal lives. We are
really excited to see how that will translate to audiences on the second
leg of this tour," says Jeromy Deibler, FFH. He adds, "We can't
wait to get back out on the road again, especially since we are joined
this time by Big Daddy Weave and Warren Barfield, two incredible
artists!"
"FFH is a band of integrity," says Big Daddy Weave member Mike
Weaver. "They absolutely rule the room from the stage and give one of
the most clear gospel presentations I've ever heard. They are great
mentors to all of us in BDW."
In addition to the concerts, one way FFH is tangibly reaching out to the
communities surrounding the tour is by donating 10% of the tour's
tickets for outreach and evangelistic purposes. One promoter in
Columbia, SC has already decided to provide free tickets to military
families from a nearby base.
With career sales approaching one million records, FFH's Ready To Fly
released April 15 and continues to be among the Top 20 best-selling
Christian recordings according to SoundScan®. The new album, produced
by Scott Williamson (Point Of Grace, Lincoln Brewster), David Hamilton
and FFH member Jeromy Deibler, also continues the group's string of
radio hits. The multi-format hit from Ready To Fly, "You Found Me,"
became the band's sixth No. 1 single, holding that position for five
straight weeks. The song continues to reside among the Top 20 on both
Adult Contemporary (AC) and Christian Hit Radio (CHR) formats, even
after 23 weeks on the charts (R&R). The title track from the project
releases to AC and CHR radio in early August.
In addition to radio and retail success, FFH has earned four Dove Award
nominations, two Inspirational Life Awards for Performer of the Year and
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Found a Place) and was featured in a
national Coca-Cola advertising campaign. FFH has further garnered
numerous covers and features in such respected publications as Chicago
Sun-Times, Brio, Dallas Morning News, CCM Magazine, Houston Chronicle,
Release, Christian Music Planet, Orange County Register, Orlando
Sentinel and the San Antonio Express-News, among others.
Big Daddy Weave will be touring in support of its highly anticipated
sophomore release, Fields of Grace, which releases Sept. 30. The album
follows the band's critically acclaimed 2002 release, One and Only,
which became the highest SoundScan® sales debut for any new artist in
2002. As the best-selling 2002 New Artist of the Year Dove Award
nominee, Big Daddy Weave also has the distinction of receiving the
highest charting single for a new artist at AC radio with "In
Christ." Big Daddy Weave was further featured on such noteworthy
projects as Wow Worship Yellow and Dove Hits 2003.
Warren Barfield, a 24–year-old from North Carolina, who recently
signed with Creative Trust's (Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day)
independent label, Creative Trust Workshop (CTW), joins the tour in
support of his self-titled debut album to release Aug. 5. To be featured
on the cover of Release magazine next month, Barfield's first single,
"My Heart Goes Out," hits #5 on AC charts this week, and #8 on CHR
charts. Barfield has also performed hundreds of concerts a year before
tens-of-thousands at churches, youth conferences and camps across the
country. Warren has also toured with such top Christian artists as Scott
Krippayne, Anointed, Crystal Lewis and more.
---- Posted on August 1st, 2003
BABY HUTCH ARRIVES!
Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler welcomed baby Hutch into the world on July
21, 2003 at 3:22 pm. Weighing in at 7 pounds and measuring 20.5 ounces,
baby Hutch arrived with blue eyes and lots of brown hair. According to
proud dad, he has Jennifer's nose and Jeromy's mouth and hair. Mom and
baby are doing great. Hutch has brought much joy and chaos to the
Deibler household. Jeromy says they are in a constant state of shock and
awe. Jennifer is reportedly a natural as a mom and is able to sooth baby
Hutch like no one else. Jeromy sums up the experience, "this is the
coolest thing ever." Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers
throughout Jennifer's pregnancy. And thanks to God for this wonderful
miracle!
---- Posted on July 21st, 2003
CHART CONGRATS
Congratulations to FFH for having "You Found Me" remain on the
charts at #1 for 4 weeks!
