Wildcats Make Some Noise

If you’ve been looking for some live music events, you’re in luck! Several students from Louisiana Christian University are performing at local businesses in Pineville and Alexandria.

Hours After Music, a band made up of four LCU students, will be performing on April 24 from 4:45 to 6:00 at Palmettos. Jace Buller and Malachi Jackson are both on electric guitar and vocals, Carson Oliver is on keys and vocals, and Joseph Woods is on cajon (drums/percussion).

The creation of the band began back in March when Buller recruited the other three to help lead a revival. The idea of starting a worship band was met with excitement, as all four of them are a part of one or more of the worship teams at LCU. They decided on the name “After Hours Worship.”

On the 24th, they’ll explore a whole new realm of performing. Instead of a set comprised of worship music, the band will take on the world of indie rock. This transition caused them to take on a new name: “Hours After Music.”

“It will be nice to change it up,” Woods said. “But worship music is still our passion.”

These four students have all wanted to play music locally for some time now, and they each have their own journey when it comes to their love for music.

“I just started playing three years ago, and it has given me so many opportunities,” Woods said. “Because of music, I have been able to travel, meet countless people, and spend time doing what I love, which is playing music.”

Beyond just playing percussion for HAM, Woods is also proficient vocally, on the keys, and guitar. The rest of the members are also skilled at multiple instruments beyond what they play for HAM.

Music is a way for many of the members to express themselves. It allows them to heal, have fun, and share their experience with all those who listen. Specifically, their journeys with God and the call to worship.

“At first it was just for fun and to play in church,” Buller said. “But as I got older, It became more than fun and games.”

Buller goes on to recognize and give credit to God for blessing him with musical abilities. He notes how his music journey has opened doors that previously would have never been open if he hadn’t surrendered to worship.

“Music is the biggest way that we are able to share Jesus,” Woods said.

HAM is steadily rehearsing and prepping for their first gig. They plan to put their own spin on some beloved songs, and they can’t wait to put on a good show for the audience.

Another performance coming up is Kayla Condrey’s acoustic matinee on April 26. It will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 at Tamp and Grind.

Condrey is an aspiring singer/songwriter from northeast Louisiana. She has been playing guitar for a little over two years, but she has been singing all her life.

“When teaching myself guitar, songwriting quickly followed,” Condrey said. “I just got really frustrated trying to teach myself other people’s music, so I decided to make my own.”

Condrey takes songwriting inspiration from folk and indie artists. Some of these include Joan Baez, Tia Blake, Odie Leigh, and Adrianne Lenker. Still, those aren’t the only people she pulled inspiration from.

“Growing up, I listened to a lot of the bands and artists my Dad loved,” she said. “They were often songs that told a story. That style of music has always been very dear to me, so I wanted to write songs like that too.”

Her setlist will be made up of primarily original work, with two or three covers thrown into the mix. She writes songs based off her own personal experiences and even fictional works like books or movies.

She’s thankful for the opportunity to perform at a place like Tamp & Grind, who embrace small artists from all backgrounds.

“Tamp & Grind is actually the first place I ever performed guitar,” she said. “I was a terrified freshman who moved to a brand new town less than a week prior, but I wanted to put myself out there. I took a risk, and it definitely paid off.”

Kayla Condrey performing at Palmettos (Photographer/Cayden Walls)

Since that open mic, Condrey has performed at four other open mics and a two hour set at Palmettos last fall. That set was made up mostly of covers and a few originals, so the idea of performing primarily original work is daunting for her.

“My music is a part of who I am,” she said. “I’m at my most vulnerable when I write music, so I’m nervous how it will be received. Still, I’m remaining optimistic, and I will give the audience my all.”

With Condrey’s bubbly and friendly personality, it won’t be hard for her to engage with the crowd and ensure they’re having as much fun as her. As she continues to write and put the finishing touches on her work, Condrey is excited for the crowd to hear what she has prepared.

“Who knows, there may even be a special guest,” she said.

The last gig will end where we began: Palmettos. Samantha Johnson, a senior psychology major at LCU, will perform on May 2 from 5:30 to 7:00. Johnson is a third generation musician and has been involved in music for over thirteen years.

“I started playing the piano and guitar when I was eight years old,” she said. “And I still play both of them to this day.”

Johnson describes herself as a wildcard. She loves to experiment with different styles of music, so she’ll always keep the audience guessing. The audience should get excited to hear a wide variety of genres, ranging from folk, to Christian, and even pop. Although Johnson primarily performs covers, she is beginning to try her hand at songwriting.

Music is a form of connection for Johnson. She’s able to connect with all those around her, and she finds it to be as vital a form of communication as verbalized communication. Johnson is also able to truly express herself through her music, as well as use it to manage her stress.

“If I’m antsy or upset. I can play music,” she said. “All of the anxiety and restlessness moves from from my brain to my hands.”

She finds comfort in her music and truly believes music to be a gift from God.

“I believe that God introduced music to be a therapy for a hurting heart,” she said. “In the Bible, David would play to Saul, and it would calm his upset spirit. When my heart is hurting, I turn on music, and my peace returns to me.”

Samantha Johnson performing worship at BCM (Photographer/Cayden Walls)

Johnson has also been heavily involved in worship throughout her musical career. She recognizes that music is a ministry, and she has been blessed with these talents by God. When she sings, she is presenting herself to Lord and witnessing to those around her.

It’s important for me to share my music with others so that they can. see my heart,” she said.

Johnson will put on an incredibly heartfelt performance on May 2. If your afternoon is free, make sure to come out and support her and witness the love she has for both the Lord and the people around her.

There is no shortage of musical talent on LCU’s campus and the Pineville-Alexandria area. Musicians are all around, leaving their heart on every stage they have the opportunity to perform from. It is vital that the community come out and support these artists who pour their heart and soul into every piece they write or cover.

These musicians have an evident and loud love for this community. It’s time to give it back to them tenfold. Just in case you forgot, the times and location for each gig are listed below.

Hours After Music – 4:45 to 6:00 @ Palmettos

Kayla Condrey – 2:30 to 4:30 @ Tamp & Grind

Samantha Johnson – 5:30 to 7:00 @ Palmettos