Dear Warriors,

I just wanted to share my heart in defining the vision of Musical Manna. Praise the Lord. Miracles do happen, thanks be unto the Lord.
The ministry of Musical Manna consists of a threefold vision.
First and foremost, to touch the hearts and lives of a lost, broken and dying world in hopes of bringing them into this kingdom of love we know as the body of Christ.
Secondly, to enrich, strengthen and encourage our brothers and sisters, whom our great and awesome God lovingly calls His children, in their journey to fulfill their calling and mission so wonderfully bestowed upon them by Abba father.
Thirdly, to join with those, the radically saved and sold out for Jesus in this battle of holy warfare, waging war for the superior and dominating fighting machine, in which we stand as warriors for Jesus Christ. To conquer, to slay and to see God’s mighty and powerful hand in the utter destruction of Satan, this wicked and evil foe doomed to the lake of fire and tormented, eternally separated from God.
The weapon: the sharpened and double edged sword of the holy word of God.
The vessel: the humble and yet bold servants of the most high using their gifts and talents (instruments, voices etc.) anointed by God proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian (Christlike) music.
The power: our awesome and mighty sovereign Lord.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

Last month’s meeting was held at Marvin’s Place. I would like to thank Christel Snodgrass, Thomas and Bonnie Curry, and Christy Arnold for their faithfulness in praying for the kinship and all their hard work in preparing for the meeting.
The Lord is birthing something fresh and new for the kinship, and is beginning to move it in a different direction. We have begun a teaching series called “Motives for Ministry.” We had previously emailed a questionnaire on this subject to a number of people and received feedback from several individuals and Christian bands. This topic was chosen for several reasons. Probably the most important reason was to offer discipleship and teaching to the local Christian bands that are currently involved in some aspect of music ministry. Our vision is to offer a place for Christian artists to gather to unite in purpose, network, exchange ideas, and encourage one another through prayer.
There was a positive response to the teaching and discussion part of the meeting. It is very important that we work together in this endeavor. We need your participation to make this a successful alternative as a ministry resource for all Christian musicians and artists in the greater Phoenix area, and even statewide.
We opened the meeting by praying together and invited the Lord’s presence to join us. We then entered in to a precious time of worshipping the Lord in freedom but with a special intimacy that touched the entire group.
This was followed by the brief teaching on motives for ministry. We then discussed together how this topic affects us both personally and as we minister through music. It was exciting to learn what motivation others had experienced in ministry.
We broke up into groups and prayed for each other. The Lord’s presence continued to move among us as we prayed and interceded together. It was a blessing to see each person being humble and kind as they prayed for one another. “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous [in right standing with Him]...The light in the eyes of him whose heart is joyful rejoices the hearts of others, and good news, nourishes the bones...The reverent and worshipful fear of Lord brings instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:29,30,33)
After prayer, we enjoyed a time of fellowship together. We shared what God was doing in our lives and the different musical projects we were working on.
We need you, musicians, worship leaders, and performing artists of all kinds who have heart for music ministry, to make this a fruitful endeavor. Please pray about making a commitment to the musician’s kinship as it relates to God’s call on your lives. Please also pray for God’s will and direction for the kinship.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, April 5th at Good Shepherd Mennonite Church, 3639 W. Monte Cristo. Please call 817-6803 for more information.

The Musician’s Kinship
has a new location

From now on, we’ll be meeting at Good Shepherd Mennonite Church, located at 3639 W. Monte Cristo (3 blocks North of Greenway, off of 35th Ave.) at 7 p.m.
We meet the first Monday night of each month.

On May 3rd, KEN MARY will be coming to speak to our group on ways to package their music more effectively, as well as how to maintain an attitude of ministry when the focus can so easily be changed to business.

Ken Mary is a producer/musician/writer who has worked on 37 albums that have sold over 3 million copies. His background is originally in the secular music industry, where he was blessed with the opportunity to work alongside some of the best producers on the planet, including Terry Date (Soundgarden, White Zombie), Mick Guzawski (Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones), Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osborn, Extreme), and Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin). Christian albums that he has produced include releases from Everybodyduck, MaTD, The Corbans, Soul Shock Remedy, The Blameshares, and Sprigz, among others. Upcoming albums include LaRue on Reunion records, due out this August.

