Dear Connections Friends, 

As it says in Ecclesiastes, “For everything, there is a season….” 

So it is that we are announcing to you that Connections Band intends to take an indefinite hiatus, following our current season of concerts. 

Many of you have been fans and followers of our band for years, so we wanted to be sure you heard this word now. Know that this is a bittersweet decision for all of us, as the core members of the group. 

The reality is that Connections’ shows always take a great deal of time, energy and commitment from our entire band. “Load in/Load out” for an average show means a full day of work for some of us. Rehearsals, booking, etc…the daily grind of any band…also takes up additional time. 

So, for this season, we feel that it is time for us to enter into a time of “hiatus.” To be clear, we are not “breaking up.” And there is absolutely no bitterness or animosity among our membership. We *love* what we do as a band. But we do not intend to book a “season of shows” past the current season. 

Each of us also have other musical outlets, family, and church obligations that we feel the need to tend to, in the near future. Brian will soon be retiring. Rusty has several other musical projects, and may well continue playing shows with some of the current members of the band in another form. (If so, we’ll say more about all this as it happens…) Eric hopes to spend more time with his own music. Much of our horn section also plays with other bands too. 

In short, we’ll all still be doing music…and we’ll hope to keep publicizing that through our website…we just won’t be doing Connections shows. And, we certainly hold out the possibility of “reunion shows” down the road. In fact, we can all easily imagine that happening. 

So…when will this hiatus happen? 

Well, that all depends upon how many shows we book over the next few months. Which is to say: 

If you’ve ever wanted to book, or rebook the band at your church or venue…now is the time to contact us! You can get in on this “Final Tour” year. 

Contact any of the three of us if you would like to book us. 

Finally, a word of thanks to all of you who have been such avid supporters of the band over the years. 

Fourteen years ago, we started with one show. We never in a million years could have dreamed of all the amazing things we experienced since then…. 

Playing for THOUSANDS of people…and more than 70 shows… 

Playing with an orchestra and choir…twice! 

Raising $335,000 for charity… 

And all this from a band fronted by Methodist clergy… 

You couldn’t make up this story in a million years. 

It’s been such a blessing to be a part of this ride, and such a joy for each of us, and for all the members of our band. 

We are not done. Let’s plan for a great final year together. 

But we thank you now for all the memories we carry with us, and for all your continued support. 

Grace and Peace, 

Rusty King 

Eric Folkerth 

Brian McPherson