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Game Time Tuesday

Seph Schlueter Goes “All In” as We Are Messengers Hit a Billion Streams

Seph Schlueter is stepping into a new chapter with the announcement of his sophomore album, Fingerprints, coming March 12th, 2027.

The announcement comes alongside Schlueter’s new single, “All In,” available now. The song is a bold declaration of faith and complete surrender to Jesus, challenging listeners to live unashamed and fully committed to their faith.

Schlueter says the song was inspired by Romans 1:16, which says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” He hopes “All In” will inspire the church to live boldly for Jesus and share the Good News with others.

The new music comes as Schlueter continues to build momentum following the success of his hit, “Counting My Blessings.” He will be joining TobyMac and Katy Nichole on the “Hits Deep Tour,” which is coming to Nationwide Arena in Columbus on February 18th! Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster.com! 

And that’s not all! There’s more coming from Schlueter! A children’s book inspired by “Counting My Blessings” is set to arrive in October, bringing the song’s message of gratitude and recognizing God’s goodness to a new generation.

We Are Messengers have released their brand-new album, Halfway Home!

The band’s fifth studio album features 13 songs, all co-written by frontman Darren Mulligan. The project explores the tension between where we are now and where we’re headed, reflecting on life’s contradictions while pointing listeners toward the hope of Jesus.

Mulligan says the band worked hard on these songs and hopes they can help listeners “come a little bit closer to Jesus” than they were before.

The band is also celebrating a major milestone, surpassing one billion global streams! And they’re nominated for two GMA Dove Awards this year. Their album Rejoice! A Celtic Christmas is nominated for Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year, while their hit “We Three Kings” is nominated for Christmas Recorded Song of the Year.

The 57th annual GMA Dove Awards will take place October 6th in Nashville, and we’re doing a Dove Awards Prediction Prize Giveaway! You can find more information on our website, wnzr.fm!

Never been so connected

Never been so alone

Broken and misdirected

And now we’re homesick for home

Congratulations to Steve from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “Heaven Down Here,” by Megan Woods and winning TWO $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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New Songs and New Albums!

Josiah Queen has a brand-new song out today called “when I see You.”

The platinum-selling singer and songwriter says the soulful new track is inspired by the hope of one day seeing Jesus face to face in Heaven. Queen says he often wonders what that moment will be like—and how the anticipation of Heaven should change the way we live right now.

“when I see You” is a more stripped-back sound for Queen, featuring acoustic guitar and a laid-back drumbeat, while still bringing the emotion and honesty fans have come to expect from his music.

The song is the latest preview of Josiah Queen’s upcoming album, Damascus Road, which arrives October 23rd. The 14-song project also features his hits “demons,” “judas,” “make heaven crowded,” and “sundays.”

Josiah Queen is currently wrapping up the European leg of his Mt. Zion Tour, before heading back to North America next spring for his biggest headlining tour yet—the Damascus Road Tour.

His new song is out now!

Matthew West is looking back on his story with his brand-new song, “Younger Me.”

The deeply personal track was written entirely by West and is the final preview of his upcoming album, Jesus Is King, which arrives this Friday, September 25.

In “Younger Me,” West reflects on the moments that shaped his life and faith — from discovering his faith as a teenager and experiencing rejection in Nashville, to meeting his wife and building a family. Through it all, he points his younger self back to one message: trust God through every chapter, because Jesus was enough all along.

That message carries throughout Jesus Is King, a 12-song album built around the question, “Jesus Is ___?” Each song reveals another part of who Jesus is — His faithfulness, goodness, strength, redemption and grace — ultimately pointing back to the declaration at the heart of the album: Jesus is King.

Never been so connected

Never been so alone

Broken and misdirected

And now we’re homesick for home

Sing poetry was a STUMPER this week, so tune in next week for your chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!

-Joe & Brock

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Sonfest & Something Good

Sonfest 2026 is QUICKLY approaching! In case you’re unfamiliar with Sonfest, it’s an annual Christian music festival that takes place right here on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University! 

New this year, attendees will be able to select their seats at the time of purchase! The indoor main stage will feature reserved seating with tiered pricing based on location within the R. R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium! There is also an outdoor second stage for guests to maximize their concert experience! 

