Jason Comes Through…
Illuminate is so blessed to have Jason.
We met Jason last year, after he responded to an ad we had posted, in search of a percussionist. In his e-mail, he wrote that he, in fact, was a bassist, but would like to participate in the project if we, by chance, might be in need of one.
Funny how God brings people together.
Illuminate was in it’s second year and was determined to make things bigger and better from our previous/first year. We felt that adding a percussionist would add to what we had already established musically. I don’t think, however, that we envisioned a bassist – just yet…
The discussion was short and sweet – YES! Let’s bring him in! The rest, as they say, is history.
THIS year, Jason was faced with possible scheduling conflicts, due to uncertainties in his work schedule. In addition, we had requested that he play the ‘Upright’ bass, as opposed to the electric bass, which he performed with last year. Due to space constraints in the venues we would be performing at, we felt that we might not have enough room for too much equipment. And just let me say, as a bassist myself, it’s MUCH easier to play an electric bass! Playing the acoustic/standup bass takes much dedication and practice.
Pray, pray, pray…..
OK, let me wrap this up.
Not only did the schedule thing work out, Jason also devoted the time needed to get his chops ready for the standup bass. You can, at times, hear him play it with a bow – man, what a beautiful sound!
On top of that, when the drummer/percussionist we had tapped to perform with us this season was unable to participate, Jason found our replacement – Daniel. When Daniel had scheduling conflicts for a couple of shows, Jason came through with Rob. When we were in need of PA speakers?…..yup, you guessed it – Jason. (I’m sure I’m missing some other stuff…)
Funny how God brings people together….
Thank you Jason.
-Rene
The Show at SPJST Rest Home in Taylor
Today’s show at the rest home in Taylor went way smoother than yesterday’s went at the Querencia @ Barton Creek. We followed an all ‘a capella’ group that serenaded the residents with traditional hymns. I bet our set shook ‘em up a bit. At one point I looked over to my left and saw a lady in her wheelchair, plugging both her ears and saying “too loud”. But it seemed the majority ruled, so we kept playin’.
Their favorites, I think, were the sleepy sing-along, Silent Night & our Chuck Berry/Jack Johnson version Rudolf.
My husband, Ricky brought our kiddos and went around the rooms to see some residents who weren’t able to sit in the community room. After the show, he goes, “I thought it was so funny- but so cute – how, before ’Jesus, What a Wonderful Child”, you go, “Alright, are y’all ready to rock?!’” And my son, Braylon chimed in, “yeah, mom, like all those old people can rock!”
What! Old people can rock! They might not have laced up their blue suede shoes, but they were rockin’ in their hearts…& smilin’ – and I even caught a few heads bobbin’ to the beat. Betty Lou (above) cheered me on the whole hour long.
At one point, after I introduced “Little Drummer Boy” about offering what we have to Jesus, another beautiful white haired woman leaned over to Ricky & said, “that girl’s an advertiser!”
I think our bluesey, gospel-laced rock & roll Christmas set was a hit. But more importantly, I think people were touched. What more could a musician ask.
-Chelan
A Little Bit About Rene
RENE RAMOS
{rhythm guitar}
I currently live in Round Rock, TX and attend church at “Shoreline Christian Center” in Austin, but was born in a small community in South Texas. My early influences included AM Tejano Radio and Church songs.
I remember my Uncle Luz visiting from Lubbock, TX, where he played at his local Church. The Family would stay up while my uncle played his acoustic guitar, singing some of our favorite songs…man, those are great memories!
I’m truly excited and blessed to be a part of ’Illuminate‘! Here, we have a group of diverse Christian musicians that have come together for a single purpose – to use our God-given talents to celebrate the GREATEST event of mankind – the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My hope is that
God will work through each of us to glorify His name.
A Little Bit About Chelan
Ok, ok, this might seem redundant, (seein’ as we have a band bio page) but I just thought I’d put up one post per band member, so you, the general public can get to know us a little better. So, I guess I shall start w/…ME!
CHELAN RENE’ RUSS
{lead vocals}
Singing has been my passion since about ‘91 when I was coerced into joining a youth choir. I stuck with it for six years until I was booted for getting married. Every bit of credit for all I’ve sung, written or played since
then, goes to back to God – the One who gave me this voice.
I’ve been a part of many worship/outreach teams, two “coffee shop” bands, two youth conventions, a few benefits, & church recording projects. Back in ‘02, I sang, America the Beautiful at an NBA game (Blazers vs. Nets), where Jason Kidd gave me a sweet compliment…and sent my heart a flitterin’.
I live in Hutto, TX, now, with my Ricky & our boy & girl… but I grew up in Oregon. My mom would sing and play the piano & organ, my dad would play his acoustic Takmine, & my grandparents would sing & play guitar, too, at church & the Senior Center.
