Pam Nelson
Pam actually began her singing career at a music competition called "The Christian Artist Music Seminar of the Rockies" when she was 15 years old. She placed 2nd (the top female) from over 400 national competitors in the 15-18 category and went on to tour with the Continental Singers. Pam married Jeff in 1986 and they served on staff at Youth With A Mission Montana at their Performing Arts Base in Montana. She sang back up for several national Christian Artists that were touring during the 80's and early 90's.
Pam began leading worship for youth ministries and women's groups when she became a Mom. She founded Proclaim Productions and began speaking and singing engagements in the 5 state area. She soon became a featured speaker at women's weekend retreats and was the National Youth Prayer director for the EFCA National Conventions. It was also during this time that Pam recorded 2 CD's of mostly original music. She also recorded did a number of jingles for the southern MN area. Then, Pam joined up with a team of talented musicians from the cities and formed a band called Rite of Passage that recorded and performed their original music around the state.
In the fall of 2000, Pam joined the staff of Westwood Community Church as their Worship Ministries Director and stayed on until 2007. She currently runs her own small business, I.F.I (Inspire*Focus*Implement), and collaborates with a Word of Mouth Marketing company called The Buzz Company. Pam and Tara Tollefson have also joined the board of MN Bridging The Gap web ministries (www.mnbtg.org) as their Workplace and Leadership Writers/Administrators. Pam continues to sing, write music, speak, and facilitate Community Women's Bible Studies.
Michael Talbott
Over the past 40 years, Michael Talbott has played guitar, the brasses, and bass (upright, electric, and tuba!) with groups representing Rock and Roll, Bluegrass, Gospel, Jazz, Blues, and Classical genres in both Christian and secular venues. A Christian AND musician since his pre-teen years, He established Joyful Noise Ministries in 2001 for the purpose of encouraging and advising emerging Christian musicians, songwriters, and performing artists in the development of their ministries...
"We believe that God calls His people to 'bloom where they are planted'. Joyful Noise Ministries was created to give those God has called to write, perform, and provide leadership for His music to do just that...growing their ministry in their local and area churches" says Mike. Since 2001, more than 100 Christian artists and several local churches have experienced growth in their music and worship ministries through Joyful Noise Ministries' teaching, coaching, and encouragement.
Mike lives in Monticello, Minnesota with his wife Dixie, where he has his learning center and digital recording studio.
For more information about Joyful Noise Ministries, contact Mike at michael.talbott@gmail.com , call him at 763-269-3147 or go to: www.joyfulnoiseministries.blogspot.com
Brian Friberg
Brian has served as a worship pastor for over 10 years. Currently, he leads worship for Westwood Community Church in St. Cloud, MN. Prior to coming to St. Cloud, Brian was a worship pastor in Madison, Wisconsin. He has led worship in a variety of local, regional, and even national arenas. This past year, he led worship for the annual Fellowship of Christian Assemblies International Convention. One of the highlights of Brian's career has been raising up future worship leaders. To date, he has been instrumental in the development of ten worship leaders, who currently are utilizing their gifts in ministry. He is an accomplished musician on a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, and drums.
Brian attended Gustavus Adolphus College, where he graduated in 1999 with a B.S. in Music Education. While at Gustavus, he started Proclaim, a campus worship ministry. This ministry has grown and is still in existence today. He currently is working on a Master's of Arts in Religion with an emphasis on worship through Liberty University.
Brian has also played in a variety of bands. Most notably, he was a co-founder of Copper Coin, who opened for both Go Fish and Burlap to Cashmere. In addition, he participated in the last 92.9 Opening Act as a guest judge and keyboardist for O2, getting the opportunity to open for Phillips, Craig, and Dean. He also played with O2 at the Monticello We R 1 Festival. Brian has played on five recording projects and written several original songs.