At only 20-years old, Coby James is already a music business triple threat. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, James has landed both No.1 and No.5 singles on Billboard’s Christian Hot AC/CHR chart, performed on a national tour with Grammy nominated and Dove Award winner Danny Gokey (of American Idol fame), signed with indie label Centricity (Lauren Daigle, Jordan Feliz) and released two self-produced EPs.
“Coby was seventeen when we first met and after that time I remember thinking there was hope for this world if people like him are eventually running the place,” says Centricity Music A&R Director John Mays. “It’s rare that we find someone that age with that much talent, maturity, work ethic, and heart. After a couple of years of working together now, I’ve seen him weather the storms of the music biz with an inspiring commitment to his craft and calling.”
Adding to his already busy music making schedule, James will be part of “An Evening with John Chisum & Friends” at the historic Franklin Theatre on Sunday night, October 16th. Also featuring iconic worship leader Don Moen and possible surprise guests, proceeds from the event will benefit Hands Across the Sea, a children’s literacy organization that has supplied new books, built libraries, and supported over 850 schools in the Eastern Caribbean for over fifteen years.
Billed as “a night of music for a lifetime of learning,” the event is being sponsored by long-time songwriter and worship leader, John Chisum, and his wife, Donna. The Williamson County couple have supported the charity for over twelve years, even traveling to the island of St. Lucia in 2019 to sponsor a fresh coat of paint for one of the schools Hands supports deep in the rainforest.
“It has been inspiring to experience Hands Across the Sea’s mission through John and Donna Chisum’s eyes,” says Hands Across the Sea Executive Director, Amanda Sherlip. “The spirit of service is so abundant in their hearts, and their care and commitment to the children has truly touched all of us at Hands Across the Sea. I am so excited to share in music and community with so many wonderful artists and people who share in our vision for building the future by helping to prepare our children.”
Also featuring global worship leader and recording artist, Don Moen, “An Evening with John Chisum & Friends” is going to be an upbeat, fun, and worshipful evening in the intimate setting of the historic Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Those attending in-person or streaming online can expect to be encouraged and blessed by a variety of musical styles and inspirational moments.
“Coby is a powerful musician and vocalist who captures the Gospel beautifully in his songs. He’s got so much energy and people are going to love him,” says Chisum. “And there’s no one like Don Moen! His songs are sung the world over – he’s literally a global artist with millions of followers worldwide. Plus I just might have a couple of surprises up my sleeve to make this an even more amazing night to provide amazing resources for thousands of children through Hands Across the Sea!”
Offering both in-person and online streaming tickets, Chisum hopes to simultaneously fill the Franklin Theatre and reach a global audience. “This is going to be an unforgettable night of worship and a lot of fun,” Chisum says. “All proceeds after we recoup concert expenses goes directly to Hands Across the Sea to continue their work. Donna and I have seen firsthand the impact they’re having and want to dedicate the rest of our lives to support them and to make more trips for service projects. We have to be the Body of Christ in the earth and roll up our sleeves to do His work instead of thinking it’s always up to someone else.”
Chisum urges readers to “show up, share, or stream” this event and to take an active part in making the world a better place and to share the Gospel by resourcing literacy throughout the world. “These children are our children too,” he asserts. “We have a global responsibility to show Jesus’ love to all people, especially children whose lives could be changed forever by learning to love reading.”
Candace Mendes
To purchase tickets to attend in person or to stream online visit: https://bit.ly/CHIZFRIENDS
For further information about the Franklin Theatre and this event visit https://www.franklintheatre.com/tickets/music/
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ and https://www.johnchisum.com/
