Hispanic Christian band brings soul to Sioux City
By Joanne Foxjfox@siouxcityjournal.com | Posted: Friday, November 21, 2008
Christian band Salvador will play Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre
As the only Caucasian member of the Christian band Salvador, keyboard player Chris Bevins admitted he gets picked on during concerts.
"The others in the band are third generation Americans from Texas, so it's very much an American group," he said in a phone interview from Tennessee. "But I think having me, a white guy, was a new, fun step for them and I'm the butt of many jokes on stage."
But Bevins said the relationship really enhances the musicians' performance.
"Culturally, we're just adding more culture to the lives of the audience," he quipped.
Bevins, who co-produces the group's music in studio, described the band's sound as a cross between Santana and Tower of Power.
"On our best days, we think that's the best comparison, although everybody in this band, probably predates those musicians with our birthdays," he clarified. "But a lot of audience members can connect to those artists and have said that's pretty close to our sound."
The band came together in 1999 when bass player Josh Gonzales and lead singer and guitarist Nic Gonzales (they're cousins), started playing at a church, said Bevins who joined in 2000.
"Next thing you know a record company heard them and signed them," he said of the Dove Award-winning group.
The band's name reflects its Hispanic roots and Christian style. Salvador is the Spanish word for savior, Bevins explained.
"I think it conveys something integral to the group," he mused. "That we're a Christian band and Hispanic in background."
Then, Bevins paused and added with a laugh, "except for me, of course."
The band has traveled extensively, including a special performance at this year's papal youth rally held in Yonkers, N.Y., during Pope Benedict's April visit to the U.S. They played for an estimated 25,000 people. Unfortunately, the group didn't get to meet the Holy Father, Bevins said, and the band knew that ahead of time.
"As awesome as that would have been, to meet the pope, just to know we were standing on the same platform as he was and communicating with the same crowd was awesome," he said.
Bevins said the invitation alone was an incredible honor.
"We can brag for a long time that we had that privilege -- to perform there," he said.
As with their N.Y. presentation, the Sioux City audience will hear a praise and worship element in Salvador's concert, as much as the tones of a Latin funk, Bevins said.
"We definitely come from a worship background, so we know how to tone it down and do that type of style," he said. "But the audience will be engaged with some great percussion and horns as well."
Bevins said the musicians were thrilled to come to Sioux City and assist Catholic Charities in their efforts.
"We definitely have a greater purpose than just playing music," said Bevins. "And Catholic Charities? Isn't that what it's all about?"
The 7th Annual Families in Need Concert to benefit children and family counseling programs at Catholic Charities, featuring the Christian rock band Salvador, will be 7 p.m., Saturday at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets are $20 each or $15 for groups and available at the Tyson Events Center box office or purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. Individuals unable to attend the concert, but would still like to donate may send contributions to Catholic Charities, 1601 Military Road, Sioux City IA 51103.
"The others in the band are third generation Americans from Texas, so it's very much an American group," he said in a phone interview from Tennessee. "But I think having me, a white guy, was a new, fun step for them and I'm the butt of many jokes on stage."
But Bevins said the relationship really enhances the musicians' performance.
"Culturally, we're just adding more culture to the lives of the audience," he quipped.
Bevins, who co-produces the group's music in studio, described the band's sound as a cross between Santana and Tower of Power.
"On our best days, we think that's the best comparison, although everybody in this band, probably predates those musicians with our birthdays," he clarified. "But a lot of audience members can connect to those artists and have said that's pretty close to our sound."
The band came together in 1999 when bass player Josh Gonzales and lead singer and guitarist Nic Gonzales (they're cousins), started playing at a church, said Bevins who joined in 2000.
"Next thing you know a record company heard them and signed them," he said of the Dove Award-winning group.
The band's name reflects its Hispanic roots and Christian style. Salvador is the Spanish word for savior, Bevins explained.
"I think it conveys something integral to the group," he mused. "That we're a Christian band and Hispanic in background."
Then, Bevins paused and added with a laugh, "except for me, of course."
The band has traveled extensively, including a special performance at this year's papal youth rally held in Yonkers, N.Y., during Pope Benedict's April visit to the U.S. They played for an estimated 25,000 people. Unfortunately, the group didn't get to meet the Holy Father, Bevins said, and the band knew that ahead of time.
"As awesome as that would have been, to meet the pope, just to know we were standing on the same platform as he was and communicating with the same crowd was awesome," he said.
Bevins said the invitation alone was an incredible honor.
"We can brag for a long time that we had that privilege -- to perform there," he said.
As with their N.Y. presentation, the Sioux City audience will hear a praise and worship element in Salvador's concert, as much as the tones of a Latin funk, Bevins said.
"We definitely come from a worship background, so we know how to tone it down and do that type of style," he said. "But the audience will be engaged with some great percussion and horns as well."
Bevins said the musicians were thrilled to come to Sioux City and assist Catholic Charities in their efforts.
"We definitely have a greater purpose than just playing music," said Bevins. "And Catholic Charities? Isn't that what it's all about?"
The 7th Annual Families in Need Concert to benefit children and family counseling programs at Catholic Charities, featuring the Christian rock band Salvador, will be 7 p.m., Saturday at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets are $20 each or $15 for groups and available at the Tyson Events Center box office or purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. Individuals unable to attend the concert, but would still like to donate may send contributions to Catholic Charities, 1601 Military Road, Sioux City IA 51103.
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