INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION EXPANDS AWARD SHOW CATEGORIES; MOVES TO NEW VENUE ICM FAITH, FAMILY AND COUNTRY AWARDS SET FOR OCTOBER 24TH

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The Inspirational Country Music Association celebrates its 21st anniversary during ‘country music month’ in Nashville, Tenn., with newly-announced expansion of award show categories. The 2013 ICM Faith, Family and Country Convention and Awards will take place at Two Rivers at Opryland in Music City on Oct 20-24, 2013; with the 19th annual Inspirational Country Music Awards taking place on October 24, 2013, at Two Rivers.

The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards semi-finalists were released today, with the added categories of Mainstream Country Male, Mainstream Country Female, and Mainstream Country Group/Duo.

“At this time, more and more mainstream artists are releasing positive messaged songs that bring Faith, Family, and Country into their music and we felt it to be appropriate to recognize these artists for their efforts in bringing such a message to their audience,” says Jason Higgins, ICM Executive Director.

The ballot, voted on by ICMA members, includes a stellar array of major names in a broad group of categories that include entertainer, artist, new artist, song, songwriter, group, duo, musician, radio, radio station, film and television honors. Major artist semi-finalists for this year’s awards include Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Oak Ridge Boys, Thompson Square, among others. In addition, top name bluegrass artists Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent, Rhonda Vincent, The Roys, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and more have made the semi-finals for the Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year category.

There will be many events and activities throughout the week taking place in the immediate area, including the annual ICM Faith, Family and Country Talent Show, The Power Source #1 Party and Media Appreciation Luncheon, the annual membership breakfast, seminars, incredible live music and much more. The Inn at Opryland will serve as this year’s host hotel and is centrally located to great food, shopping and downtown Nashville!

“I truly love Nashville and all the benefits it has to offer our attendees,” adds Higgins. “We are excited about our expansion plans and look to making this year’s events even better than ever!”

Every year, this week draws music fans, media and the industry’s top artists to Nashville where they showcase music and discuss industry related issues. The Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards Week is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Inspirational and Christian Country music which is inspired by Faith, Family, and Country ™. The first awards ceremony back in 1993 (CCMA Awards at that time) began with a humble six awards including the “Pioneer Award” (Oak Ridge Boys), “Male Vocalist of the Year” (Bruce Haynes), “Female Vocalist of the Year” (Teri Lyn), “Christian Country Song of the Year” (Rodeo Preacher – Bruce Haynes), “Group of the Year” (White River), and “Songwriter of the Year” (Paul Overstreet). Today the award show (currently the Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards) has expanded to include over twenty awards including “Entertainer of the Year,” “Vocal Duo of the Year,” “Vocal Group of the Year,” “Mainstream Country Artist of the Year,” “Mainstream Inspirational Song of the Year,” “Video of the Year,” and “Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year.” In addition the ceremony now honors new artists, youth, radio stations and personalities, movies, television networks, musicians, and videos that have had a large impact on the Inspirational and Christian country music genre. Over the years past winners include Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Ken Holloway, Marty Raybon, T. Graham Brown, Steve Wariner, Johnny Cash, The Fox Brothers, Soggy Bottom Boys, Randy Travis, Darryl Worley, Josh Turner, Tim McGraw, Craig Morgan, George Strait, Point of Grace, The Roys, Carrie Underwood, Justin Moore, and many more.

For a complete listing of the semi-finalists, click HERE.

For more information on the ICM Faith, Family and Country Convention and Awards, visit www.faithfamilycountry.com or like them at www.facebook.com/faithfamilycountry to stay updated.

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