---- Posted on June 13th, 2003
BIRTHDAY ARRIVING
Jeromy's and Jennifer's baby boy is due July 18th. Please pray for a
healthy delivery.
---- Posted on May 25th, 2003
BIG TOUR SUCCESS
Less than a month since the release of FFH's Ready to Fly, its debut
radio single, "You Found Me," hits No. 1 on both the Radio
& Records and Christian Radio Weekly Adult Contemporary charts.
FFH's "Ready to Fly" tour also fuels the project's success,
boasting five sold-out concerts to date.
With five No. 1 songs already to its credit, FFH continues to find favor
at radio. "Radio has always been extremely supportive of FFH,"
notes Phil Conner, radio promotions for Essential Records.
"However, we hope that the songs on Ready to Fly will help to carry
FFH to the next level. If 'You Found Me' is any indication of how radio
will receive this album, we are definitely looking forward to what lies
ahead."
Ready to Fly's early momentum is boosted by a national tour as well. The
"Ready to Fly" tour has sold-out five shows to date, including
venues in St. Louis, Wausau, Wis., Knoxville, Tenn., Decatur, Ill., and
Flint, Mich. Decatur also added a matinee to accommodate the demand for
tickets. Greg Oliver, president and founder of GOA, Inc., comments
"We're very excited about how well this run of dates is going,
especially given the unpredictable tour climate right now. FFH has a way
of turning out the crowds with its ministry focus and entertaining live
performance."
Co-produced in conjunction with Scott Williamson (Lincoln Brewster,
Point of Grace), David Hamilton and Jeromy Deibler, FFH's fourth label
project, Ready to Fly, ventures into uncharted territory for the
foursome, boasting piano-based melodies, emotive strings, and lyrics
that explore the vulnerable side of life. Its debut week, the record
claimed key positions atop multiple Christian SoundScan® charts: No. 2
on both the Top Christian Albums and Top Adult Contemporary Albums
charts in addition to No. 5 on the Overall Top Current Contemporary
Christian chart. Ready to Fly produced the band's highest debut sales
numbers to date
The "Ready to Fly" tour kicked off April 22 in Cedarville,
Ohio and is the band's first headlining tour since "Found A
Place" in spring 2000. Labelmate the Paul Colman Trio and Inpop
recording artist Go Fish have joined FFH as part of the tour's lineup.
FFH will continue to fulfill its mission statement to "reach as
many people for Jesus as quickly as possible" by setting aside 10%
of the tour's tickets for outreach and evangelistic purposes.
FFH is Michael Boggs (guitar, vocals), Jennifer Deibler (vocals), Jeromy
Deibler (guitar, lead vocals) and Brian Smith (vocals, bass). Sales of
the band's three recordings have collectively reached close to one
million copies and generated numerous radio hits, including
"Watching Over Me," "On My Cross," "Before It
Was Said," "I Want to be Like You" and "One of These
Days." The group toured as an independent artist for more than
seven years before signing with Essential Records.
---- Posted on May 9th, 2003
"READY TO FLY" GARNERS BIG SALES
A week since the release of FFH's fourth label project, early sales
reports indicate that Ready to Fly is flying off store shelves. The
project claimed key positions atop multiple Christian SoundScan®
charts: No. 2 on both the Top Christian Albums and Top Adult
Contemporary Albums charts in addition to No. 5 on the Overall Top
Current Contemporary Christian chart. Ready to Fly produced the band's
highest debut sales numbers to date.
FFH's impressive retail standings reflect the group's swelling
popularity since 1998. Nina Williams, Essential Records' vice president
of marketing, comments, "FFH consistently produces quality music
that resonates with listeners, and this week's numbers are a very
positive reflection of that impact. We are thrilled to be in continued
partnership with the group's music and ministry."
