Crystal Lake Strikers Perform With Kanye West At 'Sunday Service'

CHICAGO, IL — Weekend plans for members of the local Crystal Lake Strikers drumline quickly changed after one of its members, Dan Chamberlain, received a phone call Friday evening with news that rapper Kanye West was looking for a drumline for his "Sunday Service" at Northerly Island, Chamberlain told Patch. West brought the gospel concert experience to his hometown Sunday, and the Crystal Lake Strikers were at the center of it all, according to a post on the group's Facebook page.

"A big thing happened in Striker land this weekend," the nonprofit performing arts organization wrote on their Facebook page Sunday. "We got word late last week that Kanye West was looking for a drumline to perform at his Sunday Service. Working with our friends Rocco Z Music and the Chicago Bears Drumline, we put together a group and played this morning. It was an incredible experience for all."

The quickly assembled group played during the 9 a.m. Sunday Service and included about 20 people from the Strikers and the Chicago Bears Drumline, according to Chamberlain. The Strikers performing arts group includes adult drummers and nearly 100 students from area schools.

"We got information for the performance Saturday midday including the music," Chamberlain added.

When asked the best part of performing during Sunday Service, Chamberlain said he thinks each group member would have a different answer.

"The opportunity to be a part of something of such size and impact was an amazing opportunity for all of us," Chamberlain added in a statement to Patch.

In a Facebook post last month, the group announced their need for rehearsal space.

"We have grown over the 12 years since we were founded and our needs have changed," the group wrote. "We would need a large open area (think gym floor) and high ceilings. Do you know of a building like that? Please reach out as soon as possible. We will be looking to be in the new facility by this fall. Thank you!"

After Sunday's massive crowd witnessed the group's talent, the Strikers are optimistic about the future.

"It was quite a day," Chamberlain told Patch. "We haven't gotten any solid response on donations or a home but we are hopeful."

More: clstrikers.com