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Driving Notes

The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

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Artist News Day

This Generation is Making (Living) Room for Jesus

When was the last time you truly slowed down? In a world that’s always telling us to do more, Leanna Crawford’s new song is a reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply be with Jesus.

Leanna has released a brand-new single called “Living Room Floor,” the latest preview of her upcoming album, Thank God, arriving July 24. Inspired by the biblical story of Mary and Martha, the song encourages listeners to slow down and spend time in God’s presence instead of getting caught up in life’s endless to-do list.

Leanna says she’s always related to Martha—the one who’s constantly busy and trying to get everything done. But she says Jesus reminds us that He isn’t looking for our productivity; He simply wants us. She hopes this song gives people permission to pause, wherever they are, and simply spend time with Him.

One of my favorite lyrics in the song says, “Been running on empty, I don’t know what for… and what good is it to have the world but lose You, Lord?” That line really challenged me. It’s such a powerful reminder that no amount of busyness or accomplishment can replace intentional time spent in Jesus’ presence.

Along with the new music, Leanna is also giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Thank God through a new documentary series on YouTube, with new episodes premiering every Monday leading up to the album’s release.

If you’ve been waiting for one of the biggest Christian concerts of the year to come close to home, your wait is almost over.

Forrest Frank’s Jesus Generation Tour is proving to be one of the biggest events in Christian music this year. His recent stop at Nashville’s GEODIS Park drew more than 25,000 fans for a sold-out night that blended a high-energy concert with a bold, Gospel-centered message. 

After an opening set from Tori Kelly, Forrest took the stage to an electric crowd, performing fan favorites while consistently pointing the audience back to Jesus. The evening also included a powerful Gospel presentation from Sadie Robertson Huff, making it clear that the tour is about more than great music—it’s about introducing people to the hope found in Christ. Thousands of fans, from young children to grandparents, gathered together for a night of worship, celebration, and encouragement. 

The exciting news for Ohio residents is that The Jesus Generation Tour is coming to Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati on Monday, July 27. If you’ve been wanting to see Forrest Frank live—or be part of one of the most talked-about Christian tours of the year—this will be your chance. With record-breaking crowds, an uplifting atmosphere, and a Christ-centered focus, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest Christian concert events of 2026.

When all I’m holding onto is a promise

God, You promised that You’ll never leave me

When I’m scared of the dark, You’re right there with me

Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me

Song Poetry was a STUMPER this week, so if you know these lyrics, tune in next week for your chance to win a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Brock Hankins

Jamie MacDonald’s Tour and Terrian’s New Album

Jamie MacDonald is hitting the road this fall with her brand-new headlining tour, fittingly named after her hit single, Left It In The River.

The tour kicks off on October 20 and will make stops in 17 cities across the country. And good news for Ohio listeners—Jamie will be bringing the tour to Cincinnati on November 21!

Jamie says she’s excited to create nights that feel like a gathering of friends, filled with songs, stories, laughter, and meaningful moments in the presence of Jesus. Fans can expect to hear favorites like Desperate, Left It In The River, My Family, and more from her debut album.

The tour follows a breakout year for MacDonald, including her CMA Fest and Grand Ole Opry debuts. She has earned two consecutive No. 1 radio singles, racked up more than 253 million global streams, and made her national television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Jamie also took home Song of the Year honors at the K-LOVE Fan Awards and was named a 2026 Artist to Watch by Spotify and Amazon Music.

Over the past year, she’s shared the stage with some of Christian music’s biggest names, including Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Phil Wickham, Benjamin William Hastings, and Tauren Wells.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale June 25, with public ticket sales beginning June 26. For more information, visit the tprlive.co

Terrian, known for songs like Testimony and Honestly, We Just Need Jesus, has announced her brand-new album, Mad Big World, set to release this August!

The album features 17 new tracks, and the title song is available now. Mad Big World captures the heart behind the project—a message of faith, hope, and confidence in God, even when life feels overwhelming.

Terrian says the album was inspired by a lesson she’s been learning while traveling around the world: stay close to the Lord. She describes these songs as personal devotionals set to music, filled with reminders to keep her eyes fixed on Christ through every season of life.

