x
Breaking News
More () »

Church trio's cheerful music inspires a despondent listener to tear up her suicide note

The band Spreadd The Love said that although some people sneer and snicker others say they are grateful for the cheerful sounds the church band members play.

WASHINGTON -- Friends Lonnie, Mark, and Xavier love playing music together. Lonnie plays the trombone. Mark plays timbales, which have a higher pitched steel drum sound. And Xavier, who said he was actually Mark's student back in high school, plays a traditional drumset.

“It makes you feel good. You'd be surprised at the people that our music touches every day,” said Xavier.

The three friends said playing their regular street gigs draws the ire of some nearby office workers.  

“Some people complain, make faces, and tell us to quit playing,“ said trombonist Lonnie Shepherd.

Credit: Alec Schreck

Together, the three make up the band "Spreadd the Love" -- yes, that's spelled with two Ds.

Their trip to bring their instruments to play at the Farragut West Metro station used to be a lot easier, said drummer Mark, 

“Our van broke down. Now we’ve had to bring all of our instruments here with a shopping cart," he said. "But can’t nothing stop us.“

Besides, said Mark, they feel like they are doing God's work.

“One lady said that she was getting ready to kill herself," Mark recalled. "She showed us the suicide letter. She heard our music and said it cheered her up and she tore up the note.”

For now, the lifelong friends and band members said they’ll just keep on doing their best. Maybe one day they’ll have enough to fix their van so they no longer have to push their instruments around town in a shopping cart. But one way or another, they’re going to keep on playing for change.

“We love doing this," Lonnie said.

Credit: Alec Schreck
Perseverance. Despite both van and their truck breaking down, these church members decide to keep it moving. So they use shopping carts to make multiple trips to carry their instruments to their gig locations. Which are usually in high foot traffic areas where they can play for change and maybe cheer up a soul or two.

WUSA9 met the trio on a weekday morning near the Farragut West Metro Station. They said they play there regularly. They are members of the United House of Prayer For All People which s a church located off of M Street Northwest.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.

Before You Leave, Check This Out