Music Minute - The Malpass Brothers: Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics

 The Malpass Brothers, country music duo Chris and Taylor Malpass, just released Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics, a new live album and DVD collection celebrating the country gospel songs that have influenced their lives, careers, and musical journey. Available now through Gaither Music Group, the project brings together beloved hymns, gospel standards, and faith-filled favorites performed in the duo’s signature traditional style. 

'Satisfied: Country Gospel Classic' Album Available to Stream and Purchase Here 

Filmed live at TBN Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics captures The Malpass Brothers performing songs that have long been part of their personal and musical foundation. The collection includes previously released tracks “Satisfied” and “He Touched Me,” along with the focus track “The Lighthouse,” Ronnie Hinson’s enduring gospel classic that continues to resonate with listeners through its message of faith, hope, and perseverance.

Watch the performance video for “The Lighthouse,” which premiered by GodTube HERE. 
 
“We’ve been carrying these songs around with us for a long time,” said The Malpass Brothers. “Some of them we’ve sung on stage for years, some we grew up hearing at church and at home, and all of them mean something to us. Getting to finally put them together on one project and record them live felt like the right way to tell that story.” 

Known for their deep-rooted traditional style, The Malpass Brothers grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, immersed in the sounds of country and gospel music from an early age. Inspired by their grandfather’s record collection and the artists who shaped the genre, the brothers have built a career on carrying those traditions forward with authenticity and respect. 

“Chris and Taylor have a deep respect for the traditions that shaped country and gospel music, and they bring that to life every time they step on stage,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group and Gaither Music Group. “This project captures that authenticity in a powerful way, and we’re proud to partner with them in sharing it with audiences everywhere.” 

Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics is available as an audio album, full-length DVD, and television special. The television special will air on TBN, RFD-TV, The Word Network, Vision, TCT, The Walk TV, TLN, HopeTV, The Miracle Channel, CTS, CTN, and Heartland. Tune in times are located on the Gaither.com website here. 

The full-length project is also available to stream at Gaither TV+, or fans may purchase the DVD and CD at Gaither.com.  

Watch the trailer video for the project Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics HERE: 

The Malpass Brothers on tour:
JUL 17 - Little River Bluegrass Barn / Radford, Va.
JUL 19 - The Nashville Palace / Nashville, Tenn.
JUL 25 - Spartansburg Fairgrounds / Spartansburg, Pa.
JUL 29 - Keller Centre / Colborne, Ontario
AUG 06 - Pickin’ In Parsons / Parsons, W. Va.
AUG 07 - James H. Garner Conference Center / Troy, N.C.
AUG 14 - Huntingdon County Fair / Huntingdon, Pa.
AUG 21 - Alabama Theatre / North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
AUG 23 - Private Event / Clare, Mich.
AUG 28 - Sibyl Center / Stanley, N.D.
AUG 29 - The Lakes Bluegrass Festival / Backus, Minn.
SEP 05 - Stonington Farms Music Fest / Kinston, N.C.
SEP 11 - The Historic Ritz Theatre / Toccoa, Ga.
SEP 12 - Liberty Showcase / Liberty, N.C.
SEP 17 - Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass Festival / Buena Vista, Va.
SEP 18 - Dumpling Valley Bluegrass Festival / Sevierville, Tenn. 
SEP 20 - American Music Theatre / Lancaster, Pa.
SEP 21 - Amish Country Theater / Millersburg, Ohio
SEP 25 - The Lincoln Jamboree / Hodgenville, Ky.
SEP 26 - Kentucky Opry / Benton, Ky.
SEP 30 - Blue Gate Performing Arts / Shipshewana, Ind.
OCT 03 - Lucille Tack Center / Spencer, Wis.
OCT 05 - The Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with David Frizzell)
OCT 06 - The Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with Dion Pride)
OCT 07 - The Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with Tony Booth, Mary Lou Turner & Barbara Fairchild)
OCT 08 - The Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with Moe Bandy)
OCT 09 - The Malpass Brothers Show Live / Branson, Mo. (with T. Graham Brown)
OCT 10 - Meramec Music Theatre / Steelville, Mo.
OCT 11 - 4th Street Theater / Moberly, Mo.
OCT 15 - Georgia Mountain Fall Festival / Hiawassee, Ga
OCT 16.- Talladega Bluegrass & Fingerstyle Guitar Festival / Lincoln, Ala. 
OCT 17 - R-S Central High School / Rutherfordton, N.C.
OCT 19 - Dollywood Harvest Festival / Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
OCT 20 - Dollywood Harvest Festival / Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
OCT 22 - Arlington Music Hall / Arlington, Texas
OCT 23 - Salmon Lake Bluegrass Festival / Grapeland, Texas
OCT 30 - Paramount Theatre / Goldsboro, N.C.
NOV 01 - Calvert Elks Lodge / Prince Frederick, Md.
NOV 20 - The New Granbury Live / Granbury, Texas
DEC 02 - Amish Country Theater / Millersburg, Ohio
DEC 19 - Rex Theatre / Galax, Va. 

