For the past several years, Ken Heffner has been the unassuming man behind the curtain bringing together the cultural uprising taking place at Calvin College.  From giving artists like Sufjan Stevens and more a forum to share their art and connect with artists, critics, and insightful music lovers alike, Calvin College's biennial Festival of Faith and Music has grown considerably since it's inception in 2003.  Infuze's Matt Conner recently sat down with Heffner to discuss the festival's roots, it's prevailing philosophy, and the deeper theology ungirding it.

It's another week of meager pickings but here are a few that we'll be keeping our eyes on:

As I Am - Alicia Keys: The sultry and seriously talented songstress returns with what promises to be another sure winner. 

One Man Band CD/DVD - James Taylor: The legendary songwriter sits down to play and tell stories.  It's a remarkably enjoyable and relaxing ride.

Sawdust - The Killers: The rockers surged into the American rock that Springsteen has called home for some time with Sam's Town.  This collection of B-sides from that recording and more should showcase more of the same.

Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love - Trisha Yearwood: Now better known as Mrs. Garth Brooks, the country crooner with the big voice returns with what we're hoping is a solid collection.

The Black and White Album - The Hives: The garage rockers erupt back onto the scene, bringing a frenzy of fun back into music.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Sountrack - Nick Cave, Warren Ellis: Not only does the film look good, it's bound to sound good with talent like Nick Cave and Warren Ellis behind it.  I'm looking forward to both!

We forget something?  An album you're appalled we didn't mention?  Let us know!

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Fuse TV, one of the few music television networks to still play music videos, is celebrating something of a milestone today.  Steven's Untitled Rock Show, the station's flagship show known for unconventional interviews, videos, and compelling performances, will today mark it's 500th episode.  The show is credited with providing huge exposure to bands like Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance prior to their mainstream success and has served as a platform for many more.  The episode will feature special guests Foo Fighters, fresh off the critical acclaim for their new album, Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace.  Be sure to tune in at 8 PM EST and help celebrate!

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After the untimely departure of longtime Avalon member Jody McBrayer due to health issues, the group has announced Jeremi Richardson as his replacement.  Richardson has honed his voice by performing in Disney groups such as Voices of Liberty and Four for a Dollar as well as having led worship in churches across the world.  The group is set to launch their new album, Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics, come February 26th.  A preview EP featuring three tracks from the forthcoming release will hit digital outlets on November 13th.  In the meantime, fans can stream the first radio single, "Another Time, Another Place" here.

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In the weeks before the release of their new album, All That Is Within Me, pop superstars MercyMe are seemingly everywhere.  Fans can now pre-buy the album at itunes for $9.99 and some sweet digital swag including an instant download of single "God With Us," live videos, and a bonus acoustic track.  The band is also out to help worship leaders as well.  Folks can head over here and receive a free download of "Time Has Come" complete with chord charts.  Last but not least, the band is also running a contest with handwritten and autographed lyrics serving as the grand prize.  With all these promotions, where do these guys find the time to play music?

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Bethlehem Skyline

When a new Christmas album is released, one question always comes to mind-new songs or old classics?  Here we have a good mix.  Of the eleven songs, six are older classics.  "Mary Did You Know?" is included, which has become a modern classic.  Additionally, three new songs and a Pierce Pettis cover round out the set list.  There is enough familiarity with these songs to enable a festive singalong, but the new songs add variety and imagination.

The project is the epitome of everything familiar in a worship album; strong lyrics, lush guitars and a splash of passion that provides peaceful listening.  Right from the beginning, the listener is drawn into a world of pleasing melodies coupled with a sense of familiarity in "Glory Be".  Wilson's vocals are very strong and the acoustic guitar strums bring goose bumps with every word that is full of conviction on this track that is sure to become commonplace in many church services.

Equally true is the fact that lead vocalist Dave Pelsue does not limit himself to just a hardcore, belt it out, hard rock approach. He chooses instead to lighten it up on several occasions, which helps to give some variation to the overall sound of the band. Variety is good here because the only worthy point to be critical about is that the songs do tend to sound alike, with the same rhythms, guitar riffs and writing formula. Not to mention the fact that the writing formula itself can hardly be defined as original. In spite of these negatives it's hard to deny that these guys really do sound good, with each song drawing you in with hook-laden melody lines coupled with an infectious energy.

Pop rockers Superchick, featuring Infuze's own Max Hsu, have scored big recently, finding their hit song "Hero" being picked up by NBC Universal to be featured in a new public service announcement.  The "Green is Universal" PSA will feature such Hollywood heavyweights as Alec Baldwin, John Krasinski, and Robert Redford and stands to inform viewers of the companies upcoming 150 hours of environmentally themed content that will run across it's many divisions.  Plus, it's killer exposure for a great band.  Check out the PSA here and cheer on one of our own!

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