BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Fans of Christian music have reason to jump for joy, with several major artists set to perform in the Birmingham area.
Francesca Battistelli, 29, a singer who often tops Billboard's Christian charts, will appear on July 12 at Alabama Splash Adventure, 4599 Splash Adventure Parkway in Bessemer. Her performance is part of a Christian Music Fest that starts at 5 p.m., with openers Beyond the Clouds and Sanctus Real.
Battistelli, who specializes in Christian pop, is touring on a new studio album, "If We're Honest," released in April on Fervent Records. It includes the single "Write Your Story," which has been popular on Christian radio.
Admission to the show is free with a ticket to the water park, which runs $19.95-$29.95 for day passes.
For more info, call 205-481-4750 or visit the Splash Adventure website.
Tamela Mann headlines the "Take Me to the King Tour," stopping on Aug. 17 at the Bill Harris Arena at Birmingham CrossPlex, 2331 Bessemer Road.
Mann, 48, is a gospel singer and actress, perhaps best known for her roles in TV and film. She's been a regular in Tyler Perry's projects, appearing in "Meet the Browns," "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," "Madea Goes to Jail," "Madea's Big Happy Family" and more.
Mann has three studio albums to her credit, including 2012's "Best Days." She started her music career with Kirk Franklin and the Family, going solo in 2005. She's the wife of actor David Mann, also known for his work with Tyler Perry.
Tickets for the 6 p.m. concert (hosted by David Mann) are $30-$55, on sale through MagicCityTix.com. Call 205-994-2534 for more info.
Casting Crowns, the contemporary Christian group led by Alabama native Mark Hall, will bring its "Thrive" tour to Boutwell Auditorium on Nov. 28. The 7 p.m. show is listed on Casting Crowns' website, but ticket prices and an on-sale date haven't been announced.
Tickets for concerts at Boutwell, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd., typically are sold through MagicCityTix.com.
The tour is named for Casting Crowns' new album, released in January 2014. It topped Billboard's Christian albums chart and was preceded by a successful single, "All You've Ever Wanted." Hall wrote an inspirational book to accompany the record, "Thrive: Digging Deep, Reaching Out."
Hall, 44, regards his music as a ministry and spiritual outreach effort. He's also the youth pastor of Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, Ga.
Casting Crowns has several GMA Dove Awards to its credit, along with accolades from Grammy, Billboard and the American Music Awards.
Gospel stars Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin are set for an Oct. 21 performance at the BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South, according to Pollstar.
The show hasn't been announced by the venue or the artists, but Pollstar, a reliable website, tracks the concert industry and receives listings from artists' management teams, booking agents and the like.
Hammond, 53, a singer, songwriter, bass player and producer, oversees his own record label, Hammond Family Entertainment. His latest release is 2013's "United Tenors: Hammond, Hollister, Roberson, Wilson," with singers Dave Hollister, Eric Roberson and Brian Courtney Wilson.
McClurkin, 54, a singer, minister and radio host, released a "Duets" album in February, partnering with artists such as Anita Baker, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Preashea Hilliard and Erica Campbell.