For additional tour dates, visit themalpassbrothers.com.
 

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About The Malpass Brothers:
Rooted in the timeless sounds of classic country, The Malpass Brothers—Chris and Taylor were inspired early on by their grandfather’s LP collection and the legendary harmonies of duos like Jim & Jesse, the Louvin Brothers, and the Wilburn Brothers. Mentored by steel guitar legend Don Helms and later handpicked by Merle Haggard as an opening act for seven years, the brothers have carried the torch for traditional country across stages nationwide. Their debut album, 'Memory That Bad’ was produced by Haggard, followed by projects with Bluegrass Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson. Their latest release, ‘Lonely Street,’ co-produced by Lawson and Ben Isaacs, showcases the Malpass Brothers’ authentic songwriting and deep reverence for the golden era of country music. They are currently working on multiple projects, a new live album for 2026, and filming Season 3 of The Malpass Brothers Show.

About Gaither Music Group:
One of the largest Independent Christian music companies in the world and a household name for millions of fans, Gaither Music Group (part of Sun Label Group, which encompasses Gaither Music, Sun Records, Green Hill, emeraldwave by Green Hill, and Rural Rhythm), in partnership with Primary Wave Music Publishing, is known worldwide for its award-winning and top-selling recordings, including the Gaither Gospel Series, of which 133 products have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum.     

These recordings, which encompass more than 200 video copyrights, showcase gospel music pioneers; many of the finest performers in the gospel and country genres; up-and-coming acts; and country artists including Travis Tritt, Reba McEntire, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune, Joey+Rory, Alabama, Alan Jackson, The Statler Brothers, George Jones, Vince Gill, Josh Turner, The Isaacs, and others.

Mealtime Magic - Historic Recipe: Continental Cookies

As we celebrate July 4th and America's 250th birthday, making a batch of Continental Cookies is a great way to have fun, celebrate, and learn more about American history.

As the Continental Congress debated its common interests and objectives, it had to figure out the right balance between these ingredients. This same idea can apply to our communities, where things improve because of the contributions of different groups, churches, and families. 

Lots of families are like this too. Each person is different and makes the overall family better. A family wouldn't be the same without each of its ingredients! As a family, use the following recipe to make a unique version of continental cookies. While waiting for them to bake in the oven, take turns pointing out another family member's ingredient and how it contributes to a family being as great as it is.

This is the exact recipe found in the Tuttle Twins America's History Book 1.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour 

1 tablespoon baking powder 

1 tablespoon baking soda 

1.5 tsp ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon salt

1.5 cups butter (room temp) 

1.5 cups granulated sugar 

1.5 cups light brown sugar 

3 large eggs 

1 tablespoon real vanilla 

3 cups rolled oats 

2 cups flaked coconut sweet 

1.5 cups butterscotch chips

Recommended extras: 2 cups chopped pecans 1.5 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the sugars and continue to beat until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. With a wooden spoon or large rubber spatula stir in the chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans.

