In the old days

The idea for the group started with Art. "Years ago, God laid it on my heart to stop using my talents for things that didn't seem very pleasing to Him!" says Art. Art started writing songs with a Christian message and went through years of trying to find someone in tune with what he was trying to do. Then, in 1993, Art asked a newer member of his church, Willy (who was playing in a rock band at the time), if he would like to get together. They really hit it off and a few months later, Willy quit the rock band, and "Heaven Sown" started to grow. 

In the fall of 1994, Heaven Sown released their first project, "Sowing the Seeds of Faith." Soon after, they decided to put a full band together. An old friend of both Art and Willy's, Park Prater, joined up, and the band started writing new material for the next project. As they got more aggressive in Their search, Bill Fitzpatrick and Mike Jessup joined the band on drums and bass, respectively, just weeks apart filling out the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, things happen, and in the winter of 1996 Park felt a strong urge to move to the Knoxville, Tenn. area to be with the rest of his family. Park and the band prayed on it, and when he decided to go, they were all in support of his decision. All agreed that they not only lost a band mate, but a very dear friend and brother in Christ. However, they also understood that God puts people in certain places to serve His purpose!

After a few months of searching and auditioning, another name from the past came up, Dan Drouillard. Willy had been in a rock band, Doo-Wop group, and Barbershop Chorus with Dan and his brother Dave during his high school years. Dan was excited about joining the band, and the reunion was on! Dan's brother Dave started helping out Heaven Sown too, by running the sound board for them at gigs. An added bonus!

As mentioned earlier, things do happen and in late 1998 Mike decided to leave the band because of other commitments. He had a long drive to get to practice and time is a rare commodity in today's high speed world. They knew that they would miss Mike's friendship and super bass guitar talent but also understood that holding down a job, being in 3 different bands, and trying to be a family man takes too much of ones time. Something had to give.

An old friend from high school, Darryl agreed to fill in for a while. The band was really grateful for Darryl's help. "He really got us out of a tight spot, said Dan, and he is a good friend."

In October of 1999 the band decided to try Dan's brother Dave out on the bass guitar. He was a little rusty because he hadn't played bass in a while but he soon came up to speed. As an added bonus Dave sings a mean bass and also plays tuba (sousaphone). Ever hear of a rock band that uses a tuba in their set? You must check Heaven Sown out. They can play a mean Veggie Tales Theme Song with the addition of Dave's sousaphone. Dave's bass singing also made it possible for the band to branch out into another music ministry called SHOUT.

The band is starting to discover that band members tend to come and go. In the winter of 2000, Bill informed the band that he had a dream job offered to him. AutoDesk Inc. (a software company) offered Bill a position that would take him to New Hampshire. Bill accepted and Heaven Sown lost another great talent and dear friend.

Heaven Sown has played for Community Lutheran's "Hoedown" in Flat Rock Michigan for several years. They always shared the stage with other bands. That's where they met a very talented drummer, Louis Margitan. He was playing in another "secular" band at the Hoedown. He seemed interested in what Heaven Sown was doing. His wife Linda seemed interested too. Linda and Louis agreed to give Heaven Sown their number. The guys sure were glad they did because when Bill left they still had some gigs to do and needed someone to fill in on drums in a hurry. Thankfully Louis agreed to do a few up-coming gigs with them. It didn't take long for the band to realize that Louis fit right in. Soon after they offered Louis a permanent position with the band. After some deliberation Louis agreed to join the band on a permanent basis. All the other members of Heaven Sown agree that they are very glad he did. "It always amazes me how God can put people together at the right place and the right time to serve His purpose, says Dan." God is indeed awesome, and his way is perfect!

Heaven Sown's musical style ranges from Blues to Country to Doo-Wop to Full Blown In Your Face Rock and Roll! They have even been known to throw a little bit of rap into their music! "No musical boundaries exist when it comes to spreading God's Word!" says Willy. "We even like to take some of your favorite classic songs and rewrite a few lyrics to give them distinct Christian messages."

Collectively the band members have toured with other bands, both nationally and internationally, played on several recording projects, done studio work, as well as playing the club circuits in the past. Now we have a much bigger curriculum. "I think I can speak for the rest of the guys in saying there comes a time in your life when you realize where your talent comes from, and what you should be doing with it," says Willy. "You wouldn't believe the doors that God is opening for us!"

With all the versatility and experience in the band, one thing will always remain constant, and that's "keeping the focus on Jesus Christ in everything that we do," says Willy. "He died for us, so we live for Him!"