JOHN GRASSADONIA: News

Grapevine is your one-stop connection to Catholic music. Music is regarded as the highest art form by the Church; discover its power for encouragement and evangelization. Read about, watch, listen and talk about artist who share their faith through the creation and performance of their music.

Read the September 17th, 2008 article about "Franciscan & Friends Caribbean Music Mission 2008"
www.gvonline.net

If you are interested in viewing a 30 min "Backstage" program on EWTN (Eternal World Television Network), you may want to catch John this week! He will be on at 2:00am Pacific Time this Tues morning, Sept. 16th. and 8:30pm Pacific Time on this Friday, Sept. 19th. Write on the Guestbook and let us know what you think afterwards! It was recorded a couple of years ago when he only had the 1st two CD's.

John has just heard that he is a finalist in the 2008 UCMVA Unity Awards! The 9th Annual Unity Awards will be held at Loyola University, New Orleans - on Oct 25th.

Those 9 catagories are for his newest CD "Live Like Saints":
Song of the Year - "Live Like Saints"
Songwriter of the Year - "Live Like Saints"
Male Vocalist of the Year
Artist of the Year
Gospel Song of the Year - "Jammin' For the Lord"
Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year - "Live Like Saints"
Praise & Worship Song of the Year - "Amazing Love"
Devotional Song of the Year - "Destiny"
Pop / Contemporary Album of the Year - "Live Like Saints"

Performers at the event are:
John Michael Talbot, Tony Melendez, Matt Maher, Sarah Hart, Santiago Fernandez, Sharmane Adams, Matthew Baute, L'Angelus, Crystal Valazquez, Jason Malachi, Ronnie Cole & the Choirs of OUr Lady of the Lake & St. Scholastica Academy (with Kara Klein), Xavier University Gospel Choir (with Kitty Cleveland), St. Mary's Dominican High School Choir, Dreux Montegut, Anne Chabrek (with Trish FotiGenco)

For more information:
www.unityawards08.com

Catch the Catholic Mom.com podcast interview of John talking about his life and music on http://catholicmoments.libsyn.org/index.php?post_id=370680
http://sqpn.com/2008/08/21/catholic-moments-66-john-grassadonia/
http://faithandfamilylive.com/blog/a_musical_missionary/

Diana von Glahn uncovers the teasures of Catholic shrines, places of pilgrimage, and historic sites throughout the US in The Faithful Traveler, a unique travel series. Each show explores a new location. In this first DVD in the series, Diana explores the Miraculous Medal Shrine at the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Viewers will discover the remarkable art and architecture at the shrine, learn about the faith and tradition behind the shrines creation, and receive practical information so they can visit the shrine on their own. It is the perfect balance between entertainment, education and inspiration, for all ages. John is one of the Catholic musicians, including Sarah Bauer, Rise, Popple and Christine Wittman that have shared their music for the production.
His tune "Glimpse of You" instrumental is featured in the film, and the vocal version is on the Slide Show. Both versions are available on the UCMVA award winning CD "Pray On". The project is available in both English and Spanish and will have worldwide appeal. For more information visit their website at http://thefaithfultraveler.com

In April, 2008 John, along with David Velasco on percussion join Denis Grady, from Calgary, Canada attended the Feria Catolica Internacional 2008 in Guatamala. This is the largest Catholic event in the Americas. Singers from 20 countries worship and praise with over 200,000 of our International brothers and sisters in Christ. After singing his newest song "Lifting Our Hands" John placed third place in five winners with this song written for our Mother Mary. Visit his Photo Gallery for photos of the weekend's ministry & entertainment.

Join the Children's Choir at St. Joseph's Church in Elk Grove, CA. John is leading the group of 1st Graders to 8th Graders weekly in practice with many music ministry opportunities ahead. If you, or your children are between those ages...and have an interest in singing for the Lord...Join us at a practice!For more information, contact John at info@johngrassadonia.com with your childs name, age & grade. We meet on Tuesdays, in the church at St. Josephs, from 4:15-5:00pm weekly, throughout the year.

