Game Time Tuesday

It’s never too early for Christmas music

Sidewalk Prophets – Great Big Family Christmas Album

Reminding us what the season is all about, Sidewalk Prophets invites listeners into the warmth of their living room on their first live project, Great Big Family Christmas (Live). Offering a taste of their heartwarming show, the 18-track collection features favorites from the group’s beloved LP, Merry Christmas to You, including originals like “Hey Moon” and “What a Glorious Night,” alongside their acclaimed cover of “That Spirit of Christmas.” Hallmarked by nostalgia and wonder, the live set also boasts select signature hits, spanning the band’s five studio albums.

Additionally, this fall marks 25 years since Sidewalk Prophets started in a dorm room in Indiana. To kick off a year-long celebration, the band returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage in August. You can also catch the band on their Great Big Family Christmas tour coming to Sylvania, Ohio, on December 3rd!

A First For Megan Woods!?!

The hit series The Chosen is getting a new musical companion. Songs Inspired by The Chosen: Seasons 1–5, an 11-track record, will be released October 30 and features original music inspired by the first five seasons of the series.

The album’s third single, “I Love The One,” brings together seven-time Grammy-winning country trio Lady A and four-time Grammy-winning R&B group Boyz II Men. The song explores themes of healing, hope, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus.

Lady A’s Hillary Scott says several of her favorite Bible stories inspired the song, including the woman healed after touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. Scott also shared how watching The Chosen with her teenage daughter has deepened their appreciation for Jesus’ love and mercy.

The album also features Jamie MacDonald’s song “Roots,” inspired by Psalm 1.

The album arrives ahead of the two-part debut of The Chosen Season Six, with new episodes beginning November 15 on Prime Video. A feature film is also scheduled to hit theaters March 12. Click HERE to see the exact countdown till it releases!

WNZR is collaborating with MVNU’s office of spiritual life for an exclusive showing of Season 6, Episode 1, on October 29^th at 7pm in the R.R. Hodges Chapel!

Megan Woods has released her self-titled debut album, Megan Woods. The 10-track project explores identity, hope, and finding your worth in Christ.

Woods first gained national attention with her breakout single, “The Truth,” which has surpassed 175 million streams and earned RIAA Gold certification. The song also reached number one on multiple Christian radio charts.

Named Billboard’s number one Top New Christian Artist of 2025, Woods has continued to build her audience through powerful vocals and honest, faith-filled songwriting. Her new album features the current radio single, “Heaven Down Here,” which is inspired by the work of Compassion International. The song is now playing on more than 70 radio stations and has reached the top 15 on both Mediabase Christian AC and Billboard Christian AC Airplay.

Woods is currently on the fall leg of The Truth Tour, running through November 22, with special guest Jeremy Rosado. She’ll also return to the Grand Ole Opry stage on October 28.

This week’s Song Poetry was a stumper, but come back next week for a chance to win TWO $5 gift card to Watts Resturant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Who Knew Wednesday with Joe and Gabriella!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

October 20, 2026 0

Dove Awards Recap

Phil Wickham received Artist of the Year at the 57th annual GMA Dove Awards last week, where he also won Worship Album of the Year for Song of the Saints.

Phil accepted the award by thanking Jesus and reflecting on the privilege of writing songs that Christians around the world sing in worship. Wickham said, “God has given us reason after reason to worship Him.” He thanked Jesus for the opportunity and stressing he doesn’t take a moment of ministry for granted.
“To write these songs and to think that people sing them to Jesus is an honor,” Wickham said. “The fact that I get to lead people in worship to Jesus is so worth it.”

The album project was inspired by a desire to honor those who have gone before in the Christian faith, reflecting on the scripture passages like Revelation 5:13, Psalm 149:1, and Hebrews 12:1–2.

The album includes adaptations and remakes of several songs like, “What An Awesome God,” “Because He Lives,” and “Wondrous Cross,” plus new favorites like, “The King is in the Room.”

“Dusty Bibles” is the 2026 Song of the Year, from Josiah Queen.

The song echoes our fear when the battery life on our phone is close to zero, but when our heart feels dry and weary we don’t show the same concern. “Dusty Bibles” asks a simple, powerful question:

What if you dusted off your Bible… and found life inside?

The song clearly struck a chord—with honesty and conviction, holding up a mirror to a generation whose Bibles sit unopened while our phones rarely leave our hands.

“Dusty Bibles” captures the spirit of Romans 12:2, reminding us not to be conformed to the constant noise of the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It calls us to be present—not with our screens, but with our Savior. To trade temporary dopamine for eternal delight.

Jamie MacDonald is celebrating a major milestone after being named New Artist of the Year at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards!

MacDonald also received three additional nominations, including Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for her self-titled debut album, and Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for her hit single, “Left It In The River.”

We touched on this a bit last week, but it’s been a history-making year for Jamie, whose debut album achieved the biggest streaming debut ever for a female Christian artist and the largest debut album streaming launch in Capitol CMG history.

And there’s more music on the way! Jamie MacDonald: The Deluxe Album arrives October 16th, expanding the original release to 30 tracks with unreleased songs, acoustic versions, live performances, and collaborations with artists like Tori Kelly and Lauren Daigle.

MacDonald says Christian music helped her find her identity and overcome lies she once believed about herself. Now, she’s using her music to encourage others with that same hope. Congratulations to Jamie MacDonald on an incredible year!

Jeremy Camp is celebrating a Dove Award win! His song “No Survivors” won Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

The win comes as Camp prepares for a new chapter in his music career. After more than two decades in Christian music, 46 No. 1 singles, and more than 4 billion global streams, Camp says he reached a point where he considered walking away from music. Instead, he chose to trust God with what came next.

That journey inspired his upcoming 11-track album, Revival, arriving February 5th through Capitol CMG. The project explores what it means to let go of control and trust God, even when life feels uncertain.

Camp also released a new song called “Shaky Ground,” featuring songwriting contributions from his daughters, Bella and Arie. The song reflects on difficult seasons and the reminder that, even when life feels unstable, God remains faithful.

Camp hopes the album’s message of personal revival will encourage listeners to draw closer to God and carry that transformation into their families, churches, and communities. Revival is available for preorder now!

He’s gonna lift me up

He’s gonna fight for me

It only took a single stone

to drop a Philistine

Congratulations to Jeff from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “Rescue Me” by We The Kingdom! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

October 13, 2026 0

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

September 29, 2026 0

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

September 22, 2026 0

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

September 15, 2026 0

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

September 8, 2026 0

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!

September 1, 2026 0

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

August 25, 2026 0

Driving Notes

The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

Tag

It’s never too early for Christmas music

A First For Megan Woods!?!

Dove Awards Recap

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

New Songs and New Albums!

Sonfest & Something Good

A Time to Celebrate and a Day to Remember

Identity & Influence

A Music Legend Passes