In ‘05, I realized a new dream. As I read “The Dream Giver” by BruceWilkinson, God showed me that he had placed in me the potential to song-write and play guitar to accompany myself. I’ve been working on both so that I can fulfill my potential, one day, and give it back to Him.
A hope of mine is to eventually have an in-home sound-proof studio where I can write, sing, play & record. Another dream is to be able to learn the art of percussion.
Illuminate has been something I’ve looked forward to be a part of, three years in a row, now. Every fall, we get the ball rollin’ with more & more excitement & creative ideas. If it were up to me, we’d be doin’ this thing year-round, and we just might. I believe I’ve been called to do music outside the walls of a church. Illuminate has been that way to reach out and shine some hope to people that might never step foot in a church. We’re here to bring deep, non-preachy yet relatable lyrics, interlaced with Latin, Folk, Blues and Gospel grooves…to reach people, right where they are.
Blue Marble Java in Pflugerville Awaits!
Update! Blue Marble Java is welcoming our Christmas show, Friday DEC. 18th @ 7pm! We are honored to perform there – our only coffee shop this season.
Come on out & join us. There’s a very cool & roomy atmosphere, free Wifi, and the best, fresh & locally roasted coffee in the entire Austin area!
Five Thankful Turkeys
…that’s what we are. Illuminate, as a band, has never been this united and inspired as we are now. I know I am personally looking forward to working together in public venues, and being used to touch peoples’ hearts this December. We might be able to sing or play, but everyone has enormous potential…
You can impact someone with serving, with sweet & genuine words, a good ol’ home-cooked meal, playing an instrument or praying for a friend. You can visit someone you might think is lonely. You can call instead of text…or handwrite a card, illustrate it and then snail-mail it instead of email.
Take the extra time for someone this week. You never know just how much of a difference it will make.
Have a GREAT Thanksgiving day & week!
Chelan
Join us for some live music at Taylor’s Latin Grill, Ricoco’s
What’s up, y’all?! I am gettin’ fired up about this season! Illuminate’s goal was to schedule about
6 venues in Dec., and so far we have 5, but finally, ONE that we can invite friends and family to come to – a restaurant!
Not just any restaurant, the fine city of Taylor’s very own Latin Grill that is…Ricoco’s. Come on down Saturday Dec.12th 7-9pm, for Richard & Coco’s festive event complete with Santa and Ms. Claus, the Fire Dpt, a “Red Santa Toy Drive” and yep, live entertainment that will put your soul at ease and somehow energize you all at once!
Ricoco’s serves the best Latin food (a bit different than Mexican ~ they don’t use yellow cheese or ground beef) w/authenticity & flavor that’ll make you roll your eyes (in a good way). The tables are covered with white paper so knee-high patrons can color to their hearts content. But as you can see, you don’t have to be knee-high to gave a great time @ Ricoco’s.
See ya there! Saturday, December 12th 7-9pm
Upcoming Shows So Far…Let’s light up Austin just in time for Christmas, y’all!
December…
- 5th @ 4pm Querencia at Barton Creek (2500 Barton Creek Blvd. Austin)
- 6th @ 4pm SPJST Rest Home (500 E Lake Dr. Taylor)
- 10th @ The Top Drawer (4902 Burnet Rd. Austin)
- 19th @ 1pm Austin Recovery Center (8402 Cross Park Dr. Austin)
Evolution of a song…and a band
The last couple of practices have been just me, Rene and Lee, as we’ve been hashing out the chords & arrangement to the new Christmas song, “This Jesus”.
I am soooo excited about this! It was just a skeleton a few months ago, and it’s evolving like crazy… 4 verses, a soothing bridge and oooooh!… an intro with that “Carol of the Bells” lick I’ve wanted to incorporate into our set for 2 years (thanks for that impromptu & perfectly suited idea, Mr. Rene’ Lopez. I hope you get to hear the finished product you helped inspire)!
It’s been so humbling to just sit, look back at the last 3 yrs, and realize how God has placed me in a band with such talented, available artists , all with the same focus. This band, much like this latest song, has evolved into a multi-dimensional …thing with soul, purpose and personality, inspired by God, THE reason for this upcoming season.
Peace!
Chelan
Get Bookin’
The band’s been rehearsing left & right, hashin’ out chords to the new bluesey song about miracles, and booking up dates for shows in Dec. It’s been productive and just really cool to be a part of. I feel so honored!
- So SPECIAL BULLETIN! To all y’all who manage or own a restaurant, rest home, children’s home or hospital, addiction rehab or teen rec center, jail or restitution center, roomy coffee shop, cafe’ or lounge… Now’s the time to get bookin’. Jus’ email us at: illuminateLIVE@gmail.com. And have an amazing autumn week ahead.
illuminateLIVE@ gmail.com
Chelan