Ten-8
Ten-8 is an up and coming contemporary Christian band from the Sapulpa/Tulsa area that is truly touched by the Holy Spirit. Their sound is modern enough for the youth but mild enough for adults and they have fans from age 5 to 85.
Ten-8 has launched their musical career with an entry into the 2001 Embassy Music Song Writing Contest, two concerts at the Oklahoma State Fair, and several local concerts, along with looking forward to many more live bookings and finishing their first full length CD.
Ten-8 is made up of five guys who love the Lord and love to praise Him. Mike Witten, age 42, is married with one young child. He is a Tulsa Fire Department Captain and plays keyboard/vocals. Doug Hart, age 28, is married with two young children. Doug is an AutoCAD cartographer and plays guitar/vocals. Von Hopper, age 48, is married and has two older children. He works for a large car dealership in the Tulsa area and plays bass guitar/vocals. Rob Mincey, age 28, is married with one small child. Rob is an Occupational Therapy Assistant and plays drums/vocals. Brad Kester, age 30, is a Network Administrator for an Architectural firm in Tulsa. After giving his life to the Lord in 1998, Brad turned his 15-year passion for the guitar into a tool for the Glory of God.
Ten-8 was formed when these five guys decided to play a concert for their local churchs youth retreat in 1999. They put together an hour set in just a few weeks while teaching two of their members how to play their instruments. They decided on the name Ten-8 due to the fact that three of the five guys were on the Creek County Emergency Management team and the radio call sign ten-8means in service. The guys felt like they were In Service for God and the name seemed to fit. Since that time Ten-8 has written an additional 20 songs and recorded their first CD single. They perform at their church and youth events and have several upcoming booking at other venues.
Ten-8 is looking to go wherever God takes them. Their first CD will be finished in the Fall 2001 and they are writing new songs every week. Their unique sound, which has been described as Jars of Clay meets the Eagles, makes them appealing to a wide audience of Christians and non-Christians.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or comments about Ten-8.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
The year was 1999, the month was October. Four guys assembled to play a show for our church youth retreat. The rest is a blur...
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
We play live at any Youth or Church functions along with open concerts in Tulsa and all of NorthEast Oklahoma.
Your musical influences
Contemporary and Alternative Christian Music... Jars of Clay, Chris Rice, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, FFH... the list goes on.
What equipment do you use?
Mike plays Roland and Yamaha Keyboards
Doug plays Alvarez and Yamaha Guitars
Brad plays Yamaha and Art & Lutherie Guitars
Von plays Yamaha and Ibanez Basses
Rob plays Mapex Drums with Paiste and Zildjian Cymbals
Anything else?
Yeah... We want to thank all of the people who have supported us over the last couple of years. Our Friends, Families, Church Family and Fans have been a huge inspiration.
