NASHVILLE - East Tennessee based New Road bluegrass gospel band has been named GROUP OF THE YEAR for the 2005 PowerGrass Bluegrass Gospel Music Awards. Band members also received awards including Gary Kidwell for "Songwriter of the Year"; Vic Graves "Dobro Player of the Year"; and Doug Johnson "Bass Player of the Year."

The PowerGrass Awards are based on all-bluegrass/gospel albums released in 2004 and/or 2005. PowerGrass is an independent bluegrass gospel music radio and internet radio program. Awards were derived from listener responses with final analysis by David M. Bissell, Owner. All awards are posted at PowerGrassRadio.com under "bluegrass awards."

New Road has been together for 11 years continuing their mission to see that bluegrass gospel music moves beyond the current audience by breaking into new venues to proclaim the message of hope. Most of the band's songs are written by members of the group and consist of sound, scriptural-based lyrics accompanied by strong melodies; all while being supported by some of the finest bluegrass musicians in the country.

New Road was chosen as a Showcase Performer at The International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass held last October at the Nashville Convention Center. The band just released their newest album, The Message that is receiving critical acclaim.

For more information on New Road, please visit: www.NewRoadGospel.com