When you attend a Cypress Republic Band performance, you don’t have to worry about questionable lyrics. CRB is value-driven, conservative and was formed through faith and family connections. “We are simply a group of musicians who love performing and playing great music,” says Darrell Wehlmann, back up vocalist and guitar player. “So much of the entertainment crowd is way left of center and not shy about letting you know it. Not CRB. We are normal . . . although we realize that is totally subjective. But, we think we’re normal.”
In fact, CRB was initially a “Dad Band,” performing at backyard gatherings and for their daughters’ graduations. The five members include Wehlmann, vocalist and guitar player Brock Miller, lead vocalist Paul Bailey, drummer Steve Thomson and back up vocalist and bass player Erich Schoennagel. They know each other through church, scouts, their kids’ schools, or the gym. In fact, Miller and Schoennagel are brothers-in-law.
The band members attend St. John Lutheran Church and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church. All live in the Copperfield, Cypress and Hockley area and like to joke about changing the band’s name to “FLAC” – Four Lutherans and A Catholic. “That pretty well sums us up,” quips Wehlmann, who makes no excuses for the band’s Christian approach. “We are not ashamed of our faith or sharing it, so we work in Christian songs during our sets and close every show with “Until the Whole World Hears” by Casting Crowns. We just love the lyrics.” It might seem strange to play Christian music at midnight as people party and drink, but the band does just that. “What better place and time to sing about salvation through Jesus Christ?” asks Wehlmann.
The band plays selections that run the gamut from ZZ Top to Roy Orbison. They also have friends and fans in high places. Senator Dan Patrick performs with them from time-to-time, as does former Governor Mike Huckabee. “Very early on Paul, a Harris County Republican Party Precinct Chairman, volunteered to help Dan Patrick with his race for the Texas Senate,” says Wehlmann. “Through him we met Mike Huckabee. Too bad he isn’t running for President again – otherwise we might be playing at an inauguration. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
The band is definitely attracting media attention and is featured on the October cover of Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes Magazine. They are also receiving mentions for their October 1 opening for Earl Thomas Conley at the Waller County Fairgrounds. Their charitable work includes a “Battle of the Dad Bands” at Goode Co. BBQ – “Hope, Help, Heal” – on October 9. This event is close to their hearts, organized by Copperfield resident Jenny Tyler to support treatment research for children afflicted with neurological diseases. The big-hearted band members also manage to volunteer at church, on their kids’ teams, and in their neighborhoods.
As their fame spreads they find themselves performing all over the greater Houston area as well as some out-of-town gigs. But balancing full-time jobs, family and rehearsals is a juggling act. They at times turn down opportunities when needed on the home front. “Family comes first,” says Wehlmann. “We have priorities and manage to make it all work, although it takes some effort to merge our individual calendars.”
As Wehlmann likes to say, “God, family, country and conservative values. All-in-all, pretty simple.” Visit their website, song list and upcoming events at www.crbband.com. From there fans can sign up for the band’s Plugged-In Newsletter.
