(updated: 1/1/11)

Many of these items are also covered in the "Connections Band Concert Covenant" that you can find here. If you have questions about that document, you may find the answer below...

How Did Connections Band Start?
We started at a “clergy retreat” of the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, when several of the founding members gathered in a hotel room and played Dan Fogelberg songs until the early morning hours. Band leaders Rusty King and Eric Folkerth found they had finally met someone else who knew as many Fogelberg songs as each of them did on their own! (OK...Rusty knows a few more...)

From that organic “song circle” experience, the crazy-idea to do a “Dan Fogelberg Tribute Show” was born. Months of rehearsal culminated in more than 250 people coming to that first show in May of 2006. The audience and band alike left the concert saying that it a had been “a magical night.”

So after it was done, we said to ourselves: “Why stop there?! We may be on to something...”

Thus, Connections was born as a working band.

The other tribute shows were created, and we started raising some serious funds for worthy causes, while having a blast playing music we love.

How Big is the Band and Who Are The Leaders?
We have a core group of United Methodist clergy that we consider the “founding members.” These are the folks who gathered at the clergy retreats for several years in a row, while the band-idea brewed in our souls. The core leaders are: Frank Rahm, Paul Escamilla, Ann Willet, John Fleming. Brian McPherson has become a core member more recently. Rusty King is the musical director, and he and Eric Folkerth are co-band leaders.

As of this writing, more than 35 musicians have played at least one Connections Band show, and our core band is around 10-15 strong. This represents more than twelve different United Methodist congregations, as well as other churches, in the North Texas area.

A complete list of band member names can be found here.

What Shows Do You Play?
Our set show...um...sets, are as follows:

“A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg”
“Eagles/Chicago Tribute Show”
“James Taylor/Carole King Tribute Show”
"A Tribute to the Doobie Brothers/Elton."
"Superhits of the 70s"
"A Tribute to Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder"

Because each show requires different musicians, we try to cluster our performances in groups as much as possible.

Why UMCOR and “Imagine No Malaria?”
These are popular missional causes of the United Methodist Church. We feel strongly about supporting our “connectional causes” and find that these are appealing options. We do not raise money for local church buildings or pet projects.

Why a “Love Offering?”
We have found that audiences find it inspiring that this rather large group of musicians gets together to rehearse and perform these shows. The fact that we are “working for free” tends to inspire them to give generously at shows. It also allows us to tell the story of these great agencies from the stage.

We do not believe our audiences would give nearly as generously, or turn out as well, if we charged an admission. Plus, there’s just something about trusting the crowd to give from their hearts, as they enjoy music that they love, too.

How Much Have Your Raised?
To date, we have raised more than $170,000 for these worthy missional causes. Please check here for a continually updated tally of the funds raised by Connections.

How Much Does it Cost to Host Connections Band?
Our only required payment is for our sound engineer, and we do require that he be used. (Details about this are in the “Concert Covenant.” ) Most churches/venues spend some funds on publicity, refreshments, and set up. We also require a church/venue to provide a meal for our band before the show.

What’s the Space Requirement?
We ask that you host our shows in rooms that can comfortably seat 250 persons. Most of our shows have been “coffeehouse style,” where the audience sits around tables, allowing for refreshments.

How Far Out Do You Book Your Shows?
We book out at least six months in advance. And note this! It can take some time --perhaps even several weeks-- to confirm a date, since there are so many band members to check with.

Do You Provide Your Own Equipment?
Yes, we have our own instruments and sound equipment, and we like them.

What Can’t You Use Our Sound Guy?
We have a big band. Even the best sound guy in the world can’t get to know us quickly enough. Also, our engineer has a new, state-of-the-art digital system that we’re especially fond of. Finally, he just plains knows us. Because of the number of lead singers and solos from more than 15 musicians (usually), it just won’t sound good if your tech person runs the sound...no offense.