tunes Surfing mishap forces postponement of Switchfoot release party
Local music legends Switchfoot had to postpone their hometown record release concert celebrating “Fading West,” their surf-themed album and movie after lead singer Jon Foreman suffered a face injury—while surfing. “You travel all around the world making a movie and record built around surfing, and really push yourself to ride some really challenging waves,” Foreman said. “So it’s more than a bit ironic to get injured in your own backyard!” The concert was scheduled for Jan. 14 at The Casbah, but was rescheduled to Feb. 3 because a cut along Foreman’s nose and mouth prevented him from singing for a few days. Although the concert was canceled, his bandmates—brother Tim, Chad Butler, Drew Shirley and Jerome Fontamillas—continued with the meet and greet and signed copies of the album. While he spent a few days recuperating, Foreman could bask in the knowledge that the band’s single, “Fading West,” was holding the No. 1 slot on iTunes the week of the album’s release www.switchfoot.com
Battistelli performs at Grand Ole Opry
Francesca Battistelli, who brought home Dove Awards for “Artist of the Year” and “Female Vocalist of the Year” in 2013, is starting this year out on another high, performing on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time. During her milestone Jan. 4 performance, Battistelli sang Grammy-nominated song “Free To Be Me” and her hit song “This Is the Stuff.” The vocalist is scheduled to release her third studio album, If We’re Honest, on April 22. The album features her latest single, “Write Your Story.” which was the most added song at Christian radio on Jan 6. On Feb. 7, she was set to join Sanctus Real for the “Hands of God Tour” followed by “The Bible: Son of God Tour 2014” in March and April. The Bible tour, also featuring Sidewalk Prophets, Natalie Grant, Chris August, Meredith Andrews and Jason Gray, is stopping at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. on March 20. www.francescamusic.com
Francesca Battistelli, the 2013 Dove Award Artist of the Year, will release her third studio album in April. February 2014 | REFRESHED
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