"The music of PRAZ is PHENOMENAL! Not only has it touched my heart(which it has!), but I've watched them move groups of people to praise, to tears, and above all, to Jesus. Perhaps the secret is that-In addition to their beautiful wonderfully skilled music, they bring an authentic love of God in their hearts, that shines forth in their music."-Fr. Joe Kempf, Pastor of Assumption Catholic Church.
In the summer of 2001, Praz began as an idea, to lead the congregation of Assumption Church in O'Fallon, MO with contemporary music. The group that initially formed consisted of 7 or 8 members, but very quickly diminished down to 4 members, which included Michelle Staebell (vocals), Cathy Pescarino (vocals), and Mike Gagliano (guitar). They would soon to begin playing the weekly 5pm Saturday mass, which they still play to this day. After losing the original keyboard player, Mark Sacco joined the group early in 2002. The sound of Praz started to slowly form, but was not quite there yet. Another idea soon emerged, which was to have Mike Gagliano play drums and bring in another guitar player. In the spring of 2002, this idea became real, as Kevin Hinkebein joined the 5pm mass group. The summer went by, and the five members of the 5pm group were meshing musically, spiritually, and personally. The sound of Praz found its roots and began to grow. It was later that year when Praz began getting comments to make a cd, another idea, which they honestly thought, would stay just an idea. Then one day before mass, Kevin Hinkebein asked them to listen to a song he had just written. This song was so spiritual and moving, it made them think that they possibly could record a cd. The name of this song was "Father I", soon to be on their first cd. It was this song that inspired the whole group to start writing. By the spring of 2003, Praz had enough material to go into the studio to start their first cd project. In August of 2003, Praz went into the studio to record an 11-song original cd. By December of that year, "Heaven's Kingdom or Bust" was released. This began a wonderful adventure, as their music was being heard, and God's message was being listened to. The group started to venture out, playing coffee houses, youth group events, and various venues. As this continued, Praz became a closer-knit family, and the music collaboration became greater. By early 2005, Praz had enough material to go into the studio a second time to do another full-length original cd. In March of 2006, "Stand and Believe" was released. With two full-length original cds under their belt, Praz spent more time spreading the message of God to even more people. It is now 2007, and Praz has played for many groups, activities, festivals, and various concerts. Some of these performances included: Christian Family Day in St Louis, MO, Proud2Be Catholic Festival in Lancaster, PA, Crossroads Festival in Steelville, MO, Hurricane Katrina and Reap Team benefit concerts, to name a few. It doesn't matter where Praz plays, and to how many people they play to, Praz is a ministry. Their mission is to touch the hearts of others, and bring others closer to Jesus through their music, talents, and life story. Praz is very blessed to have each other, their families, and their Church, and without our Lord, Jesus Christ, none of this is possible!
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