God'SquareMile: the “Jangle-Funk” Band which you can hear on Spotify, iTunes, CDBaby or Napster. God works in mysterious ways.   Sometimes through a well-designed grid of streets along the Atlantic.

God'SquareMile: the Band: reflects the well-spring of wondrous talent that the Lord sent. This latest "stew" from George Scholes 4 (ala PopSentry) has all the tasty ingredients to make you keep coming back for more.

“Cross Tomb Resurrection” was recorded and engineered by Joe DeMaio at ShoreFire Studios.

Tasha Anne Asay

Vocals

Young Will tried to toss PopSentry off an Embury hammock as the PopS attempted to court his oldest sister (who was said to be part Wolf).

He made up for his prepubescent raucousness by later courting a sister of a Quay.

Moving closer to the jettys of the Atlantic, this pier-less "Cannonball Red" sang songs that sirens can only dream of.

Instead of luring sailors onto rocks,  her voice launches ships of salvation. 

Former Lead Singer of "Cannonball Red" and the "FrontPorch Philharmonic", Tasha has also been a Teacher, Director of Christian Education, Director of Choral Dramatics, wife of one and mother of two.

Bethany Dawn Benfer

Vocals

PopSentry sat just 10 rows from where President Grant once granted oratory.

Here he was struck by the honeyed melifluous tones of some angel in white, singing from the northeast balcony.     It turned out to be a costume, a play and a staged direction.   Still...a trace of heaven seemed to be drifting in the air, as it Dawned on him, that a once silent shy wisp of a lass was now emitting wonderful echoes of poetry and rhyme.    Turns out, General Grant left more of himself in Ocean Grove than just some Civil War reflections.     Through his Union lineage, the Lord granted God'SquareMile a vocalist who sweetens each tent on Bethany block with a song of the Spirit. 

Bethany specializes in child care, singing, and avoiding the wrong note.

Michael Paul Boniello 

Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Michael first became obsessed with the atmosphere of rosewood fretboards and arabica roasting at the University of Delaware.   While acoustic tunes and java scents wafted through the air, Bill Haymes inspired him most to pick up a pick and a pickup of his own.   Joni Mitchell and Tom Prasada Rao reflect a portion of his folk-laden preferences.   

He was a bedrock of stability with his Martin axe fingerpicking or strumming through "Cannonball Red",  "the FrontPorch Philharmonic", a guitar mentor for untold masses of aspiring younglings, then the founder of CrossTown Acoustic Cafe.

His relatively new-found relationship in Christ over the past decade and a half   has brought a peacefulness and balance; in understanding what is important vs. what is trivial in life's journey.

All this from accepting His invitation and living in away that reflects the love of the Master.

Favorite Slice of Scripture...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."   - Ephesians 4:29-32

Alan Herman Brown

Electric Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Vocals

Alan "the Bambino" Brown,  shared peanut butter and jelly with PopSentry above Pathway Market in the early 70's.    "Chopped Meat Charlie" was cantankarous as always that day, grinding out the best burger-makers this side of the Mississippi.  While Harry Lewis stocked shelves, Tom Davis (Al's grand-dad) rang the register and "Coach" Herman (his father) managed the affairs of produce for the day....  the 2 aspiring musicians upstairs finished their milk, and then didn't meet up for another 8 years. 

After a few years' stint as demi-pro soft, soft, softball players who weathered "bad news bears' years" and finally saw a championship which reigned over a 6 mile vicinity of eastern Monmouth County for approximately a day and a half, they began writing some music together and formed "the Library" with Robert John Davis and Glenn Robert Swindell, which also provided Worship fare for St.Paul's for about 3 years.    

Alan has also performed solo at Crosstown Acoustic Cafe over the years and remains a staple on electric rhythm guitar, bass and vocals at St.Paul's@9.

Both Bambi and PopS consider Brad Delp, Daryl Hall, and PaulMcCartney as some of the greatest voices in popular music.

"Downtown Alan Brown" considers Ocean Grove "an enduring sanctuary of spiritual and natural grace," but admits "it's hard to find a parking spot."

