COLSTON BRANCH - ARTIST, BAND
Colston Branch formed in May of 2015 when God brought a desire to be used in music ministry. Colston Branch is a Christian band that incorporates influences from all styles of music. The band combines contemporary and traditional Christian covers along with their own unique original music for an all-around crowd pleasing worship experience.
Clint Collins……. Clint has enjoyed most styles of music for most of his life, but began concentrating on Gods music when he got saved in the early 2000s. He contributes to the group as a vocalist and rhythm guitarist. He is a member of Colston Branch Baptist Church.
Shawn Hanks…….. He is the pastor of Colston Branch Baptist Church. He loves all types of music. Some of his biggest influences are the late BB King, Eric Clapton, and many more. Shawn contributes to the group in numerous ways as a vocalist, guitarist, and keyboard player.
Warren Peay is the lead singer of the group. Warren learned guitar from a local musician, and has continued to elaborate on those skills. Before joining Colston Branch, Warren had a solo act that saw him in many different venues. He has a varied interest in many types of music.
Patrick Collins….. He is a member of the Colston Branch Baptist Church. Patrick enjoys all types of music, but favors contemporary Christian and country music. Patrick contributes to the band as the lead Bass player.
Dean L. Deer……is the bands drummer. He is the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Barnwell SC. He enjoys being with family, looking at drums he can’t afford, and cold rainy windy days. Early musical influences of Boston, Chicago, Rock and Pop of the late 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Contemporary Christian music with favorites consisting of 4Him, Point of Grace, Avalon, Mercy Me, and Big Daddy Weave.
Farrell Pulaski….Farrell is a veteran who served in the US Navy for 5 years. Has spent the majority of his life in Law Enforcement, but is a talented Gunsmith as well. Farrell has played guitar all over the world in several bands. He serves Colston Branch as lead guitarist and vocals.
LONNIE HARDY-ARTIST, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN
The name Lonnie Hardy may be new to you, but this seasoned veteran of
the Gospel has earned his stripes. His ministry career started over 40
years ago with a regional Gospel Quartet which grew and evolved into
radio, recording, song writing, and then pastoring.
Lonnie brings a genuine warmth and sincerity to the concert stage and his
songs are written about the everyday life of a believer. His common
approach and down to earth delivery, mixed with his own unique brand of
humor, helps him to relate to every individual in the audience. Lonnie’s
musical stylings range from Southern Gospel, traditional Country Gospel,
and even touches upon a Southern Rock styling on occasion labeled
Outlaw Gospel, all delivered in a warm midwestern charm. Recently he has
had two songs on local Gospel Radio Charts with Appalachian War Cry at
the #1 position, and the #8 position with Rebel Flag at the same time.
Lonnie also writes for other Gospel Artists.
His ability in the Word allows him to bring revival style preaching that cuts
right to the heart of sinner and saint alike. Whether you’re looking for a
concert experience, a revival meeting, or both Lonnie Hardy is a name to
remember.
My earliest memories of singing was being allowed to sing in the youth choir with the older kids, even though I was only 7 or 8 years old. I was saved at the age of 11 during a youth service where my brother Tony and I were leading singing.
I learned to play guitar as a freshman in high school and have played lead or rhythm for several soloists and groups. I sang lead and some harmonies for our family group since the late 70's. We disbanded when I moved away in the late 80's, but the love and desire of singing gospel music stayed with me. The family got together occasionally to sing and around 2010. That CD has had several charting songs and was the beginning of a wonderful few years of singings, traveling to conventions, and several nominations for awards in the Gospel Music Industry. In 2013, I wrote my first song and have written 5 more to date.
STEPHEN KEMPER- ARTIST, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN
I live in southeast Missouri, and have been a musician for many years. I’ve played a lot in two piece bands, but only started writing my own music about 5-6 years ago (The wife wanted a song for Christmas). My influences are the Eagles, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Colin Raye, America, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and many more. I was fortunate that my Uncle had a Bar that I moved to when I was 14, and it was more like a community center, with a juke box that had a wide variety of music. At age 17 I joined the Army to support myself and that’s when I bought my first guitar, from the local pawn shop. Back at the barracks my fellow soldiers suggested I either learn to play quickly or they would burn the thing. Needless to say I learned quickly, and the guitar survived.
WARREN PEAY -ARTIST, MUSICIAN,
SONGWRITER
Warren Peay is the lead singer of the group Colston Branch. Warren learned guitar from a local musician, and has continued to elaborate on those skills. Along with being lead singer for Colston Branch, Warren has a solo act that brings him to many different venues. He has a varied interest in many types of music. Whether it's Christian Rock, Contemporary Christian or Country Music, Warren masters them all. A very talented artist sure to touch a heart with his soulful vocals.
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MORRIS MOTT -
ARTIST, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN
Morris recorded his first Christian Country project, "Beyond Your Dreams," in 2002, and since then, he's had singles scattered across the Christian music charts and was named "Best New Male Vocalist in Christian Country Music in 2003."
Mott didn't start out as a musician, however. Before he was called to Christian country music, he was called to lead others in their spiritual journeys. "I started pastoring when I was 19 years old," Mott said. "I was the youngest person in the church."
"[When I write music] I try to think how I would feel if I heard this song," Mott said.
Mott has various musical influence, and different audiences often hear snippets of other artists and styles in the minister-musician's music. In addition to a solo artist, Morris has been involved as a musician with Southern Gospel groups and Bluegrass bands.
Morris' goal is to make sure that the ears his music falls upon soak up not only the melodies, but the message as well.
"I want [audiences] to be able to see the things God wants to do for them," he said. "To see God wants to do good things in their life. When they turn [my music] on, I want them to hear the love God has for them, the plan he has for them I'm presenting to you a God that loves you. If God can do all these things for me, I know he can do those things for you. That's what I want them to get out of the music. Just because life may be difficult, there is something better."
In addition to his solo music ministry, Morris serves as the Pastor of Christ Church, Plainfield, IN.