Buzz generated from strong print reviews prior to release day aided
Ready to Fly's initial sales. CCM Magazine remarks, "Ready to Fly
hangs together on more than just the group's trademark harmonies. The
songwriting is more mature, and the production takes some chances. With
Ready to Fly, it seems like FFH has hit its stride. ...If the group
continues at this level of progression on future projects, it should be
exciting to hear the results."
Early momentum at radio boosted the record's profile as well. "You
Found Me," the album's debut radio single, continues to climb its
way up the charts, bulleted this week at No. 3 on Radio & Record's
Christian AC Top 30 chart.
---- Posted on April 23rd, 2003
CONCERT FOR SOLDIERS
Pop foursome FFH recently performed its first military concert for an
audience of 3000 at Fort Jackson Army Post in Columbia, S.C. The
evening's offerings included classic FFH tunes, a sing-along to
"America the Beautiful" and "The Star-Spangled
Banner" as well as a free copy of an FFH album. Most momentous,
however, were the 175 soldiers who prayed to accept Christ.
Jeromy Deibler of FFH comments, "The soldiers were so appreciative
of us just being there that they clapped and sang every song like we
were the Beatles. In the middle of our set we sang 'America the
Beautiful' during which the entire group of soldiers, all dressed in
their standard issue fatigues, stood to their feet and belted out like
it was their personal theme song. We followed it with 'The Star-Spangled
Banner,' which we were barely able to get through. Those songs never had
more meaning to me than they did at that moment, and I will never sing
them the same way again."
The evening's excitement also included 175 soldiers who committed their
lives to Christ. Chaplin Arthur Pace, project manager of the event
comments, "The purpose of the concert was to try and provide
something uplifting, of a spiritual nature, to the soldiers who, when
they complete their training, will go off to war. That reality is
causing a lot of anxiety for these young eighteen and
nineteen-year-olds, many of whom are experiencing a spiritual crisis and
starting to rethink their relationship with the Lord. We really didn't
know what to expect as far as the turn-out and response to FFH's
performance. FFH gave a call that really reached them, and we were
thrilled at the number of people who wanted to know the Lord."
Deibler remarks, "Anyone who is at all concerned about the state of
our country should visit an Army Post like Ft. Jackson. What they will
find there are the smartest, most committed young men and women in
America-the best we have to offer. I have never been prouder to be an
American than I am right now."
In appreciation of the soldiers' efforts, Chaplin Pace donated 3000 FFH
records, offered at a reduced rate by Provident Music Distribution, to
all who attended the show. "Part of our outreach is making CDs
available by the thousands to each of our brigades to distribute to the
troops once they graduate from training. The FFH CD will remind them of
the group's powerful ministry in many soldiers' lives that night, an
experience they are not soon to forget."
FFH's March 23 concert at Ft. Jackson is just one of several events in
promotion of its fourth full-length label project, Ready to Fly, in
stores April 15. The album maintains FFH's signature sound while
incorporating several new stylistic elements such as piano-based
melodies, intricate harmonies and dramatic orchestration. Ready to Fly's
first single, "You Found Me," has already taken flight at
radio, this week bulleted at No. 3 on Radio & Records' Christian
Adult Contemporary Top 30 chart, only 8 weeks since its debut.
Sales of FFH's three recordings have collectively reached close to one
million copies and generated numerous radio hits. The group's August
2001 release, Have I Ever Told You, garnered three No. 1 radio singles,
including "Watching Over Me," "On My Cross" and
"Before It Was Said." The latter will contend in the category
of Inspirational Recorded Song at the 34th Annual Dove Awards, while its
writers, Michael Boggs and Jeromy Deibler, were nominated as well.
Jennifer Deibler also received a nomination for her contribution to the
Girls of Grace project, up for Special Event Album of the Year. The band
is currently preparing to hit the road on a 15-city major-market tour,
launching April 22, that will take it to churches, universities and
auditoriums nationwide.
