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The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

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Game Time Tuesday

Powerful Stories Told Through Music!

Today we talked about some upcoming album releases from some well-loved artists here on the station! Ben Fuller is bringing us his new album “Walk Through Fire” on June 6th. He has a powerful testimony that is going to be echoed throughout the songs on this album, and we’ve already heard some heavy hitters already, in “If I Got Jesus” and “Turn”!

Big Daddy Weave is also sharing their story through their upcoming album “Let It Begin”, which is releasing this Friday, May 23rd! It’s been a whole six years since we have gotten a new release like this from the band, but we have gotten to hear some of their songs coming on that album throughout these years already– Those being the song “Let It Begin” and “God Is In This Story”.

The band is also doing a fun new series on their YouTube channel, sharing all the stories behind each of the 15 songs on this upcoming release. Seeing this just goes to show that every song a band or artist puts on their record has an intentional purpose and reason for being on the album, which is really cool to see!

Today we played song poetry! We play this fun trivia game every Tuesday at the 5 o’clock hour to give you a chance to win that $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica! Here was today’s song poetry:

I learned the lines and talked the talk
But the road less traveled is hard to walk
It takes a soldier
Who knows his orders
To walk the walk I’m supposed to walk

This one was a stumper today! If you think you know this one, tune in to the Afternoon Drive next Tuesday, and give us your guess! We’re giving away two $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica because today was a stumper!

Thank you for listening!
– Xander and Ethan

Concert Tours and Gospel Returns to ABC!

Artist News:

GRAMMY-nominated NEEDTOBREATHE is set to bring an intimate experience to 18 U.S. cities this fall with The Barely Elegant Acoustic Tour 2025.

General public ticket sales open this Friday 5/16 at 10 AM local time. Tickets and full details are available at www.needtobreathe.com.

They have one Ohio date scheduled, on November 19th in Cincinnati at the Andrew Brady Music Center in The Banks neighborhood on the Ohio River.

The singing competition show, American Idol, announced during one of its episodes that Brandon Lake and Kirk Franklin would appear together on the show’s finale episode.

This is the second time we’ve seen Gospel artists make an appearance on the show just this season! The last time we saw them was on Easter Sunday, and it featured well-known WNZR artists CeCe Winans and Brandon Lake.

They are to be seen on the show’s season finale, airing on May 18th. Full details and further information are available at https://abc.com/show/baf4f444-36a4-4340-ac11-c570f0da4977.

Today we played song poetry! Congratulations to Elwood from Mount Vernon for guessing this week’s song and artist– Just Be Held, by Casting Crowns! These were the lyrics:
If your eyes are on the storm
You’ll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You’ll know I always have and I always will

Thanks for listening!
Ethan, Joe, and Xander

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

Tours, Albums, Tickets – all here!

Today’s Artist News features these stories from our friends as JesusFreakHideout.com:

TOBY MAC – announced his 2025 ‘Hits Deep’ Tour dates, with guest artists to be announced. Find out all the information about dates, including Toledo and Columbus, by clicking here.

BRANDON HEATH – released his full-length album, ‘The Ache,’ on Friday. It includes two songs on our playlist, “Gospel Truth,” and “He Does.” Find out more here!

So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face

Congratulations to Jayme from Mount Vernon – she guessed correctly – the song was “Come As You Are” by Crowder. Jayme 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 Band is Back Together!

Hi!

Here is my story about this band getting back together:

The band is back together, literally. Tenth Avenue North is returning to touring with their “Invited Tour.” This tour is based upon their new single “Invited.” That’s not the only reason though, the band will also be sharing fan favorites from years past.

Here is what founding member and frontman Mike Donehey had to say about the band getting back together, “After a four-year hiatus, we are back and better than ever.” “[We have] some new songs and some new players, [and] we are ready to lose our voices with you. Come join us on the Invited Tour hitting stops nationwide this fall.”

With over two decades of nearly two million albums sold and multiple Dove Awards, Tenth Avenue North sensed that God had something else in store for them. A farewell tour was planned in 2020 but was disrupted by the pandemic. The four years following the break sharpened the band’s focus and God used what they thought was an end to create room for them to experience Him in a new way. Releasing new music and the upcoming tour, Tenth Avenue North is ready to get on the road, bringing along new artist Natalie Layne.

Here is what Mike Donehey said about adding Layne, “We’re beyond thrilled to announce we are bringing new rising star Natalie Layne with us. We caught her set at a festival last year and were blown away by her musical prowess and captivating personality. We guarantee these will be unforgettable nights of new Tenth music and classic Tenth songs you’ve come to love.”

The band’s last stop will be in Ashland, Ohio on October 20th. Tickets are on sale now.

So we sing praise to the Father who gave us the Son
Praise to the Spirit who’s livin’ in us
When I was a sinner, He saved me from who I was.

….Jesus Does by We The Kingdom

Congratulations to Jonathan of Mount Vernon for guessing the correct answer! He 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

55th GMA Dove Awards Nominations Announced!

Hi!

Today on the show we talked about all of the GMA Dove Awards nominees. We want to congratulate all of them for being nominated! We also had our song poetry where one person has a chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant. We also gave away an NIV Adventure Bible to one person.

Here is the list of artists who have been nominated for Dove Awards:

Song of the Year:

“All Things” (Writer) Kirk Franklin

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” (Writers) Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore

“Holy Forever” (Writers) Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham

“I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)” (Writers) Jon Reddick, Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jonathan Smith

“More Than Able” (Writers) Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine

“Praise” (Writers) Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes

“Praise You Anywhere” (Writers) Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley

“Thank God I Do” (Writers) Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess

“This Is Our God” (Writers) Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett

“Trust In God” (Writers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Mitch Wong

Artist of the Year:

Anne Wilson

Brandon Lake

CeCe Winans

for KING + COUNTRY

Lauren Daigle

New Artist of the Year:

Charity Gayle

Forrest Frank

Josiah Queen

Seph Schlueter

Terrian

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year:

“Strong” – Anne Wilson

“Any More” – CAIN

“GOOD DAY” – Forrest Frank

“The Prodigal” – Josiah Queen

“Counting My Blessings” – Seph Schlueter

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year:

“Praying Woman” – Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson)

“If I Got Jesus” – Ben Fuller

“tell the devil” – Joseph Habedank

“Man On The Middle Cross” – Rhett Walker

“Lookin’ For You” – Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)

Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year:

“That’s My King” – CeCe Winans

“Lead Us Again” – DOE

“All Yours” – Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown)

“Fill The Room” – Michael Bethany

“The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” – Naomi Raine

Worship Recorded Song of the Year:

“Praise You Anywhere” – Brandon Lake

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” – Cody Carnes

“Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)

“Trust In God” – Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown)

“I Believe” – Phil Wickham

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year:

COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake

Jesus Music – CAIN

Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack – for KING + COUNTRY

Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle

Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) – Tauren Wells

Feature Film of the Year:

Journey To Bethlehem

Ordinary Angels

Sound of Freedom

The Blind

Unsung Hero

Congratulations to our Ohio State Fair General Admission Ticket Winner’s:

Kathy of Mount Vernon and Jolene of Martinsburg!

Congratulations to our NIV Adventure Bible Winner:

Nate of Fredericktown!

So many little words, so many little lies
That have followed you all of your life
Looking for the truth, look into your eyes
And you’ll see it’s been there the whole time

Perfectly Loved by Rachael Lampa and TobyMac

Congratulations to Jack of Mount Vernon! He wins TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant.

Thanks for listening!

-Dylan

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