Avalon has been continually amazed at the places where they have found themselves. They have already performed before more than 700,000 people with some of the top names in Christian music like Steven Curtis Chapman, Carman, CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith and Sandi Patty, to name a few, on with "The Young Messiah Tour," the Twila Paris "Where I Stand" Tour, the "Emmanuel" Tour, and the "My Utmost For His Highest" Tour.

Radio stations across the country have embraced their music. They already have seven consecutive number one singles including "Testify To Love," which made history as the longest running Christian Adult Contemporary song of the 1990's. In addition, Avalon has received extensive press coverage in their short career, from two features on CNN, to their numerous appearances on national and local television programs, and dozens of magazine and newspaper features.

To top it off, Avalon was honored by the Gospel Music Association with the 1998 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year, an honor previously bestowed upon artists such as BeBe Winans & CeCe Winans, Take 6, 4Him, Point of Grace and Jars of Clay.

But above all the accolades, Avalon is amazed at how God uses them and their music to impact people's lives – to entertain, encourage and inspire, a three-part punch that's somehow still fairly unique.

Janna Potter, Michael Passons, Cherie Paliotta, and Jody McBrayer: The four individuals that make up the voice of Avalon each come from varied backgrounds, but they share a similar calling. A calling to serve God with their music and their voices.

Formed in 1995 by Norman Miller (producer of "The Young Messiah" and "Emmanuel" Tours) and Sparrow Records, but starting as a vision in the hearts of each member, the group points to the fact that God's hand has been on every step of the process for Avalon coming to fruition.

Michael explained, "It's been so obvious to see how it's really been God who has brought together four people from around the country...each with an individual calling on their lives...to be in this group. There are too many extenuating circumstances that would prove otherwise." Jody added, "We are very aware that we have been blessed with a great foundation of people who are truly supportive of us...thus our calling being that much more important to us."

Michael said that while Avalon's first album had the group being compared to many other groups, they were committed to making music on their next album, "A Maze Of Grace," that was distinctively Avalon. The first step in that direction was to make a decision to never spiritually compromise the lyrics. "They will always be bold and to the point."

Musically, Michael described their sound as a combination of all their musical influences brought together: "With kind of a Euro-pop pad, and a '70s element here and there, as well." Janna added: "Don't forget the heavy gospel and R&B edge...with some very inspiring moments, too. But basically, it's energetic and fun."

Avalon has noticed during their time on the road that people kept commenting on how much energy they had on stage. Janna continued: "But yet, we only had two or three up-tempo songs that we could do. Hearing that and seeing what came out naturally for us, we realized that we needed more of those types of songs, because that's what people were really drawn to about us." (Check out: "A Maze of Grace," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," "Speed of Light," just for starters...) 

Avalon's music is infectious...and refreshing. The pop hooks capture the side of us all that loves to roll down the window and turn up the stereo on a warm, summer day.

The next element that Avalon wanted to have as a part of their ministry and music was a commitment to honesty. According to Janna, people are always looking to see if you are sincere about what you're doing. "There are so many things out there that are superficial. Sometimes when you see performers, you think that they've got it all together, or that they don't feel what you feel...or go through difficult things. I think when you're a Christian, you go through even more difficult things, because the enemy really works against you...that's his purpose. People love to know that to the best of your ability you are living out what you sing about. Even though I don't have all the answers, I'm going to let God have control of it and see what he does."

Avalon hopes that people would see four very real people. Amidst all the fun music, they want the audience to know that their message is coming from their hearts...that it's not just catchy lyrics.

More than just being real, though, Jody said that people these days need proof. "I think people really want to see instances of where God has been faithful. People aren't just satisfied with words."

For Avalon, it's all about admitting their humanity...their struggles...and the overwhelming experience of God's grace in the midst of it all. With the goal being that of helping people see through them and their humanity, and directing people toward God and His divinity.

"We can't cause people to look beyond our voices, or the clothes we wear...that's the Holy Spirit's job," Michael explained. "He'll only do that if we allow him to. It's our job to ask God to take what we do and let it be an offering for him to use for his glory."

Avalon testifies to the peace that comes from knowing that God is affecting lives in ways that go beyond concert tours, album sales and number one radio hits. It comes during those times when people share with them how a certain song affected their life...or how they are being encouraged to capture a clearer vision for how God looks at them. It comes during those times when you find yourself lost in a place that only God could've placed you in...and only God can get you out.