A Saints Alive show is a unique experience where the audience can have an encounter with God through inspired songs. Gus deSimone wrote these songs during his time in seminary at St. Charles in Overbrook, and upon his departure began performing them. His songs are rich with the stories of the saints, the psalms, Mary, and the Eucharist. He opens each song with a story about what inspired the song, the content of the lyrics, and other providential or humorous anecdotes that go along with it. It is common to experience a range of emotions at a Saints Alive show, but one common takeaway is feeling edified, connected, and reinvigorated in your faith through the power of Christian witness through song. Along with the music, for many songs there are animated videos that accompany them, illustrated by Gus deSimone. All ages have been known to attend Saints Alive shows, and there really is something for everyone. The following is an animated video for the song “Splendor of a Rose” based on the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux.
Saints Alive has 4 different themed nights based on the content of their songs, with a 5th in the works. You may request a certain theme for booking, request certain songs, or leave it for the band to decide on the setlist themselves that may entail a mix of all themes. The current themes are as follows:
Saints Alive Volume 1
Enter into the lives of the Saints through the power of song. Saints covered here are St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Charles L'Wanga and Companions, St. Padre Pio, St. Joseph, St. Clare of Asissi, St. Cecelia, St. Sebastian, Daniel in the Lion's Den, The Franciscan Martyrs of Georgia (Servants of God), St. Brigid of Ireland and the Holy Innocents.
Psalms of David
Come experience the psalms like never before with Saints Alive. These songs enter into the heart of the psalmist to bring them to life in 2024! Songs on the following psalms: 2, 23, 27, 42, 45, 51, 56, 63, 84, 91, 110, 121, 139.
Marian Mysteries
These songs tell the stories of Mary, including the story of her Presentation, the Theotokos, Annunciation, the stoy of Fatima, Lourdes, the Brown Scapular, the Rosary, the Holy Name of Mary, the Queenshiop of Mary, Guadalupe, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and more!
Metanoia
These songs explore the Christian journey to faith, written from the persepective of Gus deSimone's own conversions story tracing back to 2013 when he felt God calling him to Himself. These songs explore the glories and trials that accompany us as we seek the face of God. Songs like “Stranger in a Strange Land” explore how God finds us like Moses in the desert when we flee the guilt and shame of our sins. “A War Already Won” is about how we fight to achieve our worth through material goods and achievements, when our true worth has been already won for us at the foot of the cross. “Present Tense” is about how our worried minds cause us to lose sight of God, but He is always there to remind us of his guidance and protection if we really look for him.
True Presence
(to be completed by fall of 2025 although some songs are available) - this night explores the history and theology of the true presence of the Eucharist so as to encourage the faithful to a deeper understanding of the source and summit of her faith. Songs like “Medicine of Immortality” explore the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of our earliest written documents on the theology of the real presence as practiced by the early church in the 2nd century. “Spiritual Eyes” echoes the words of St. John Chrysostom, “How many of you say: I should like to see His face, His garments, His sandals. You do see Him, you touch Him, you eat Him. He gives Himself to you, not only that you may see Him, but also to be your food and nourishment.”