Are you interested in having John Grassadonia perform in your church or for your special program, fundraiser or event? John performs solo or duo.

John is also available for private House Concerts. If you want to know more about any of the above happenings...just email or contact us. We will see what we can do to help you. Contact Sherry Grassadonia at 916-226-6595 for more information and availability.

"Live Like Saints" IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!
Thanks to Joe Hand, Nashville, TN. The project was a year in the making...but I am sure that you will agree that it was well worth it!

John is happy to autograph a CD for you....wrap it & ship it to anywhere in the US. Now...that couldn't be easlier could it??? Just contact us via email at john@johngrassadonia.com for orders!

There are now available in our store "One to Another" in Old Town - Elk Grove, CA. 916-226-6453 - Soon to be available elsewhere.

"John's first experienced our faith community almost two years ago. While very new to the community, compared to so many who have called ElkGrove home for so many years, he immediately felt the presence of teh Holy Spirit, and was warmly accepted by all. He truly felt the loving touch of Christ in and through the community, which is a teaching of our Church! Himself a published music artist, both as a composer and performer, John ahs always been involved in celebrating his Christian faith in and through his music, and the music of the liturgy. He saw a great potential in the future of the music ministry here in the parish, which has been served by musicians (playing the organ, and electronic keyboard; guitarists and bass players, as well as percussionists); as well as cantors (those who stand alone to lead teh music and pray the Psalms) and choirs (three different groups and more). Having witnessed and been a part of various liturgies throughout the country, as well as internationally, John recognized our parish as "hungry" for even more depth and appreciation of what it means to be the Body of Christ, a family who worships, shares and rejoices in the sacred mystery of the Mass, all so we may become Who we receive.
Working with, developing and inspiring, all of these ministers, for John is now being hired as a resouce to them all, replacing none of these people who you have come to know, trust and believe in - faithful servants who have said "Yes!!!" time and time again for the goodness of our Mass. John too is committed to working with, developing, and inspiring, "we" the congregation, who need also to say "Yes" in our prayer, both in song and heart. Married to his wife Sherry, a local store owner and artist herself, a former country probation officer, optimistic as a person and in his career, he points to an expeptional and profound spiritual moment, a point of transition, as he left his work in service of the county and courts. In 2005, he experienced a dream, wherin he conversed with, and was challenged by, the late Pope John Paul II, who called and invited him to work fulltime for our church.

"I hope you will share this mission with me, and accept me into your hearts as one who is both servant and friend. As I hold you in mine, as I serve you with all that I am, Please know I welcome your comments and suggestions always".
He may be contacted by e-mail at john@johngrassadonia.com

John and Sherry traveled to the West Indies again this year for the 2007 Franciscan and Friends Music Mission. They were joined by a wonderful group of friends from Canada, US and Barbados. For more information on places visited...visit past calendar dates on this site or www.franciscanandfriends.com
Maybe you would like to join the Mission in 2008!

John joins the Elk Grove Children in going back to school this year. He is sharing with the K-8 students his love of music.
John states that when he was in Rome in 2004, for the late Pope John Paul II's funeral, he spoke with a brother, studying to be a priest for a long time about music. In that conversation...they concluded that the world needs music that leads children to God. He said that he had no idea at that time that he would be teaching so many children. The Lord wastes no planted seed...

John, along with Kathy Gantt, John Ricken, David Velasco, George Alvarado, Lisa O'Neto, & wife Sherry, begin a Music Ministry Team in Elk Grove, CA. John's vision is to carve a path from all places that will lead to Northern California, welcoming Catholic artists, enabling them to share their gifts of music ministry at St. Josephs, Elk Grove, and other local churches. This committee is learning how to promote, advertise, run sound, lights, CD sales, hospitality, and more! We are a grass roots movement, because there are currently no major sponsors. However, we have appealed to major Catholic organizations, to get behind this movement, which we feel can only strengthen and bring more people to our faith and experience the transforming Love of God.

