The stage is dark and a single light pierces the darkness. Suddenly, music
erupts and the darkness of the room is filled with light. Energy fills the
room. Bringing light to darkness and energizing young people in their faith
is the mission of the Angie Raess Band. They want to connect with their
audience and make God real to all they encounter, even to the "throw away"
youth.
The band is fronted by female singer/musician Angie Raess. Angie's musical
background has been deeply rooted in worship and ministry. She was a
worship pastor for over 3 years at her local church, and continues to serve
as the youth worship pastor. In 2003, while organizing a worship event, God
began to stir a new vision for her worship ministry. Then she met Micah
Garman, a fellow musician with the same passion for worship, and Micah and
Angie began a search for like minded other musicians. They added Blake
Osborne (drums) and Jeff Beach (guitar), and started to see their ministry
flourish. What was a small local worship project for them, God began
turning into a worship/rock regional band with quite a following.
ARB truly desires to connect with their audience from the first sound that
erupts from the stage. The band combines original songs with some
well-known worship songs that are all meant to draw the listener closer to
Christ. Each show is an experience for the listener; something they feel,
something they can participate in, something tangible. The band is
passionate about their love for God, which is something you can visibly see
in their role as lead worshippers. They are non-traditional in their
approach, yet their approach seems to be connecting with young people. They
view their role on stage as just the beginning of their ministry. The rest
of the ministry is being involved with young people at shows, camps,
retreats. Their passion is to reach out to those students and young adults
that are searching, confused, and desperate. People that others might give
up on.
ARB has had the amazing opprotunity to play at numerous events. They've
shared the stage with Tait, Geoff Moore, Ever Stays Red, The Chemistry, Paul
Wright, Something Like Silas, and many more. With a self-titled CD released
in 2006 and continual touring, they are currently being featured on radio
stations around the country, getting rave reviews and are writing songs for
their next CD which is scheduled to release in 2007.
Even with the incredible opportunities and growth the band has experienced,
one thing that remains clear is ARB's focus and vision. They started as and
continue to be a worship and music ministry. This band has a heart and soul
that is driven by the call that God has placed on their lives. Their desire
is that worship will not just be a one day, one weekend, one week experience
but that worship will be a way of life for this generation.
"ARB is an incredible band! I have used them as for youth camps and have heard them in local youth groups and school assemblies. They are servants and are committed to following after Christ. No matter what the venue is, ARB is your band!"
“I believe that the Angie Raess Band is Arizona's hottest Christian Band today...the testimonies and reports that have come out of their concerts are unbelievable!!! ARB is a band that goes beyond just their music - they reach into the hearts of their audiences, giving them an experience with their God that you don't find most bands having the ability to do these days. If you ever get a chance to have ARB into your venue...I suggest you take it.”
"These guys are freakishly good! Angie has an unmistakable voice and I was nothing short of stunned! If you haven't heard ARB you are missing out on the best kept secret in alternative Christian music history!"