Atlas Gray Band With Local Roots Recording Full-Length Album

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — A couple of Downingtown East graduates formed a band and are now recording and teaching, doing everything with an eye on social justice.

The band, Atlas Gray, recently finished recording their first full-length album, "Through The Dark," slated for release in the winter of 2021.

Andy Sorenson and Jon Stoltzfus met as students at Downingtown East High School. Sorenson is a guitarist as well as producer and engineer. Stoltzfus, a native of Exton, is Atlas Gray's drummer.

"We later met up after college where we formed Atlas Gray, (Andy) went to Uhartt in Hartford and I went to Berklee in Boston. We have a solid following in the area and have performed at World Cafe Live in Philly and Wilmington as well as 118 North in Wayne many times," Stoltzfus told Patch.

He said his dad, Dave Stoltzfus, is the previous owner and founder of the Malvern School of Music where he was a guitar teacher and Jon was a drum, guitar instructor as well as a co-director of many ensembles. The school is now under new ownership and Stoltzfus recommended it for lessons.

"One of our ensembles was 'Burnt Toast and Jam' which put on performances to raise money for charity," said Stoltzfus. Patch published a story about it in 2014.

The now New England-based band is credited with writing powerful anthemic songs and melodies that inspire audiences through storytelling. Atlas Gray brings a diverse catalog of music and captivating live shows. The band has toured with legendary artists such as Albert Lee, Denny Laine, and renowned producer Peter Asher.

Their personal bond on and off stage is reflected within the lyrics of their songs that hint at their own stories and connect them with their listeners.

The Connecticut Inclusive Arts organization named their forthcoming performing arts program "Believe" after Atlas Gray's original song and will be featuring music from "Through The Dark" throughout the season.

Tied to the message of the band's music, the mission of Connecticut Inclusive Arts is to dissolve barriers between youth with disabilities and develop students in an integrated performing and visual arts education program.

Atlas Gray will spend most of 2021 releasing "Through the Dark," and in a prolific gesture that speaks to their ambitions, has already begun recording the follow up to Through The Dark.

The album is produced in conjunction with SongAid.

SongAid is a nonprofit that works with an exceptional roster of contributing artists including Carlos Santana, Yo-Yo Ma, Tom Morello, Wilco, and many more. All proceeds go to causes that fight social injustice.

To watch a video of Atlas Gray covering Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" go here.