David Archuleta will perform this year at Provo's "Stadium of Fire" Independence Day event.

Independence Day may be a few months away, but the folks at Provo’s Stadium of Fire are already heating things up. The annual event, held in the football stadium at BYU, is one of the biggest July 4th celebrations in the country, and has attracted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. This year, the celebration will be headlined by Country superstar Brad Paisley. But Paisley will be joined on stage by none other than David Archuleta. The young LDS singer has made quite a name for himself since coming to national attention on American Idol, and he ought to feel right at home on stage in the stadium. But Archuleta isn’t the only LDS performer who will have a shot at a place in the stadium. The event is also hosting an American Idol-style talent search for a new act to open the evening’s festivities. Visit the event’s website to see videos and vote on your favorite artist. You’ll see many of your favorite LDS artists there – including some whose music you hear right here on YLDSR: Ryan Innes, Artie Hemphill, Truman, and more. There’s a world-class contest revving up, and we wish all of our musical friends good luck!

Recently, our friend Paul Cardall was featured in the Deseret News. His album “New Life” had just topped the Billboard New Age charts, edging out New Age staple artists like Yanni and Enya. We’re happy for Paul’s success. His story is remarkable. Here’s some of the Deseret News article:

Paul Cardall’s new heart brought new life. Now, his album “New Life” has reached the top of the Billboard New Age Albums chart.

“I never dreamed of having a No.1 recording until now,” Cardall said in a news release. “I’m truly humbled and honored to share a prestigious chart with world-renowned artists Yanni, Enya, Jim Brickman and others.”

Cardall’s album edged out Yanni’s “Truth of Touch” and Enya’s “The Very Best of Enya” for the top spot.

“New Life” is the musician’s first album since he received a heart transplant and the fifth to earn a spot on the Billboard chart. The album was completed in September 2010.

“New Life” encompasses a variety of emotions about healing and internalizing self-identity, and about what the musician went through, evidenced by song titles such as “Letting Go,” “Restless Hope” and “Gratitude.”

to read more of the article, click here

The Lower Lights // A Hymn Revival from The Lower Lights on Vimeo.

Here’s the excerpted information:

“Aspiring LDS singers and songwriters have the special opportunity to work with some of the most successful producers and artists at a workshop and recording competition at the Provo City Library in July.

Jenny Phillips and Tyler Castleton, both award-winning songwriters and producers, will conduct the 2010 LDS Music Industry Workshop and Competitions, which is open to all who are interested in taking a stab at working in the music industry.

Phillips, who started the workshop seven years ago, said she wants to help those looking for a way to get into the LDS music industry.

‘When I was trying to break into the industry, I found it so hard to find any information or contacts or how to get involved in things or any kind of training,’ Phillips said. ‘I just wanted to offer that to other people so they don’t have to spend the years and years I had to spend putting it all together and learning it all.’

The full-day workshop on July 17 consists of classes conducted by several influential LDS songwriters, producers and vocalists. Among these are Michael McLean, the best-selling LDS artist of all time; Jessie Clark Funk, a vocalist who has been featured in dozens of LDS albums; and Russ Dixon an experienced songwriter, artist, producer and record label head.