|TOP|The Gospel Music Association (GMA) presented a showcase entitled "The Power of Music" at the opening of this year's Christian Bookseller's Association (CBA) International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Denver Colo. on Sunday, July 9.

The programme, which was hosted by GMA President John W. Styll, featured performances from artists Bebo Norman, Salvador, Mike Bowling Group, Ana Laura and former Sixpence None The Richer singer Leigh Nash, who will be making her highly anticipated debut since the release of her first solo record, Blue on Blue.

In between performances, several key industry professionals spoke, including Randy Ross, music merchandising specialist of Parable Christian Stores; Greg Bays, senior vice president of EMI CMG Distribution; and Dusty Wells, senior director, national account sales of Word Distribution.

"We were delighted to embark on a new, more active relationship with CBA and to be associated with their convention," said Styll. "The message of 'The Power of Music' and how it impacts lives is at the heart of GMA's mission, so it is appropriate for our organisation, which represents all styles of gospel music, to help facilitate bringing some of the most exciting new music to Christian retailers and others that will attend ICRS. We look forward to building on this new CBA-GMA relationship."

"As we seek to grow the Christian Retail Channel, CBA is resolved to work with Industry partners who are also committed to helping Christian stores grow their businesses," commented CBA President Bill Anderson. "An important distinction Christian Retailers offer - over their general market competitors - is product awareness, in-depth knowledge, and commitment to the Message. For the Music Department this means Christian retailers who are personally familiar with the latest in music, artists, and trends—even when that music might differ from their own tastes and personal preferences. This partnership with GMA helps CBA offer our retailers a tremendous line-up of musical guests that will give our members not only an enjoyable evening, but exposure to a variety of important music genres, and an experiential education that will help them be even more effective retailers of new music...increasing sales and ministry."

"The Power of Music" took place at the Colorado Convention Centre, site of the 2006 ICRS.

For more information visit www.gospelmusic.org.