Grace Note Award

One of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters in the genre of New Thought music, Rickie Byars dedicates much of her time, energy and talents to encouraging and empowering others to be free so that they can develop their own unique gifts and talents that contribute to humanity as a whole. As both a solo artist and as founder/director of the world-renowned Agape International Choir, Byars’ songs of spiritual renewal, uplift and empowerment have struck a powerful chord with audiences around the globe. For the past twenty years, Byars has developed and led Soul Sisters Retreat, a three-day spiritual women's empowerment retreat that is attended annually by hundreds of women. In 2009, Byars founded Kuumba-in-Motion, a non-profit public charity which creates and supports seminars and learning opportunities that inspire greater joy and well being into the hearts and minds of students, teachers, children and their families. She sits on the board of Voices4Freedom, an abolitionist organization that works to free those who are enslaved around the world today, most of them women and children. Byars is also Founder of HubCity Live/Ethiopia – Minchu Project. This Afro-futuristic project will usher in next-generation technologies, conscious commerce, innovation, culture and opportunity to an emerging Afrika. www.rickiebyars.org

Jan Garrett and JD Martin call their 23-year partnership “The Heart of Harmony” because they are happily married (to each other) and they get to write, record, sing, and play their music for appreciative audiences around the country, and beyond. Both Jan and JD have been winners at The emPower Posi Awards for many years running. Their songs have received top honors in the Indie International Songwriting Competition, and their album Already Home was recently awarded the Seal of Excellence by the Positive Music Association. In her musical past Garrett recorded and toured with John Denver and Steve Martin and appeared on the Tonight Show.  She joined Dirt Band for their historic 1977 Soviet Tour and was later listed in the Rolling Stone’s Who’s Who in Rock & Roll. JD Martin is an acclaimed songwriter of 5 Number One and 10 Top Ten country and pop hit singles. His songs have been recorded by such luminaries as Reba McEntire, Terri Clark, B.J. Thomas, Peter Cetera, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Kathy Mattea.
www.garrett-martin.com/about.html
www.jangarrett.com/

Greg Tamblyn, NCW (No Credentials Whatsoever), has been a successful singer, songwriter, speaker, and humorist for over 20 years. He combines outstanding audience rapport with an irreverent sense of humor, and has a special interest in the relationship of music, laughter, and lifestyle to physical and emotional well-being. Greg's humorous musings on cultural absurdities, as well as his messages of effectiveness, optimism, and service, have garnered him a large international following. www.gregtamblyn.com

As a founder of emPower Music & Arts Richard Mekdeci is at the epi-center of the budding “Posi” (Positive) Music industry.

Richard’s experience as speaker, singer and award winning songwriter spans a wide range, from performing with the Florida Symphony Orchestra as a trumpet player, to over 20 years of writing, producing and performing in Nashville Tennessee with artists like Kathy Mattea, Susie Boggus, Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Nelson, and others. He has produced or co-produced eighteen albums of Posi Music including six projects of his own.

During his 10 years at Unity Worldwide Ministries as Sacred Music Resources Coordinator he produced songbooks, the Sound Connections music conference and newsletter and provided music resources to churches around the world.

He currently serves as Music Director at Unity Renaissance Spiritual Community in Chesapeake, VA where his wife Paula is Senior Minister.

Sue Riley has been the music director for Unity Church of Clearwater, FL for the past 18 years, so Sue sees the power of positive music on a weekly basis.   She  served as the Music Team Leader for Unity Worldwide Ministries' Music Team, and is Vice President of emPower Music and Arts.  A singer/songwriter with 6 CDs of her original music, Sue travels the country as part of the PosiPalooza! concerts. Passionate about the power of music, Sue says: "I know that music has the power to change lives for the better. Together we can do great things!"  www.empowerma.com

For over 30 years David has traveled the world as a New Thought musician, keynote speaker and workshop/retreat facilitator.  His focus on remembering the Divine within and reclaiming that connection has empowered hundreds of thousands on their spiritual journey. The union of David’s charismatic message and heartfelt singing has elevated him to keynote speaker of choice in many nationwide churches, centers and global organizations.

Throughout the 1980’s, David, along with the late Jerry Florence and Keith Kimberlin made their mark in New Thought history by helping pioneer an unexplored musical genre — “visionary vocal/positive music.” The trio, known as Alliance, became trailblazers when introducing original music specifically designed to support the metaphysical teachings that life reflects our thoughts.  They toured/supported the beginning ministries of such notables as Louise Hay and Marianne Williamson. Alliance’s legendary blend and musical message helped establish them as one of the most successful vocal groups in the Spiritual recording field.

