Sonrise

On a cool summer evening in late August in a small church in Fredericksburg, VA., an evangelist preaching the word of God in revival made a simple yet profound statement. He said, "Anything, and everything, that is good, either in heaven or here on earth, comes from God, and nowhere else." This statement epitomizes the ministry and purpose of Sonrise. If any good has ever come from a song, or a testimony spoken, or an instrument played by Sonrise or any member thereof, it is, and always will be directly due to God's wonderful mercy and infinite wisdom. Sonrise began, and has continued for nearly 23 years for one purpose, and one purpose only. That purpose is to be used solely as an instrument or avenue for our Savior to work through. Any ministry that is truly ordained by God is a privilege to those who are called, and Sonrise is no different. While we hold the utmost respect for other musicians and singers who are blessed with more talent than we have, and are able to make a good living performing, it is not here that our desire exist. We only desire to express to anyone who will listen, that our Lord took a small group of average fellows, saved us from the sin that we were in, and asked us to tell others that there is hope in the salvation of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Sonrise was created in 1982. The original members sang together in church many times, and we felt the hand of God touching our hearts and calling us into a ministry of music. When we first started, we were not what one would call bluegrass per say. Our band consisted of two guitars, and a bass, and three part harmony for the most part. The first outing that we were invited to was an amateur vocal competition sing located in Berryville, VA. Upon arrival we learned that we would be required to perform two songs. This presented a real problem to us: we only knew one song. Needless to say, we did not place very well, but we learned a lot. Ironically, years later, we stopped off at that same contest on the way home from another engagement, and won first place. We all got a big kick out of that. Down through the years we have performed in countless churches, auditoriums, and festivals. Through our travels we have experienced many good times, as well as many challenges. For example there was the gig that we had scheduled in mid-summer in the back hills of Tennessee. When we arrived there in our old bus, we were hot and tired and in need of a shower and some food. The father of the family that was hosting us, a coal miner of many years, asked: " you boy's ready for a shower?" Of course our reply was an emphatic YES. He then went on to explain that the "men folk" normally went to the pond down in the "holler" and stripped and took their baths. We of course thought he was kidding, and cordially played along... Somewhere between the ride over in the back of the pick up truck, and the arrival at the pond where complete strangers began to bath, we figured out that they were serious. So .... we jumped in, and got clean. Of course it was a men only swim. Afterwards we enjoyed a fine southern cooked meal, and later that evening in a small white church to which most of the attendees had walked, we experienced one of the most awesome services in the history of the band. Those dear people became some of our best friends in Christ, and we ended up visiting that congregation for many years to come.

Sonrise was called into a ministry for our Lord and Savior, to spread the good news of salvation to those who are lost. To that end, while we enjoy good Christian fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we do not believe that it is our purpose to only perform in churches, to people who already know Christ. And while we would never compromise our Christian standards by placing ourselves in an area where our salvation and testimony were negated, we do not fear in the least performing in and around areas other than the safe haven that the church walls provide. We have performed at festivals, right alongside secular bands, always being sure to offer our testimonies and making clear to everyone that we are there to spread the gospel of Christ. We even once performed at a Honda Gold Wing convention. Because of this, we have been criticized substantially at times. We can only follow the example that Christ gave us as He walked this earth, and we all know that He had no problem witnessing and testifying to the lost. Thank God. When people stop coming up to us and saying: "thank you for coming here, I would have never heard the gospel otherwise", then we will pray about our calling. Until then, we will go where God leads us.

We really appreciate you visiting our website. If you are interested in inviting us for a performance, just call or e-mail the listed information. You won't get a " professional, starchy, religious" group. That's not what we are. What you will get is a group of guys who love the Lord, and have bonded together in a unique way to declare the plan of salvation through testimony and good hard driving progressive bluegrass. The love that we share between us is unconditional. You will see this as we perform on stage. Not many things stay together as long as we have. We give all of the credit for anything we have accomplished to God. We would love to come and see you, and invite you to experience Sonrise in action. From all of us, thank you, and God bless.