This year’s headliners include Jordan Houghton, Chris Renzema, Rock City Worship, Gio, and many more! In addition to live music, Sonfest also features food trucks, inflatables, yard games, and a vendor tent!

Also, you have multiple chances to WIN this week on the Morning Thing and Afternoon Drive! We will have trivia about this year’s event and years past! If you’re the first person to answer correctly, you will win two tickets to Sonfest 2026! So, definitely tune in to the Morning Thing at 7:30 and the Afternoon Drive at 4:50 for the chance to win! 

On Sonfest Saturday, we will also be broadcasting LIVE from Big Blue from 1- 8 PM! Stop by Big Blue and register to win a WNZR duffle bag stuffed full of goodies, including: T-shirts, an MVNU portable charger, MVNU socks, a WNZR Journal, NIV Bible, and much more! The winner will be announced at 7:30 PM on Saturday, so definitely stop by, say “hi,” and enter for a chance to win! 

Sonfest is this Saturday, September 19th! Don’t miss this great event for the whole family! Tickets are available right now at mvnu.edu/sonfest if you’re interested!

Carly Ann Taylor has a new song out today called “Something Good Is Coming.”

She’s been teasing the song’s message for months, and she says it was inspired by a season when she felt stuck and hopeless—but ultimately found hope in trusting God’s plan.

“Something Good Is Coming” follows Taylor’s recent song “Lifeline,” featuring KB, which was named a Spotify Editors’ Pick as one of the best songs released across all genres in August.

Taylor has also released “Heavenly Father” and “Why Should I Worry,” which debuted in the Top 10 at Christian radio.

And this fall, Taylor will hit the road with Big Daddy Weave for the My Hope Is Jesus Tour, alongside Caleb & John. Luckily for Ohio residents, Carly will be in Wadsworth, Ohio, on November 20th, and in Circleville, Ohio, on November 21st!

I had the privilege of meeting Carly at Momentum back in May, and she is the kindest, sweetest soul with the biggest voice! One of my favorite memories with Carly is when she taught me about one of her favorite snacks! She’s from Hawaii, and she grew up eating Flaming Hot Cheetos coated in Fruit Punch Kool-Aid powder! So, if you need a snack recommendation, there you go! 

Without further ado, here’s Carly Ann Taylor with her song ‘Why Should I Worry.’

I’ve been stacking up the years I spent

trading punches with the enemy

Built myself a double-thick, stone tower of lies, 

higher than the eye could see

Congrats to Brenda from Fredericktown for correctly guessing “Jericho” by Andrew Ripp! Also, congratulations to Esther from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing our Sonfest trivia question, winning two tickets to Sonfest 2026!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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A Time to Celebrate and a Day to Remember

Matthew West is bringing holiday cheer to eight cities this December with his Come Home for Christmas Tour!

The tour will feature Christmas classics and some of West’s own music, all centered on the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

Matthew says the tour is “more than a concert,” calling it an invitation to “come home to the true meaning of the season.” He hopes the shows will create special Christmas memories filled with joy while pointing people back to the reason we celebrate—the birth of Jesus, our Savior.

Matthew is also releasing his new album, “Jesus Is King,” on September 25th!

And luckily for Ohio fans, Matthew will stop in Troy, Ohio, this December as part of the Come Home for Christmas Tour.

So, if you love Christmas, Matthew West, and most importantly, Jesus, don’t miss your chance to see Matthew West live!

Tickets are available now at MatthewWest.com.

To honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Steven Curtis Chapman has released a brand-new song called “Remember the Day.”

Steven actually wrote the song more than 20 years ago, after traveling to New York City with his band for a night of remembrance at Madison Square Garden.

He and his family had been in Washington, D.C., on September 11th, 2001, and watched from their hotel as smoke rose from the Pentagon. When Steven returned to New York for the first anniversary, he wrote “Remember the Day” as a way to process the grief, honor those who lost their lives, and remember the incredible courage and compassion that brought people together.

He says he never recorded the song until now, but felt the 25th anniversary was the right time to finally share it.

And his hope is that as we remember the tragedy of that day, we’ll also remember the way people responded—with compassion, courage, and kindness.

As Romans 12:21 reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

That’s the heart behind Steven Curtis Chapman’s new song, “Remember the Day.”

