The Band of Brothers
How and why The Band of Brothers came together and evolved into a performing group....
Rev. Dr. Jamie Stevens told ChristianMusic.com, "When I was in college on a retreat, they asked us, 'Where do you see yourselves in two years?' I hoped to be in a musical group with other Christian men - and have fun with that. At that time I didn't know I'd be a minister. So, being in The Band Of Brothers is an answer to a very long dream."
Alan Fox shares, "I find Jeremiah 29 - especially verses 11, 12, and 13 - to be meaningful to me in what we are about as a band. We are not just a band, but a Christian men's group."
Jeremiah 29: 11, 12, and 13 - "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek with all your heart."
The love of American acoustic folk and ballad music was the original glue which drew these musical Christian artists together, which evolved into an entertaining yet Spirit-filled acoustic ensemble group, performing music to share their love and faith with others.
Michael Scott Smith explains the group's early beginnings to ChristianMusic.com, "We began as a group of guys who liked to play music. We discovered our shared Christian faith and love of performing music that is meaningful within just a few weeks of our first gathering."
Michael explains further, "The Band of Brothers formed in 2002 in Dansville, NY; the adopted home of all five members. Initially we came together to share songs we knew and enjoyed. However, our gatherings soon turned into a weekly rehearsal session as we began performing in local venues. In addition to the singing, also share our joys and concerns of the week and end with a time for prayer."
Michael continues, "At our early performances, we began to realize that our music was touching our audiences in ways that surprised us. We weren't certain whether anyone wanted to hear the sort of "fusion" music we offered (really not much different from the music I grew up with - The Byrds, Peter, Paul, & Mary, and many other groups with folksy roots all included spiritual music along with social commentary and humorous songs). We have discovered that people of all ages welcome American Music presented with reverence, humor and respect."