Wherever the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jon Simpson has been – and he’s been around the world – he has been an artist who gets to the emotional core of his subject matter. Simpson’s creative melodic rock possesses a poignant resonance that is part plea for a better world, and part determined declaration to do something about it. When he combines his skills with StoryBox's songs, the result is beautiful!

Tour Highlights

After several days practicing in Istanbul, Jon Simpson and Storybox headed to Beirut. The schedule was a bar concert Saturday evening, short school assembly appearances on Monday and Tuesday, a lunch-time University concert on Wednesday, another bar concert Thursday night, and two guest spots at local band competitions on Friday and Saturday nights. Though the events were often quite brief, after every event we were able to speak, one-on-one, with people who were desperately in need of the Lord’s presence in their lives – and the music and lyrics inspired these conversations to take place. Check out a video from the tour

Based in Istanbul, StoryBox mixes a little bit of local musical influence into their blend of Western rock/pop. In Turkey, set lists usually contain well-known Turkish pop, Western covers and original tunes - many of which tell stories. Between the songs, you can also be sure that someone will tell a story or two as well, and in recent years shows have added more dance and drama elements.

Check them out on Nimbit or ReverbNation, StoryBox uses a mix of English and Turkish pop/rock and stories (sung and spoken) to share the faith. Check out the StoryBox website.

Tour Highlights

While the Fuel team - a discipleship school in Germany that sent volunteers - did street outreaches around Istanbul, that resulted in some choice encounters with the police and lots of even better encounters with enquirers, Storybox rehearsed for a 6-concert 3-city tour. The concerts included an outdoor amphitheater in Ankara, the International Church of Ankara, the Spring Festival of Sakarya University, a rock club in the city of Adapazari, a national television appearance on Turkish TV and a theater/cultural center in Istanbul. There were many opportunities to start relationships.

Artslink is the term TACO uses for a yearly group of Christian visual artists who they bring to Turkey. The goal is to connect with the Turkish people via the medium of art.
The last couple years, the group has worked in Cappadocia. They create artwork for an evangelistic exhibition held at the end of the time, while building relationships with local artists. They spend their time creating art, exchanging ideas, sharing meals and cups of tea with friends, meeting many new people, and praying for the town.

Tour Highlights

The cave adjacent to our exhibition/work space was a potters' studio. Upon finding out that we were a group of artists, two of us potters, they immediately invited us over for tea, which quickly became our favorite part of the day. Their hospitality saw no limits; they dropped everything to teach us their skills, cook us meals and talk with us. We were also went to a local preschool to teach pottery. Our exhibition at the end of the few weeks featured many art forms, but all the pieces had a common theme of redemption that we hope spoke to this lovely, broken town and its hospitable people.

Bizim Psikolog (Our Psychologist) is a play styled on day-time Turkish talk shows.
Guests come and share their problems with two psychologists. We then see them put this advice into action back home. In between scenes, a live band plays well known songs. All the actors are Turkish nationals, and our team (plus equipment!) helps form the band with some of the church’s musically gifted young people.
Although the play itself doesn’t preach Jesus, Pastor Ahmet, as one of the play’s psychologists offers biblical wisdom and we see how it transforms home situations. After each performance he also makes it clear that the church cares for their city.

Tour Highlights

This is the first time TACO partnered with the church in Diyarbakir, a region that struggles with poverty and social problems. The play's aim was to communicate to the community and authorities that the local church here has real answers to the problems people face. 130 people requested the pastor's booklet that deal with many of these issues and has a clear gospel message, and the local church will establish relationships with them. Though quickly putting together an entire musical play with inexperienced members was difficult, the local church's hard work and cooperation was inspiring. Check out a video from the tour

HEARTBRIDGE integrates a variety of performing arts and culture in their entertainment experience. It's a professionally done production that blends together Hip-Hop and breakdancing with traditional Korean, Spanish and other dances. The central story of the Prodigal Son is told powerfully and creatively. With drama and music HEARTBRIDGE became a bridge between cultures. Check out the Heartbridge website.

Tour Highlights

TACO was a little nervous about this tour, because we had never partnered with such a large group - 34 people! - before. However, despite travel problems and delays in getting props, the group was a delight to work with and touched many hearts. The international-flavored program enthralled and drew good crowds everywhere. They did two events with a Christian radio station and two city governments, two events at Istanbul's top water park, two performances at the business and entertainment center of Istanbul and one event in Bursa. Many of the people who came signed up for further contact. Check out a video from the tour

"No Longer Music" (NLM) was founded in Amsterdam in 1985 by David Pierce and has been touring the world ever since. Since its formation, NLM has made its mark through its bold and creative blend of music and theater. In many ways NLM has been and continues to be a refreshing exception to a music scene rarely daring to be different. Throughout the years the style of NLM has adapted but its commitment to cutting edge visuals and theatrics has ensured that international demand for the band has stayed strong. Check out the No Longer Music website.

