New Zealand’s Parachute Band was among the Award winners at the 37th Annual GMA Dove Music Awards, presented at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville
last week.
The 2006 GMA International Award, presented in front of a 2000 strong audience that included Stephen Curtis Chapman, Michael W Smith, Amy Grant, Andre Crouch, Third Day, Kirk Franklin, and the Blind Boys of Alabama,
recognises the achievement of artists and organisations that have made a significant impact throughout the world.
In accepting the award, Parachute Music Chief Executive Mark de Jong thanked the Gospel Music Association for the award noting that the band that started as the worship band for the Parachute Festival and then moved into being a resource to the church in New Zealand, is now reaching the world.
“This is truly an honor,” Mark commented. Previous winners of the award include Darlene Zschech and Delirious? who have also made a significant global impact.
The Gospel Music Association’s recognition of the Parachute Band coincides with the group’s achievement cracking the internationally respected
Billboard Christian Music Charts. Billboard recently listed its latest album All The Earth as a ‘Hot Shot Debut’ album.
This weekend, tens of thousands of people will have the opportunity to see the world-class band perform at AGMF 06 in Toowoomba.
AGMF CEO Isaac Moody says that he is “so pleased” that the Parachute Band has won the GMA International Award, which has also been won by two other
acts appearing at this year’s festival - Robin Mark and MIC.
“It is so great to see Parachute Band following in the steps of Darlene, Delirious?, Robin Mark and MIC,” Mr Moody says.
“This is an outstanding achievement.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them perform on Friday night,” he says.
The Rock Across Australia (TRAA)