Brigitte Donoho

GAYLORD — As plans for this summer’s Impact Musical Festival continue to formulate, the festival’s theme remains the same: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God“ (Romans 15:7).

Another translation of that verse interprets it, “Welcome and receive (to your hearts) one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God.”

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Festive Events
This theme of acceptance for the Northern Michigan festival began with the event’s first organizer, a woman who prefers to simply be called “Sherry.” An Alpena resident, Sherry grew up in a home marred by abuse, neglect and alcoholism. Because her family didn’t wear the nicest clothes and weren’t as clean as others, members of the church they attended looked down upon them.

Sherry believes the church’s acceptance of her family could have made a huge difference and saved members of her family from a life of hardship. She set up the festival, originally held in Alpena, as a place that would welcome people with open arms wherever they are coming from.



Festival organizer Stacy Todd brought the festival to Gaylord last year and has embraced that original vision.

“We all, in some way or another, face rejection,” Todd said. “Christ is all about love and acceptance.”

Christian singer Brigitte Donoho from Ypsilanti performed at the festival last year and said she believes it lives up to its goal of accepting those who attend.

“You could truly feel the love of Christ shining through everyone involved,” Donoho said. “I think the name of the festival says it all. Impact! That is what we are all working towards as the body of Christ, to impact our generation for Him and reflect His never ending love. I loved being a part of it last year and can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store this year for Impact.”

Todd said many other artists and organizations from last year have already asked to come back, including Jessa Anderson, singer of the popular Christian tune “Fireflies,” the Stand Strength Team, the Discovery Zone and Traffic Jam.

Todd said the festival is still seeking volunteers to help out in various capacities. Anyone wanting to learn how to be a part of bringing the festival to life should visit its Web site, www.impactfest.com.

The Impact Festival is being planned for Saturday, July 14, at the Otsego County Fairgrounds.



- Gaylord Herald Times

GRAND RAPIDS — It’s a partnership that includes West Michigan and extends around the world.






IF YOU GO

Traffic Jam GR

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 2500 S. Division Ave.

Performing: Tommee Profitt, Nate Feuerstein, Bled Life, Jason Eaton Band, Brigitte Donoho, Uptown Praise Band

Admission: Free (donations accepted)

Also: Doug Mains, Kelsey Rottiers and Jessa Anderson play a Traffic Jam benefit show at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Gordan Hall at Cornerstone University.

More info: spiritfilledproductions.com, 813-9797, trafficjam.org




Friday’s “Traffic Jam GR” concert event at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is part of an effort that includes performances by 300 bands in 30 countries.

The artists are “jamming” to put a spotlight on the issue of human trafficking.

“That drew my attention — that this is part of a world movement on 11-11-11 against this issue,” said Chris Nunez of Uptown Praise Band, one of six regional artists on the local part of the “Global Traffic Jam.”

Nunez is one of the organizers of Traffic Jam GR, the local face of the campaign by the national nonprofit trafficjam.org.

The Salvation Army is hosting the “jam” in the worship and performing arts center of its one-year-old Kroc Center and will share in the proceeds from the event.

“This is a very strong issue with the Salvation Army, which believes in the value of every human life,” said Major Marc Johnson, senior officer at the center.

Trafficking victims, whether children or adult, are driven by force, fraud or coercion into involuntary labor or sexual exploitation.

“Sometimes, a runaway teen will find limited options in life on the street and will be taken advantage of and find that they’re trapped,” said Johnson. “So a pregnant teen housing program, for example, can be an indirect way of helping people that might be caught up in that.”

Bled Life is a newly-formed band, and singer Brian Grooms says his group is happy to participate in Traffic Jam. It’s their first outside gig after stints with other bands.

“We know it’s part of a worldwide event to raise awareness, and we can play our music for a cause of great hope,” he said of the positive-message, hard rock trio.

Nunez said last week more than $2,000 has already been raised from corporate and other supporters, and expenses for Traffic Jam GR are more than covered. Donations will be accepted on site or online at spiritfilledproductions.com.

Brigitte Donoho and her band are coming from Ypsilanti to perform.

“(Human trafficking) is a horrible form of modern day slavery and we need to bring awareness to the communities we live in,” she said.

“Women and children are particularly vulnerable and, as a mother, the idea of any child being harmed and devalued brings me to tears.”

Local worship leader/singer-songwriter Tommee Profitt, hip-hopper Nate Feuerstein and pop-rock Jason Eaton Band also will perform.

There have been other area concerts bringing focus to the issue, such as one in September at Rosa Parks Circle. And over the summer the local rock band Sargent Avenue traveled to Thailand — where the problem is particularly acute — talking with victims and visiting safe houses as well as performing.

Trafficjam.org was also highlighted last June at the Big Ticket Music Festival in Ionia.
- M Live Grand Rapids

If there’s one thing Brigitte Donoho would like you to know about her music, it’s that she has a heart of worship. Whether that be leading worship at her church on Saturday nights, for the youth on Wednesdays, or at a show on the road, that aspect definitely shines through Brigitte’s music. Her six-track EP Restored is a wonderful introduction into her music, one that will leave you asking for more!

Upbeat guitar work opens up the Restored EP in “Wash Over Me,” a track of complete surrender and a prayer for God to take us and make us clean. Brigitte’s flexible vocals and the opening guitar makes her music comparable to that of Yancy’s, and it’s not really a surprise, for both are passionate about leading worship! A little slower, the worshipful “Your Name” highlights the fact that Jesus Christ is always with us to lead us and guide us.

