Simon’S Cross
We begin our look at Inland Northwest teen bands with a collection of four Christian groups. More bands will be featured throughout the summer. If you know of a teen band that should be featured contact us at the numbers or addresses at the bottom of the page.
Right at 7 o’clock, Simon’s Cross entered the First Covenant Coffee House and walked out on stage.
Nate Mullins, 17, lead guitarist and lead vocals, introduced the band as they situated themselves.
They tuned the guitars and bass, and moved monitors into a good position. Then, the drummer started the time with his sticks, and the band fell in together, completely synchronized, each knowing exactly what to do. Their songs were faultless.
The room was packed with a crowd of 40, all eyes on Simon’s Cross.
Everyone was totally taken in by the music. The audience was drawn in by the powerful lyrics and the stunning guitar solos.
Bryan Agee, the band’s 16-year-old bass player had fast fingers and put his full effort into his instrument.
Andy Crouch, 21, traded off from guitar to soloist to back-up vocals. Chad Sartell, also 21, pulled a number of great fill-ins on his drums, many of which were fast enough to make any drummer jealous.
Aaron Hein, the 20-year-old keyboardist added so much to the band that if he cut out of a song for even one verse, it drastically changed the emotion.
Simon’s Cross started about a year ago when Mullins left the previous band he was in.
“I felt God was calling me to serve him through music,” Mullins said. “I prayed for band members, and we found each other through music competitions, parents and youth leaders.”
They play often and anywhere they’re asked to including youth groups, schools, coffee houses and weddings.
Their concert sizes range from a few dozen to 1,500 at a recent youth event.
“One of the best experiences we’ve ever had was when we played at Northwest Christian School,” Crouch said. “They stopped the bells so we could have time to play.
“And what was really awesome, was that our songs meant a lot and affected the very kids that none of the teachers would have expected,” he said.
The group’s songs aren’t only written to sound good but to relay a message that there is peace and hope with Jesus.
“It’s just what this generation is looking for: peace and hope,” Mullins said.
When asked how much money they were making, they only laughed.
To learn more about Simon’s Cross, visit their Web site at www.pancom.net/simonscross or e-mail Magee38z@juno.com or Magee38z@hotmail.com or call, (509) 922-0687.
IN CONCERT Simon’s Cross Simon’s Cross will open tonight at 7 for All Together Separate, a Christian band from Orange County, Calif., that has signed on with Ardent Records. The concert will be at Garland Alliance Church, 2011 Garland Avenue. Tickets are $5.