I’ve been stacking up the years I spent

trading punches with the enemy

Built myself a double-thick, stone tower of lies, 

higher than the eye could see

Song Poetry was a STUMPER this week, so tune in next week for your chance to win TWO gift cards to Watt’s restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Identity & Influence

Since making her debut five years ago with her song “My Jesus,” Anne Wilson has stayed hyper-productive, releasing three albums full of incredible music! And she isn’t stopping now!

She has released her brand-new song, “Who I Am To You,” and it’s available everywhere now!

The song is all about identity — pushing back against insecurity, comparison, and the labels the world puts on us, and reminding us that our identity is found in what God says is true about us.

Anne says the song is about trading the lies and negative labels we believe for the truth of who God created us to be. She hopes it encourages listeners to walk confidently in their identity in Christ.

“Who I Am To You” is the first song from the next chapter of Anne’s music and follows the release of Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe) earlier this summer.

Anne will also be hitting the road this fall for the STARS Tour, with special guests Peter Burton and Aodhán King joining her on select dates.

Check out Anne Wilson’s new song, “Who I Am To You,” available now!

Dolly Parton’s legacy will be celebrated in a big way next year with Dollyfest, a new multi-continental event planned for Nashville and London.

The festival was originally planned around Dolly’s 80th birthday, but after she stepped back from the event due to health challenges, the plans were put on hold.

Now, Dolly’s estate says the celebration will move forward as a two-day event spanning two weekends — one in Tennessee and one in England.

Organizers say Dollyfest is meant to be a joyful celebration of Dolly’s life and legacy, rather than a traditional memorial. They say the festival was actually a dream of Dolly’s, and they want to bring her vision to life.

Dolly Parton’s career spanned seven decades across music, film, and philanthropy, and her influence continues to reach fans around the world.

More details about Dollyfest are expected as plans come together.

Your love is like the sunlight
That shines on my face every day
It meets me in the mornin’
Dawnin’ in a thousand new shades

Congrats to Ella from Centerburg for correctly guessing “Lord It Feels Good” by TobyMac! 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!

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A Music Legend Passes

Today we pause to honor the memory of the one and only Dolly Parton, who died today at 80 years of age.

Dolly is one of only three artists to be in the Gospel, Rock and Roll and Country Music Hall of Fames – joining Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Read more from CCM Magazine by clicking here.

We salute Dolly with these two videos from her recent collaborations:

In the waiting, in the searching, in the healing and the hurting…
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going..

Congratulations to Bonnie from Mount Vernon, who correctly guessed THERE WAS JESUS and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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Sundays & Skillet

Josiah Queen is giving us a preview of his next chapter with his brand-new single, “sundays.”

The high-energy, folk-rock song is a powerful reminder that our faith isn’t meant to be something we practice only on Sundays. Queen compares our need for God to our need for food, water, and even the air we breathe, challenging listeners to live out their faith every day of the week.

“sundays” is the latest glimpse of Queen’s highly anticipated new album, Damascus Road, coming October 23. The 14-track project will be his third studio album and follows his chart-topping 2025 release, Mt. Zion, which earned a Dove Award nomination for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.

And this is a huge season for Josiah Queen. The 23-year-old recently received seven GMA Dove Award nominations, including Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

Queen also recently revealed the full Damascus Road tracklist and invited his fans to help choose which song would be released next. “sundays” ultimately won the vote, giving fans a chance to be part of the rollout for the new album.

There’s also a special mission behind Damascus Road. Queen is donating 100% of the net proceeds from CD editions of the album sold through his official website to Global Christian Relief.

Once again, the new album, Damascus Road, arrives October 23rd, and “sundays” is out now!

October is going to be an exciting month, because not only is Josiah Queen releasing an album, but Skillet is back with new music, and the rock band is entering a powerful new chapter!

The multi-Platinum band has announced a brand-new six-song EP called After the Storm, arriving October 9. Along with the announcement, Skillet released the project’s newest single, “Lift Me Up,” complete with an anime-inspired lyric video.

Frontman John Cooper says the EP came out of a season when he personally needed hope, writing these songs as a way of asking God to lift him out of some difficult moments.

That message comes through especially in “Lift Me Up,” which combines crushing guitars with a huge, arena-ready chorus. Cooper says the song reminds him of early Skillet while still feeling fresh. At its heart, it’s a prayer asking God to provide strength when life feels overwhelming.

