Search

Driving Notes

The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

Open Search
Tag

Game Time Tuesday

Gospel ladies take center stage!

Today’s artist news features notes about two powerful voices in contemporary gospel music! Read more about these stories from our friends at JesusFreakHideout.com by clicking the artist’s names in the story.

Motown Gospel—part of Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol Records, and Universal Music Group—just signed GRAMMY-nominated artist Koryn Hawthorne, kicking off an exciting new chapter for one of Gospel music’s most powerful contemporary voices.

You may remember her from her amazing duets with Matt Maher, Lecrae. Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey, including “How Great” and “We All Need Jesus.”

The announcement comes as Koryn gets ready to drop new music and step into a fresh creative season. This fall, she’ll release her first project with Motown Gospel, promising a fresh, elevated sound while staying rooted in the faith-centered message that’s made Koryn stand out.

—

18-time GRAMMY® Award-winning icon CeCe Winans is bringing her acclaimed Christmas tour to the West Coast for the first time in over a decade. Joined by special guests and her sisters Angie Winans and Debbie Winans, Christmas with CeCe Winans will visit six cities this December for an evening of beloved Christmas classics, worship favorites, and songs from throughout CeCe’s celebrated career.

The West Coast Christmas tour is not all. CeCe will also co-headline the highly anticipated Christmas Together tour alongside Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. The tour will feature an evening of holiday favorites, career-spanning hits, and moments of worship as three of Christian music’s most beloved artists come together.  They kick off this tour on Friday, November 27 in Columbus at the Schottenstein Center.

This one was a STUMPER last week:

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

Congratulations to Jon from Mount Vernon – he correctly guessed Honest by Leanna Crawford and wins TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant un Utica!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

0

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

0

Cool Down with Cool New Music

Some of Anne Wilson’s most personal songs yet are on the way, and they’re inspired by a season filled with both joy and heartbreak.

Anne Wilson is giving fans even more music to look forward to this summer with the announcement of Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe), arriving July 10th.

The GRAMMY-nominated and PLATINUM-certified artist is expanding her latest album with five new songs, bringing the project to 17 tracks and continuing its message of faith, hope, healing, and trusting Jesus through every season of life.

Anne says that since releasing Stars, she’s experienced incredible highs, deep heartbreak, and moments that challenged her faith. Through it all, she says God has remained faithful, and these new songs reflect the next chapter of that journey.

The expanded album features her recent collaboration with country artist Cole Swindell, an acoustic version of “Carry Me,” a live recording of “God Story,” and a brand-new song called “Me & Jesus,” inspired by the loss of a close friend. Fans will also hear “Maker’s Mark,” a collaboration with Drew Baldridge that reflects on legacy, purpose, and living a life that leaves a lasting impact.

Anne will spend the summer performing at festivals across the country before heading overseas for appearances in the United Kingdom. She’ll then continue her Stars Tour, including a stop in Tiffin, Ohio, on July 29th at the Seneca County Fairgrounds. Visit wnzr.fm for more information about tickets!

With more than two billion career streams, Anne Wilson continues to impact listeners through her music, her new book, REBEL: Following Jesus When the World Looks the Other Way, and a message centered on faith and hope.

You can hear Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) when it releases on July 10th.

What happens when some of Christian music’s biggest voices come together for one night of worship? Tauren Wells is giving fans the answer with a brand-new live album coming this fall.

The eleven-time GRAMMY nominee and multi-platinum artist has announced Here Comes The Church, a live worship project set to release on October 2nd.

Recorded before a sold-out crowd at the Austin City Limits Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, the album captures an unforgettable night of worship featuring artists from across the Christian music landscape, including Naomi Raine, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Israel Houghton, Hulvey, Tiffany Hudson, Pastor Mike Jr., Paul and Hannah McClure, and members of Red Rocks Worship.

The live project draws heavily from Tauren’s latest album, Breathe On It, while highlighting a message that has become central to his ministry: unity within the Church.