---- Posted on April 1st, 2003
FFH EMBARKS ON SPRING TOUR
Essential Records pop group FFH takes to the wide open this spring on a
15-city tour in support of its April 15 release, Ready to Fly. Launching
late next month, the tour will visit venues in Tampa, Fla., Grand
Rapids, Mich., and Indianapolis, Ind., among other major markets.
The 'Ready to Fly' tour kicks off in Cedarville, Ohio on April 22. Its
first headlining tour since 'Found A Place' in spring 2000, FFH will be
joined by labelmate the Paul Colman Trio as well as Inpop recording
artist Go Fish. The band will continue to fulfill its mission statement
to "reach as many people for Jesus as quickly as possible" by
setting aside 10% of the tour's tickets for outreach and evangelistic
purposes.
"I speak for FFH when I say that we, as a group, want people who
don't know Jesus to attend our shows," comments Jeromy Deibler of
FFH. "We know that the economy is affecting everyone right now and
want to extend an opportunity to those who may not be able to buy a
ticket for their family, an unsaved friend or co-worker to come to an
FFH concert."
FFH's fourth full-length label project, Ready to Fly maintains the
band's signature sound while incorporating several new stylistic
elements such as piano-based melodies, intricate harmonies and dramatic
orchestration. The album's debut single, 'You Found Me,' has already
taken flight at radio, this week climbing its way to No. 7 on Radio
& Records' Christian Adult Contemporary Top 30 chart.
Sales of FFH's three recordings have collectively reached close to one
million copies and generated numerous radio hits. The group's August
2001 release, Have I Ever Told You, garnered three No. 1 radio singles,
including 'Watching Over Me,' 'On My Cross' and 'Before It Was Said.'
The latter will contend in the category of Inspirational Recorded Song
at the 34th Annual Dove Awards, while its writers, Michael Boggs and
Jeromy Deibler, were nominated as well. Jennifer Deibler also received a
nomination for her contribution to the Girls of Grace project, up for
Special Event Album of the Year.
Since signing with Essential Records in 2001, the Paul Colman Trio
released its debut label project, New Map of the World, last May. Paul
Colman Trio spent the majority of its debut year on tour with Third Day
as part of the 76-city 'Come Together' tour, performing in front of an
estimated audience of 300,000. Less than a month after completing the
fall leg of the tour, pc3 was named third on Radio & Records' list
of the Top 10 breakthrough Christian artists of 2002. The group has
achieved a successful 2003 to date, earning a GRAMMY Award nomination
for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in addition to Dove Award nods
for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album.
Inpop Records' pop vocal trio Go Fish has enjoyed critical acclaim and
commercial success with its newest project, Parade. The first single
from Parade, 'Savior,' quickly hit No.1 on the Inspirational radio
charts and has held the top spot for over four weeks. In addition, the
project recently made a jump of 39 positions on the Christian retail
SoundScan charts. Go Fish has performed for thousands of fans around the
country as part of a recent tour with Rebecca St. James, as well as
headlining several of its own concert tours.
---- Posted on March 25th, 2003
STRATEGIC MARKETING EFFORTS
Pop foursome FFH's April 15 label release, Ready to Fly, is poised for
success due in part to a strategic marketing effort. The Essential
Records campaign includes a music video, promotional appearances,
comprehensive retail marketing, radio airplay and early coverage by
select print publications.
FFH recently filmed a music video for the new record's stand-out track
and title cut, "Ready to Fly," its first such endeavor since
1998's "One of These Days." Shot in New York, the video's
production team included producer/director W. Michael Wilson, expert
editor Brian Durkin (Sprite, AT&T and Ameritrade ads) and director
of photography Leif Husted-Jensen (Public Enemy, among other video
credits).
Additionally, the group has been busy premiering music from Ready to Fly
at special events throughout the winter months. Among its recent
appearances, FFH entertained fans at the Memphis Grizzlies vs. New York
Knicks National Basketball Association game as part of a Faith and
Family Night program. A few weeks later, the band traveled to
Indianapolis for the Christian Bookseller's Association's annual Expo
conference, where it debuted songs at Tuesday evening's Pacesetter
Event. FFH will also participate in April's Gospel Music Week 2003,
taking the stage at Essential Records' Ryman concert, among other
high-profile performances.
