The Gospel Music Association is holding a “Save The GMA” fundraiser on October 12 to raise funds for GMA to … well, basically, keep functioning.
The GMA is the umbrella organization for the gospel and Christian music industry. GMA promotes Christian music; holds events like The Dove Awards, Immerse (formerly GMA in the Rockies) and the annual Gospel Music Week; and supportes the industry by doing things like advocating “with members of Congress and other governmental agencies on issues like digital rights, music piracy, and other concerns affecting GMA members.”
The problem is that GMA membership is declining, the industry is branching off as it tries to define itself in a changing music environment, and GMA is struggling to stay afloat.
The fundraiser, billed as the “Concert of the Decade,” is a $1,000 a ticket concert featuring Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace, Fisk Jubilee Singers and The Booth Brothers. But GMA has teamed up with HearItFirst.com to offer fans the chance to stream the concert live for free.

They would love for you to make a tax-deductible donation, of course, but it’s not required.
The concert will take place at the Loveless Café & Barn in Nashville. There will be no charge for the world-wide live stream, although fans will need to reserve a ticket at www.ConcertoftheDecade.com.
And one quick word on GMA membership: if the organization really wanted to increase membership, it ought to consider offering something that’s worthwhile to artists and industry folks who don’t live in Nashville.
Is a discount to the Nashville Symphony or discounts on training videos really worth the membership fee? Is anyone really in Washington lobbying Congress on behalf of Christian music; the only thing I’ve seen is the Gospel Music Channel getting Congress to declare September Gospel Music Month, which really benefits Gospel Music Channel but I’m not sure who else.
There are some potentially great benefits, but it seems like they’re only worthwhile if you live in Nashville. There is group health insurance and legal advice. If they’re beneficial to folks living in other parts of the country, they really need to do a better job promoting that. And if they’re not, then can you blame folks for not joining?

While Nashville has traditionally been the hub of Christian music, the industry is branching out all over. Artists, pr people, writers, and many people involved in the industry live all over the country, from Seattle and Los Angeles to spots along the West Coast.
Which brings us back to the same issues I raised when I first posted the info about this fundraiser: GMA needs to figure out where they fit in this quickly changing industry, helping to define not just itself but Christian music.
UPDATE 10/14/09: Save The GMA fundraiser may actually save the GMA
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