The announcement comes after a remarkable few years for the rising Christian artist. Since launching her solo career, Terrian has amassed more than 335 million streams, earned four Top 20 radio singles, and completed her first-ever headlining tour. She’s also shared the stage with some of Christian music’s biggest names, including TobyMac, KB, Crowder, CeCe Winans, and Elevation RHYTHM.

Earlier this year, Terrian performed at the K-LOVE Fan Awards and received a nomination for Female Artist of the Year. This fall, she’ll also be joining CeCe Winans on her COME WORSHIP! Tour.

Can’t wait to hear what this new record has in store!

Oh, look what the Lord has done

When the thief tried to steal and destroy

The Lord gave me an anthem of joy

I am a living, breaking, walking…

Congratulations to Nicole from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing this week’s song, “Testimony” by Terrian!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

New Music from Ben Fuller and Patrick Mayberry

What if a concert tour was about more than the music?

For Ben Fuller, his recent Black Sheep Tour became a place where lives were changed, people were baptized, and many made decisions to follow Jesus. Now he’s giving fans a chance to experience those moments again with his new live album, Black Sheep Tour: Songs from the Road.

Recorded during his headlining tour earlier this year, the 13-track collection features live versions of fan favorites like “Black Sheep,” “Who I Am,” “If I Got Jesus,” “Turn,” and “Walk Through Fire.” Each song also includes a live video component that captures the energy and impact of the performances.

The tour reached 28 cities, welcomed more than 26,000 attendees, and saw over 130 people commit their lives to Christ. Ben says he’s continually amazed by what God is doing through his ministry and hopes these songs remind listeners that it’s never too late to experience God’s love and grace.

Read more here: https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2026/06/12.BenFullerUnveilsNewLiveAlbumBlackSheepTourSongsFromTheRoad.asp

Have you ever wondered what might happen if just one more person heard the Gospel?

That question became the inspiration behind Patrick Mayberry’s new EP, Anybody Else, available now. The title track was inspired by a powerful moment during a visit to Louisiana State Penitentiary with the prison ministry God Behind Bars.

After a pastor shared the Gospel and invited inmates to respond, one man stepped forward to be baptized. In that moment, Patrick felt God prompting him to ask a simple question: “Is there anybody else?” Two more men responded and gave their lives to Christ.

That unforgettable experience became the foundation for the song “Anybody Else,” which celebrates the life-changing power of the Gospel and encourages believers to boldly share what God has done in their lives.

The six-song EP also comes on the heels of a big season for Mayberry. His song “Lead On Good Shepherd” recently reached No. 1 on Christian radio and earned a K-LOVE Fan Award nomination for Worship Song of the Year.

Patrick says “Anybody Else” started as a question but became one of the most important songs he’s ever written, reminding listeners that the redeemed of the Lord were never meant to stay silent.

Read more here: https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2026/06/12.PatrickMayberryReleasesAnybodyElseEPToday.asp

Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I’m singin’ to the sky

Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify

Oh, hear my prayer tonight, ’cause this is do or die

The time has come to make a choice

And I choose…

Congrats to Sarah from Mount Vernon for being this week’s Song Poetry winner! She correctly guessed “joy.” by for King & Country!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Brock Hankins

Crowder Fall Tour and Tree63’s New Album, plus CeCe Winans’ message to Caleb Downs

If you’re a fan of Crowder, there’s some exciting news coming this fall! He’s heading back out on the road for the Crowder LIVE! Tour, and if his past tours are any indication, it’s going to be a night full of worship, celebration, and a whole lot of energy.

You’ll get to hear some of his biggest songs, including “Good God Almighty,” “Grave Robber,” and “Somebody Prayed,” plus Crowder says these nights are all about gathering as the family of God, singing truth, finding encouragement, and celebrating what God is doing in our lives.

He’s also bringing some great friends along for the tour. Rend Collective will be joining him on every stop, with Lost & Found and Benjamin William Hastings appearing on select dates.

Tickets go on sale June 12, and luckily for Ohio residents, Crowder will visit both Columbus and Cincinnati this October! So, if you’re looking for a concert to attend, you definitely don’t want to miss this!

