The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

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April 14, 2008

Musicians eager to share positive messages

BY MARY WICOFF

DANVILLE — If you’re looking for something to banish your blues, Phaze II has the remedy.

The Christian band, which is just getting off the ground, wants to share its positive messages with everyone.

“They’re very good,” said Mellissa Forman, pastor of New Kingdom Christian Church. “Their music has a message, and the ministry is within every song.

“It’s very uplifting and encouraging.”

She is the sister of Aaron Forman, who started the band at the end of last year.

“We’re trying to spread positive messages about Christ,” Aaron Forman said.

The 10-member group will have its debut concert in May at CrossRoads Christian Church. Its music is contemporary gospel and quartet gospel.

The church is letting the band use its facility in exchange for donations to the church food pantry. Also, a freewill donation will be taken.

The concert will be recorded on CD and DVD for promotional purposes.

“I’m hoping for a good turnout so we can let people know we’re here,” Forman said, “because we want to do things for the community.”

The group performed at the Danville Foodstock ’08 concert in February. Several musical groups performed in the event, which benefited the Danville Area Food Pantry.

Phaze II wants to get involved in community activities and do fundraisers for groups such as the Boys & Girls Club and Danville District 118.

Forman has been singing his entire life, and always had the vision to start his own band. Last year, he finally decided to try it.

“We put this band together and we hit it off,” he said.

He has written several of the songs performed by the group and has co-produced a couple of songs with Ravion Reed. In fact, he wants all of the group’s songs to be original so they don’t have to worry about copyrights.

The band has 10 members. Besides Forman, they are: his wife, Tamara, vocalist; son Aarian, 12, lead vocalist; son Kobe Forman, 8, backup drummer; nephew, Dejuante Forman, first drummer; Amanda Henderson, vocalist; Stephen Scott, vocalist and keyboards; Reggie Turner, bass guitar; Brett Dupree, organ; and John Higgins, pastor of New Testament Church, lead guitar.

The musicians’ ages range from 8 to early 40s.

During the concert, people will be encouraged to stand up, clap and interact with the band.

“If you come, you won’t be disappointed,” Forman said. “The entire evening will be filled with an awesome time.”

Forman hopes for a good turnout to show the younger members of the band that the community supports them. A good turnout, he said, sends the message: “We’re here. We support you guys. We want to encourage you to continue to spread a good positive message.”

Forman, manager of Blockbuster Video, is a member of New Kingdom Christian Church.

COMING UP

Phaze II will have its debut concert at 6 p.m. May 3 at CrossRoads Christian Church, 3613 N. Vermilion St. Admission is free, but people are asked to bring a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to CrossRoads’ pantry.

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