Please come join us...you will be blessed!

On February 12, the Supernatural Experience Tour, featuring dc Talk along with The WUs and Jennifer Knapp, heated up the America West Arena.
The WUs, one of the hottest selling new artists of 1998, hit the stage first. They were not wearing the bowling shirts shown on their album cover, but the horn section did wear overshirts that said “Swing Band,” two of which had neon “W”s on them as well. There’s a rumor that The WUs like to have fun---believe it! The horn section was always in motion and often had to rush back to their microphones to play; they also acted out the #1 hit, “The Devil Is Bad.” The group tossed an empty water bottle around between songs and, in the middle of another song, the guitarist even balanced his guitar on his nose! Their fun-lovingness is also seen in their merchandising. For $10, one could get The WUs “Bag-O-Fun,” which included a poster, photo, patch, pin and two stickers
Next up was the talented Jennifer Knapp. This is her first tour with a full band and she is loving it. Jennifer’s brand of rock raised the temperature in the AWA a few more degrees. With every song she sang, one could see her passion for the Lord and why she was nominated for four Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Rock Recorded Song of the Year as well as Song of the Year, both for “Undo Me.” With the passion and talent that she possesses, she is bound to garner many more nominations and Doves in the years to come.
Then, after a short intermission, came one of the hottest Christian bands in existence--the multi-talented dc Talk. Dc Talk used the full range of effects including moving lights, video, a disco ball, and a live DJ, thanks to DJ Funk of the rap/hip-hop group Grits. The WUs even joined dc Talk for a disco-song medley, and when it came time for the horn solo, they broke out into “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” That was a crowd pleaser.
Toby pointed out that, yes, dc Talk is a multi-racial group, and that they are proud of it. He also mentioned that in their last three tours, Phoenix had been one of the top three markets. All right, Phoenix!

Michael

Kevin sported a new look (black hair!)

There is a rumor going around that says dc Talk is compromising their beliefs to go into the general market. Yes, dc Talk has been achieving general market success, but they are not compromising their beliefs. All throughout the night, they boldly declared their faith in Jesus through songs, testimonies, and a time of praise and worship that included songs like “My Deliverer” from The Prince Of Egypt: Inspirational Album, and the Rich Mullins classic, “Awesome God.”
But by far the most powerful presentation of the Gospel that night was the encore song “Red Letters.” This song refers to the exact words that Jesus spoke as recorded in the four Gospels. Dc Talk would sing, “There is love/truth/hope/peace & forgiveness/life” and the corresponding word would appear, in red, on the video screen. As they continued on with, “In the Red Letters,” the screen would flash the complete Bible verse, including reference. I would not consider that compromise, but the flat-out TRUTH!