Tree63 may be a new name to some listeners, but they’ve been making an impact in Christian music for nearly three decades. The South African rock band first formed in 1996 and quickly gained international attention with songs like “Treasure” and “Look What You’ve Done.”

Led by singer and songwriter John Ellis, Tree63 went on to win a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year and scored major hits including “Blessed Be Your Name” and “King,” songs that helped shape Christian radio and worship music in the early 2000s.

After the band stepped away in 2009, Ellis returned to South Africa and focused on solo projects. But now, after years apart and more than a decade since their last full season together, Tree63 is back.

With a refreshed lineup and a renewed sense of purpose, the band began writing and recording new music in 2025, leading to their upcoming album, Voyage. It’s a project that reflects both the band’s history and the faith journey that has guided them through the years.

The new album arrives later this month, marking an exciting new chapter for a band that has already left a lasting mark on Christian music.

CeCe Winans sends a kind message to Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs after he chose her song “King of Glory” as his walk-out song! Check it out:

Sometimes on this journey

I get lost in my mistakes

What looks to me like weakness 

is a canvas for Your strength

Congrats to this week’s song poetry winner, Cheyenne from Mount Vernon, for correctly guessing The Father’s House by Cory Asbury!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

Amy Grant returns; Tasha’s short film

Today, we shared news about Amy Grant’s new album and Tasha Layton’s short film for ‘Meet Me in the Valley’ from our friends at JesusFreakHideout.com.

On Friday, May 8th, 6-time Grammy Award-winning artist and Christian music legend Amy Grant released her brand-new album, The Me That Remains. The project marks her first collection of all-original songs in nearly 13 years and offers a deeply personal reflection from an artist approaching 50 years in her groundbreaking career. To celebrate the album’s release, The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music will host a special Amy Grant Pop-Up Exhibit featuring original mixed-media artwork by Wayne Brezinka created for the album cover. Inspired by themes of memory and restoration, the piece incorporates meaningful items from Grant’s life, including fragments of a treasured quilt, seashells from her collection, her childhood Bible, and an article about her grandfather. I (Brock Hankins) actually listened to a few songs from the record, and my favorite by far was The 6th of January (Yasgur’s Farm). It’s a track that evokes nostalgia, as well as reflects the grief that comes with growing older! Definitely check out the album if you’re interested!

Additionally, triple-threat singer-songwriter, author, and worship leader Tasha Layton is inviting audiences into one of the most personal seasons of her life with the premiere of a new short film inspired by her latest single, “Meet Me In The Valley.” The film offers an intimate look at Layton’s journey into stillness, surrender, and spiritual renewal as she stepped away from the noise of everyday life to seek a deeper connection with God. Earlier this year, Layton spent three days alone in Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. What began as a personal retreat became a transformative experience marked by reflection, healing, and renewed faith. The 30-minute film captures the raw moments and revelations from her time in the desert, bringing to life the heart behind her current radio single. The short film is free to view on YouTube, so definitely check it out if you’re interested!

Ask me why I’m smiling

Ask me why I’m free

Ask me why there’s joy, joy, joy inside of me

My heart has found its reason

To wake up every day

So ask me why I’m smiling

And this is what I’ll say

It’s a stumper for another week!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive,

  • Joe & Brock

Amy brings Christmas to Nashville (again)!

Today’s Artist News from our friends at JesusFreakHideout.com:

NASHVILLE – Amy Grant will once again co-host “CMA Country Christmas” with Trisha Yearwood. The show will air Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8/7c on ABC and next day on Hulu and Disney+. Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the festive special showcases one-of-a-kind musical performances of Christmas classics from Country Music’s biggest stars, including Grant and Yearwood taking the stage to perform “Sing Your Praise To The Lord” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” Grant also performs “Tennessee Christmas.” The lineup includes for KING & COUNTRY with Carin León (“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”), Cody Johnson (“White Christmas“) and (“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”), Ashley McBryde and Brittney Spencer (“Man With The Bag”), Jon Pardi (“Horsepower Sleigh”) and CeCe Winans (“Joy To The World”). 

