A String and a Prayer

What do you get when you mix together 7 close friends, 53 strings many vocal chords, Christian praise, and a healthy dollop of fun? A String and a Prayer.

We started out as a collaboration at First Christian Reformed Church in downtown London, Ontario, and have now traded and gathered members, added repertoire and written a few tunes of our own. We all have the same goal in mind: Have fun sharing the Good News in word and in music.

The members of A String and a Prayer come from all walks of life, from communications to law, from banking to veterinary services, and throw in some teaching, social work and information technology for good measure. See below for more info on each of us.

We hope that our music can bring some fun, some enjoyment and a beaming ray of God's love into your life.

David Broad - Guitar, Mandolin, Buzouki, Vocals

I don't think he would admit it, but David is the musical leader of the band, with a lifetime of experience and skill with the guitar and mandolin. His fleet fingers fairly fly across the fret board, whether it's bluegrass, salsa, delta blues, or campfire music. When you blend in his silky vocal offerings, you've got one fine musician, and he has much musical experience, playing and singing in churches his whole life.

David's musical skill and accomplishment is complemented by his winning, positive attitude. He has a fine ear for tight harmonies and nifty chords, and is always willing to lend a hand when others are stuck or not finding their parts. He personifies the concept of the Christian gentleman; kind, supporting, and faithful.

By day David is an accomplished lawyer, currently working for one of London's most prestigious law firms. He is also kind enough to invite us to his home each week where we practice in purpose-built space above his garage.

Diane Broad – Bohdran

Diane is the newest member of A String and a Prayer, having joined the group in late 2009. She is the official percussion section, and keeps us all in time on the bohdran, an ancient Irish instrument, made of goatskin and wood, and played with a “tipper” (or for the uninitiated a “stick”).

Diane got into playing the bohdran by deciding to join David in learning Irish music at Riverside Celtic College in Guelph Ontario and has been studying with the accomplished bohdran master Jacob Macauley.

Not only does Diane lend her percussive talents, her good humour and warm smile to the group, but she also opens up her and David’s home for weekly rehearsals (and provides the tea and cookies).

Diane enjoys getting out and playing for folks in our live performances and also very much enjoyed contributing to the recording of our new CD “A Train to Glory.”

Marcella DeViet - Vocals

Marcella has been singing in choirs since she was in grade school. Raised on Classical and Sacred Choral music, she discovered Country and Bluegrass in her rebellious teenage years and never recovered. So when she heard the original "A String and a Prayer" play in her church years ago, she knew she wanted to sing with them. She especially enjoys making up harmonies. Her passion for music keeps her busy as, besides regular practices with ASAAP, she still sings in a church choir and is also learning to play piano and fiddle. She is so grateful that God has provided such a fun outlet for her musical gifts. She immensely enjoyed recording the CD and hopes there will be more in the future.

Marcella's rock-solid faith grew from her childhood, raised in the Christian Reformed Church, her passion for Christ and for life is evident and infectious. She cites Allison Kraus and Dolly Parton as two of her influences, but you can catch her listening to all sorts of C&W, bluegrass, choral, and vocal music. Watch for a blog posting soon outlining her influences and inspirations!

Dan Flaherty - Guitar, Banjo, vocals

With a young family at home, and an extremely busy work life, we don't know exactly where Dan finds the time, but as one of the founding members of A String and a Prayer, we would be lost without him. Dan's broad performance experience, and background in radio and T.V. make him a natural on stage and in public, he is our unofficial spokesman. Nimble fingers and a great ear for rhythm make Dan a great guitarist, but the recent addition of a banjo to his (extensive) instrument collection has also brought additional fullness to our sound.

As communications manager at the health unit, Dan's day job keeps him hopping!

Meaghan Riedl - Vocals

Meaghan is the youngest member of our motley group, and brings with her a great voice that stretches way up into the stratosphere when it needs to. She comes to us from a choral and vocal background, and adds some denominational diversity, having been raised in the Presbyterian Church.

You may have seen and/or heard Meaghan before, she used to sing the national anthem at the old Ice House when the Knights still played there. All this experience still fits into a young soul, Meaghan is the youngest of us chronologically, but the award for youngest mentally (most immature) is a hotly-contested discussion!

Greg Simpson - Fiddle, Dobro, Vocals

It was a chance work-related meeting with Dan that led Greg into A String and a Prayer. We were looking for a fiddler, and he happened to play one. It was a happy coincidence, as he fits quite nicely, and helps especially with silliness at practices. Greg has been on many stages in theatrical and musical productions, and also sings with a vocal quintet, The Five Guys. This ease on stage and his open, friendly personality mean there's no shortage of witty banter, whether at practice or in public. Greg has recently started learning dobro, and adds its mournful tone to a few of our songs.

Greg is a software developer by trade, and his company has been kind enough to provide us with this web site. Of late he's been persuing a calling to ministry, and acts as a Lay Worship Leader in the United and Presbyterian churches whenever the opportunity arises.

Norm Sonnenberg - Bass, Tenor vocals

Norm brings vast musical knowledge and performing experience to the group, having sung all his life. He brings strength at both ends of the register, playing bass and singing tenor. His contagious laugh and easy smile are quick to put people at ease, and he is always willing to share his zeal for Christ and zest for life. Norm lends a Pentecostal bent to the band, and speaks and sings as the spirit moves him.

Norm has performed in many churches and on many stages over the years, from his early days with the Watchmen to many choirs and quartets between then and now. He regularly jams and/or sings with anyone who is willing. Norm's passion and compassion for life define who he is and where he stands. We're so lucky to have a man of his religious fervor to remind us that faith is a journey, and laughter is the best vehicle.