David Howie

Friends in the Field - Zoe Rowmanowsky

Evangelization You Can Dance To
These sons and daughters are busy about their fathers work.

Ever wonder why there isn't a full blown Catholic music industry? A rising band called Sons & Daughters is taking the lead to build one even though most of their live gigs are currently for Protestant audiences. And "Threshold," their new CD, reflects an eclectic array of influences: '60s surfer harmonies, trumpet, harmonica, spoons, and a tasty blend of Tex Mex and flamenco.


Sons & Daughters was founded in 1993 by lead singer David Howie, a writer and performer with the commercial band Rain People, whose 1989 hit "Little Bit of Time" aired regularly on MTV and VH1. The Rain People's main influences were New Age philosophies and practices, which eventually left David in a spiritual quandary. So he left the band and returned home to Champaign, Illinois, where he married his high school friend, Cindy Gifford. Her everyday example and loving encouragement helped lead David to Christ and back to the Catholic Faith. On the other hand, Cindy's earthy voice and Latin percussion skills led her to Sons & Daughters.


Howie's music apostolate grew from a duo to a quintet when drummer Chad Dunn, bass guitarist Jeremy Jones, and (later) Tim Barnes, their "utility" player, joined the band. All the members have full time jobs but hope to make a living with their music, a reality that may not be too far off.


In 1996 they performed 100 shows; 32 more than in 1995. They travel the country playing everything from coffee houses to conferences to large festivals. Currently they are concentrating on their live performances geared to college age and young professional audiences.


The band members are all married (one is engaged) and the Howies recently became parents. So how do they juggle it all? "It has tested us to the depths," admits Howie. "At one point it was a real problem, but we stopped resisting and realized this music ministry is what God wants us to do."


The band's mission is to evangelize through music. "People are seeking something real and we're trying to address that need," explains Howie, "Its one thing to talk about God, our faith, our journey; it's another to take the brave small step to love Him. We want to show that Jesus' love is real."


Their song "Before I Knew You" does just that. The song has become a signature piece at their concerts. It tells of Howie's experience 12 years ago while he was involved with another woman, in which he lost a child to abortion. "We do it as a testimony and a witness to God's forgiveness and the depth of His mercy," he says. "At the end of the song I am able to say, On December 14, 1996, Cindy and I had a son, Daniel William. Forgiveness feels like my son Daniel."


Sons & Daughters does more than evangelize through music. Since they perform at so many Protestant events, Howie's Catholic Faith is often challenged. "In the old days I would back off," he admits. "Id do whatever it took to make sure that person felt comfortable, unchallenged, and safe. Then I'd go home and think, I just sold my Catholic convictions short."


But he's not shying away from the questions today. He's digging in, reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church and various books on apologetics. "I'm much more forward with my Catholic Faith now. We have to know our Faith so we can firmly, with love, explain exactly what our faith teaches."


The fact that the band has two Protestant members is one more reason why they're difficult to peg. Friendly behind the scenes discussions only seem to add to the creative juice that has made them popular. The Catholic Faith is central to Howie's approach to the band's apostolate. The members are open to the ideas of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by guitarist Tim Barnes recent conversion to the Catholic Faith. Sons & Daughters pray together before every rehearsal, and meet monthly with their spiritual advisor.


Their unique sound has been shaped in part by staying away from the pitfalls they see in some contemporary Christian music: overproduced synthesizers, and superficial, syrupy lyrics. "Our sound has found us more than we've found it," explains Howie. Sons & Daughters are poised for national prominence. Looking always to heaven for inspiration, they look forward to a harmonious future. Even if, for now, it means no home cooking for 100 nights of the year.


- Envoy Magazine