One of the joys of performing Christian music is the opportunity to inspire audiences with both music and words. When one's audience largely comprises the needy, as well as reasonable number of unchurched people, the joy is multiplied, much like the loaves and fishes.

Such was the case in mid August when several bands performed in inner-city Indianapolis at the Baptist Ministry Center. The event was the center's annual block party, featuring free games, prizes, gifts, food and entertainment for the neighbors. The musicians all performed wonderfully professional shows free of charge as their contribution to the ministry.

Although this writer did not catch all the bands present that day, four acts who were caught impressed the crowd with their quality and variety of musical styles.

Lou Hunt and Brett Webb made up "Shining Stream" from Wabash, Ind. They call their music "pure gospel," but it covered a lot of ground that day. Their songs have played nationally on gospel music radio stations, and their video has played on the National Satellite Program of the Gospel Music Television. It was exciting to see and hear them in person.

"Praise the Lord" was the next act with four incredibly harmonious voices performing an interesting mix of Southern gospel, ranging from inspirational to "tap your toe and clap your hands." The men and women in the group were all local residents who were fervent in their opportunities to share and witness to the crowd.

The group Judah, consisting of Tony and Basil Pappas, performed 45 minutes of original songs in a style that they call "European music." For the most part, it was mellow, and it was all quite melodious. The brothers have a tape available in which one can appreciate not only their voices, but the fact that the two play all their own instruments: guitars, keyboards, saxophone and flute.

Yet regardless of how good the entire event was, the band "Roland Bray and Liberated" certainly stole the show, in the eyes of the crowd. Not only was the band the largest (six members Roland, Rick, Marty, Josh, Dave, Bill), it was the "rocking-est." Besides the full compliment of percussion, guitars, bass and vocals, the band also features Rick Nelson on a blues harmonica. (Or perhaps I should say harmonicas, since he has a mere 16 of them.)

They played original tunes, as well as interesting versions of classic numbers. One of my favorites was "Swing Lo Sweet Chariot" -- a rendition that gave the word "swing" in its title a new meaning. The tempo was swinging so fast that no one could stay seated. The crowd soon began dancing and yelling praises to the Lord. And that attitude lasted throughout the band's performance.

Roland Bray, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist who started the band, admits their style of music is hard to define, but says the best description is "a folk revival band with a light touch of '70s rock." The feel of the '70s was evident in an uplifting Christian version of a Grand Funk Railroad tune, "Some Kind of Wonderful."

In all, the day was full of good vibes -- in the music, on the stage, out in the audience and among everyone. It's easy to see how this has become an annual event.

-- by Deb Rieselman