Greg Sharp heard Reilly last summer at the Unity Christian Music Festival in Muskegon and was an instant fan. Wooed by their combination of dueling violins, driving rock riffs and spiritual lyrics, the Philadelphia-based band won a steady rotation on his iTunes playlist.

“They have an eclectic sound that I think will really connect with the Ann Arbor audience,” said Sharp. “We jumped at the opportunity to book them.”

Breaking into the music scene seven years ago, Reilly front man, John Reilly and dueling violinists Dan and Noele Huie, bassist Matthew Bomberger and drummer Jordan Lenhoff have been maintaining a steady pace of performances (120 per year), playing with well-known bands like Switchfoot, newsboys and tobyMac.

Now preparing to release their third full-length album (6/8/10), Around the World, produced by Mitch Dane (Jars or Clay, Farewell Flight), Reilly will be performing at prestigious music festivals and venues across the U.S. and in Europe.

“The new album is very high-energy, feel-good music--” said John Reilly, “while still retaining what our listeners’ want, which is the dueling violins and God-focused lyrics."

Combining violin with alternative rock, Reilly strives to write songs that are artistic and spiritually rich. Many of their songs are written from a personal perspective representing both the joys and struggles of faith in God. Unlike their sophomore album, Let June Decide (2007) with its introspective melodies, Around the World has a definite theme of sharing God’s love.

“The Around the World lyrics really celebrate the love that Christ has for us,” said Reilly. “We want to express his love by caring for people through our actions.”

And this band is walking their talk. $1 from each album sold will benefit one of 12 ministries from around the world, chosen by the band, that share the gospel, care for the poor or both.

“We wanted to get behind these causes that need attention, like clean water, giving people food, the Jesus film project and others- to show people they are able to do something.” said Reilly. “At the very least we want to create awareness for these issues and plant a seed for others to find ways to get involved.”

Reilly is debuting their new single Too Long Without You this week on MySpace. Check out their music and view exclusive behind the scenes footage.

Pre-order their new album Around the World at www.Reillytheband.com.

See Reilly Live in Ann Arbor, May 10. Reilly will perform at St. Luke Lutheran Church on May 10, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Tickets are $7 (purchase through iTickets or at the door the night of the event)

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Carly Parker is the Communications Coordinator for St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. St. Luke is a multi-site community which includes St. Luke-Ann Arbor, Living Water and University Lutheran Chapel. Go to www.stlukeaa.org to read more.