BAND BIO
MiddleTree is a Christian Band based in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. The band members are Greg Traviss, Kimberly Camp-Smith & Shane Smith, Lance Ransom, and Jessica Herron. Their music is a combination of electric/acoustic folk and rock packed with driving rhythms, catchy melodies, powerful vocals and creative harmonies. Their lyrics are thought provoking, up-lifting, story-like, and filled with deep truths of the Christian faith.

In addition to their musical style, one of the things that makes MiddleTree stand out is the fact that they feature a visual artist who creates Christian themed works of art while they play. Both hearing and seeing the word of God unfold before you in a creative way is more than entertaining, it’s part of what makes a MiddleTree concert so unique and full of meaning. “It’s our goal to encourage people to live to the glory of God in response to what they’ve seen and heard at one of our concerts.” says Greg.

MiddleTree has been involved in many Christian youth events and church sponsored concerts, as well as worship leading for church services and other worship oriented events. They have a strong sense of timing and appropriateness. That is, they can intuitively and appropriately distingish between “concert performace” and “worship leading”. They are known for connecting with their audiences both on and off the stage and for showing a genuine interest in the lives of their listeners.

Greg and Kim are the main song writers and vocalists. Greg does all of the guitar work and plays harmonica. Lance plays the drums and percussion. Jessica plays bass guitar. Shane is the band artist. You can see some of Shane’s work in the photo gallery.

MiddleTree was formed in 2004 by singer/song-writer, Greg Traviss. The original 5 members, Greg and Heather Traviss, Lance Ransom, Jake Davis, and Mike Taylor, played without a name for several months before coming up with the name “MiddleTree”. Since then, the band has been blessed to have had several talented musicians and singers contribute along the way. Greg's wife Heather sang from 04 to 06, Jake Davis played guitar and sang from 04 to 06. Mike Taylor played bass from 04 to 07. Rich VanDam played violin in 04. Lorin Divine played guitar and sang for a short period in 07. Jessica Herron played keyboards for a while in 06 and 07, left the band for a short period and is now back as the bassist. Good friend of the band, Brian Lietzke has contributed in many ways over the years as sound engineer, drummer, bassist, guitar, and vocals. Jeremy Hart was the first band artist in 06. We give all of these folks a huge thanks for their involvement in MiddleTree and helping to build the foundations of what the band is today.