For each cookie, using a 1/3 measuring cup to scoop out dough, drop dough onto the baking sheets. You can fit 6 on a half sheet sized pan. Gently press cookies a few times to flatten them down a bit so they will bake evenly. Bake until the edges are set and slightly golden, but the middles still look light and puffy, about 12 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. Cool cookies for 2-3 minutes on trays, remove and cool completely on wire racks. The later batches may bake in less time-watch them carefully! Yields about 3 dozen.

Music Minute - The Kody Norris Show: Spirit of America

Award-winning country and bluegrass group The Kody Norris Show releases its new album, Spirit of America, via Rebel Records. Issued as the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th, the project brings the group's trademark rhinestones, high-powered traditional musicianship, and unmistakable showmanship to a patriotic collection honoring the people, places, faith, service, and shared stories that helped shape America.

The full-length album follows a series of advance singles and premieres that helped introduce the project's red, white, and bluegrass spirit, including the title track "Spirit of America," the Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris instrumental "Declaration of Independence," the Kody Norris and Larry Chunn original "Good Ol' USA," and the group's new take on Phil Ochs' classic American folk anthem "The Power and Glory."

"‘Spirit of America’ is our way of tipping our hat to country music, bluegrass music, and everyday people who made us who we are," shares Kody Norris. "When you think about America at 250 years, you think about big history, but you also think about the farmers, truckers, soldiers, coal miners, families, churches, small towns, and front porches that still carry that history forward. We wanted this album to feel proud, joyful, respectful, and full of life - the way we feel when we get to carry this music across the country every night."

The album includes two originals written specifically for the project: "Good Ol' USA," penned by Kody Norris and Grand Ole Opry performer Larry Chunn, and "United We Stand," written by Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris and Conrad Fisher. It also marks a milestone for the group with Mary Rachel's first-ever instrumental composition, "Declaration of Independence."

Watch / Listen:

• "Good Ol' USA" Official Music Video

• "Declaration of Independence" Official Audio

• "Spirit of America" Official Audio

• "The Power and Glory" Listen/Stream

• ‘Spirit of America’ Listen / Stream / Order

The Kody Norris Show's 'Spirit of America' Tour Dates:

07/11 MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. / Backyard Breakdown

07/17 BOONE, N.C. / Doc and Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest

07/24 LIVINGSTON, Mt. / Music Ranch Montana

07/26 LYONS, Co. / RockyGrass

07/29 HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. / Ravinia Festival

07/30 SHADE GAP, Pa. / Shade Gap Picnic

07/31 FARMERS BRANCH, Texas / Farmers Branch Bluegrass Festival

08/01 FARMERS BRANCH, Texas / Farmers Branch Bluegrass Festival

08/08 TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. / Alexander Central H.S. Auditorium

08/13 CHEROKEE, N.C. / North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival

08/15 RUSSIAVILLE, Ind. / Winding Creek Bluegrass Festival

08/16 COLUMBUS, Ohio / Bluegrass Ramble at the Barn

08/21 LODI, N.Y. / Pickin' in the Pasture

08/22 TRENTON, Ohio / Trenton Community Park

08/23 GRUNDY, Va. / Southern Gap Trails & Tunes Festival

08/27 THREE LAKES, Wisc. / Three Lakes Center for the Arts

08/28 PINE RIVER, Minn. / Lakes Music and Events Park

08/29 PINE RIVER, Minn. / Lakes Music and Events Park

09/03 ELON, N.C. / Camp Springs Bluegrass Park

09/11 BEAVER DAM, Ky. / Bill Monroe Homeplace on Jerusalem Ridge

09/12 SULLIVAN, Ill. / Backyard Bluegrass Festival

09/13 CAMERON, Wisc. / Cameron Bluegrass Festival

09/17 KODAK, Tenn. / Dumplin Valley Farm

09/18 HIAWASSEE, Ga. / Dailey & Vincent Music Festival

09/19 BURKESVILLE, Ky. / Cumberland Bluegrass Festival

09/26 UPPERCO, Md. / Upperco VFC Activities Center

10/02 MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. / Heritage Hall Theatre

10/03 MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. / Heritage Hall Theatre

10/16 HAZLEHURST, Ga. / Stagger Lee Music Park

For additional concert information and The Kody Norris Show's full schedule, visit thekodynorrisshow.com/tour.

