Sojourn (MI)

Sojourn is a 4-piece Christian Adult Alternative (acoustic pop) group, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The group has been together for over 15 years, with multiple releases available.

Founded as an acoustic duo in June of 1992 by long time friends, Sojourn has consistently grown and moved forward as a music group.

Singer Adam Parmenter was in a crunch for an accompanist for some solos he was singing at a banquet. Guitarist Dean Newell agreed to help. The two enjoyed the experience to such an extent that they decided to continue working together. Dean and Adam developed a unique sound blending folk-style music and harmonies with jazz, pop, and blues motifs. Adam, a long-time closet songwriter, brought stacks of lyrics to the newly formed duo. In the Spring of 1993, the two recorded the tape “An Acoustic Duo”.

In the fall of 1993, Adam’s brother Scott, an experienced keyboard player, joined the group. The trio went on to record the second project “One Step Away”. Upon release of this recording, Sojourn welcomed bassist Tim Hamm. After two years of writing and touring, the foursome released “Faces Unveiled”. After releasing the effort, Sojourn bid farewell to Scott.

Excited by the creative possibilities, Sojourn brought in accomplished guitarist Steve Terwilliger. With an intense new creative direction, the band began writing new material and reinterpreting audience favorites. This led to the release “Where We’ve Been”.

In 1998, Sojourn completed their second full-length CD titled "Not The Same Thing". This recording was a dramatic departure from previous effort. The new recording drew upon the bands varied interests. Light jazz instrumentals, pop rock, and even some Celtic influence can be heard.

In 1999, Sojourn has added drummer Dennis Jeltema. This has once again added a new texture to the sound of Sojourn. Three songs from the "Not The Same Thing" recording have been re-released with the added drums. The addition of the drums has been met with enthusiasm by both the band and their audience.

In the fall of 1999, Steve moved back to California leaving the guys with the opportunity to again move in a new direction.

While working out a new sound and plan, Sojourn released a few “limited edition” custom CD-R compilations as well as a “live in concert” release.

In the Spring of 2003, Sojourn released “Once Again”. This is their first “studio” release in over 5 years, and finds the band functioning more cohesively then ever before.

Sojourn is now based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Today, the rhythm section of Tim Hamm and Dennis Jeltema bring a more "rock" feel to the group. However, the original guitar and vocal feel can still be heard in everything the group writes. Sojourn's music can be best described as acoustic pop music, with lyrics reflecting the member’s personal lives and beliefs.

Throughout their career, Sojourn has been able to perform alongside many major label artists such as David Meece, The Elms, Kenny Marks, The Insyderz, Buck, and Jan Krist.

Counting Crows, Dave Matthews Band, Smooth Jazz artists