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After a gig in Philadelphia last week, alternative rock band Mae woke up the next morning to find that their van and trailer had been stolen from the hotel parking lot. The loss included the band's instruments and merchandise, though they rented replacements, borrowed from other bands, and requested donations to continue the tour as planned.

"This misfortune has fallen among many of our friends in the past and after touring for eight years this sort of thing is bound to happen," the group said in a statement. "We have four dates left on our tour and will play the shows with the help of our friends in Deas Vail and Jenny Owen Youngs. It's in these moments that our fans lift us up and remind us why we do what we do. We thank you for the immediate outpouring of love and support."

Mae is scheduled to depart later this week for several dates in the Philippines and Japan.

In an effort to raise additional funds for the struggling Gospel Music Association, the organization is hosting an online auction. Items up for bid include a "Christmas Coffee" with Amy Grant and an "In the Studio" experience with Michael W. Smith. MercyMe also contributes an autographed Epiphone guitar, DeGarmo & Key offers an autographed keyboard, and Dolly Parton delivers an autographed book, amongst many other items. To see a complete list or to take part in the auction, click here.

Country superstar Carrie Underwood shows remarkable diversity on her iTunes Celebrity Playlist. In addition to tracks from New Kids on the Block, Black Eyed Peas and Brooks & Dunn, she includes Thousand Foot Krutch's "Already Home" and "Fire It Up," plus Casting Crowns' "Praise You in the Storm" and Phillips, Craig & Dean's "Revelation Song."

Songwriters Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody are already known for penning Jordin Sparks' American Idol anthem "This Is My Now," but now the pair's back with a brand new Christmas song. "God Bless Us" was recently recorded by Echoing Angels with inspiration from the storyline of A Christmas Carol. Click here for a song sample.  

The 2009 Soul Train Awards  ceremony recently honored Mary Mary for "Best Gospel Performance," while Beyonce won for "Album of the Year," "Song of the Year," and "Best R&B/Soul Artist Female." Additional R&B and soul winners will be announced Sunday, November 29th at 9 pm during the broadcast on BET and Centric.

The 30th annual Christmas Rock Night in Germany hosts a prominent line-up of heavy bands from December 4-5. This year's roster includes Disciple, Thousand Foot Krutch, Fireflight, Haste the Day, Seventh Day Slumber, Flatfoot 56, Children 18:3, Showbread, The Letter Black, Since October, Abandon, and Manic Drive, many of whom are making their international debut.

The name Byron "Mr. Talkbox" Chambers has popped up in countless music industry places, from touring with *NSYNC to co-writing and recording with TobyMac, plus performing with Britney Spears and Gloria Estefan. But these days, Chambers is going back to his solo artist roots with a yet-to-be-titled album slated to drop in early 2010. A clip of the lead single "Ground Zero" can be heard by clicking here.

Copyright © 2009 Christian Music Today. Click for reprint information.

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