Toby got a little wild and jumped upside down
on bass player Sugar Bear’s back

dc Talk

New Jerusalem, one of Arizona’s most popular and well-known rock and roll bands, performed for the Annual World Vision 30-Hour Famine at Monte Vista Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, February 17. New Jerusalem became a World Vision artist in 1996, sponsoring Nicholas Kazingizi, a child in Zimbabwe, Africa. Over 135 people attended the Finale Concert with youth groups from ten Valley churches, including Brad Smith of Youthforce AZ with his high school group from Calvary Church of the Valley, Northwest Fellowship Four Square Gospel Church, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and Son of Life Community Church.
Over $2500 was raised by Valley youth groups that fasted for 30 hours to help end/combat world hunger. World Vision collects over 270 million dollars in annual donations with over 75% going directly to relief/development/evangelism programs.
Bob Pierce established World Vision in 1950. During the Korean War, he wrote the following words in his bible, “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God”. Today, World Vision is the largest non-profit Christian relief and development organization, whose programs reach over 28 million underprivileged people through more than 6000 projects in 94 countries.
New Jerusalem performed many songs from their self-titled Bulletproof Records CD, including “Living in the Light”, #11 on the Christian loud chart and “Take Me Home”, #32 on the Christian rock chart. “Take Me Home” will be used in an upcoming TV-Movie of the Week entitled “It Happened Last Night”. NJ did an acoustic praise and worship set and invited the audience to join them on stage to help with percussion instruments distributed by Randy (lead vocalist with NJ) during “Hail Tonight”. By this time, the crowd was also on their feet dancing, clapping and enjoying the music.
Thanks to Papa Johns for providing pizza for everyone after the concert. New Jerusalem would like to thank Monte Vista Church of the Nazarene for hosting the Finale Concert, Associate Pastor Brian Welch and Youth Pastor Will Hathaway for all their hard work.
New Jerusalem is Thurane Aung Khin, Guitar; Randall James Householder, Vocals; Barry Jenkins, Drums; and Rod Reasner, Bass.
Contact New Jerusalem at 602-350-0476 for booking or information on World Vision. Visit their website at http://www.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/New_Jerusalem/

On February 21, Point of Grace and Watermark spun onto the Celebrity Theatre’s rotating stage. The Steady On Tour marks firsts for both groups. For Point of Grace, it is their first tour with their own band after having to share one with 4 Him last tour, and for Watermark it is their first formal tour. Point of Grace said they felt blessed to be back in Phoenix because it has two of the best malls in the U.S.
This was a very intimate night, not only because there was no seat more than 75 feet from the stage, but also because of what was shared throughout the night. Numerous times, the audience was asked to join in on a chorus, and at times there was some deep sharing on the part of both groups, and a special guest. Denise shared that the past year had been a difficult one for POG. In November, the group celebrated their 8th anniversary. Last year, they also celebrated Denise and Terry both giving birth to sons, Spence (15 months) and Cole (10 month), respectively. Not only was there joy last year, but also pain, in the loss of a friend. “Life is fragile,” Denise pointed out, “We’re not promised tomorrow.” That is why their song, “This Day,” has become so much more meaningful to them.
Before Watermark came on stage, special guest Kelly Johnson, a graduate of Mercy Ministries, an organization POG supports, talked to the audience. She told her touching testimony of how terrible her life had become because of wrong choices and how she turned to Mercy Ministries as a last hope, a last resort. They helped her turn her life around and find the truth.
Then came the new praise and worship, husband and wife duo Watermark. Knowing that they were searching for a name, a friend brought the name “Watermark” to the couple’s attention after comparing a mark left by a flood with how God can leave a mark when He floods one’s soul. The couple looked it up and found out that it means “a symbol of authenticity” and “a mark of ownership.” They fulfilled these definitions thoroughly that evening, filling the place with praise to God. Watermark also had a difficult year. Just this past January Christy suffered a miscarriage, but God gave her peace and the result of it was a song by the same name. “Trials show God in us,” the couple stated.

Watermark

After Watermark finished, POG came back and performed the highlight of the evening. On every tour, POG does a parody of biblical characters, retelling their story through the help of songs from different decades. This year’s topic: “Girl Power.” First came Eve, retold in Aretha Franklin’s “Faith.” Next came Lot’s wife, who they said was probably very involved within the city and possibly even in the Gomorrah PTA. At this statement, the guitarist asked if she could then be considered a “pillar of her community.” The song picked to retell her story was the 1950’s hit, “Sandman.” Third up, the Pharaoh’s daughter, retold with, yep, you guessed it, “Walk Like An Egyptian.” Again, “Mr. Humor,” chimed in that the daughter was “in DeNile” and wanted her “mummy.” Next, POG said that girls like to have fun cutting each other’s hair and that Delilah probably did, too. So, to retell her story, they sang Cindy Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” And to top it off, they did the ‘90s hit “Spice Up Your Life,” from the Spice Girls.
Through all of the humor, joy and pain in life, there is one thing that POG would like everyone to remember. As Heather put it, “It has nothing to do with us, and it has every thing to do with the Cross.” God will still be there for all of us all the time.
To find out more about Mercy Ministries, visit their website @ http://www.mercyministries.org

