With their tight vocal harmonies, sophisticated lyrics, intricate guitar fretwork, and signature percussion style, Keilah, the Tampa-based Christian acoustic rock group, won the Gospel Music Association Song of the Year Award for their original composition, Evangeline. The broad appeal of their unique sound has enabled them to minister to youth groups and adult congregations alike. They have shared the stage with such nationally recognized ministries as Ashley Cleveland and the Burns Sisters, and seek to advance God's Kingdom through an inspired and creative music ministry.
Keilah came together in 2003 when Travis Hearne, a dedicated Christian and extremely accomplished guitarist, heeded God's call to pursue a music ministry that reached out to youth. He enlisted his brother Cannon, a Christian and extensively-trained drummer in his own right, to play percussion (congas, bongos, djembe, shaker) for an acoustic sound. Finally, Austin Curry, a fellow Christian with a riveting voice and bass guitar runs, joined Keilah. The search ended and the journey began. Beautifully-blended voices, creative songwriting skills, outstanding musicianship, and God's inspiration have laid the path out for Keilah.
There is nothing more invigorating and uplifting of our own hearts than performing live, engaging people in joyous, unabashed worship. Remembering that as Christians, our goal is not to "succeed" in the convention sense but to reach souls for Jesus Christ, our special moments are when someone's heart opens for the first time to the possibility of the unshakeable love God offers us. We play wherever we are asked and do not charge a fee.
Our musical influences include Caedmon's Call, Jars of Clay, David Crowder, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. We are Christian, we are acoustic, we are rock. Because Florida, and especially Tampa, has such a thriving Christian music community, we have a lot of local influences and hope we influence in return.
Our instrumentation is acoustic guitar, electric bass, congas, bongos, djembe, shaker, and harmonica.
Keilah is honored when we are invited to minister to a youth group or adult congregation. We do not charge a fee.