Press Releases
March 6, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Creator of Groundbreaking Music CD Series Recognized at Leading Women Awards
CALGARY, AB—Bev Foster, creator of a groundbreaking new CD series called Room 217, was named the Leading Woman of the Year in the area of Arts, Culture & Sports on Saturday, March 4 in Calgary. The award, presented by the Leading Women conference, recognizes distinctive achievement in expression, development, preservation or patronage of the arts and athletics.
“Leading people to express themselves through music is what I love to do. Whether it has been leading through teaching, songwriting or performing I count it pure privilege to work in such an important area,” said Foster, as she received her award.
It was Room 217 that particularly caught the attention of the Leading Women conference organizers. Foster, who works as a performer, songwriter and music educator, designed Room 217 to minister to the dying and those who care for them. The series is named after the room where Foster's father died surrounded by family singing well-loved songs—inspiring the artist to create the series of contemplative CDs that Foster believes will “bring healing and hope to end of life situations.”
The three different CDs that comprise the series—Spirit Wings, Gentle Waters and Celtic Whisperings are now being used across North America in palliative care situations. Spirit Wings was nominated for a Covenant Award in 2005.
“This is music that speaks deeply to the human spirit,” says Foster, a worship leader who has performed around the world. “I believe it can draw people into God’s presence; it may be the tune, it might be the words of the song. For some listeners, it might introduce them to God for the first time.”
Foster has served as executive director of the Ontario Vocal Festival and accompanist for the Orpheus Choir of Toronto. She was also recently nominated for a Shai Award for Best Inspirational Album for her solo album, Trustpoints. She is the president of Strongheart Inc., the independent label company for Room 217.
Organizers say that The Leading Women conference has been birthed out of a desire to call together Canadian Christian women in leadership, like Foster, from across the nation. Their purpose is to “identify, profile and network God's women by equipping, training, encouraging, celebrating and releasing them to do the work of their calling with excellence.”
Room 217 CDs are available for sale at www.room217.ca or by calling 1-888-884-6343.