Let a Song Rise Like Zion includes Troy Lee, Olivia Spurlin, Sean Huang (‘13), Micah Hayes and Nate Ellis.
On a tour stop in Concord, CA, Troy Lee pitched an idea to Jim Jessup (‘87), Director of Church Relations at WJU, about changing this season’s traveling worship band. Up until this time, Jim had sent a number of students to a variety of churches throughout California and the West Coast. Typically, the band plays a few songs for the congregation and shares their testimonies. Jim has been doing this ever since Jessup moved to Rocklin, CA.
In the past, these bands have had a variety of names—Te Way, Awaken, Kaleo and Crossroads. Troy wanted to rename the band and cast a broader vision. He pitched the name Like Zion to Jim and ran with it. Te full band includes: Troy Lee (lead vocals and guitar), Olivia Spurlin (lead vocals), Nate Ellis (drums and background vocals), Sean Huang (bass, ‘13) and Micah Hayes (lead guitar).
Te name derives from the Old Testament as a place where God dwelt and lived. David’s psalms are filled with longing and journey toward that place, God’s place. Band member Nate Ellis explains. “Essentially, that’s where we want to be.
Wherever we go, every time we are in worship or in our everyday lives, we want it to be Like Zion, or God’s dwelling place.”
Like Zion is creative. Teir music is moving and anthemic, but what is most impressive is how much they want to follow Jesus. No matter what they do or where they go, they continue to search after Jesus. Since forming Like Zion, they released a self-titled EP on iTunes and started selling merchandise. In the past year, the group has performed alongside alumna JJ Heller (‘03) as well as Shawn McDonald at missions concerts organized by Jessup’s Student Government.
It’s exciting to see how this group of musicians continues to hone their art and craft. Tey will play at about 40 churches a year, (many being partner churches) and continue to play into the summer.
You can buy Like Zion’s self-titled album on iTunes or follow them on Instagram @likezion
JESSUP MAGAZINE | 27
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