Tauren says the album isn’t about representing one style of worship, culture, or community. Instead, he hopes it reflects the beauty of believers from different backgrounds coming together to worship the same Savior.

The 17-track collection includes songs like “Serve the Lord,” “Making Room,” “What a Miracle Feels Like,” “Let the Church Sing,” and the title track, “Here Comes The Church.”

You can listen to Here Comes The Church when it releases on October 2nd.

You’re the Lord of all creation

And still You know my heart

The author of salvation

You’ve loved us from the start

Congratulations to Jonathan from Johnstown for correctly guessing this week’s song: “Waiting Here For You” by Christy Nockels! Tune in next time for your chance to win a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

0

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

0

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

0

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

0

Matthew West’s ‘Good’ Hits #1′ We The Kingdom Release New Album

Today, we share about Matthew West’s song ‘Good’ hitting #1 on the Christian music charts; we also highlight the release of the new We The Kingdom Album.

Five-time GRAMMY nominee Matthew West celebrates another major milestone this week, as his latest single, Good, has officially reached No. 1 on Christian radio charts. The achievement marks West’s 39th chart-topping song as both an artist and songwriter, continuing a career that has made him one of Christian music’s most recognizable hitmakers. Inspired by the Book of Romans and written alongside AJ Pruis, “Good” delivers a powerful reminder that God’s love isn’t something we have to earn. West shared that the song reflects the struggle many people face when trying to feel “good enough” for God, while ultimately pointing listeners back to the truth of grace and unconditional love. The song has become West’s fastest-rising single since 2013 and adds to an already impressive career that includes hundreds of songwriting credits and multiple industry honors.

We The Kingdom’s upcoming album, Everything I Thought Was Pleasure, releases on June 12, and fans are already getting a taste of what’s to come with the lead single “God’s Way.” The upcoming seven-song project is being described by the band as one of their most honest and reflective releases yet, diving into themes of surrender, temptation, fulfillment, and finding lasting hope in Christ instead of temporary things.  The album will feature tracks like “Glory Glory” with Crowder, “Lake of Fire,” “Pray,” and “Love Is Louder.” The band says the project explores the idea that the things we often chase for satisfaction can never truly fulfill us the way God can. Known for worship favorites like “Holy Water” and “God So Loved,” We The Kingdom continues blending raw honesty with uplifting faith-filled messages, and this new release looks to continue that signature style in a deeply personal way. 

So I can pick myself back up 

And keep on telling me 

No, my God’s not done 

Making me a masterpiece 

It’s a stumper for this week!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive. Join me tomorrow for Who Knew Wednesday!

– Daniel 🙂

0

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

0

Seph Schlueter Hits RIAA Platinum Certification!

Seph Schlueter debuted to radio in a smashing success with his song Counting My Blessings, which peaked at #1 on The NZ Top 10 for a number of weeks!

Even after it’s time on the charts, Seph’s song reached another accomplishment, recently becoming RIAA Platinum certified! What this means is that this song has sold or downloaded 1 million units, an achievement that doesn’t happen often.

Not only that, Seph’s first three singles, Counting My Blessings, Running Back To You, and Won’t Start Now all hit #1 after their release, making Seph the first artist since the 90s to reach this feat.

In the image shown above, Seph is shown to be presented with three plaques, celebrating the success of all three songs.

Seph now has released his fourth single, Valley Of Worship. Will he hit a fourth number 1?

For more information, click here!

Listen to Seph’s current single, Valley Of Worship, here!

Here are this week’s Song Poetry lyrics!

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

This week’s Song Poetry is a stumper! That means next week, these same lyrics will be worth two $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica. Make sure you tune in at 5:15PM on Tuesday next week on The Afternoon Drive!

Tune in on Wednesday for some Who Knew? fun facts for Who Knew? Wednesday, and another chance to win a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica with a game of Who Am I?!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