Since 2008, David and Kris Garms, and six of their eight children (Ben, Taylor, Leesha, Sam, Jayme, and Caleb) have performed at many different venues across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa. Since their simple beginnings of singing hymns and Southern Gospel classics around the piano in the living room to the release of their second CD, The Right Time, the family has been endearing themselves to people across the Midwest as they travel together in their full-time ministry.

You will enjoy The Garms Family’s vast variety and uplifting style of gospel music, including gospel bluegrass, Southern Gospel, and traditional hymns. Each song is an adventure as this live family band plays a wide variety of instruments: guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, upright bass, harmonica, piano and more. Combining their exciting musical arrangements and beautiful harmonies, the energetic family is eager to share their homegrown talents! This homeschooled family love to work as a team, and their joy as family overflows as they sing and play together.  At a Garms Family concert, you never know what surprise may await you. Who knows? They might all switch instruments with each other!

But above all, the Garms Family is passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loves to share the message with young and old, wherever they go. They are quick to point to the Lord as the Giver of their gifts and give Him all the glory. Their smiles, gospel music, and the message of Jesus Christ will brighten your day, give you hope for tomorrow, and leave you inspired. You will blessed and encouraged, moved to laughter and tears, and your soul will be directed heavenward by this anointed family.

Read this fun newspaper interview with the family, outlining their band beginnings, family life, and “The Great Adventure”: http://isanticountynews.com/2011/01/26/for-family-band-life-is-a-great-adventure/

DAVID AND KRIS GARMS

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV)

David and Kris Garms have always enjoyed gospel music and their love for the Lord and music is evident to all.  David sings lead and plays guitar and accordion.  Kris sings either alto harmony or lead and plays upright bass and piano.  David enjoys leading his family and being the visionary for our family’s ministries.  He’s currently unemployed, and we are trusting on the Lord to provide through our full-time ministry. Kris thrives while being a stay-at-home wife and mom.  She has joyfully taught our homeschooled children for the past 15 years.

BEN GARMS

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
(Revelation 21:5-7 ESV)

Ben, 22 years old, is quite the musician!  He was 11 when he received his acoustic guitar, and now also plays banjo, upright bass, bass guitar, electric guitar, and anything he sets his mind to play!  He is our bass singer, and is known for his big, encouraging smile.  Recently, Ben discovered the world of audio production, and he is hooked!  He recorded and engineered all of our CD projects in our home studio.  When not involved with music around the home, he can be found working around our acreage, running Families of Gospel Music Association (FOGMA), spending time with his siblings, writing, etc.  Ben is the second graduate of our homeschool; he graduated on June 13th, 2009.

TAYLOR GARMS

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
(Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)

Taylor is 21 years old and is the artistic one of the family.  As soprano of the group,  she sings either melody or descant.  Taylor plays mandolin, piano, fiddle, guitar, and jaw harp.  She is most comfortable with a pen, pencil, or computer mouse in her hand; Taylor is the group’s IT and is an avid graphic/web designer (check out her business, Lacheln Designs) and blogger.  Her other interests include: art, writing, songwriting, and photography.  She also runs a ministry for young women called Godly Girlhood; her passion is to encourage people to seek after the Lord with their whole heart.  Taylor graduated from homeschool on August 14th, 2010.

LEESHA GARMS

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
(Psalm 25:4-10 ESV)

Leesha (18) is a cheerful young lady who enjoys her siblings, books, nature, and sign language.  She carries the lead on many songs and is adding harmony as well.    Leesha is the official dobro player and also plays mountain dulcimer.   As the most prolific bookworm of the family, she can sometimes read several books a day (she claims Charles Dickens as one of her favorite authors)!  Leesha also loves poetry and expresses many thoughts through her own poetry.  She is a very diligent student and continues to blossom and grow into a beautiful young lady.

SAM GARMS