Because connections is an all-volunteer band --and because our shows involve a great deal of musical production-- a large cast of players are considered members of the band. Some are regulars, some are occasional or one-time guests. But all are a part of our "connection."
Founding Members:
Rusty King: vocals, guitars, keyboards, band leader and musical director Eric Folkerth: vocal, guitars, co-band leader Frank Rahm: keyboards Ann Willett: vocals, keyboards Paul Escamilla: vocals, guitars John Fleming: vocals, guitars
Core Rythm Section:
Michael Sheehan: drums Paul Simonsen: bass Kevin Holland: percussion David Cromwell: percussion Jennifer Rawlinson: vocals Barry Carroll: guitars, banjo Russ Noland: guitars
Brass, Strings, Woodwinds:
Cornell Kinderknecht: woodwinds Fred Wratislaw: saxophone Elaine Zuercher: saxophone, clarinet Lisa Rucker: saxophone, vocals Jeff Balch: trumpet John Short: trumpet Alan Holley: saxophone Rich Wonders: trombone David Kelley: trombone Kelly McCombs(Moon): trumpet Bill Adams: trumpet Diane and Fred Zimring: strings Jan Apthorp: clarinet Lori Joswiak: french horn Paula Oldham: flute
Other Members:
Robert Rucker: trombone Sean Nelson: trombone Terry Jones: guitars and vocals Josh Wilson: guitar Michael Simonsen: bass Susan Younghans: violin
Alumni Members:
Carla Jett-Riemer: vocals Phil West: saxophone
"Sitting In" with the Band:
Rob Price: drums Matt Gaston: vocals John Priddy: keyboards Bill Crouch: vocals, guitar Gifford Long: vocals Naulene Pittman: vocals Clayton Oliphant: drums/percussion
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Our Shows Have Raised almost $40,000!!!
Influences
Dan Fogelberg, Chicago, Eagles, Carole King, James Taylor
Sounds Like
(We like to think...) Dan Fogelberg, Chicago, Eagles, James Taylor, Carole King
Based in Dallas, Connections is a unique "cover-band" that performs "tribute" shows to artists that we love. The shows are free, and are always fundraisers for a missional cause related to the United Methodist Church.
Our myspace page has sound clips, videos, and pictures for you to check out.
One thing that makes Connections unique is that its membership includes eight United Methodist ministers serving churches in the Dallas area. Two dozen more lay members join them (from even more churches) to fill out the roster of this unique band. Our name has rich meaning for anyone in the UMC, and we feel that through this music we are living out the "connection."
Hear Eric and Rusty describe Connections Band on KMOC Radio, Wichita Falls, Texas:
Connections' first show was a tribute to the music of Dan Fogelberg, a show that is more poignant to us since his untimely passing earlier this year. We do a tribute to the music of the Eagles and Chicago. Our most recent show was was a tribute to the music of James Taylor and Carole King.
To date, Connections Band has raised $30,000 for groups such as the United Methodist Committee on Relief and "Nothing But Nets."
The Causes We Support
Our two main fundraising beneficiaries are the United Methodist Committee on Relief and "Nothing But Nets."
United Methodist Committee on Relief
UMCOR is a "first responder" organization, similar to the Red Cross, that provides resources and staff to assist in emergencies like Hurricane Katrina and humanitarian crises like Darur. Click here to learn more about UMCOR.
Here is a video about UMCOR's work in Africa:
Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a partnership between the United Nations, the United Methodist Church, and the NBA and others, that provides mosquito nets for families in Africa, thereby helping to fight malaria and other diseases. Click here to learn more about Nothing But Nets.
Here's a video about Nothing But Nets:
These videos are reminders of why Connections Band does what it does. Yes, we have fun playing music that we love. But we also seek to make a difference around the world through missional giving.
Every member of our band volunteers countless hours of time, rehearsing and planning our shows so we can raise money for these causes. None of our dozens of musicians get paid for what we do. All we ask is for those who hear us to join us in supporting these causes. We hope you'll join us at a show soon!
Make a Contribution Right Now!
And if you can't join us at an upcoming show, you can still support these important causes.
To make an online donation to UMCOR right now click here.
To make an online donation to "Nothing But Nets" right now click here.
To support our United Methodist connection , serve the church and build community, through evenings of quality and meaningful entertainment.
Our Goals
** To perform quality "tribute" shows that honor the artists we love.
** To raise funds and awarement for United Methodist missional causes that help alleviate human suffering.
** To serve the church and build community by the shows we offer.
** To provide and outreach tool that is inviting to those beyond the church's traditional ministry.
Booking/Contact Info
Connections requires all host churches/venues to agree to our "Concert Covenant" which can be downloaded here. For more information about the band, and requirements for hosting us, please download the "Frequently Asked Questions about Connections Band" from this link.
To contact Connections Band about booking or any other inquiry, click here click here and fill out the temporary contact form. One of our band leaders will be in touch with you as soon as they can.
Hi there, Thank you so much for the accept. I am very honored. You make a very good job - respect to you. R.I.P. Russ Noland God bless you all. Sincerely, Astrid from Germany
Thanks for the comment on my page. Floods are a new experience for me being from SW Okla. You don't prepare for tornados like you do for floods! But even the preparation can only go so far. We're hoping the levee holds and this little town that was hit with the 100 year flood will be spared the 500 year flood. Incredible. Thanks for all you're doing. I seem to have hit a wall in my NBN fundraising efforts, but have a big event coming up next week. Hopefully it will stir people to action.
Hey Jason: On behalf of *our* band, thanks for stopping by and for your words! We're all huge fans, and we're grateful to be able to raise money for great causes using the fantastic music that you've blessed the world with!
I wouldn't miss it for the world!!! I'm way up in section 100 on jason's side, I'll email you my cell and text me when you're somewhere I can come say hi!!
Hi!! thanks for the add =) I hope you like my page and forgive me if I make some mistakes...I'm Italian and I hope to learn English better soon!!! I wish you a great week and please keep in touch!! Linda
My compliments to the band, the show was sooo awesome last night. You should be very proud and I've told Jason Scheff already you'd make him proud!! Continued success! roseanna
hI! I'd love to come out to your show friday in denton, my daughter just graduated from UNT! I'm going to the Chicago convention in March in vegas! cant wait!
Wow! You guys are so cool. I had no idea you were keeping this secret. It's like a big reunion on stage. What a wonderful idea. I commend you for such a creative effort in raising funds for a worthy cause.
