Don’t forget to vote for Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year either. This is the first year that listeners have been able to vote for these two awards I believe. Make sure your voice is heard!

My mom participated in a National Youth Congress that took place in Estes Park, CO a LONG time ago. To this day though she still talks about how beautiful the area was. I love being out in nature, so I can imagine how nice it would be to combine that with immersing myself in Christian music at this event.

If you’re a musician, band members, singer, worship team member or worship leader then there’s probably loads of reason you’d be interested in this event.

Watch the video below that was put together by GMA from Gospel Music Channel’s coverage of last year’s event.

Visit the Music in the Rockies website for all the details and to register. Now, I just need to figure out if they need someone to live-blog this event for them. Hmmmm….

Since it doesn’t look like I’m going to be able to swing attending the Dove Awards in person, and I don’t get Gospel Music Channel with U-verse, my only option for live coverage may be XM Radio.

39^TH ANNUAL DOVE AWARDS TO BROADCAST LIVE ON XM APRIL 23

XM to Offer Exclusive Radio Coverage of Gospel Music’s Biggest Night Featuring Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant and more

Washington, D.C., April 16, 2008 – XM will offer exclusive coverage of the upcoming Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards on Wednesday, April 23, providing fans with front-row access to gospel music’s biggest night of the year. XM’s Christian pop channel, “The Message” (XM 32), will broadcast the 39^th Annual Dove Awards live and direct from The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, featuring a diverse mix of gospel and Christian music artists.

Casting Crowns, The Clark Sisters, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Marvin Sapp, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Trin-i-tee 5:7, David Crowder*Band, Israel Houghton, Point Of Grace with Cindy Morgan, 19 Recordings/Jive Recording Artist Jordin Sparks, Natalie Grant and country icon Wynonna are among the artists scheduled to appear.

This year’s Dove Awards will also feature “Opry at the Doves,” a special performance showcasing Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, Charlie Daniels with Third Day’s Mac Powell, The Isaacs, Angella Christie, The Hoppers, Jeff and Sheri Easter and Karen Peck and New River.

XM’s broadcast of the 39^th Annual Dove Awards will air live on XM 32 from 8-10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 23.

Now, I just need to get me an XM radio and account. Why is it I just never seem to have exactly what I need? Anyone else out there reading with an XM radio? What are the other Christian music options available to you throughout the year?

I’m getting AT&T’s U-verse service installed on Tuesday and I was thinking that the Gospel Music Channel was included in the line-up but now that I’m checking it again it doesn’t appear to be. The one I was thinking was Daystar TV and that’s not it. Originally that wouldn’t have been important, as I was planning on attending the event live.

I was hoping and planning on making it down to the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards in Nashville, TN. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to swing it now though.

Anyone out there reading this and going to make it to the awards? Let me know.

Listed below are the artists and groups that are nominated for this year’s 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards. I’ve bolded the my pick for the winners. What do you think?

Songwriter of the Year

• Aaron Shust
• Kirk Franklin
• Mac Powell
• Mark Hall
• Mat Kearney

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Aaron Shust
• Chris Tomlin
• Jeremy Camp
• Mark Hall
• Mat Kearney

Female Vocalist of the Year

• Christy Nockels
• Krystal Meyers
• Natalie Grant
• Nichole Nordeman
• Rebecca St. James

Group of the Year

• BarlowGirl
• Casting Crowns
• David Crowder Band
• Jars of Clay
• MercyMe

Artist of the Year

• Casting Crowns
• Chris Tomlin
• Jars of Clay
• Stellar Kart
• The Crabb Family
• Third Day
• TobyMac

New Artist of the Year

• Aaron Shust
• Ayiesha Woods
• DecembeRadio
• Leeland
• Pocket Full Of Rocks