# # #

About The Kody Norris Show:

The Kody Norris Show continues bringing bluegrass music to both core fans of the genre and new audiences. They are a youthful voice in bluegrass music, and insiders have awarded them multiple IBMA & SPBGMA nominations and wins, including Entertainer of the Year, Instrumental Group of the Year, Guitar Performer of the Year for Kody Norris, and Fiddler of the Year for Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris.

The Kody Norris Show's album All Suited Up (2021) charted at #7, and Rhinestone Revival (2023) at #8 on the Billboard charts. Their trademarked high-energy style delivers an unrivaled live show experience. The band has played the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, SiriusXM, and other stages worldwide. Rife with rhinestones, loaded with laughs, and a heaping helping of high-powered traditional music, The Kody Norris Show is truly one of a kind.

For more information, visit thekodynorrisshow.com.

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Music Minute - Dylan Scott: Dear Big City

Multi-Platinum Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott delivers a heartfelt letter to the city that may one day take his son far from home in “Dear Big City,” out now. Written by Jamie Paulin, Matt Alderman and Nate Kenyon, the poignant track finds the narrator asking the city to protect his son while giving him a full and meaningful life, balancing the importance of holding onto small-town roots with the freedom to chase dreams that could not be achieved back home. The track also made its radio world premiere yesterday (6/25), impacting Country radio now.   “This song was captivating to me from the day I heard it, and I knew I wanted it to be my next single right away,” said Scott. “The lyric itself spoke to me because not only did I leave the small town when I was younger to move to Nashville to chase my dream, but I also know there are so many people in this world who have a similar story or know somebody who has. Whether parents had a kid leave home and move off to college or if the parents themselves did the same thing for a job, I think everyone can relate to a song like this.”   LISTEN: “DEAR BIG CITY”

“Dear Big City” follows another heartfelt track, “Slow Down Ol' Son,” which shined a light on Scott's late mother in a special way. Written by Scott, Matt Alderman and Will Weatherly, the sincere tune was inspired by his mom frequently telling him to “slow down” as a child, a message he has now passed down to his two sons and daughter. All Country News praised the track, stating “Scott's signature Louisiana drawl wraps around each line like a well-worn piece of advice handed down through generations,” also crediting the inspiration “as timeless as it is personal." The music video for the song accompanied the release, featuring homemade videos of his family and his own childhood – watch here.   With seven No. 1 hits to his name, the chart-topper looks to have another strong impact day with “Dear Big City.” Scott snagged his most recent No. 1 in April with “What He'll Never Have,” which was named by ASCAP as one of the most-performed country songs of 2025. Scott landed two No. 1s in 2025 alone, making him the third most-played artist at Country radio last year. In addition to landing the coveted top spot on the charts, Scott also continues to rack up RIAA certifications, most recently earning 4x Platinum for “My Girl,” 2x Platinum for “Can't Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” and Platinum for “Good Times Go By Too Fast.”   The road warrior recently wrapped his Till I Can't I Will Tour last month with special guests 12/OC, Kelsey Hart and Lauren Watkins on select dates. He will continue to play fairs and festivals throughout the summer, taking his electrifying performance to stages across the country.   Keep up with Scott on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. For more information, please visit dylanscottcountry.com.