Point of Grace (with Jay Phillips, right)

On February 24, b-spot Productions and The Rage Guys put on a monstrous CD release show at the Celebrity Theatre featuring a total of six bands. They even had Billboard scanning sales that night! (Hope they scanned a lot!)
The party started with a pre-show concert in the Celebrity Lounge with new Tooth & Nail swing/ska recording artists The Deluxtone Rockets and the Metro One-signed West Coast rap duo K2S (Key 2 Salvation). The Deluxtone Rockets (TDR) kept the people swinging and skanking to songs from their debut album, due out in the next couple of months, while K2S did some smooth stylings from their new album. Both groups were glad to be in Phoenix, but the lead singer/guitarist of TDR has personal ties here. He was born in Phoenix’s very own Maricopa Hospital. Another thing that must be said about TDR, is that they are talented. At one point in their set, the guitarist played the body of his guitar while playing the neck of the bass, and vice versa for the bassist; and at another time, the bassist stood on top of his bass and played it. (Yes, it was an upright bass.)

The Deluxtone Rockets

After the pre-show concert, the action moved into the main stage, where punk band Squad 5-O started things off. Squad also has its ties with Phoenix--the parents of one of the members lives here. The lead singer also commented on the rotating stage. He said that they were trying to play so that everyone could see them, but that would be impossible because the stage was “quadraplinic” and moving in a 4-6 timing while all of their songs were in a 4-4 timing. At one point, an audience member yelled for the lead singer to take off his shirt. (I have no idea why.) He went over to the person like he was going to do it, then faked the guy out, at which time the band started playing “Can’t Touch This.” Before they left the stage, Squad stated that they did not want to be classified with the world and that they were all “sinners saved by the grace of God.”

K2S

Squad 5-O

Next up was ForeFront rock group Bleach. The crowd moved to the next level of excitement, especially when they played their hit “Supergood Feeling.” At one point they asked two members of Squad 5-O to come up and help them sing a “Heavy Metal” song. Bleach stated, before leaving, that they were all screw-ups and that God is the One with the power.
The excitement elevated when The Insyderz came out. At this point in the show, security had to take out all moveable seating so more people could fit down front and so no chairs were broken. (There went my seat.) At one point in the set, the lead singer said that the Pink Power Ranger was in the audience and pulled this one young lady onto the stage and told her to stand on the amp and do some karate during a song. The crowd loved her, but she was a bit embarrassed. The Insyderz also called on the help of two of the other groups, calling up Jacob, the saxophonist for TDR, and K2S for a couple of songs. Some of the songs in the Insyderz set were “Paradise,” “Trigger Happy” (a tribute to Phoenix), “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High,” and “All And All.”

Bleach

The Insyderz

Next came the headlining band, The O.C. Supertones, hot off their release of Chase The Sun the day before, came on stage. The Supertones continue to improve their sound and tightness with every successive album, and from the sound of the crowd, the new sound was well received. When doing a new song entitled “Away From You,” lead singer Matt Morginski made the audience honorary Supertones back up singers.
After about nine songs, they took a break and leader and drummer, Jason Carson, spoke to the crowd. He said that there was only one reason why they were there that night--to show the love of the Savior. He then said what many people shy from saying, “Sinners are going to hell without the Savior.” He continued to speak the TRUTH by giving his testimony and explaining the road to salvation and that one needs to dive into the River of God. He then prayed. When he was done praying, two members of The Insyderz joined them in singing a couple of praise and worship choruses. They then went into more album songs, including a new instrumental. When this song was about the finish, Jason slowed down his drumming, but never stopped, just kept going slower. The rest of the band started throwing towels at him but he would just toss them off and continue. Finally, he stood up on his stool and jumped down, hitting his kit and going back into the song.
There seemed to be three themes in common with all the bands featured this night--Unity, Fun and the TRUTH. The unity shown by these groups was a great testimony for how the Body of the Lord is supposed to work together. The fun shown by these groups goes to show that Christians can have fun. And the TRUTH given by the bands that night was the pure presentation of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST.
To find out Jason Carson’s life verse and The Supertones’ theme, read Psalms 71:14.