Starting this Friday, November 29 through December 21, Grant and husband Vince Gill will once again bring one of the most successful residencies in the history of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry), “Christmas at the Ryman” which has presented over 100 shows in front of nearly a quarter-million people. 

“It’s like the brightest sunrise
Waiting on the other side of the darkest night
Don’t ever lose hope, hold on and believe…”

The song? ‘Haven’t Seen It Yet’ by Danny Gokey. Congratulations to Sarah from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

Seph Schlueter Reflects On Counting My Blessings.

Hi!

Today on the show it was Artist News Day and Game Time Tuesday. We featured for Artist News Day this week Seph Schlueter and his song Counting My Blessings. Seph has accomplished several things throughout his short career so far. He has already collected several awards and recognitions for his song Counting My Blessings.

Below is the article about these accomplishments:

Seph Schlueter is celebrating his breakout song Counting My Blessings. This song of course was number one on the Christian Airplay Chart for several weeks.

Here is what Seph had to say about his song Counting My Blessings, “This song is about gratitude and that’s so universal,” he says. “Everyone can relate to gratitude. In a world where there’s so much negativity and complaining and fear, to see a song blowing up about gratitude is so important.”

Seph’s song Counting My Blessings has received several awards. He has been named the Christian Music Broadcaster’s Breakout Artist of the year and he has been nominated for his first GMA Dove Awards. He has been nominated for New Artist of the Year as well as Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.

You turned the light on and flipped the script
I’m suddenly seeing what I used to miss
Got me living in the present tense
With a love so deep, You’re the greatest gift
.

The answer is Just As You Are by Ryan Stevenson.

Congratulations to Barb of Fredericktown for guessing the correct answers! She wins a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant.

Thanks for listening!

-Dylan

Megan Woods Makes History!

Hi!

Today on the show it was Artist News Day. I shared some artist news about Megan Woods and her new song The Truth. Also, we had our song poetry where one person has a chance to win a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant!

Here is my article:

New Christian music artist Megan Woods’ debut single, “The Truth,” is the largest debut single launch in two and a half years. As of the date the single was added, it has been played by 39 different radio stations nationwide. This song is relevant and timely according to radio programmers across the country.

The single has captured significant social media attention, accumulating over 23 million views across various platforms. With 250,000+ new followers, “The Truth” continues to connect with listeners as a source of healing and personal declaration.

The song, “The Truth” is a deeply personal proclamation that tells Megan Woods’ life story that is connecting with fans and followers across the world.

Megan says that “I wanted to write a song that’s a reminder for people every day of who they are in Jesus. We don’t belong to the lies; we belong to God–that’s the truth. When the lies are closing in, this song can remind them of the truth. I hope there’s someone out there that understands they are their Father’s child.”

Here is the lyric video for the song The Truth:

I don’t want to fear the storm
Just because I hear it roar
I don’t want to fear the storm
I don’t want to fear the storm.

…Peace Be Still by Hope Darst

Congratulations to Bonnie of Mount Vernon for guessing the correct answer! She wins a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant.

Thanks for listening!

-Dylan

The United We Worship Tour Announced!

Hi!

Today on the show we talked about how The United We Worship Tour was recently announced. This tour is meant to help unite us this November. We also had our song poetry where one person has a chance to win a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant!

Here is my artist news day article:

A new tour was recently announced. The ‘United We Worship’ Tour, seeks to inspire and unite us this November. As you probably know, there is something that is happening during November. Headlining the tour are Danny Gokey and Mac Powell. Also, joining them on stage will be Tasha Layton and Seph Schlueter.

So why should we care about this tour? Well, the reason is because the ‘United We Worship’ Tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring powerful worship sessions, uplifting music, and a spirit of unity that will resonate long after the concerts end. The tour kicks off on November 7th in Evansville, IN, and spans several cities across the United States, concluding on November 24th in Lynchburg, VA.

The tour will be coming to Troy, Ohio on November 9th.

Every anxious thought that steals my breath
It’s a heavy weight upon my chest
As I lie awake and wonder what the future will hold
Help me to remember that You’re in control.

…. I Will Fear No More by The Afters

Congratulations to Darla of Cardington for guessing the correct answer! She wins a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant.

Thanks for Listening!

-Dylan

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