Maryland Parkway is sought out by churches across the United States to lead worship services and play concerts, church assemblies and youth camps/gatherings.
Along with original music, the band brings its own arrangements of contemporary Christian music as well as traditional hynody in a 
passionate contemporary rock 'n roll style.
The band has just finalized plans to perform a concert at a youth event being held this summer in Illinois for the second year in a row.
The concert will be held on July 24th at Augustana College.
We will post pics and video from the event as soon as they are available.
The band will be debuting some material from their new album, "Rising Up". The album is currently scheduled for a release on April 1st, 2009.
The band bears the name of Maryland Parlway, but is lead by the Spirit of God. They (Mike Watkins, Brett Barnes, Stephanie Devine, Dean Moilanen and Rob Zahn) have a simple goal: to illuminate the gospel of Jesus Christ through music. The band has a passion for sharing the gospel across denominational and church lines, respecting who we are as churches with different perspectives, but emphasizing that we are all one in Christ.
Maryland Parkway is sought out by churches across the United States to lead worship services and play concerts, church assemblies and youth camps/gatherings. Along with original music, the band brings its own arrangements of contemporary Christian music as well as traditional hymnody in a passionate contemporary rock 'n roll style.
| A little bit about us... |
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Mike Watkins - Lead Vox, Guitar Mike Watkins always dreamed of being an archaeology professor/adventurer when he grew up. Sadly, he currently lacks the requisite degrees and the ability to wear a fedora well, so he decided to form a band. Watkins has made his living as a professional musician, working in venues all over the Chicago area. He most recently completed a near 10 year stint as a Music Director for the Second City, traveling the world and working with numerous comedy luminaries, including Tina Fey, George Wendt, SNL’s Jason Sudeikis, and Scrubs’ Neil Flynn, to name a few. He finds that the most satisfying musical experience is when he is privileged to play with great musicians in an effort to glorify God. Watkins currently leads worship at a large church in the Las Vegas valley, where he lives with his wife and their children. |
Brett Barnes - Drums Brett Barnes holds a Masters Degree in Percussion and a Bachelors in Music Education from The University of Arkansas. He has performed in all of the major hotels on the Las Vegas Strip as well as the House of Blues, the Joint at the Hard Rock hotel and the Grand ole Opry in Nashville. Brett has performed as a drummer percussionist with Ernie Watts, Bill Wattrous, Ray Stevens, Aretha Franklin, Rick Danko, and Andrea Bocelli. On the showroom stage Barnes is a First Call sub for Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, Purple Reign prince tribute, and Toni and Tina’s Wedding. He currently performing with the rock band Seminiferous, Junior Brantley (fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vaughn), Moody Scott (www.simply moody.com),Chris Tofield www.christofield.us, Rocky Tonk www.rockytonkband.com, and the mutant bluegrass band the Pickadillos www.thepickadillos.com among many others. He also works as a K-5 Music specialist for the Clark County School District and is President of the Nevada Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. Brett Barnes is proud to play MRP Custom Drums, use Evans Drumheads and Vater drumsticks. www.mrp.com www.evansdrumheads.com www.vater.com
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| Stephanie Devine - Vocals |
Stephanie recently switched careers from the illustrious world of marketing to the meaningful and fulfilling world of teaching. Currently, she keeps her schedule maxed out as a full-time Special Education teacher, full-time student at UNLV in the Education Department, mother, wife, volunteer member of the Praise Team at her church, and premier vocalist for Maryland Parkway. Can you say CRAZY BUSY?!? Stephanie loves to sing and considers any chance that she can sing while bringing glory to God is a true blessing. Dean Moilanen - Electric Guitar Q. “How long have you been playing guitar?” Q. “Has the prolonged exposure to the style of loud music you prefer damaged
your hearing? Q. “After all these years…why get involved with contemporary Praise music”? Q. “Analog….or digital”? Q. “Les Pauls”….or “Strats”? Q. “Which genre or generation of music do you think stands above the rest? Q. “What is your role as the “other” guitar player in the band? Q. “Which is better…the feeling while playing a good gig or the vibe that lingers after a good show? Q. “Does playing guitar and making music still offer the same kind of intrigue
& satisfaction it did “back in the day”.? |
Rob Zahn - Bass Rob Zahn lives in two worlds. In the ‘secular’ world, he spends his time overseeing the Organizational Development department of a finance company while in the ‘church’ world he operates as a mentor and consultant in the realm of Youth Ministry. He is an alumni of Wartburg Theological Seminary and is currently in the process of returning to his theological studies in order to become an ordained Pastor. Rob received a degree in Music from Concordia College and gets his ‘music fix’ by playing and singing in the Praise Team at his church. Although these things take up most of his time, he is married to his best friend and together they have two beautiful girls. Theology is his passion, and although it may be difficult to crack his Socratic style of conversation and debate, he is fully committed to sharing ‘the good news’ of Christ’s saving love. |
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