Maegan Gindi

Artists Ryan Rovito, a third year Packaging Science major on vocals, bouzouki, rhythm guitar and harmonica. Abe Ruper, a third year Mechanical Engineering major on lead guitar and vocals. Marissa Chamberlain, a fifth year ASL-English Interpretation major on fiddle and vocals. Chris Potter, a third year Film and Animation major on bass guitar and vocals. Ed Lennon, a third year Software Engineering major on drums and vocals. Heather Newton, a third year Environmental Management and Technology major on keyboard, clarinet, and vocals.

Without Question has made a name for itself by showing off a mosaic of Christian and Celtic melodies and scoring gigs just about everywhere in the greater Rochester area. The band has played nearly every weekend this quarter at locations ranging from the Roberts Wesleyan campus to local cafes and other venues in downtown Rochester. The uniqueness of this band can be seen from the moment their intrepid front man steps on stage, often performing in a traditional kilt with bare feet.

The majority of the band members met as freshman during a 2006 Campus Crusade for Christ function. Shortly after meeting, they performed in the organization’s Praise Band. It was then that Newton, Ruper, Lennon, and Rovito decided to form their own Christian rock band. Potter joined soon afterwards, followed by Chamberlain later that winter, when Chamberlain introduced Rovito to Celtic music. According to Chamberlain, “I’ve always loved Celtic music and I play the fiddle, so Ryan got into it through my passion for the style.” The initial year was spent solely as a Christian rock band, until they moved to a more Celtic-enriched theme. The band has been playing together nearly three years.

The band members all contribute to the variety of the performance by taking lead vocals for certain songs during the set. Rovito gave up leading several times to allow his band mates some mic time. During such an occasion, Lennon sang “Solutio,” an upbeat song that he authored. Another time, Potter sang one of the band’s few covers, “Stop and Stare” by One Republic. However, in addition to some of their more traditional Celtic or Irish material such as “Lannigan’s Ball,” most of their music is original and written in part or as a whole by either Rovito or Lennon.

The band, according to Rovito, likes “to confront the stereotype that Christians are stuck-up or hiding in their own little bubble.” He wants people to see, through his music, that Christians can be fun and spread the Gospel of Jesus. Aside from his religion, his inspiration comes from traditional Celtic bands like Enter the Haggis and The Elders.

Currently, the band is taking the next week or so off to focus on finals. They intend to continue to play as long as they’re together. When they do pick up again, chances are that they will be playing at least one show a week either here at RIT or somewhere in Rochester.

Website myspace.com/withoutquestionrock