TIFTON — Tifton native Tammy Arant will be featured in this year’s Outrageous and Contagious 2 Women’s Conference with the group Team RADIATE. The conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at The Historic Grand Theatre in downtown Fitzgerald.

Ladies will enjoy a day of encouragement by speakers, worship music, fun and laughter. Award-winning singer, songwriter, teacher and TV talk show host Babbie Mason will be the special guest. Several speakers and singers will also be ministering throughout the day. These include Team RADIATE, Ruthie Garner from WALB TV, “Three 4 One” and more. Terry Tidwell from WAFT Christian Radio out of Valdosta will emcee the event.

Arant joined Joyce Ashley of Wray, author and founder of JoyJoy Ministries and the daily radio program Joy Juice, and Amanda Hayes of Douglas, writer and founder of God’s Truth in Love Ministries, to make up Team RADIATE. Together, they share their passion for Christ with others.

“Joyce Ashley and JoyJoy Ministries has been a blessing in my life, and I am so blessed to be a part of Team RADIATE as together we spread the message of joy, hope and praise,” she said.

Arant is a singer and songwriter with a desire and passion to worship, encourage and motivate her listeners. Saved at the age of nine, she learned how to play the piano and began to use her talent for the Lord.

She stated that she’s a “preacher’s grandkid.”

“My grandfather was Roy Burdette. He pastored

in this area and also used to preach on WTIF radio on Sunday mornings here in Tifton,” Arant noted. “My mom, Helen Walker, and my aunt and uncle, Beverly Cox and Robert Burdette, would sing on the radio before he preached.”

Arant met her husband, Stephen, at a local sing in her community. He was a drummer in a local gospel group, “The Singing Emmanuels,” that needed a female vocalist. They were married and spent several years traveling and ministering together. Arant has been featured on several recording projects, including a choir project at her local church entitled “Come O Lord.” She and Stephen have a daughter, Josie, who attends Tiftarea Academy. They resided in Fitzgerald for over 15 years before moving back to Arant’s hometown, Tifton. They attend Northside Baptist Church.

“We are just ordinary people,” Arant said. “We have always had a desire to share the message through music and lift up the name of Jesus.”

She stated that her husband and daughter are her biggest supporters. She added that they're her heartbeat.

Arant released her first solo CD project, “Life Goes On,” in the spring of 2010. She wrote and arranged two out of 10 songs: “Life Goes On” and “Think on These Things.” She also has a YouTube video of the title track “Life Goes On.” To purchase this CD, visit the local Lion Chasers Christian Book Store, The Pineapple Post or go to www.joyjoyministries.com (under the media tab).

Arant has recently recorded a new project called “You Are.”

She explained, “It proclaims the message as it emphasizes that Jesus is truly the answer. The song declares the message that Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father except through me’ (John 14:6 ESV). This new CD has five original songs written by me, and it is also a project that will encourage us all as it proclaims and worships Jesus Christ.”

Arant said she wants to have the CD out by the day of the conference. She stated that the executive producer for her new CD, BJ Davis of Louisville, Ky., and a camera crew will be in Fitzgerald on the day of the event and the day before to film a video for her new song. Arant stated that she plans to post the video on YouTube.

Ashley said she’s excited that the event is coordinating with Tammy on her new project.

“It brings a new element to our conference,” she stated.

The annual conference has been held at several facilities. Ashley said they have partnered with several churches and women in the Fitzgerald community.

“Our heartbeat is to bring a quality Christian event for our ladies,” Arant stated.

She and Ashley noted that there’s talk of the conference possibly coming to Tifton. They stated that the event is continuing to grow.

To register for the Outrageous and Contagious 2 Women’s Conference, go to www.ugatiftonconference.org. An early bird special is being offered for $30 — Friday is the deadline to register for this deal. After Friday, general admission will be $45. T-shirts (lime green) must be ordered online by Friday as well. Group discounts (10 or more) for $10 per person and limited reserved seats are also available.

For questions or more information, call 423-6708 or 423-9381 or e-mail joyjoy01@windstream.net. Also, visit the following Facebook pages: Tammy Arant Music, Outrageous & Contagious 2 or JoyJoy Ministries.



To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.