He remains blessed "that the Lord is so very patient with  my many shortcomings, and grateful that by His grace we are all washed clean of our stains."

Favorite Slice of Scripture...

"By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone"      

- Proverbs 25:15 

Kevin Christopher Foley

Lead Guitar, Banjo, Vocals

While LauraFoley was hitching rides in Tua's old chevy truck, and singing with the "Praise Band" at 80 Embury or up on the boardwalk;   her "baby brother" Kevin was teaching himself some six-string.

He'll make a really good teacher....but a better guitarist.      

He has starred as lead guitarist for some Brighton Bar gigs, and a variety of coffeehouse venues; sung in a Chorus or two,  duets with Laura at the Crosstown Acoustic Cafe, and when available... shined in glowing humility when offering his gifts before the throne of grace on a Sunday morning in Ocean Grove. He looked authentic strumming his banjo next to Mike Huckabee in the Great Auditorium.

He liked Mumford & Sons before anybody.       ANYbody.

Throwing any partisan politics to the wind, Aaron Burr would be proud.

Christopher David McEwan

Mandolin, Keyboards, Guitar

Remember that story you read next to Alan's photo;  about Pathway Market?

Well Alan's younger sister married David McEwan who also worked there.

Yup, that's the way it works in Small Town-USA.    One square mile o' ground has brought many a family together. They were a model couple. Still are.

After a violinist daughter, they decided upon adding another musician in Chris.

Yes, musician. Mandolin, Violin, Guitar, Drums, Piano, and still adding.

Thanks to Holly Horn (you'll read about her soon),   his experience in the Ocean Grove Violin Orchestra, and as drummer in the Wall High School jazz band has enriched and added depth both to church services and to God'SquareMile.    

He's played at plenty of weddings and concerts too.

John Mayer, the Beatles and Mumford and Sons have all influenced him.   

But remember,  KevinFoley heard M&S first.

Hanging out at St. Paul's UMC his entire life,  he's always been active in Crossroots Student Ministries there as well as playing in the "Surge" band to provide worship too.

" Playing for God'SquareMile is a way for me to worship Jesus and use the talents He gave me to bring others closer to Him."

Well said Chris.   Well said.

David Scholes Robson

Bass, Drums, Percussion, Pennywhistle, Glockenspiel, Guitar, Vocals

PopSentry often says,  "it's so hard to find and keep a decent rythym section,  I had to raise my own"

And so it is.

But in some part, thanks to due to 22:21 bassist: Andrew Rasmussen, in taking some extra time to share some of his knowledge on all things Mingus, Jaco, and Macca.... just before he departed to Texas to pursue his doctorate

David (like Eddie VanHalen before him)  picked up this older brother's instruments and began writing his own songs and playing at local coffeehouses.

It wasn't long before he became the "go to" bassist for worship.   Although already an accomplished leader on stage, in the pulpit or on a variety of instruments; David thrives on being free to play "utility man".... setting up equipment, running sound, stage manager, switching instruments as the need arises and when absolutely needed:  singing solo or preaching from the Word.

He listens to a lot of music but is influenced by Foo Fighters, ELO and the Beatles.

He is founder, producer and lead vocalist for Juvenile Adolescents,  a member of GSRVMusic and plays all the right basslines for his PopS in "the Mile"

Commenting on Ocean Grove as the geographic extension of God'SquareMile: 

 "It's equal on all four sides:  1) Beauty  2) Friendship  3) Beaches  4) Jesus  

         And it's where I've grown up."

Favorite Slice of Scripture...

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."        

                           -Matthew 5:16

George Scholes Robson 5

Drums, Violin, Guitar, Percussion, Vocals

Dubbed "Tua" by his younger sister,  George V,   has been performing since he was about 5.

Though he and his brother prefer trading instruments and recording on any thing that makes musical sound,  when he settles on the "skins" in tandem with David on bass, a guaranteed groove is in the making.

