Music
Press
“Anderson Grove performed in July 2011 at our Summer Festival in Monroeville, a community outreach which brought over 12,000 guests from all over the Pittsburgh region. Anderson Grove has a great sound, and kept their audience engaged and rockin’ to their contemporary and upbeat Christian music. The seem to appeal to a wide range of listeners from teens to seniors. Their performance was on par with our headliner acts. Additionally, the band is professional courteous and easy to work with, and we were quick to invite them back for an encore performance at the 2012 Summer Festival.”
Tony Nicolazzo
Director, Entertainment
North American Martyrs Summer Festival
Monroeville, PA - Tony Nicolazzo
In my opinion, Anderson Grove is the
best worship band in the Pittsburgh area.
As a youth pastor and retreat director it is
important to have a band that is energetic
enough to lead students with excitement
and spiritually mature enough to lead
them into God's presence through music
and song. Anderson Grove is a band that
combines contemporary songs, yet rooted
enough in their faith to play old hymns in
modern style that is both inspiring and
praiseworthy. My students love this band
and connect every time they lead worship.
Their faith and passion comes through the
speakers, you can hear and see it in worship. I would recommend these guys to
anyone looking for a praise band with
depth and talent." - Ben Kendrew, Youth Pastor - Pittsburgh, PA
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
The History Behind Anderson Grove…
“How about the Barrett Show,” said Barrett Hendrickson seconds before he was to lead worship with his band at Ignition. “No, your head will explode,” said a dismayed Keith Balkey. The band was pressed to find a name so they could be introduced to a large crowd of teenagers at a Youth Conference. “Guys, I need a name in five…four…three…two.” “How about Anderson Grove” said Chad Eckert, the smartest member of the band? “I’m rollin’ with it.” And so it began…The band was cleverly named after a bible study group for young adults, which has helped mold the band’s current mission: To glorify God through worship, to lead others to know Christ, and to enjoy time of fellowship with those met on their journey.
Rooted at Hebron Church in Pittsburgh PA, Anderson Grove is a five piece Christian Rock Band that, above all, loves to use their abilities to lead others in worship. Influenced by the likes of David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, and Gungor, Anderson Grove enjoys playing modern Christian music and putting their own modern spin on classic hymns.
The band is led by Barrett Hendrickson on lead vocals and guitar. A man of few words, Barrett took over leading worship at Hebron when the former worship Pastor told him to learn the guitar because he was leaving. None of the other band members believe he has a job, but they are just jealous.
Lead guitarist Christian Arnold wows the band with his shredding ability on guitar and the discounts he could get from working at a large music store. If you asked any of the band members, they would tell you he is that “Crazy Christian” guy.
On bass, Chad Eckert, the aforementioned smartest member of the band, holds a Doctorate in something having to do with??? The other band members, if they knew you well enough, would fill you in on Chad’s little secret, he brews a good beer.
On keys and backup vocals, Ernie Dipko is the newest member of the band. Commonly referred to as “Pops,” Ernie has the most experience playing 80’s music. None of the other band members are quite sure how he became part of the band.
Finally on drums, Keith Balkey does his best to keep the band on track. His previous three bands all broke up after promising starts, and he really doesn’t want to look for another one. If you asked the band members if Keith was nagging or just persistent, they would reply “yes”.
Through their music, Anderson Grove is laying the foundation of outreach to others outside of the Hebron Congregation. After successful debuts at the NAMS festival and Ignition in the summer of 2011, Anderson Grove released their demo at the Laurelville Youth Retreat in the Fall and is moving forward to record an LP in the near future. Until then the band is going to write, continue to lead worship at Hebron, and take advantage of every opportunity to lead others in worship.
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