The Gospel Music Association (GMA) and CBA, Christian retail’s trade association, have teamed up for the first time to present “The Power of Music” at the opening of CBA’s International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Denver, Colorado.

“The Power of Music” will be a music and inspirational showcase presented in association with the GMA on Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center, site of the 2006 ICRS. Leigh Nash, Bebo Norman, Salvador, Mike Bowling Group and Ana Laura are set to perform new music that evening.

In between performances, several key industry professionals, including Randy Ross, music merchandising specialist of Parable Christian Stores; Greg Bays, senior vice president of EMI CMG Distribution; and Dusty Wells, senior director, national account sales of Word Distribution, will share personal stories of how Christian music has impacted their lives. GMA President John W. Styll will host the evening’s festivities.

In a recent statement John Styll said, “We were delighted to embark on a new, more active relationship with CBA and to be associated with their convention. The message of ‘The Power of Music’ and how it impacts lives is at the heart of GMA’s mission. We look forward to building on this new CBA-GMA relationship,”

CBA President Bill Anderson commented stating “As we seek to grow the Christian Retail Channel, CBA is resolved to work with Industry partners who are also committed to helping Christian stores grow their businesses. This partnership with GMA helps CBA offer our retailers a tremendous line-up of musical guests that will give our members not only an enjoyable evening, but exposure to a variety of important music genres, and an experiential education that will help them be even more effective retailers of new music.....increasing sales and ministry.”

“The Power of Music” will mark the highly anticipated debut of Leigh Nash who releases her first solo record since the amicable split of her band, Sixpence None the Richer in 2004.

Multiple Dove-nominated singer/songwriter Bebo Norman will share new music from his upcoming project, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True (Essential Records through Provident-Integrity Distribution). Scheduled to be released on September 19th, this will be Norman’s fifth studio album, and his first in two years.

Salvador will bring a Latin beat to “The Power of Music” showcase. Their sixth release on Word Records (through Word Distribution) which releases on July 27th is an all-Spanish, best-of collection featuring their most loved hits from past albums.