David continued this musical path as a solo artist, releasing one critically acclaimed recording after another including The Healing Bridge, Travelin’ With The Angels, All Is Calm, All Is Bright, And Then It Is Morning, One With The World, and Worthy Shoes.

As an ordained minister, David founded a Center for Spiritual Living in Mobile, Alabama and served as its senior minister for 4 years before accepting the position as senior minister for Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta, Georgia in the fall of 2010.  www.davidault.com

David Roth strikes many chords, hearts, and minds with his unique songs, offbeat observations, moving stories, sense of the hilarious, and powerful singing and subject matter. As singer, songwriter, recording artist, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and instructor, David has earned top honors at premier songwriter competitions - Kerrville (TX) and Falcon Ridge (NY) - and taken his music, experience, and expertise to a wide variety of venues in this and other countries full-time for more than two decades.

His songs have found their way to Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, the Kennedy Center, Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Discovered”, the Kingston Trio’s “Born at the Right Time, 13 CD’s, and 4 Positive Music Awards.

No award given due to adjustments in conference schedule.

Orange County, California-based Singer/Songwriter, Producer and Humanitarian DANIEL NAHMOD (pronounced Nay-mod‚) has performed his profound, heart-opening original music for over one million people in 45 U.S. states and Canada since beginning his music career in 1999... selling 100,000 CDs to date and receiving literally thousands of standing ovations along the way. His songs are recorded and performed all over the world on a weekly basis.  Recent media appearances of Daniel's music include NBC, FOX, CNN, CBS, PBS, E!, MTV, History, IFC, Bravo, and movie theaters across the United States.

Daniel's poetic and evocative message of peace, love and compassion across all nations, cultures and faiths has found overwhelming acceptance wherever he has performed. He has been featured on numerous cable and radio broadcasts in over 90 countries; at cultural festivals, interfaith and environmental fairs, workshops and conferences, youth rallies, 9/11 services; and as a keynote musical presenter at benefits for such organizations as Habitat For Humanity, Operation USA, Achievable and Anti-Defamation League. Daniel has also performed for various U.S. governors and mayors, and for congressmen in Washington, D.C.

Daniel has presented his spectacular music and message for nearly all of the world's major faiths, including Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Bahai, and Mormon audiences, and has worked with some of the most influential and brilliant speakers and leaders in the world --- including Jean Houston, Marianne Williamson ("A Return To Love"), Deepak Chopra ("Seven Spiritual Laws of Success"), Mark Victor Hansen ("Chicken Soup For The Soul"), Arun Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), Yolanda King (daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.), Rhonda Britten (of NBC's "Starting Over"), and Neale Donald Walsch ("Conversations With God").  www.danielnahmod.com

If Tony Robbins were a girl, could sing like Mariah, groove like Madonna & inspire like Oprah, you’d get Faith Rivera – Emmy award-winning singer & songwriter!  Stars are meant to shine and Faith believes everyone has that sparkle factor. Whether she's performing, speaking, or teaching, she brings this sunny message with her around the globe.  Her empowering songs have been used for TV shows like Hawaii 5-0 & ER to supporting best-selling authors to heart-centered entrepreneurs and progressive organizations like the Association for Global New Thought and Unity Worldwide.

With 15 years of making music and touching lives, Faith brings world-class talent, contagious pop songs, and a nurturing spirit that will make your heart smile.  No matter if you've seen her at the Hollywood Bowl, with the Honolulu Symphony or in a virtual livestreaming concert, fans say her energy & music are infectious and leave you feeling inspired, high on life and more in touch with your own inner brilliance. Faith dares the world to be the "Everyday Superstars" we are born to be!  

For Faith, love is the answer and music - her powerful weapon of choice to spread that love one song at a time, one heart at a time.  www.faithrivera.com

Karen Taylor Good is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter-author with numerous radio hits by Patty Loveless, Al Jarreau, & Melissa Manchester, to name a few. She has recorded albums and movie soundtracks with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson & Al Green. Many of her songs are used as flagship songs for organizations including ChildHelp USA and the National Hospice Foundation.

