NEW CD FROM AMANDA VERNON
By Juanita Westaby
The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- She has been writing and performing her own songs since she was 11, but Amanda Vernon says she took the time to be a kid.

"My dad always emphasized the importance of patience and enjoying my childhood," said Vernon, 20.

That incubation over the years should serve her well, now that she's on the verge of becoming a Catholic Christian music star.

She has had one appearance on Eternal Word Television Network, along with several radio appearances, and was chosen to perform at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, in July.

She made the decision to forgo college while she gave regional concerts, wrote music and had voice lessons with local performer Edye Evans Hyde.

"Growing up, I had a love of music and a love of my church and my faith life," Vernon said. "For me, music has always gone hand in hand with my faith."

At a recent benefit concert at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, schoolgirls jumped up and down as if Vernon were Miley Cyrus -- only better.

"We really appreciate her love of the Lord, and she's a wonderful example of modesty and love of Christ and that's a beautiful example for my daughters, and all young girls," said Pam Strobels, of Cascade Township, who brought daughters Nicole, 12, and Teresa, 10.

The oldest of Dean and Lori Vernon's seven children, Amanda said she doesn't mind being a role model.

"I do need to be very careful because there is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a role model," she said.

Standing before her keyboard in a pencil skirt and blouse, Vernon shared how her parents gave her a promise ring at her confirmation. She wrote a song, "With This Ring," about that moment.

"I'm waiting for the one that God has saved for me," she sang.

Vernon sings about a lot of topics close to teens' hearts -- when things don't go right, the temptation to rebel against God's plans.

In "Feel Him," a rap song she wrote when she was 15, she had three audience members perform it with her. Andrew Martin, fifth-grader at St. Patrick's School, won the "best rapper" title.

But competitor Abbie Booker, 10, of Kentwood, came away feeling like a winner that night.

"She's amazing," Abbie said after the concert. "I thought it would just be Christian music, but it was so much more."

Her new CD, Living His Story, is available from CatholicMusicNetwork.com

Noelle Garcia–Living Her Faith, Sharing Her Music With Debut CD.

11/2/2007 - 09:55 PST
FRANKLIN PARK, IL (November 2, 2007) ― Pairing youth/young adult ministry with music, newly signed WLP artist Noelle Garcia has just released her first recording “Meet Me Where I Am.” This debut CD is a blend of Norah Jones-like piano-driven rock, jazz, pop, and folk undertones that communicates a personal testimony of hope for all: to not let imperfections hold you back, but rather learn, let go, and fully follow Christ as a participating member of His church.

“I really feel that the title, Meet Me Where I Am, has been a theme in my spiritual life,” says Noelle. “No matter where I am in my relationship with God – no matter how far away or how close I am, He meets me right where I am. He’s not some distant God waiting around for me to get my act together and come to Him.”

According to her mother (and now booking agent) Laurie Garcia, Noelle’s lifelong spiritual journey has included active participation in her parish. Noelle has given chastity talks, worked as the liturgical director for the Sunday masses while in college at Christian Brothers University, and continued to lead the band "Savio" which played retreats, parish festivals, the National Diabetes Walk in Memphis, and anywhere else they were asked to play. Noelle currently works full-time at St. Patrick Church in Portland, MI, where she serves as Youth Ministry Coordinator.

Must hear tracks include: “Quicksand Ground,” “Meet Me Where I Am,” “We Receive You,” and “Let Go,” along with track 2–“My Child” which especially ministers to youth struggling with depression, self-mutilation, and suicidal thoughts. It sensitively delivers a message of heartfelt compassion through God’s words, “I love you.” In addition, the album features guest artist John Angotti on the track “Crucified,” a rock musical-styled reflection on the passion of Christ, through the eyes of Jesus as he walked the path to Calvary, and through Mary’s eyes as she watched her Son die. All but one cover song, “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice, are originally written and composed by Garcia.

Noelle has co-written two songs: “We Will Be the Light” and “Light of the World,” with John Angotti that have been recorded on his albums. They are published by World Library Publications. Angotti mentored Noelle as a youth in her parish, St. Anne, in Memphis, TN, while he was serving as music director. “From the first time I met her, I saw her as a unique gift from God. Her lyrics and music are soulfully inspirational,” says Angotti. He not only sees her musical talent, but her deep spirituality, especially reflected in this debut recording.