Press

Nov 30, 2010 - Radio Interview with the band by WWJC
DJ Ted Elm interviews the band on-air during his Northland program and spins three of the bands songs as they discuss the bands expriences, the songs and the vision and ministry of Uptown Praise Band. Listen to the entire 30 minute interview at

http://www.soundcloud.com/uptown-praise-band





Sept 9, 2010 - Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Chris Nunez felt compelled to do more with his musical gifts.

So he led the praise music band from his Uptown Church on Lake Drive SE to complete a new CD and to perform regular gigs throughout West Michigan.

"I really felt a push to get outside the four walls of the church and use our talents," said Nunez, 51, who has been part of the Uptown Praise Band for five years. It was only last December that the group took its talents on the road.

Nunez is a songwriter, producer and guitarist for the ensemble. He wrote all nine of the songs on their new CD, "Testimonials."

"We have a diverse group of people -- a rock drummer, a classically-trained keyboardist and a conga player," said Nunez, whose own background is in blues and jazz.

Lead singer Joyce Humphrey has been singing at the church for 15 years.

Nunez is a California native who took accordion lessons in his youth before getting into guitar and performing in various teen garage bands and writing original songs.

"I did a lot of recording back in my younger days -- when they were still using two-inch (recording tape) in the studios," he recalled. He also dabbled in production at a Los Angeles record label.

With wife Tracey and their two kids, Nunez moved to West Michigan in 2004 and found a musical outlet at the Uptown church.

When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Common Ground, 6333 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Admission: Free
More info: 656-1130, commongroundmi.com



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Oct 24, 2010 - Lansing State Journal
HOLT - A Holt Chiropractor has been selected to participate in a contest similar to American Idol, but features Christian music.

Dr. Walter Kittle of Chiro-Technology, is the Bass Guitarist for Uptown Praise Band, a group based out of Grand Rapids.

Uptown Praise has been selected by "Best of the Blessed" Organization was one of the ten finalists to compete in Nashville from Oct. 20-23.
The top three of those ten bands will appear live on television at the Christian Music Awards.

The Christian Music Awards will be broadcast live Oct. 23, airing internationally before millions of viewers on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
"I'm so excited," Kittle emailed from Nashville. "Wouldn't it be great to be on live TV?"
Bands and soloists submitted videos and music to the contest months ago, and viewers and judges kept narrowing thefield until the final 10 were selected.
Kittle said he has a passion for music combined with a passion of helping others through his work in healthcare.

Kittle started out at Michigan State University with a music performance major and later changed it to pre-medicine.

He went on to receive his Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine plus several post graduate degrees including Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, Certified Low Back Specialist and is Board eligible as a certified exercise rehabilitation specialist.



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