COF

I'm really glad you guys were there this weekend. I love your music and heart. You guys are quite good at what you do!

…a lot of people ask me "What are you (IGNITION) looking for?" I tell folks we're not "looking" for anything, just good music written and performed well. COF definitely lands on both of those fronts.

Andy Allen
Director

It is always a great pleasure to watch you gentlemen play! You are such skilled musicians…I would love to hear you take advantage of those incredible harmonies, and push them a little further. Again, you guys are incredible!

Heath Bottomly
MakeShift Records

I love the three-piece. You guys are obviously really skilled and great musicians, very entertaining and fun together…a very fun band to see, with a message in a package we would not normally see…The songs are great. You guys seem to be pros, and obviously can win over a crowd.

Jordyn Conner
Director of A&R – Provident Music/Sony BMG

- Christian Music Showcase

(Footprints on the Sea) really sounds great. I love the variety, and I find myself humming the songs afterwards. Great job amigo. Congrats!

www.tomcorbett.net - Roundhole Records

Dear Bramblebush COF,

On behalf of the congregation at Columbus Street Baptist Church, I want to thank you all for a most wonderful evening of worship, fun, and awesome music. The concert your shared with us last Sunday March 19th was without question one of the most enjoyable that we have ever had. I have heard nothing but positive comments from our people. Everyone in attendance had so much fun in the Lord as you all played and sang and related to us the truths and blessings of our Lord in such a unique and original manner. Your music style was so pleasant and uplifting and filled with the Spirit of our Lord Jesus. You made all of us feel like we are indeed a part of your "Circle of Friends" in Christ. May God richly bless your ministry of music and encouragement. We look forward to having you back again.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Dr. Frank D. Ward, Senior Pastor
Columbus Street Baptist Church
714 Columbus Street
Bakersfield, CA 93305
- Dr. Frank Ward

The COF CD Release show at Jesus Shack was the second time that I have been able to see the band play live, and I am impressed by the amazing work that is being done. The conversation among the musicians and audience between songs was priceless. This is truly what unites the band and the audience into a community that is gathering to honor our Lord.

As their name states, the Circle of Friends' show was packed full of friends and family with only standing room available. The location was wonderful; it was actually the first time I have been to the Jesus Shack, and the atmosphere was so welcoming and relaxed. People were greeted by smiling faces and even by the band members who made themselves available before, during, after the show for autographs and conversation.

One of my favorite things about COF's music is that they put a Biblical Scripture reference by each song which gives purpose to each word. It is an awesome way to keep God's words in mind when listening to their CD or when hearing them at a show. Not to mention that all of the lyrics are uplifting with wonderful messages. I am so excited to see what God holds next for COF. I know it will only be good things!

See you at the next show,
Lindsay

- Lindsay Haney

Bakersfield band C.O.F. received an honorable mention at America’s Christian Music Showcase Aug. 5 at the Spirit West Coast festival in Monterey.

The band features original Christian music in an acoustic string-band presentation. C.O.F. is short for “Circle of Friends” and the personnel varies depending on which friends are available for an engagement.

“We felt like a duck at a Miss America Pagent,” said Russ Lenk, composer, acoustic guitarist and lead singer for C.O.F. “The festival was geared to young adults and teenagers, and the decibels were bouncing off the hills.

“Our music is intended to soothe the spirit and tickle the soul in a somewhat quiet way, so we were surprised when they called us at midnight to say we made the finals.”
Lenk was accompanied by Lonnie Wilson on string bass and Erik Hershkowitz on dobro.
The competition ran all day Aug. 4 with a different band every 20 minutes. Five bands were chosen for the final playoff on Aug. 5.

“I guess they like ducks,” Lenk chuckled.
- Bakersfield Californian

Vocal melodies and harmonies are tight! Good job working them out to be so clean. Instrumentally you all rock! A good job and a strong performance.

Heath Bottomly with Makeshift Records

Loved your vocal. Nice BGVs and you are certainly good players. Tight as a band. Great job. Such a breath of fresh air. We as music professionals love that stuff.

Aaron Rice with EMACK Music

I love your heart and intention behind the songs…It’s rare to find an artist that makes the effort to force their audience to think deeper than just what’s at face value…

Josh Heiner with Essential Records - American Christian Music Showcase