CBA retail will be affected by efforts to promote Ready to Fly as well.
A special bonus dvd, including the new FFH music video, devotions
written by the band, behind-the-scenes interviews, photo gallery and
more, will be made available to consumers free with the purchase of
Ready to Fly. Essential Records also plans to secure catalog advertising
in spring pieces for all major chains and regional stores. Ready to Fly
will be a main focus of Provident viewscan and in-store play loops
beginning in February. Merchandising opportunities for the album will
include endcap materials and an FFH floor display/artist standee.
Music from Ready to Fly will be impacting airwaves via radio play on
Christian stations across the country. "You Found Me," the
first single from Ready to Fly, climbed its way to No. 13 on Radio &
Records' Christian Adult Contemporary Top 30 chart this week, only three
weeks since the song's debut. Media are responding with early requests
for interviews, as buzz about the project is already circulating among
print, television and Internet outlets.
Plans are also in development for a promotional tour in mid-April and a
major market tour beginning in late April. Details on both are
forthcoming.
FFH is Michael Boggs (guitar, vocals), Jennifer Deibler (guitar,
vocals), Jeromy Deibler (guitar, lead vocals) and Brian Smith (vocals,
bass). Sales of the band's three recordings have collectively reached
close to one million copies and generated numerous radio hits. The
group's August 2001 release, Have I Ever Told You, garnered three No. 1
radio singles, including "Watching Over Me," "On My
Cross" and "Before It Was Said." The latter will contend
in the category of Inspirational Recorded Song at the 34th Annual Dove
Awards, while its writers, Michael Boggs and Jeromy Deibler, were
nominated as well. Jennifer Deibler also received a nomination for her
contribution to the Girls of Grace project, up for Special Event Album
of the Year.
---- Posted on March 10th, 2003
FFH ENHANCES SIGNATURE SOUND
Acoustic-pop band FFH looks ahead to the release of its fourth
full-length Essential Records project, Ready to Fly, April 15. The
upcoming album maintains FFH's signature sound, while incorporating
several new stylistic elements, including inventive instrumentation and
songs of a more personal nature.
Co-produced in conjunction with Scott Williamson (Lincoln Brewster,
Point of Grace), David Hamilton and Jeromy Deibler, Ready to Fly
ventures into uncharted territory for the foursome, boasting piano-based
melodies, emotive strings, '60s-influenced horns and lyrics that explore
the vulnerable side of life.
"FFH definitely stepped out of the box on this project,"
comments Bob Wohler, Essential Records' vice president of A&R.
"Jeromy wrote many of the record's songs on piano rather than on
guitar. This was a key component in creating the album's unique sound.
Jeromy also played a huge role in the production of Ready to Fly, while
Michael contributed several self-penned songs and Brian recorded his
first solo. This was truly a group effort."
Songs like "Good to be Free" integrate trumpets to reinforce
its uplifting message, while "Follow Love" features Jennifer
Deibler's calming vocals backed by a sweeping piano melody. The
stand-out track and title song "Ready to Fly" swells with full
orchestration, most notably strings and percussion.
Also of significance is Ready to Fly's lyrical direction. Many of the
record's songs are personal in nature such as "Jennifer's
Waltz," written by Jeromy to his wife. The chorus sings "We
belong together you and me/Holding on tight like lock and key/ Going
strong the way this love should be, a fantasy/And I'm so glad God made
me for you and you for me."
Brian Smith of FFH remarks, "In addition to the range of
instruments used on Ready to Fly, its songs are definitely more personal
than general. I believe that this is our most unique album to
date."
FFH plans to support Ready to Fly on a major market tour this spring.
Details are forthcoming. The album's first single, "You Found
Me," released to Adult Contemporary last week.
---- Posted on January 27th, 2003
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