ABOUT DYLAN SCOTT: Despite a multi-Platinum story and seven No. 1 singles, including two fresh smashes in 2025 alone, Curb Records hitmaker Dylan Scott has always kept an underdog mindset. A rowdy roughneck with a romantic side – one whose modern edge was sharpened by timeless, emotional twang – the consummate family man broke out with the epic triple-Platinum devotion of “My Girl” in 2016 and followed up with scrappy, under-the-radar consistency. Chart-topping heart-forward anthems like “Can't Have Mine (Find You A Girl),” “Nobody” and “New Truck” all reached RIAA-certified status, but last year launched the crooner into the stratosphere. Posting back-to-back No. 1s with Gold-certified “Boys Back Home” (with Dylan Marlowe) and Platinum-certified “This Town's Been Too Good to Us,” Scott wrapped 2025 as the third most-played country artist of 2025 and continues his hot streak with his latest No. 1, Platinum-certified “What He'll Never Have,” which was honored by ASCAP as one of the most-performed country songs of 2025. With nearly 5 billion career streams, legions of fans and countless sold-out shows to his credit, his stardom has somehow grown in relative stealth. But with his third full album, Easy Does It, he's not sweating. Sure of himself, his talent and his fans, Scott heads toward a new creative chapter with total confidence. Featuring 11 tracks, his signature vocal and vivid intensity take center stage on a set defined by personal truth – whether through heartbreak, romantic devotion or small-town dedication. He now takes his current single “Dear Big City” to Country radio, balancing small-town roots with big city dreams. The in-demand live act spent last year on his Country Till I Die Tour, headlining his biggest venues yet including his first-ever arenas and record-breaking attendance, and his Easy Does It Tour. He just wrapped his headlining Till I Can't I Will Tour and will continue to play fairs and festivals throughout the summer.

Book Nook - The Wreck of the Mentor: A True Story of Death, Despair, and Deliverance in the Age of Sail

Maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin recently published The Wreck of the Mentor: A True Story of Death, Despair, and Deliverance in the Age of Sail (W.W. Norton; June 2, 2026), which tells the remarkable story of an 1831 whaleship that left New Bedford, then the wealthiest whaling port in the world, and ended in disaster in the western Pacific.

After striking a reef near Palau, surviving crew members made it ashore and lived among island communities for months and in some cases years. Some eventually returned home. Others did not. Their story offers a rare window into early encounters between American sailors and Pacific Island societies.

A New York Times selection for “The Nonfiction Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026,” the book has been praised as one of the most gripping maritime sagas of the nineteenth century.

Dolin is the author of seventeen books on maritime history and a recipient of the John Lyman Award and the Samuel Eliot Morison Book Award.

Book Nook - LA Central Library Books

In celebration of the Central Library’s centennial anniversary, Angel City Press at Los Angeles Public Library publishes their inaugural children’s book L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library and a unique and collectible pop-up book Los Angeles Central Library POPS: Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning. 

Angel City Press at Los Angeles Public Library is proud to announce the upcoming publication of two spectacular books to honor the 100th anniversary of the Los Angeles Central Library building. Since first opening its doors in 1926, the Central Library has served as a heart and haven for the community and a beloved architectural icon for the city of Los Angeles. The release of L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library and Los Angeles Central Library POPS: Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning is perfectly timed to celebrate this centennial milestone. 

Both titles are scheduled for publication on July 7, 2026, serving as literary centerpieces for the library’s anniversary festivities, which include a major public festival planned for July 11, 2026. These books bring the public unique ways to experience the building’s history and culture, and allow for a walk through the Los Angeles Central Library no matter where in the world you are

Book Nook - What Does My Body Say: A Body-Mind Connection Story

Publishing July 6, What Does My Body Say: A Body-Mind Connection Story follows Abby Cadabby as she navigates first-day-of-school jitters and discovers how physical sensations (like tummy flutters or tight shoulders) can help her understand what she’s feeling. 

Developed with input from a Mayo Clinic pediatric psychologist and featuring beloved Sesame Street characters, the book introduces simple and useful tools like Butterfly Breathing, Hug It Out, and Body Scans to help kids build emotional awareness and self-regulation.

Proceeds from every book support medical research and education at Mayo Clinic.