Tour Highlights

The key goal of the tour was to start a new gathering for young, educated post-modern Muslim and secular youth - a un-reached, highly influential demographic in this country. NLM partnered with a new youth center opening in Beirut. The hope is that by regularly sharing the Gospel with youth there, it will lead to a church plant. As a result, NLM headlined and judged a battle-of-the-bands Friday night, then put on two more shows where they clearly preached the Gospel. The response was incredible; many people, even members of other bands, professed Christ and said they'd come to the new center! Check out a video from the tour

Every two years, local believers from Turkey gather together to be encouraged and trained as worship leaders and creative artists. There is Bible teaching and seminars, workshops, and technical lessons for music, drama and dance over four days where participants develop their skills and draw closer to God.

Tour Highlights

The second Kanat Camp was a tremendous success! We had about 35 students, most of them young people, and with the Turkish teachers and TACO members helping out, the total number was closer to 60! We had many workshops teaching the skills for drum, guitar, piano, prophetic singing, mime, dance, sound systems and worship in the Word. The young people used their new skills to lead worship in the mornings and nights. It was encouraging to see how past members had grown. Some even came back as teachers. It was also incredible to watch the Holy Spirit constantly move through our worship!

One Life: Dustin connects with his audience speaking from his own experiences dealing with: rejection, parents divorce, suicide, relationships, purity, perseverance, becoming a world champion and more. One Message: to live a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. One Wheel: Dustin illustrates his life and message through a one-of-akind presentation using the tool of extreme unicycling to captivate youth of all ages. Check out the UniShow website.

Tour Highlights

Storybox and Unishow came together again to do "Anatomy of a Tour," a 4-country tour that used unicycling and music to communicate the gospel. In Kazakhstan, this was done under "Youth Against Drugs" with the local Christian Rehabilitation Center as our sponsor. At each event at least one person from the rehab center gave their testimony of how Jesus had saved them out of a life of drugs, alcohol and/or crime. The audiences ranged from about 150 - 1000 people. The venues included one orphanage, one high school, three universities, three prisons and one church courtyard.

One Life: Dustin connects with his audience speaking from his own experiences dealing with: rejection, parents divorce, suicide, relationships, purity, perseverance, becoming a world champion and more. One Message: to live a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. One Wheel: Dustin illustrates his life and message through a one-of-akind presentation using the tool of extreme unicycling to captivate youth of all ages. Check out the UniShow website.

Tour Highlights

Unishow partnered with the American band Goodnight Chicago for a tour in Kyrgyzstan. Due to new laws against proselytizing, the team was not allowed to openly proclaim the Gospel in public venues. Thus, they only shared their personal testimonies during the show and thankfully, were able to speak more openly when talking with interested people after the shows. The local churches were very helpful in advertising and follow-up; they received many names of those interested in their correspondence courses about issues with family relationships, drugs and alcohol abuse. Check out a video from the tour

Benny Prassad is an Indian musician who travels the world making music and sharing his testimony. He set the world record for being the fastest world traveler when he visited 245 countries in under three years!  He plays on instruments he creates, such as his "Bongo Guitar" that combines a regular guitar with a string harp and two bongos. . Check out the Benny Prasad website.

Tour Highlights

Benny Prasad came to Istanbul for two days' tour. Saturday night, he gave a concert at a cafe in Istanbul. There were only a few people, but the music was beautiful and he had the opportunity to share his life story with some of the Turks. Sunday, he played for a local church's two morning services and came back for an afternoon concert. He had a good translator and was able to share extensively about God had worked in his life. The audience was mostly believers, but as a pastor commented after the meeting, "This is something the believers have to hear!" Check out a video from the tour

One Life: Dustin connects with his audience speaking from his own experiences dealing with: rejection, parents divorce, suicide, relationships, purity, perseverance, becoming a world champion and more. One Message: to live a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. One Wheel: Dustin illustrates his life and message through a one-of-akind presentation using the tool of extreme unicycling to captivate youth of all ages. Check out the UniShow website.

Tour Highlights

Dustin, the illusionist Craig and three women went on our first-ever Iraq tour not knowing what would happen. Once we got to Duhak, however, things were set in motion. The mayor and a business man provided meals and lodging and kept us busy with interviews, shows and armed security. Interestingly, we performed for an-all male crowd of 1,500 that was very well-behaved and interested; we were able to share the Gospel there, as well as at schools. Over and over, the municipalities told us that they had never seen anything like our performances; we hope they also remember the seeds we planted.

Based in Istanbul, StoryBox mixes a little bit of local musical influence into their blend of Western rock/pop. In Turkey, set lists usually contain well-known Turkish pop, Western covers and original tunes - many of which tell stories. Between the songs, you can also be sure that someone will tell a story or two as well, and in recent years shows have added more dance and drama elements.

Check them out on Nimbit or ReverbNation, StoryBox uses a mix of English and Turkish pop/rock and stories (sung and spoken) to share the faith. Check out the StoryBox website.

Tour Highlights

The band came together at the last minute, as did the schedule! However, despite cold weather and a new team, the tour went off well. We were able to play at a university. Despite the secular environment, we were able to talk about Jesus somewhat and some of the students, through our follow-up material, started attending a "seekers'" gathering at a local church, which was very encouraging. We also played rock music (quietly!) during a lunch hour at a mall center, and were surprised by the positive reception and the number of people there who wanted to hear more about spiritual matters. Check out a video from the tour