A graduate of Pace University (home of James Lipton's Actors' Studio),  he records all instruments and vocals himself under the name GSRVMusic. His third album "Trancendence. Problematic" was just released this year, and takes rural instrumentation like violin, mandolin, and guitar and marries them with theatre, punk rock, and R&B to produce something best described as Urban Folk.  It is music for the living.   

He can be "caught live" in shows performed throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan and the five boroughs.   Like Holly Horn before him,  this "Square Miler" has transplanted much of his creative time to the Big Apple.         Check out more at....      http://gsrvmusic.com

Jordan Dale Whilden

Piano, Harmonicas, Steel Pan, Accordion, Guitar, Vocals

Jordan Dale Whilden became the multi-instrumentalist that PopSentry was looking for to feed his exotic instrument addiction within the conservative arena of a western harmonic chancel area.

Jordan was only 13 at the time.    

Didgeridoo, Accordions, Xaphoon, Harmonicas, Er-Hu, Guitar, Mandolin, Classical Piano, just scratch the surface.  While at Wheaton College, he scrounged for spending money on the streets of Chicago as a one-man band (ala Dick VanDyke as Burt in Mary Poppins).   

Studying for his Master of Divinity at Fuller in Pasadena,  he and Tua drove cross-country and soaked up Americana before gracing the Square Mile with both musical gifts and spiritual insight through playing and preaching.

He "crammed" our recording session at ShoreFire into a tight schedule before he had to head back to California.

His tasteful turns on the ivories will make your ears glad he did.

Holly Horn Lamis

Violin

Holly grew up in Indiana but "summered" in God's Square Mile.

Singing through Thornley Chapel, Youth Choir, in Choral Dramatic's shows directed by Dexter Davison, she (along with PopSentry)  took in the full Ocean Grove summer "treatment".

Music shaped her life from there, with Violin her main vehicle.

With her Masters from the Indiana University School of Music she "fiddled" in the New York City Opera National Company playing 6 shows a week for 3 Tours!

She played "Off Broadway" for the show "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" for 10 years, during which she was also a Violin Adjunct Faculty Teacher for Jersey City University.

She was Concertmaster of the Spoleto Festival in Italy 3 years.   (No we're not kidding)

Chautauqua and Aspen Music Festivals

She played over 100 concerts in Carnegie Hall, including acting as concertmaster with the New England Symphonic Ensemble.    Add to that, the Chautauqua and Aspen Music Festivals, and touring as concerto soloist with the New England Symphonic Ensemble in Australia, Canada, and the British Virgin Islands

In 2000, she established the Ocean Grove Violin Academy which has developed and harvested a well-spring of next-generation talent for God's Square Mile and the surrounding communities. (Tua, Chris & Jordan have all been blessed by her mentoring)

She and her world-class architect husband have raised 3 beautiful children in the meantime.

Aside from that.... Holly is bored and needs to play with "GSM" just to make time go by more quickly.

George Scholes Robson 4

Vocals, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Bass

GSR4 has penned over 800 pages of lyrics and at least 500 tunes to accompany them.

Past bands include Cold Gin, the Existential Moped, Railroad, Neshanic Station, the Conspiracy, Pouch, Slap Debussy, Art Servilla & the Riverside Band, the Library.

Introduced to Michael Card, at a time when George was re-immersing himself in Scripture, (he wanted to prove that the monks messed up in their translations somewhere).   Card's scholarly and reverent handling of scripture within popular song form was exactly what this budding songwriter was looking for.  A very similar approach was taken in the songs you will hear on "Cross Tomb Resurrection".

An amateur musicologist, geography and international cuisine "freak",   he can be caught listening to Latvian Bagpipes or Venezuelan Harps, just as easily as Fountains of Wayne or Tomaso Albinoni.

Some current favorites are....  Anonymous 4,  Thelonious Monk,  and.... oh way too much to mention here.   

Jesus Christ is who he lives and moves and has his being.   

Though his flesh wants to fight that reality at times.

Favorite Slice of Scripture....

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’”

- Mark 10:27