Our mission statement is: To Enrich and Deepen Faith Through the Celebration of Prayer, Music and Community.

Please check out the Calendar section of this website to see upcoming artist's Concerts!

If you are interested in supporting this valuable work...please contact us! 916-226-6595

On July 14th, in the Centro de Arte de Los Cabos, Asturias, Espana....John's "Show Me the Way" CD is nominated for "Mejor CD en Ingles" (Best CD in English)...also...the Compilation CD "Catholic Music 2007", produced by Spirit Wing Records, was also nominated , and won the award! Congratulations to all of the 32 artist that participated in "Catholic Music 2007" You are all winners!

John & Sherry, along with their daughter, Sasha Gareau, opened a new gift shop in Elk Grove, CA on Thurs., April 12th. It is located at 9030 Elk Grove Blvd, Old Town - Elk Grove, CA, USA. Both Sherry and Sasha have extensive background in retail service. The store specializes in personalization and does a beautiful free giftwrap! Stop by when you are in the Sacramento area, to experience first hand....The Art of Giving...
at ONE TO ANOTHER. You may even see John in the store...and if he isn't there...his music, along with other Catholic artists are sure to be found.

You can find John's music in the following stores:

Advent Shop of
Bay Shore,
New York
11706
631-665-0422

Advent Shop of Massapequa,
New York 11578
516-536-7900

Advent Shop of
Rockville Center,
New York 11570
516-536-7900

Agnus Dei
Santa Cruz, California
831-475-2636

All God's Children Prescott, Arizona
928-776-1476

Angel's Crossing
Wilminton, Deleware
302-654-3332

Celestial Catholic
Books & Gifts
8915 Emerald Park Drive
Elk Grove, CA 95624
916-714-4333

Church of The Resurrection Gift Shop
Escondido, California
760-747-2322

Divine Inspirations
Hastings, Minnesota
651-437-9169

Divine Mercy Books & Gifts
Ottawa, Illinois
815-433-5069

Divine Mercy Gift Shop
PO box 559
Stockbridge, MA 01262

Emaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Books & Gifts
Alexandrea, Louisiana
318-443-2135

Emmanuel's
S. Hadley, Massachuetts
413-534-8100

Halos & Top Hats
Orange, Texas
408-886-4244

Holy Apostles Religious Bookstore
Mchenry, Illinois
815-365-HOLY

Largon-Miller Company, Inc.
Peoria, Illinois
309-674-5143

Littlest Angel
Vineland, New Jersey

Naperville Religious Goods
Naperville, Illinois
630-718-1860

Once and For All Times
Big Bear Lake, California
909-866-6707

One to Another
9030 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove (Old Town) CA
916-226-6453

Our Lady of Wabash
Terre Haute, Indiana
812-234-8331

Sacred Heart Books & Gifts
Liberty, Missouri
816-415-4301

Sacred Page
118 North New St.
Staunton, Virginia
540-569-6041

Shepherd's Path
Bangor, Maine
207-942-4298

St. Francis Gifts and Books
Flagstaff, Arizona
928-779-5501

St. Joseph's Church Gift Shop
Modesto, California
209-551-4973

Stephanchew Church Goods
Winnipeg, MB - Canada

Sweetly Southern
1400 Market St
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

Sword & Shield
771 Roscoe Rd
Newnam, Georgia 30263

The Catholic Shoppe
At Belmont Abbey College
100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd.
Belmont, North Carolina 28012

The Catholic Store
Sacramento, California
916-457-1970

The Greatest Gift
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
920-242-1049

Spirit Wing Records proudly announces an upcoming two CD complilation project entitled Catholic Music 2007/ Catholic Music 2007 will feature 32 Catholic recording artists and will resemble the popular Christian project, WOW, which is released every year.

