Jars of Clay, Ashley Cleveland and Christopher Williams to Play Concert in Rochester, New York, May 12, as Presented by Kingdom Bound Ministries

Christian musicians Jars of Clay, Ashley Cleveland and Christopher Williams come to Rochester, New York, May 12 to sing songs and tell stories at a great concert event hosted by Kingdom Bound Ministries of Buffalo.

(PRWEB) April 23, 2005 -- Kingdom Bound Ministries of Buffalo, sponsor of the annual Kingdom Bound Christian music festival at Six Flags Darien Lake amusement park, is pleased to present Grammy winning, multi-platinum band Jars of Clay, rocker Ashley Cleveland and songwriter Christopher Williams in concert at Rochesters Bethel Christian Fellowship (321 East Ave., Rochester), Thursday, May 12 at 7pm. Audiences will be treated to intimate performances featuring acoustic versions of famous songs, the stories behind them, as well as songs from each artists most recent release, in an up close and personal setting.

The tour supports Jars of Clays recent release, Redemption Songs, a worship project offering ancient, timeless hymns, some more than 200 years old, revived and infused with the modern Jars of Clay signature sound. In addition, Ashley Cleveland will play songs from her new hymns collection entitled Men and Angels Say.

Jars lead vocalist, Dan Haseltine, comments, We have been pouring our hearts into this tour. Over the last few shows we have experienced a connection with the audiences that we have not fully experienced before. As everyone sings these songs it is something amazing. We cannot wait to add Ashley Cleveland and Christopher Williams to the stage with us. It is a tour of friends singing songs and holding up the great history of the church and the authentic voice of hope, restoration and redemption."

Acclaimed two-time Grammy winner Cleveland notes, I love Jars of Clay, I love who they are musically and personally, I love how instantly relevant they have made me to my children. I think the distinctions between us in our approach to music will make for some inspired performances which is the goal for me every time."

Jars of Clay has amassed sales of more than five million albums, 16 No. 1 singles, multiple Gospel Music Association Music Awards, BMI songwriting honors and three Grammy Awards over its 10 year career. Its most recent single, Show You Love," from the Grammy-nominated Who We Are Instead, was used in a variety of television shows and was incorporated into the promotional trailer for the feature film, Spanglish," starring Adam Sandler. In addition, the song ranked in the top 20 on the Hot AC charts.

An artist beloved by fans and critics alike, Rambler Records recording artist Ashley Cleveland's voice has been called "one glorious instrument" by Billboard Magazine. Says ChristianMusicMonthly.com, "Ashley is like a combo of Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow and Bob Dylan-- she's mesmerizing and fun to listen to at the same time." Cleveland was the first woman ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Rock Gospel Album category, the first woman to win that award and the only woman ever to receive the award twice. In addition, she has won two GMA Music Awards and a Nashville Music Award, and has toured with artists such as John Hiatt, Rich Mullins, Amy Grant and Margaret Becker. Her vocal talents can also be heard on over 300 albums for artists including Emmylou Harris and Etta James.

With seven years of nonstop national touring and playing more than 120 shows a year, singer-songwriter Christopher Williams, a New York born, Bucknell University Religious Studies graduate and former Seattle pre-school teacher, has built a faithful following of listeners around the country and independently sold more than 21,000 records, primarily off of the stage. Williams writes songs that are honest and confessional, yet never overbearing, and performs with an appealing mix of intense passion and humor. And in a newly discovered, Dylan-esque manner, Williams has been telling stories from the stage in between songs. It just started happening, this musical story spilling," Williams explains. They have always been a part of my show, but never sung spontaneously without direction. Of course, it doesnt always work, but that is the joy of performing. Receiving the grace of an audience there to experience the spontaneity of a real live show...I love those moments."

Tickets for the Jars of Clay tour stop in Rochester are $15-$20, and available from Alpha & Omega Books (all locations), Kingdom Bound Ministries by calling 800-461-4485 or online at www.itickets.com. For more information about the tour, as well as Kingdom Bound Christian music festival, please visit www.kingdombound.org.

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