Karen has now joined Stowe Dailey in presenting performances and events. Stowe Dailey is a singer-songwriter, best-selling author and recent cancer survivor. She co-wrote the hit song, Long Time Comin’ for the group, Shenandoah. Her album, Angel Chants, was the sound track of Angel Stories, featured on T.L.C. She has co-authored five books, including Flying High, her newest book, which was featured at the “I Can Do It!” conference in Toronto. Stowe Dailey & Karen Taylor Good. Together, they are StoweGood!

As a professional speakers, these gifted, singer/songwriters enhance their keynote presentations with a unique speaking style and powerful songs which never fail to inspire, motivate and uplift their audiences. www.stowegood.com

Devotion was a dynamic vocal duo from Colorado whose rich harmonies lift the heart, revive the spirit, and capture the imagination.

Devotion was a traveling music ministry that shares positive musical messages of peace and spiritual transformation.  We envision an increasing global movement of beings desiring to be in touch with a Divine source of miracles and hope.  Devotion was a recognized contributor and leader in this movement.

Currently, Lori Sandstrom continues to offer her music through women’s retreats and events and Robert continues to write and perform his music around the country.

Very few people can say that they have been a singing mermaid, a singing casket, and was literally “elevator music” when she was hired to sing and play piano in a moving elevator. Meet Karen Drucker.

Karen has recorded 15 CDs of her original inspirational music, and is the author of an inspirational book, “Let Go of the Shore: Stories and Songs That Set the Spirit Free.”

Among her many accomplishments, she has been a professional comedienne, led her own band for corporate events, and has been the music director of New Thought Churches, as well as music director and “ music weaver” for many spiritual conferences and retreats. Karen has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Music for her work within the Religious Science Community, and a “Grace Note” award for her work within the Unity Movement.

In following her passion, Karen sings, speaks and leads workshops at women's retreats, mind-body & health conferences, and various churches around the country, as well as working with authors like Joan Borysenko, Alan Cohen, and many others. Karen Drucker has been called “a master of communicating presence and spirituality through music.” She loves making music, making a difference, and touching hearts. www.karendrucker.com

LeRoy White is a musician from Newport, Rhode Island, United States who has recorded six records since 1997.

LeRoy's rich background of experience, spirituality and insight has led him to create the Soul and Conscience Tour for the latter 20th Century featuring his unique brand of music he calls E.U.N.A (ethnic, urban, new age). His fusion of jazz, rock, pop, soul, and ambient, underlined by amazing live percussion offers something for every human living in these times. His show is a reminder that we are not alone in our quest to free the human spirit as we move through this world with peace and strength to become beacons of love for each other. LeRoy's goal is to uplift, inspire and light the way for us all through music.

“I’ve written and recorded/played songs that have been part of our spiritual growth for years. The good times we’ve had together! In the past couple of years I have been listening to all the early recordings from cassettes to the CD’s. Each month I’ll put a song up on the website and you can download and pass it on. Perhaps you might say, he is crazy! He won’t make a living that way! What a song does, for us is priceless. You give from your heart, like the song gave to your heart. Simple stuff, real stuff.”

Humorist, songwriter, and educator Jana Stanfield combines laughter, wisdom, and her million-selling songs into an interactive experience that generates fun and positive action.

Jana describes her music as “psychotherapy you can dance to.” With soaring vocals, acoustic arrangements, and meaningful lyrics, Jana Stanfield says that her goal is to use her music to give people a “faith-lift.” Her fans say the music is the ideal alternative to Prozac… all the mood elevation with none of the water retention.

You’ve heard her music on 20/20, Entertainment Tonight, Oprah, the movie 8 Seconds, and radio stations nationwide. Her compositions are sung by Reba McEntire, Andy Williams and others, and Jana has shared stages with fellow performers ranging from Kenny Loggins to The Dixie Chicks.

Carmen’s life exemplified the messages in her songs.  Carmen’s gift was in expressing the Universe’s unfolding prosperity, joy, peace and love. Aware-wholeness. Enlightenment. Timeless insights delivered with love through her music, was her gift to us.

Carmen and her husband, Bud Moshier, (they were both ordained Unity ministers) founded and conducted services at their Today Church. Together, they delivered their weekly message and taught classes in Spiritual Awakening. Carmen delivering her message via her music in accompaniment to Bud’s delivery of the weekly Sunday service.

Unfortunately, Carmen Moshier transitioned on January 3, 2012. Nonetheless, her music continues to inspire, encourage and foster those who listen to it.