My personal favorite from the Restored EP is “Blood Stained Tears,” a single that Brigitte actually wrote in her sleep! Waking up, she quickly wrote it all out to make sure she didn’t forget it. And glad I am that she didn’t forget it! Similar to a slower Addison Road track, or one of the powerful Hillsong anthems, “Blood Stained Tears” is made through steady guitars, though the single itself is on the slower side of things. Speaking of the immense love God had for us in sending His Son, it is a prayer that God’s grace would abound toward us. It builds perfectly throughout!

The title track follows, a nice prayer for restoration, while “At the Mention of Your Name” speaks of the peace found in God’s name. The climax, however, would have to be the ending rhetoric: “I have victory, at the mention of Your name.” Amen! And lastly, a guitar pop track, contemporary in style but quite catchy, “Save Me” ends the EP. Speaking of those bad days of life, “Save Me” is a prayer that God would give us the strength to get through.

All in all, Restored is a wonderful worship EP! The variation is very welcome, as are Brigitte’s wonderful vocals and polished song-writing skills. I definitely will be looking forward to more music from Brigitte in the future!

Rating: 4/5
Release date: June 4, 2011

Track listing:
1. Wash Over Me
2. Your Name
3. Restored
4. Blood Stained Tears
5. At the Mention of Your Name - Jay's Musik Blog

please see link to read - Praise and Coffee Magazine

Brigitte Donoho is a really great worship artist that I had the honor to review her EP "Restored" (you can read the review here) and now I have the pleasure to interview her. My questions are in Purple and Brigitte's answers are in Blue.




How did God call you into this ministry?


- I have been singing for as long as I remember but never dreamed that God would want to use someone like me in ministry. It was a gradual process of surrendering what my expectations were and what I wanted to see accomplished through my music and a realization that it was not my music but God's. I needed to use it to serve Him. Originally I wanted to go into secular music but the Lord kept shutting all of the doors. I had to let go and give it all to Him.


What is one thing that you wish you would have known before becoming a musician?

-I'm a mom and musician and it often becomes challenging to balance it all. Thankfully I am blessed to have a great support system. I have a very ministry minded husband and church family who support me every step of the way.



What is your favorite verse and why?
-There are so many verses that are my favorites but this particular verse has been speaking to me lately. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to bring you hope and a future. Life is often unexpected and just knowing that the Lord is in control really puts my mind at ease. His ways are so far beyond what I could ever comprehend and just knowing that He holds my future is the most comforting thing.


Will you give us a couple of examples of how God has shown up in your life, when times were maybe dark or you were discouraged?
-God always knows what He is doing even when we don't see it. When I was pregnant with my son (Isaiah) I ran into alot of complications. I was rushed to the emergency room at 27 weeks because my placenta had ruptured sending me into preterm labor. It was really scary and all of my friends and family were praying. I was told I was told my womb had become a hostile environment and that I would probably have to have a C section because my placenta had moved so far down I could not have natural childbirth. Having him that early was very risky and I was told he would probably have a number of health problems. We kept praying and God in all His faithfulness turned the situation completely around. I was sent home and put on strict bedrest for the next few months. Two weeks later I had a checkup and was told they had no idea what had happened but my placenta had moved back to where it was supposed to be and everything was back on track. I knew how it happened, God! There was no other explanation! Isaiah was born at 39 weeks and is completely healthy and wonderful. Thank you Jesus!!


If you had one day where you could do anything, anywhere, what would you do?
-Hmmm...I have always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. It would be incredible to take a hot air balloon around the world, but that would take more than one day:)



What is your favorite song on your album "Restored"?


-My favorite song would have to be "Blood Stained Tears"


How would you describe God to someone who has never heard of him?

-As a best friend who loves you unconditionally. We have all done things that are wrong in our lives and yet Jesus chose to take our place and willingly die for each and everyone of us. There is no greater sacrifice.


Who have you always wanted to perform for?
-When I get to heaven to be able to see Jesus face to face and sing His praises.


What is the message that you are trying to convey to your listeners?

-A message of Hope and Restoration. That no matter what you've done or how far from God you think you are you are never too far for God to forgive you. Often people think that they have to be perfect before they can come to God but God sees exactly where you are at and can move in your life. No ma - Christian Music Junkie

The album starts off with a fun and energetic song, with beautiful vocals. One of my favorite parts in this song is towards the end because of the lyrics. I love the lines "Everything I've ever hoped for, Oh and so much more, Everything I've ever needed, Is right here in your presence". The next song on the album is "Your Name". This song has a good worship sound but the lyrics are what I really enjoy, because they describe how awesome God is. The next song "Blood-Stained Tears" is a very powerful and beautiful song. This song talks about all that Jesus went through just to save you. This is one of my favorite songs on the album because it reminds you of how much you are loved. The next song on the album is "Restored". My favorite part of this song would be the vocals, but it also has great lyrics that talk about God restoring you. The next song is "Mention Of Your Name". Just like the name says it talks about how powerful God is and how much better you feel after you hear His name. The next song on the album is "Save Me". This song is my favorite song on the album because of the lyrics. This song also has an energetic sound that is just enjoyable to listen to.





I was actually surprised when I listened to this album. I am not normally a big fan of female vocalists especially with slower worship music, but I actually really loved this album. I think one of the reasons might be that Brigitte doesn't have a really high voice like some female vocalists. The sound of Brigitte's voice on some of these songs reminds me of Alyssa from Barlow Girl. All in all this album is very powerful, and it is beautiful, but the lyrics are my favorite part. I would give this album a 4/5 stars.
- The Christian Music Junkie

Interview through Christianmusic.com - Christianmusic.com