THE WAITING IS OVER

Looking back on his start in the music business, guitarist Todd Olsen knows he's learned some lessons the hard way: by experience.

But those experiences -- both good and bad -- have helped The Waiting mature and grow as a Christian band.

The Waiting will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at Notre Dame High School with Mancy A'lan Kane. Tickets are available at the door and at Living Water and Gospeland bookstores.

The band's latest album, "Unfazed," is filled with song lyrics that tell the story of their ups and downs. It's sort of the band's autobiography.

The four-member group has been performing together since 1991. Since their recording debut, the band has learned all about the ins and outs of the music business. Some lessons were good, others bad.

"But we've taken all those bad things and are saying we're not going to let them hold us up," Olsen said in a telephone interview from his home in Atlanta. "We are going to push ahead with what God wants."

Much like the Apostle Paul said he would keep "pressing on toward his goal," the band keeps pressing forward with songs.

"Unfazed" is their third album release and contains the song "Hands in the Air," which is currently being played on Christian radio stations.

Other albums include "The Waiting" in 1997, "Blue Belly Sky" in 1995 and "Tillburry Town" in 1991.

The group was nominated for best new artist video clip in 1997 by Billboard magazine. "Unfazed" was nominated for a 1998 Dove Award, the Christian music equivalent of the Grammy.

But awards and recognition aren't the goals this group has in mind.

"That's not why we're together," Olsen said. "We aren't going to conquer the music scene. We feel like this is what we are supposed to do with our lives -- giving to others."

The group is preparing for its fourth tour this summer. They just finished a recent tour with The Newsboys. Upcoming tour dates will be listed at their Website, www.thewaiting.com

Earlier tours have helped the band get a feel for life on the road and for promoting their albums to fans.

"We are more a band for the Christians and the church," Olsen said.

Members of the band are Olsen, who plays acoustic and electric guitars; his brother, Brad, who sings; Clark Leake, bass guitar; and Brandon Thompson, percussion.