New artist Julie Elias is in the midst of a full summer touring schedule at Christian music festivals across the United States, where she is debuting songs from her upcoming CD, A Wild Rose. The singer/songwriter has been featured alongside Christian music's top artists, including TobyMac, Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp and Britt Nicole, while performing at Spirit West Coast, AtlantaFest, Ichthus, Creation NE and, most recently, Cornerstone. She is set to finish up her summer festival schedule with appearances at on the Main Stage at Lifest in Oshkosh, Wis., today, on the Main Stage at Sonshine Festival in Wilmar, Minn., on Saturday, and on the Indie Stage at Creation NW in Enumclaw, Wash., on July 20.

"To have the opportunity this summer to perform at some of the most popular Christian music festivals in the country has been beyond anything I could have fathomed," Elias says. "I have been blessed with a kind, talented group of musicians and some great songs! The fact that so many people came to see me - a new artist - has been really special. At the festivals, I saw firsthand how God is using music to speak of hope and encouragement to people of all ages and I am beyond grateful and excited that I could be a part of it this summer."

For more information about Elias and A Wild Rose, visit julieeliasmusic.com, or follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/julieeliasmusic) or Twitter (@julieeliasmusic).

Photo caption: Julie Elias, left, met with Harry Thomas, right, co-founder of the Creation Festivals, during Creation NE. (Denise Blanton photo)

About Julie Elias:
Elias' career spanned various facets of the arts - from leading worship to musical theater - before the singer/songwriter fully embraced her calling to become a recording artist. Though she's wholeheartedly committed to help listeners tap into their God-ordained purpose, she didn't arrive at her current calling overnight. In fact, her performance path looked completely different just two years ago when the Nevada native found herself in Hollywood pursuing work in film and television.

"I studied musical theater in college and there's something fascinating - and downright fun - about immersing yourself in a character. To participate in the preparation and rehearsal that goes into a performance is hugely enjoyable and gratifying. Making the move to Hollywood to pursue work in film and television seemed like a great way to make something I was passionate about into a career," says Elias.

After making the networking rounds in Hollywood, Elias was well on her way to becoming an up-and-coming actress thanks to various extra roles on Grey's Anatomy (where she was a regular for two seasons), CSI: New York, Bones, Flash Forward, Community, Parks and Recreation, Weeds and Dexter. She also appeared in several films as an extra, including Due Date, starring Robert Downey Jr., and Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

A Christmas trip to her hometown in 2010 caused Elias to reexamine her career options. During the holiday, she performed in her home church's praise and worship band and sang in some local concerts.

"It took a seemingly routine Christmas concert that year for me to realize what I've been called to do. In fact, Christmas of that year was the most clear-cut, obvious message I've ever received from God, period! It was as if He said 'I am spelling it out for you, in bold caps: PAY ATTENTION,'" Elias says.

At the beginning of 2011, Elias began making regular pilgrimages to Nashville to collaborate with Music City's top songwriters and producers. The trips resulted in her national debut CD, A Wild Rose, set to release Summer 2012, which features 10 fresh tunes that chronicle her journey thus far.

As Elias gears up to make her mark on the modern day music scene with her engaging songwriting style and fresh pop/rock sound - influenced by Amy Grant, Natalie Merchant, Carrie Underwood and Sheryl Crow - she's committed to spreading faith-affirming messages that are just as uplifting to believers as they are inspiring to seekers.

"We are all constantly on a spiritual journey and mine is chronicled by music. I've always believed you can hear words, but you can feel music," Elias says. "What is a relationship with God without feeling His presence through your entire being? Sometimes songs can touch you in a way that words cannot."