Koiné formed in September 2003 to lead the music for St. Marcus Lutheran Church's evening worship service.  Koiné consisted of five regular members: Benj Lawrenz-guitar, Pete Reese-bass, Bob Buss-drums, Seth Bauer-piano, and Brian Davison-vocals.  The band has evolved from there, obtaining a new drummer, Seth Kock, a female vocalist who joins them frequently, Tracy Fedke, and a regular fill-in on pretty much any instrument, John Simons.

The group is the regular 'house' band at St. Marcus each Sunday evening at 6:30pm, but has garnered a significant following from churches all over the U.S.  They have been as far west as Kennewick, WA and as far east as Ottowa, Canada performing at churches, schools and other special events.  Some events include Lifest in Oshkosh, Family Fest at Camp Phillip, several Thrivent Financial for Lutheran functions and concerts, including a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief held at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in September 2005, and various other retreats and venues.

Koiné's music is difficult to describe because it consists of a variety of different genres of music that have impacted each member, and each member brings their own style and feel to the band, which creates a dynamic presentation. If you grew up Lutheran, many of the songs you'll hear from the band you will recognize as songs sung in Lutheran churches throughout the country.   Yet you certainly have not heard the hymns like this before - featuring bass guitar, drums, electric guitar, piano, and more!  It's a bit of a renaissance of sorts for Lutheran music - and produces a sound that transcends to all reaches of life - to the heart of everyday life.

The band released their first CD, the self-titled Koiné, in April of 2005 which includes many of their favorite hymns, including What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Chief of Sinners Though I Be, and Jerusalem My Happy Home.   They have sold 3,000 copies of that first CD, and hope to distribute many more.  Volume II (Gesangbuch) is now available as well.  For a complete list of songs, check out the music page.