The O.C. Supertones

On Friday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m., the Bethany Community Church was rockin’ with Rebecca St. James. The place was packed. As every seat was filled, people began to line up against the walls and even more people were claiming their seats in the aisles. It was definitely filled to full capacity. Was the difficulty in finding a place to park and the crowd and congestion worth attending this concert? I would have to say, absolutely!
From the beginning of the concert to the very end, Rebecca St. James had the audience captivated. Her band consisted of two guitar players, a drummer, a keyboard player and--whom I was especially impressed with--a bass player. They were a very good, solid band that exuded energy and excitement. Included also were two backup singers, Rebecca’s brothers, that had as much, if not more, energy than my seven-year-old daughter; and, let me tell you, that’s a lot.
Rebecca, who is from Sidney, Australia, doesn’t have much of an opportunity to miss her family, since her concert tour is a family affair. Rebecca has two sisters and five brothers, who, along with her parents, travel with her. They all take a part, whether it’s on stage, engineering the crystal clean sound, or putting on the wonderful light show. What a talented family.
Rebecca spent almost as much time talking and sharing with her audience as she did singing. She had so many heartwarming stories, encouraging words and important lessons to share, that I felt it was just as important to listen to her words as it was to enjoy the message and sound of her music. She gave a testimony of how God provided for her family in tough times. She spoke of the miracles God had done for her family as they prayed together. She said it’s proof of how a family that prays together stays together. Isn’t that the truth. She spoke about her grandmother, who’s 98 years old, and in her own words, “She’s still rockin’ for Jesus.” What an awesome, Godly family Rebecca has. No wonder she’s such a sweet and warm person with a heart of such love and compassion.
Besides getting intimate with her audience by sharing some personal things, she gets “oh so intimate” with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! As she was singing her songs, it was as worship unto God. It was as though she was bringing us into worship with her. The fact that the audience could partake in worship and be blessed and enjoy her songs was but a bonus to Rebecca, because it was obvious that her true audience was God.
Rebecca did her own rendition of “Oh Come Let Us Adore Him.” The nontraditional, alternative rock sound of it did not quench the anointing at all. I loved it. Another song that seemed to grab the audience, myself included, was “Go and Sin No More,” where she brought the audience in to sing along with her. Her voice in “Go and Sin No More” went from soft and melodic one moment to strong and powerful the next. You could feel the sincerity in every word she sang. “Hold Me Jesus” was another one of my favorites. You could feel the anointing in that place as she poured out her heart to Jesus.
And let’s not forget “God.” When Rebecca sang “God”, everyone was on their feet. You could feel the power. Rebecca, her two brothers, and the band were all over the stage on that song. Excitement was really in the air. Right before the last two songs of the evening, Rebecca shared with the audience how much Jesus means to her and how we all need Him in our lives. He is our everything. She then gave an invitation to receive Christ is such a way that, had I not been born again before this evening, I would have been running up to the front to give my life to Jesus. Obviously, others felt the same as people hungry for Jesus filled up the front and poured into the aisles.
God is not only using Rebecca St. James to entertain and encourage us, but to spread the gospel in a very powerful way. Her heart for God and people touched me in an incredible way. Thank you and God bless you, Rebecca.

In town to promote their CD Hooray For Now, Viva voce was recently seen performing with The Sprigz and Wish at The Revolution in Tempe. Viva voce, Italian meaning “by word of mouth,” offers a cutting blend of new music--driving rhythms, static-like distorted guitars offset by melodious vocals--coupled with thoughtful lyrics touching on the real life experiences of being a child of God. Fronted by husband and wife duo Kevin and Anita Robinson (blesses my heart to see a Godly woman playing a Les Paul!), their love for God and heart for worship in music ministry can be heard in their conversation as easily as in their concerts.

