According to John plays Kiwanis Fair

According

to John plays Kiwanis Fair

The four young men

who comprise the compelling new Christian modern rock

group According top John seem like ordinary American

youth. With the exception of an earring or two, standard

gear for today's musicians, they somehow elude the status

trappings of the typical rock ensemble. They are four

guys from Georgia on a spiritual mission.

John Waller

of Fayetteville is the lead singer and catalyst of the

group. Jeff Billes, the drummer, is also from

Fayetteville. Jason Hoard, the lead guitarist is from

Griffin and is the newest and youngest member, while Ed

Bunton, the bassist is from Lawrenceville.

After years

of performing as a solo artist, Waller began putting

together a band. "John came to my church to sing

when I was in the youth group," recalls Billes of

their first meeting. "That's right," waller

said, "I was singing in area churches, doing a solo

thing. I met Jeff about seven years ago and he started

doing sound for me. He started playing the drums, and we

began praying about putting a band together."

The pair

auditioned for the First baptist Church of Woodstock,GA,

youth evangelism outreach program known as "Big

House." The guitars were out of tune and the band

was a tad rusty, but the student pastor, Jeff Chandler,

saw their hearts and some potential. They soon became the

house band. For two years they spent Wednesday nights

with the youth inWoodstock, then Sunday nights with the

youth of the church they have since called home, New Hope

Baptist Church in Fayetteville. The band added Bunton

during that time, developing material and perfecting

their craft. it wasn't long before they were in great

demand throughout the entire southeast region.

About a

year and a half ago, the final member, string virtuoso

Jason Hoard (if it has strings, he can play it), came on

board, and According to John was complete.

According

to John was not a name chosen lightly. "John is the

Gospel of Love," says Waller. "If we have a

theme song on this project, it is "Everlasting"

(John 3:16). I recorded it years ago,but wanted to have

it on this album because it is about the intimacy that

God desires to have with us all. We want to have an

communicate that it is possible to have a close,

authentic relationship with Jesus like John did. That's

why we dive into the Gospel "According to

John."

According

to John counts as its collective musical influences some

of folk and rock music's most trend-setting acts. They

present the skillful story telling lyrical artistry of

Peter, Paul, and Mary, the intensity of The Doors, the

close harmonies of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and the rock

edge of Tonic. They also consider Steven Curtis Chapman,

Steve Camp, Russ taff, and PFR as early influences.

The band

will play tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. at the

Fayette County Kiwanis Fair. Admission to the fair is $4.

There is no added charge to watch the show

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