Musicians
Ben Grace
Ben Grace is an Australian singer songwriter based in Brooklyn NY. Persistent and prolific Ben has had more than 50 songs released and has written with many artists in a range of genres from power pop to country. He has a passion for local craft beer, good stories, messy community, and better questions. You may have seen Ben last year at the Wild Goose Festival in North Caroline, the W/ National Gathering in Denver, or at a house concert or local pub.
Paul Demer
Dallas singer-songwriter Paul Demer blends introspection, empathy, and wonder to craft melodically memorable and lyrically rich folk music. Drawing frequent comparisons to both James Taylor and Jon Foreman, Demer invites audiences of various ages to locate their own stories in the ebb and flow of joy and heartache.
You can hear Paul in house concerts, in intimate songwriter venues, and at national gatherings like The Wild Goose Festival.
J.Kwest
For nearly a decade, the ministry of Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier has been an exploration in the relationship between music and faith. As an artist, this Chicago native has used his unique rhythm to tell stories of deep meaning, inside and out of the church. J.Kwest has been featured on Fox 32 (Chicago) and in Rolling Out and Blackgurl publications; on Dr. Maya Angelou’s XM radio station; at the Children’s Defense Fund; and has been a feature performer at the Taste of Chicago Festival. He is blogger on super-producer Pharrell Williams’ Kidult site, and is a national voice for youth rights.
Rob Clearfield
Born and raised in the Chicago area, Rob is the regular pianist/keyboardist with Matt Ulery, Grazyna Auguscik, Itamar Borochov, Outertown, and Hood Smoke, and currently leads his own trio featuring bassist Curt Bley (Hal Russell NRG Ensemble) and drummer Quin Kirchner (Wild Belle).
Formerly the keyboardist and artist-in residence for LaSalle Street Church in Chicago, Rob currently resides in Paris.
Bobby Jo Valentine
Bobby Jo Valentine is a nationally touring singer/songwriter who grew up on the seaside of Northern California. His songs are both earthbound and mystical, and speak of the gentle, everyday spiritual awakenings of an openhearted life. He has been awarded Song of the Year three times at the West Coast Songwriter’s Association, and has earned a growing following of listeners and supporters with music and storytelling that is compelling and poetic. His most recent collections, “Fox Eyes, Whale Heart” and “Maybe Stars,” are available everywhere music is offered online.