Takin’ It To The Streets: You’re a long way from your hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Is this a full tour that you’re on, or merely doing some spot dates in conjunction with Hooray For Now?
Kevin Robinson: We’re doing about 12 dates; we’ll continue from Arizona through California and Oregon.
Anita Robinson: We took it upon ourselves to do something in the winter [January at this time] to do some dates before going out with Bleach and Glisten in the spring and that’s going to be for Artists Against Violence. We’re really excited to be able to do something that will benefit that cause. For now, it’s been great to come into a town and play with some of the local bands like we did tonight.
As you play and minister, what do you see are the biggest problems in the lives of your audience and the kids today?
Kevin: It’s different from crowd to crowd...but I would say one of the biggest things I see is cynicism, and skepticism. I guess that’s just where everyone is at, be it in music, or society. There’s not much you can do these days that will shock people—they’ve seen it all. I very much see audiences sitting back and waiting to see what [we’re] all about. We always make it a point to let our audience know where we’re coming from.
Anita: I was just the same way, very skeptical and antagonistic of Christians who were outspoken like that. People want to know what’s real.
Kevin: We’ve seen some really good fruit spiritually from the shows; five people got saved at one show-- first-time conversions. There was an atheist in Dallas, TX who told me afterward that he was going to try and make an effort to pray. It was kind of different--I offered to pray with him, but he said he still felt a little strange about that. It was something.
What kind(s) of venues have you been playing?
Anita: A lot of churches. Some secular clubs if the promoter is a Christian and has held Christian groups there before and if it’s an all-ages show.
Tell me a little about your church.
Kevin: We’ve ben in Nashville for only about a year [originally from Alabama] and we’ve been going to Belmont. It’s a very large church, and not having been there long and also traveling, we’re still praying about making that our home church to settle down in and be accountable to.
You had a tighter-knit relationship with your church and pastor in Alabama?
Kevin and Anita: Oh, yes, definitely.
Kevin: It’s been kind of an odd transition because the church where we came from was so small and everybody knows everybody by name. In Nashville, every church is so huge with so many services, it seems difficult to get to know people there.
Seeing this difference, you could probably comment on the importance of having a good church family.
Kevin: Oh, it’s vital. It’s been a change for us. When Anita and I were first dating, we were very tied into our church in Alabama and on a very close friendship basis with the pastor. All being musicians, we had this great bond and that’s something I miss. I’m sure God will allow us to find that again--I can’t image in the next couple of years not having that accountability and relationship.
Anita: Yes, we’re really seeking. That’s something very urgent that we’re praying about. It’s when you don’t have that place to go where you can feel comfortable, you start to feel anxious and isolated--and that’s not good at all.
Were you involved in worship or music ministry at your church? Your lyrics and style at times are very worshipful.
Kevin: Yes, we both were in worship groups. At one point, God kind of called me out of it for a while because I was actually distracted, thinking about keeping time and the musical aspects of it, that it became difficult to worship. I couldn’t really let loose. There was a time for both of us where God did that and we weren’t involved in anything musically. It gave us time to step back and focus. Now, our music in Viva voce has taken a turn where the lyrics are more worship lyrics.
Anita: What we’d like to—and what we pray for--is to play our style of music and make it to where it’s a praise and worship service for other people who like us, or maybe even younger Christians who haven’t even experienced really praising and worshiping the Lord.
Kevin: Praise and worship is such a powerful thing-- even to those who aren’t saved. Even if you walk in and don’t know what’s going on, praise and worship just breaks through stuff. All through the Scriptures, it tells of all kinds of miraculous things happening, even if the people around didn’t know what was going on. Like with that atheist I mentioned; he didn’t quite know what happened, but he knew something did happen to him. I see a lot of the new bands that are out, and this direction toward worship is really awesome. I’m glad to see music come back to its original purpose.
What are your personal backgrounds as Christians?
Anita: I went to church as a kid, because it was the thing to do with my family, but stopped going when I was about 13 years old. I became cynical and rather antagonistic toward Christians and about Christianity. I just struggled thorough a time where I was confused and wasn’t sure if the Bible was true. I went through high school like that, trying for figure out what was true. Then after I graduated I was working at a music store and God brought in a group of Christian musicians that played around there locally. Not only were they friendly to me but were always talking about God and played Christian rock music. That was all it took. If rock music is your thing and you’re a teenager, seeing that kind of thing is really going to have an impact on you.
If people could leave your show tonight with one thing, or just one thought, what would you like that to be?
Kevin: Just for them to walk away feeling closer to the Lord. Somehow that God touches their spirit, or they receive word from the Lord. That they would be able to worship. I know that’s not “one thing...”
Anita: Yes, I would hope that they come away having had some kind of personal experience with the Lord.

