Nearly 20 years ago, a series of guitar lessons led to something more for three aspiring Valley musicians.
“A guy was helping out two younger musicians with lessons and regularly jamming out at his house. One day, he told them that God doesn’t give us a talent to keep it to ourselves,” said local musician Dave Park. “And then he told the two younger musicians that they’d be playing an impromptu concert at a Richfield nursing home.”
The three — Conrad Wiens, Abram Hoffman and Jason Yerger — went on to form the group Gospel Bond, which will perform Saturday (July 22, 2017) at the Central Pennsylvania Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia.
“Members changed over the past 17 years or so — our original ‘three amigos’ are not with the group anymore — but the mission is still the same,” said Park, who functions as the spokesman for Gospel Bond and also sings tenor. “We take the gospel out through our music. We take a message of hope and faith and try to encourage people along the way.”
Park suggests that his group fills a certain void in the region.
“We know in our area, there are people that like four-part harmony and gospel music, but may not be able to travel to other areas where gospel music is playing,” he said. “We fill that gap. We are weekend warriors, working during the week and performing on weekends. We don’t travel as much as some groups. At one point, we had 90 dates scheduled a year, but we’ve added some new members this year and are slowing down some until we get their feet on the road.”
Gospel Bond is currently made up of Park, George Fury with lead vocals, Russ Chamberlain singing bass, Chris Kauffman singing baritone and playing the acoustic guitar and banjo, Luke Hoffman on the drums, Darren Kauffman on the electric guitar, Merle Kauffman on bass guitar and Jim Franklin, who helps at times on drums.
The group’s Saturday gig begins at 6:30 p.m., kicking off the 98th annual God’s Holiness Grove Camp Meeting experience that will run through Sunday, July 30.
Park admitted that his group is up for the challenge of starting such a powerful week of worship.
“We will provide some of our original music, but most people like to hear songs that others have done and made popular. We will sing some old hymns that people love have grown to love, like ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Until the Storm Passes By,’” he said. “The venue is perfect — it is very scenic, and the stage is big, wide open and very airy. It will be a great experience for everyone in attendance.”
For more information about the concert, the camp meeting or the campground itself, call 570-538-2790 or click here to send an email.