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Connections Band

Playing the music we love for a great cause

About Me


Connections Band

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.
Connections Band is grateful for your support!
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Our Mission 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. (Connections will have its own form soon...) One of our band leaders will be in touch with you as soon as they can.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 2/15/2008
Band Members: 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

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

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Our Shows Have Raised Closed to $30,000!!!



Influences: Dan Fogelberg, Chicago, Eagles, Carole King, James Taylor
Sounds Like: (We like to think...) Dan Fogelberg, Chicago, Eagles, James Taylor, Carole King
Record Label: unsigned
Type of Label: None