“Lift Me Up” follows “Scream,” which introduced fans to the emotional themes behind After the Storm, including anxiety, anger, and the search for purpose in the middle of all the noise surrounding us.

And Skillet isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The band will hit the road for a nationwide U.S. Live Nation headline tour, kicking off this fall, which is visiting Greenville, Ohio, on September 19th! The new EP comes out October 9th!

You make my striving cease

You lift my burdens off of me

You calm the raging sea

My anxieties

‘Cause that’s just who You are

Congratulations to Sarah from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “WHY SHOULD I WORRY” by Carly Ann Taylor! Tune in next week for YOUR chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Comebacks & Concerts

After 8 years, Francesca Battistelli is making her return with NEW MUSIC.

Her brand-new song, “He Will,” is available today. “He Will” is an uplifting anthem about trusting God, even when you don’t know how He’s going to come through. Backed by a choir, Francesca sings about needing God’s rescue and being confident that He will be faithful.

The song also marks the beginning of what Battistelli says is a new wave of music.

As I said, it’s been eight years since Francesca released her last album, Own It, in 2018. During that time, she stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her growing family. She’s now a mom of seven and has embraced a quieter season of motherhood, including homeschooling and homesteading.

But even while she was away from the music scene, Francesca’s songs continued making an impact. She earned another number-one radio hit, bringing her career total to eight, and her catalog has now surpassed 2 billion career streams.

Francesca says that during her time away, God continued giving her new songs—and she believes the timing is finally right to share them.

“He Will” is the first glimpse of what’s next.

CAIN is bringing their Live and In Worship Tour to Grove City, Ohio, this fall, with special guest Jenn Johnson!

The concert is happening Thursday, September 17th, at The Naz Church in Grove City. It’s a night designed to give you space to come as you are, be refreshed, and experience the presence of God through powerful music and intentional worship.

The evening kicks off at 7 PM, with general admission doors opening at 6.

And if you know anything about CAIN, you know they’re not afraid of a little color! Their bright colors and energetic personalities are a big part of what makes them so much fun.

Well, they want you to join in on the fun, too! So when you come to the concert, make sure you wear RED in honor of the Buckeye State!

Tickets and more information are available at WNZR.fm. Just click on the Events button, then select the Concerts tab for everything you need to know!

Lord, I am so thankful for the ways that You blessed me
Everything You say making waves like a jet ski
You love every part of me, even when I was messy
Now I see the art in Your beauty
So, I can finally sing out…

Congratulations to Tisha from Fredericktown for correctly guessing “YOUR WAY’S BETTER” by Forrest Frank! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Fair week and the 40 Days festival!

Brock, Daniel and I are hosting the show alongside On The Road With Big Blue this week! Make sure you check this link on our website, WNZR.fm, to find out about the Knox County Fair and our amazing prizes!

Oh, and YES we are still giving away tickets this week to see FOR KING + COUNTRY at the Ohio State Fair on Monday!

Now to the news…

WILLIAMSTOWN, KENTUCKY – The 40 Days of Christian Music festival — the world’s largest — returns TODAY for its sixth consecutive year at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in northern Kentucky.

This massive event runs today through September 5, featuring dozens of prominent Christian performers and speakers for an unforgettable experience. The festival just announced the addition of Jeremy Camp, Grammy Award nominee and winner of five GMA Dove Awards on September 5.

Attendees can explore two of America’s best-known biblical attractions, the life-size Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, but also enjoy live performances from some of the biggest names in Christian music in state-of-the-art facilities.

This year’s lineup beyond Jeremy Camp includes CAIN, Crowder, Passion, Matthew West, Jamie MacDonald, Jon Reddick, Cochren & Co., David Phelps, Tasha Layton, Jason Crabb, Triumphant Quartet, Karen Peck & New River, Mark Trammell Quartet, The Isaacs, The Inspirations, Gold City, and Joseph Habedank, among many others. In total, more than 100 artists will take the stage throughout the 40-day event with performances every day, except Sundays.

I say, “I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine, oh, I’m fine, hey, I’m fine”

But I’m not, I’m broken.

And when it’s out of control, I say “It’s under control”

But it’s not and You know it.

This one was a stumper last week! This week, Lisa from Fredericktown got the answer correct! ‘Truth Be Told’ by Matthew West.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Brock

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