'Sharing Blessings' in Independence, Va.

            INDEPENDENCE, Va. (December 2012) – Environmental songstress Joyce Rouse (a.k.a. Earth Mama) (right) greets (from left) Historic 1908 Foundation President Laura Bryant and Vice President Ken Winans during the "Share Our Blessings" celebration in Independence, Va.  The Nov. 17 event at the Historic 1908 Courthouse celebrated arts, culture and community with a children's art show, "Blessing of the Backpacks" presentation, bake sale, and raffle for four handcrafted quilts.  Event Coordinator Penny Halsey noted that the event raised enough funds to fill children's backpacks for several weeks. Earth Mama used the event to celebrate the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe".  Proceeds from the sale of CDs, quilts, baked goods, handmade hats, and other donated products helped Grayson Backpack Ministry provide nutritious meals and snacks to children. Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.”  For information about Earth Mama's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.

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Artist to 'Share Her Blessings' in Independence, Va.

            INDEPENDENCE, Va. (November 2012) – Environmental songstress Joyce Rouse (a.k.a. Earth Mama) prepares for the "Share Our Blessings" celebration with event coordinator Penny Halsey (left) and Grayson County Schools official Judy Greear (center).  Earth Mama will celebrate the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe", with live performances and CD signings from 4-6 p.m. on Nov. 17 (Saturday) at the Historic 1908 Courthouse, 107 E. Main St. in Independence, Va. The arts and culture event, which will benefit the Grayson Backpack Ministry, also will feature a children's art show, "Blessing of the Backpacks" presentation, bake sale, and raffle for three handcrafted quilts. Admission is free.  Proceeds from the sale of CDs, quilts, baked goods, and other donated products will help Grayson Backpack Ministry provide nutritious meals and snacks to children. Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.” Individuals may purchase raffle tickets for $5 each or five for $20 at participating retailers, including Guynn's Furniture, Square One Framing, Walter's Drugstore, and The Treasury.  For more information about "Share Our Blessings", call (276) 579-2254 or (276) 773-8529.  For informationa about Earth Mama's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.

Earth Mama to Perform at Historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence

     INDEPENDENCE, Va. (November 2012) – Environmental songstress Earth Mama (a.k.a. Joyce Rouse) of Independence, Va., will celebrate the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe", with live performances and CD signings from 4-6 p.m. on Nov. 17 (Saturday) at the Historic 1908 Courthouse, 107 E. Main St. in Independence, Va.  

     Earth Mama will participate in the venue's "Share Our blessings", an event benefiting the Grayson Backpack Ministry.  The arts and culture event also will feature a children's art show, "Blessing of the Backpacks" presentation, bake sale, and raffle for three handcrafted quilts. Admission is free. Proceeds from the sale of CDs, quilts, baked goods, and other donated products will help Grayson Backpack Ministry provide nutritious meals and snacks to children. 

     Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. 

     A number of songs on "Blessings of the Universe" were commissioned to mark milestones for various faith-based organizations.  Others were written as musical blessings or prayers for a well-drilling project in Africa, women's events, and a solar energy conference.  Several musical short stories reflect on the "kin-dom" journeys of great religious figures, including Mary Magdalene and Saint Francis of Assisi.  

     The album was recorded in Nashville, with Rouse serving as lead vocalist, songwriter and producer. Some of the selections feature stirring accompaniments by pianist/vocalist Catherine Styron, guitarist Pat McGrath, and percussionist Paul Scholten.  Earth Mama plays grand piano on "Follow the Sun". 

     "The Sisters of St. Francis, the Sisters of Earth, and other organizations inspired me with their depth of love and concern for people and places on the margins -- women who walk miles each day to carry their family's water, those with serious mental and physical health issues, and ecological unraveling," said Rouse, who wrote most of the songs at her home in the Appalachians.  "These songs express in some way my gratitude for this journey. When I sang them at events, they caught on in a kind of folk song way and were then carried gently out into the world.  The whole project felt like the unfolding of the Universe".

     Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.” 

     Individuals may purchase raffle tickets for $5 each or five for $20 at participating retailers, including Guynn's Furniture, Square One Framing, Walter's Drugstore, and The Treasury. 

     For more information about "Share Our Blessings", call (276) 579-2254 or (276) 773-8529.  For informationa about Earth Mama's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.