Viva voce current release Hooray For Now is available on Cadence Communications. You can reach them at vivavoce@juno.com.

With a street date of January 12, 1999, Butterfly Kisses and Bedtime Prayers, Vol. 2 is the follow-up to the first volume of this successful, Dove nominated, children’s lullaby collection. For the second time, various artists have come together to present 11 unique lullabies to original music, while incorporating simple children’s prayers designed to teach children how to pray.
Featuring a new medley of Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses”/”Father’s Love,” Volume 2 highlights rich, colorful photographs of babies which include prayers. With the purchase of a CD or cassette, consumers will also receive a free copy of the book Focus on the Family and Tyndale House, “The First Year,” a comprehensive guide through the first year of a child’s life.
Volume One of this collection spent weeks on Billboard’s Children’s Chart and Benson is expecting similar enthusiasm towards this project. Already nominated for two Dove Awards, including Children’s Music Album of the Year and Producer of the Year (Dennis Patton), Butterfly Kisses and Bedtime Prayers, Vol. 2 is sure to be a bedtime favorite for both children and parents alike.

It’s been something of a whirlwind year for the five men from Kentucky Christian College, collectively known as Bleach. Within nine months of their official formation, the band had snagged a record deal, released a critically acclaimed debut album, and garnered a Dove award for Modern/Alternative Rock Recorded Song Of The Year (“Epidermis Girl”).
They confess to being completely amazed at their success.
“We’re all sitting with our mouths hanging open thinking, ‘what in the world just happened’,” says guitarist Brad Ford.
But though the band is grateful for the success, they insist it’s just a vehicle for their true calling. “Ministry was what we all went to college for,” Brad explains. “We all had a goal, in one form or another, to go out and minister. We never thought we would be able to do it through music.”
“To think that we have had the opportunity to reach out to kids across the country--that’s way bigger than anything that we could do on our own,” adds lead vocalist Dave Baysinger.
And reach out across the country they do! Last year Bleach hit the road with a vengeance, maintaining a mind-numbing schedule that included over 200 shows. Criss-crossing the country, the band tightened up its musicianship, defined its sound, and shifted the level of excitement into high gear, leaving thousands of fervent fans clamoring for more!
Bleach responded to that call by locking themselves in a house together for two months to hammer out the songs for their sophomore release, Static. Picking up where last year’s Space left off, Static crackles and pops with an energetic, electric charge that jolts you out of your seat!
Static maintains a raw rock-n-roll element but with diversity.
“We wanted to take different musical elements and combine them into the Bleach sound,” drummer Matt Gingerich explains. “Listeners will hear touches of disco and glam rock which were early influences of Bleach (whether we admit it or not).”
With their latest release, Bleach effectively demonstrates its ability to synthesize wildly divergent tastes into cohesive music. “Land of the Lost” and “Warp Factor Five” combine guitarist Sam Barnhart’s love of science fiction with Brad’s affinity for the writings of C.S. Lewis, while “Country Western Star” and “Code of the Road” fuse modern rock sensibilities with good-ol’-boy philosophy.
The bright and blustery “Super Good Feeling” celebrates the eternal relationship with Jesus with an irresistible enthusiasm. And the bluesy, Beach Boys-esque “Rundown Town” utilizes stark, image-laden phrases to honor a man who is content to be faithful in less than ideal circumstances, just because that is where God has called him.
“Lyrically, we tried to deal with areas that are personal in our relationships with Christ, and with each other,” says Brad.
And nowhere is that sentiment more evident than in the title cut, which compares life in Christ with the effects of static electricity; “It’s just like electric shoes/ That I just want to run to You/ I know that You want it too, I want to stick/ Like static”.
While describing their concerts as “a party”, the men of Bleach admit that it is not all fun and games. But they have learned that, sometimes, even the hard times produce positive results.
“We challenge each other to be like Christ,” explains bassist Todd Kirby. “We’re as close as brothers to the point that we sometimes face confrontations that can result in hurt feelings, but we see it as accountability that leads to discipline.”
Sometimes the confrontations come from outside the band. While playing a show in Boston, the band’s vehicle was vandalized, losing not only equipment, but most of their clothing as well. Wrangler shipped the band a box full of jeans and shirts, and as a result, Bleach became the first rock band in Christian music to sport Wrangler duds. While it may seem something of a dichotomy for rockers to wear cowboy clothes, that’s just another example of Bleach’s quirkiness.
“The thing about Christianity that is so wild, that is so amazing to the world, is that you can have a bunch of different types of people all meshed into one. There can be this cowboy guy, and this jock, and this skater dude, and all of them have one common goal, and that is to worship God,” Dave adds.
“The whole theme of Static focuses on staying close to God,” Dave elaborates. “We tried to show the joy we have in Christ. It’s a celebration!”

