Canton Residents Rock With Spiritual Purpose

BY CHIP HULLENDER

While many local rock ’n’ roll bands pay tribute to their favorite artists of the past, imitating their look, sound and music, Hope’s Anchor has been working for more than a decade to honor and pay tribute to God. On Aug. 5, the band, made up of Canton residents Shawn “Swift” Johnson, Raymond Hemms, Harry Wolle and Jeff Wood, will present a Rock and Roll Revival at the Canton Theatre. Beginning at 7 p.m., local Christian country singer-songwriter Neena Elliott will kick off the show.

Johnson, Hemms and Wolle met in 2007, playing in a rock tribute band. During one of their rehearsals, Wolle presented an idea for a song, “Bend,” and the band’s intentions and direction completely changed. They decided to write straight from the heart in a style that collectively moved them. In 2013, Wood joined the band as the drummer, and they have been creatively moving forward ever since, releasing three albums featuring more than 35 songs.

This summer, the band is releasing a five-song extended play (EP) titled “The Church Is Leaving the Building.” It features a heavy anthem calling for believers to take the “church” outside of the four walls it resides in on Sundays.

Hope’s Anchor got its name from Hebrews 6:19, which states, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our soul.”

The band’s musical style blends heavy, grooveoriented rock with soulful, melodic vocals. The members were once asked if they were a Christian band, to which they responded, “No, we’re four Christians in a band writing about what moves and impacts our daily lives. We know that we’re flawed, but also very aware of Christ’s love and grace. And we feel that it shows in the music we create.”

In 2017, Hope’s Anchor won the International Christian Film Festival award for Best Music Video for “Bend.” Not only is the song seen as the genesis moment of the band, but it also has become an anthem for special-needs parents and caregivers.

“We all struggle with things that are heavy to us, and we all deal with hard times, but by trusting God, we can find the strength to not break under pressure,” Wolle said.

Visit www.hopesanchorband.com and www.neenaelliottmusic.com for more information.

Directors: Jeannie & Wally Hinds

These animals are at Cobb County Animal Services, waiting for homes.