By Patricia Poblete
Criterion Editor

La Sierra University's own Christian alternative band, Modus Dei, recently won the 2001 National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters competition. Modus Dei was chosen as one of the ten winners, out of almost two thousand entries.

The band flew to Nashville on May 10 to perform for several major Christian record label and publishing executives. They recently signed a deal with Dean's Booking & Management and will be launching a two-month nationwide tour, which will include performances in festivals headlining artists such as P.O.D., Jennifer Knapp, and Five Iron Frenzy. Modus Dei will also be aired on several Christian radio stations across the country, starting this summer. In July, they will be featured guests on the readio show "Bread N Butter," hosted by Eric Lane on B94 in Pennsylvania.

Modus Dei, Latin for "God's Rhythm," first originated in Andrews University, when Yoshi Abe founded it in 1997. Three years later, the band moved to Riverside, and evolved to its latest form. The band consists of five members: Yoshi Abe (song writer/rhythm guitar), Marc Hokama (lead guitar), Maki Vance (bass guitar), Mel Flores (drums), and Jay Soria (lead vocalist). Modus Dei has gained popularity in the Inland Empire area, and has performed in music festivals like Unite 2000.

Modus Dei has one last local performance before their tour. It will be at First Service, on May 25, La Sierra University Church. The band's website, www.modusdei.com, is still under construction, but samples of their music can be found at www.flickerrecords.com, under A&R Online. For more information, e-mail modus_dei@hotmail.com.