Artist description Eph'pha-tha performs both original material and their own "Eph'pha-tha-sized" versions of today's contemporary Praise & Worship Music

Music Style Christian Pop / Rock

Musical Influences 2nd Chapter of Acts, Amy Grant, DC Talk, Newsboys, Queen, U2

Similar Artists we have been told: Sixpence, Caedmon's Call, Fleetwood Mac, but, we really think we sound like Eph'pha-tha.

Artist History So your looking for a Christian Rock band for your next church event, youth rally or festival.. Look no further Eph’pha-tha is just the band you are looking for. Based out of Austin, Texas – Eph’pha-tha was established in 1994 as a small acoustic praise & worship band. The first question you might have is “what’s with the name” - yeah, it’s always the first question asked….. Eph’pha-tha is a Greek translation of an Aramaic word spoken by Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 7, verse 34. Aramaic was the common language spoken in 1st century Palestine and our pronunciation is ~ ef - fah - tha…. Simple enough, although you’d be surprised at the variety of pronunciations Eph’pha-tha has heard as they have “gigged” throughout Texas….. Names like Mufassa, Epp-pah-ta, alfalpha …. even epithet….. Hard name to spell and pronounce, but they chose the name for the meaning. In the gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a deaf-mute and, immediately the deaf-mute could hear and communicate with the Savior……. The band members dug the idea of this action-word used by Jesus … And looking up to heaven, He sighed, and saith unto him, “Eph’pha-tha” that is be opened … “to be opened!” because that is the way they see their ministry and the music they write. Yep, their mission is to share the teachings of the Holy Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, thru their unique and original style of music. Eph’pha-tha believes – they are called to this mission by God, and that His hand in this ministry is ever-present. Thru their obedience, God will use the ministry He has given them to minister to both the churched and unchurched! With a musical style ranging from acoustic rock to pop rock to alternative rock to just straight forward rock – blending original material with what has been called many times “Eph’pha-tha-sized” versions of contemporary praise & worship material. Since the start of Eph’pha-tha they have recorded and released 4 CD projects – Listen (1996), To Be Opened (1998), Shower Me (2000) and recently Fade (2003), which was recorded in Nashville with Audio Adrenaline’s former lead guitarist – Barry Blair. Eph’pha-tha has played numerous Coffee Shops, Church events, Youth Rallies, Festivals and more.. Sharing the stage with the likes of Nashville Recording Artists – Sierra, Salvador, Petra and many independent Christian bands. In all seriousness though, 8 years of putting their ministry together, with the Lord refining the material and their personal walks, it has been a real blessing. Eph’pha-tha has always agreed – it’s about the message before the entertainment. Large events are awesome to be involved with, but Eph’pha-tha feels sometimes it’s the small churches, locally produced festivals, club scenes and coffee houses, outreaches and youth rallies that carry the real meaning for their ministry. The opportunity to share what is “real” with the fans and friends on the road is what it is all about. Places like Scar’s Caf�, the Powerhouse, Vision Street, Balou’s Coffee House, Triumph Coffee House, Java-Net……or festivals like UR Free, Sung by the Riverside, Godstock, Wordstock, Christfest…..and special events like: Pink Santa, March for Jesus, South X Southwest’s Gospel According to Austin and much, much more. There’s been a lot of history and they hope to keep making some more.

Group Members Staci Gideon / lead vocal, Henry Gideon / bass-backing vocal, Matt Gideon / guitar-backing vocal, Eddie Vogel / drums, Dennis Morris / electric guitar

Instruments bass, keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums

Albums Listen-1994, To Be Opened-1996, Shower Me-2000, Fade-2003

Location Austin, Texas - USA

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