Catholic Music 2007 is expected to be released :Nov. 22, 2006, in honor of the feast day of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.

With the constantly changing face of Contemporary Christian music it is understandable that one of the newest outreaches would be Catholic music. More and more Catholic artists are breaking inot the Christian music scene to help spread the Good News and to bring Catholics closer to their Faith.

The creators of Catholic Music 2007, Gary Gersin from Cleveland, Ohio and Mike Beloud from Los Angeles, CA hope to bring awareness to Catholic music ministries.

Gersin, of Sacred Heart Radio, said, "My goal with SacredHeartRadio.net has always been to highlight the wonderful Catholic music ministries out there. Catholic Music 2007 is just another way we are trying to get these artists heard and to help people celebrate their Faith through the Lord's great gift of music."

"There are many talented Catholic artists out there who are filled with the Spirit, serving God and the Church through their music ministries, " said Beloud, member of the Catholic-rock group RISE. "Catholic Music 2007 gives them the opportunity to showcase their work."

"Worship" will be the first of the two CD's which features more traditional/prayerful music while Disc 2, "Praise," will be the more modern upbeat music.

The 32 artists to be featured on the CD project include: Angelina, Bernie Choiniere, Celeste Zepponi, Critical Mass, David Vogel, Father David Hemann, Fred Cacciotti, Gretchen Harris, Jeannie Pomanowski, John Grassadonia, Katholicus, Kitty Cleveland, Last Day, Lynn Geyer, Margo B. Smith, Mark Mallett, Matthew Baute, Michael Patrick, Nancy Krebs, Ned Tonner, Nick Alexander, Remember Rome, Renee Bondi, RISE, ROMANS, Sean Clive, Sharmane Adams, Simonetta, Susan Jansen, The Perfect Cry, Trish Foti Genco and Veronica Morrissey.

Copies of Catholic Music 2007 can be pre-ordered by visiting the Spirit Wing Records website at www.spiritwingrecords.com for $15.99. For a limited time, all pre-orders will receive free shipping and a special gift.

For more information, contact Mike Beloud at Mike@SpiritWingRecords.com or Gary Gersin at Gary@SpiritWingRecords.com

Contact: Spirit Wing Records
http://www.SpiritWingRecords.com CA,US
Mike Beloud - Owner, 626-422-4227

Keywords: Catholic Music

HeartBeat Records is now distributing John's CD's to retail stores. If you are in the retail world and interested in carrying John's 3 CD's in your store...please contact them at http://www.heartbeatrecords.com or write at Heartbeat Records 802 Pershing St., Donnellson, IA 52625 or call 319-835-9144

Check out the following sites for MP3 downloads of John's music.

AppleiTunes
MusicNet
Liquid Digital Media
MusicNow
MSN Music
Tradebit
PassAlong
NextRadio
Raphsody
PayPlay
NetMusic
AudioLunchbox
Buy Music
WrapFactory
Iriver Media Online
Puretracks
Interia
MP3-Extension
GroupieTunes
MusicIsHere
Mod Systems
Destra
Choice Records
Verizon Wireless
Daiki (Music Online Corp)
Inprodicon
Emusic
Chondo
MP3tunes
Arvato
Bitmunk
DigitalKiosk
DigiPie
GreatIndieMusic

June 16th was the release date for John's latest CD "Show Me The Way".
This is the 3rd CD he has completed in the last couple of years.

"Show Me The Way" is passionate and bold in both words and music, emphasizing the joy and unity of our Christian lives. It cries out to God in our weaknesses, praising the name of Christ and placing us in total worship before Him. The music is contemporary in design, yet spiritually moving and satisfying. "Show Me The Way" is appealing to all ages and groups of people. Individual songs can be used in concert, special occasions or events, ceremonies and liturgy. As a body of work it is inspired and flows from the beginning to end, and is original and expresses today's language of contemporary praise and worship for all people of faith in God and Our Lord Jesus Christ.