Jim Hendricks, acclaimed pianist, began piano instruction at a very early age. It was soon discovered that he had an uncanny ability to memorize everything that came across the piano and play anything he heard on records. He continued his studies in jazz and classical music and by the time he was in high school, Jim was playing piano professionally.
Shortly after high school, Jim began playing around the globe and had opportunities to perform with such great artists as Dave Brubeck, Della Reese, Jack Jones, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, Tito Puente, and many others. He also competed in many international piano competitions and was a featured symphonic orchestra soloist, performing the piano music of Rachmaninoff. By the age of twenty-five, Jim had accepted a professorship in the piano department of Chicago State University.
But soon Jim felt that the Lord was calling him to dedicate his talents to Christian ministry. He had decided to follow Christ at an early age and felt that playing secular music was not using his musical gifts for Christ’s glory. While Jim was on tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, God’s message seemed very clear. It was time to leave the secular music world.
Since that time, the Lord has greatly blessed Jim’s obedience. He has played Christian concerts and worship segments everywhere from the largest cities to the smallest communities. He even had his dream of playing a concert at the Crystal Cathedral fulfilled.
Jim’s focus is to fill each concert with music and testimony that glorifies God. His amazing technical ability and artistic piano arrangements are unmatched. Each worship experience with Jim Hendricks has moments of laughter, deep reflection, and amazing testimony. The most powerful message Jim relates is that of God’s power and goodness. God brought Jim through a miraculous recovery after being hit head-on by a semi truck trailer with combined speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour. Jim initially suffered severe damage to both knees and his tail bone, and underwent surgery for his left forearm and right hip. Jim was miraculously able to play a full concert in five weeks and today has no noticeable effects from knee or tail bone injuries, and his playing has not been affected by the operation. Praise God!
People laugh, cry, and are genuinely uplifted by the music. Because of the energy, humor, and diversity of each program, people of all ages with diverse tastes in music enjoy the presentation. Jim spends hours in prayer and practice to ensure that people are not only entertained, but that the love of Christ is expressed clearly in each performance.

TTTS is preparing to release our 2nd Compilation Album of the best Christian bands in Arizona. If you’d like to submit a song, please send your music, along with the lyrics and a mission statement, to:

Or you can deliver it to us personally on May 3rd or June 6th at our Musician’s Kinship meetings at:

The deadline for getting your music to us is June 6th.

Submit your music on CD, Cassette, or DAT.

Please keep this project in your prayers. For more information, call us at 817-6803 or email us at ttts@ttts.com.

Todd Underwood