New artist Julie Elias has wrapped up a summer of criss-crossing the United States as she performed at many of the top Christian music festivals across the nation, where she debuted songs from her upcoming CD, A Wild Rose. The singer/songwriter caps her busy season with concerts scheduled Friday and Saturday at the popular Night of Joy event held annually at Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando.     

"To return to Night of Joy for the second year in a row is a huge blessing especially when I think of how much has happened in these past 12 months," Elias says. "Last year's Night of Joy performance was my first time sharing some of my new songs with an audience. Now, one year later, I have had a solo Christmas tour, finished an album of original songs, performed at the festivals this summer. All of it is  beyond what I could have fathomed and is something only God could orchestrate. I am so encouraged by and grateful for the last 12 months and thrilled to be at Night of Joy again!"

Throughout the summer, Elias has been featured alongside Christian music's top artists, including Newsboys, TobyMac, Switchfoot, Tenth Avenue North, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp and Britt Nicole, while performing at Spirit West Coast, AtlantaFest, Ichthus, Creation NE, Cornerstone, Lifest, Sonshine and Creation NW.

The singer/songwriter is scheduled to perform at the Night of Joy's Talent Spotlight Stage Friday and Saturday nights with her band. The 2012 mainstage acts include MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Third Day and Kutless.

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, center, hung out backstage at a recent music festival with Michael Tait, left, frontman for Newsboys, and Duncan Phillips, right, drummer for Newsboys. (Dell Elias 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 Fall 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."