Blessing Offor is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with Blessing Offor. He shares some of his favorites with us including coffee, favorite snack while touring, favorite book and some of his best memories while being on the road. He also talks about some of his favorite artists that have worked with him on some powerful collaborations.

Blessing Offor gives us a preview of Saturday’s show and encourages everyone to come and have fun at Sonfest. He is passionate about creating music for everyone!

We also play Rapid Fire with Blessing Offor and learn what instrument he would like to play and the song he wishes he had written.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

Click HERE to connect with Blessing Offor.

September 15, 2023 0

KB is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with KB. He shares how he first got involved with music, including how Christian Hip Hop saved his life by introducing him to Jesus.
KB also shares his inspirations when it comes to making his music. These names might surprise you – Charles Spurgeon and Frederick Douglas.

He gives us insight on the writing process and shares what he is currently working on in his career.

We also play Rapid Fire with KB and learn what song he wishes he had written.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

Click HERE to connect with KB.

September 15, 2023 0

The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – we LOVE the artists coming to Sonfest 2023

Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their excitement for Sonfest 2023 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Each host talked about their favorite artist that will be on the Main Stage at Sonfest this year. We hope you join the Big Blue Crew on Saturday in the MVNU Grove for this incredible day of music and ministry.

Marcy Rinehart is excited to see DAMAC – click HERE

Alyssa Sidle loves Aaron Cole – click HERE

Josiah Sidle can’t wait to see Joseph O’Brien for the first time – click HERE

Allison Prouty is super excited to see Blessing Offor on stage at his piano – click HERE

Judah Keith has been a fan of KB since he was a kid – click HERE

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

September 15, 2023 0

WNZR Talks with McKenna Johns of The Young Escape Ahead of Sonfest 2023!

Sonfest 2023 is just around the corner and WNZR’s Mike Basko caught up with McKenna Johns of The Young Escape to preview their upcoming performance.

McKenna shared some details about the band which is made of her and her three siblings — Ryan, Kyrsten, and Luke.

She talked about her background in music and some fun stories with touring on the road. Listen to the full conversation with McKenna below.

September 14, 2023 0

Aaron Cole is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with Aaron Cole. He shares about his background and growing up in the field of music. Aaron started recording music at the age of 4. He talks about how he fell in love with rap music at the age of 12 because of the influence of his uncle.

Aaron also shares the story of how he got connected with TobyMac and his many collaborations in Christian music.

Aaron shares how people are the inspiration for his music and how excited he is to perform for the Sonfest crown on Saturday.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR!

Click HERE to connect with Aaron Cole.

September 13, 2023 0

Joseph O’Brien is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with Joseph O’Brien. He shares what he is looking forward to this year and shares some fun memories from past Sonfest appearances.
Joseph gives his background in music and how he first got interested in music, and how his music today is close to Scripture and seeks to inspire the younger generation and the outcasts.
Joseph talks about his time on “America’s Got Talent” and how he was signed to TobyMac’s record label, Goatee Records.
He also shares about how Christian radio has impacted him and people in his life. He tells us about some songs that he loves to perform.
Joseph tells us about a funny memory on the road with Steven Curtis Chapman! He also has some advice for you!

Joseph O’Brien’s bio:

Singer/Songwriter Joseph O’Brien is creating and performing music to help inspire every generation to follow Jesus. Growing up with two musical parents, the TN native had music running through his blood from day one. At age 12, he taught himself how to play the piano and realized that is where his passion was. His talent took him to the quarterfinals of “America’s Got Talent,” where O’Brien wowed the judges and audiences with his quirky personality, dynamic range and emotional depth, delivering unforgettable renditions of classic songs and original compositions alike.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.
Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR!
Click HERE to connect with Joseph O’Brien.

September 12, 2023 0

WNZR Talks with the Cast of Matilda Jr.

MTVarts Presents Matilda Jr. the weekend of September 15th-17th in Mount Vernon at the Knox Memorial Theatre.

WNZR had the opportunity to chat with cast members from the show and also the choreographer for Matilda Jr.

Alyssa Sidle spoke with Kiersten Clinedinst (Matilda), Drew Caton (Mr. Wormwood), Reese Ferenbaugh (Mrs. Wormwood), Zach Cramer (Nigel), Jillian Snow (Alice), Kiarah Smith (Miss Honey), and Tony Ingham the show choreographer.

They all shared their individual backgrounds in theatre and how much they have enjoyed working on this production.

Listen to the full conversations below:

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR.is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

September 12, 2023 0

Damac is coming to Sonfest 2023 at MVNU

Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16)at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.

Today, we talked with Damac. He shares what he is looking forward to this year and shares some fun memories from past Sonfest appearances.

Damac gives his background in music and how he first got involved in rapping. He also shares how his Dad inspired him to pursue music.

Damac shares some of his cool experiences performing on the road and getting the opportunity to minister at a juvenile detention center.

He also gives us a preview of the album that his is currently working on that is dedicated to his late Mother.

Damac Bio:
Damac’s ministry began in 2007 after Michael Lacoste accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. With a newfound faith and a passion for youth, his mission became clear: create art that magnifies Jesus and influences the youth. He wanted to make Deeply Anointed Music About Christ (Damac). His first concerts were in front of small groups of students. The size of the crowd did not matter at all;it was all about sharing Jesus. Since then, Damac has released three albums (Immaculate, Supremacy, and Journey) selling over 5,000 copies independently.

Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.

Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR!

Click HERE to connect with Damac.

September 11, 2023 0

The 2023 Fredericktown Tomato Show wrapped up with Family FUN on Saturday 9/9

We hope you enjoy these videos of the annual Big Wheel Races and Bathtub races.

Congratulations to the 2023 The Fredericktown Tomato Show Big Wheel Race winners!
3-4 years:
1st place – Beckett Moore
2nd place – Dwight Ruggles
3rd place – Bryer Overholt

5-6 years:
1st place – MJ Reed
2nd place – Randi McGuire
3rd place – Teigan Dennison

7-8 years:
1st place – Cooper Fearn
2nd place – Emmett Shipley
3rd place – Ryder Owens

Congratulations to the 2023 The Fredericktown Tomato Show Bathtub Race Winners!

Women Only (All Ages):
1st place – Kara Levering, Kiley Overholt, Challyn Shipley (37.32 seconds)
2nd place – Tami Vaughn, Staci Matthews, Lori Shipley (47.72 seconds)

Men and Women (25 and older):
1st place – Austin Geiger, Brenden Reed, Jake Streby (30.66 seconds)
2nd place – Eugene Fitzpatrick, Lucas Herbst, Jerry Ernst (31.48 seconds)

Men and Women (under 25):
1st place – Riley Zigman, Trent Rook, Jacob Rook (31.5 seconds)
2nd place – Garrett Bunnell, Nick Snell, Blake Wolford (32.2 seconds)

Minister’s Challenge Winner: Eugene Fitzpatrick, Lucas Herbst, Jerry Ernst (34.01 seconds)

Fastest time: Austin Geiger, Brenden Reed, Jake Streby (30.66 seconds)