Faith Band Oral History

Few Indiana groups have a story as evolutionary—and enduring—as Faith Band. Their roots trace back to Muncie in the late 1960s, where they first performed as The Invincibles before becoming The Chosen Few. By the early 1970s, the band had relocated to Indianapolis and reemerged as Limousine. Around this time, Mark Cawley, a member of the New York–based band Beggar’s Opera (a frequent presence on Indiana stages), joined forces with the Chosen Few alumni. His songs and jam-oriented style helped define the sound that would eventually crystallize into Faith Band.

Although Limousine was a popular live act, their initial LP on GSF Records failed to gain national traction. Producer Terry Knight (Grand Funk Railroad) reissued the record under his Brown Bag label, now billed as Faith, with a different mix and sequencing—launching a promotional campaign that shrouded the band in intrigue. When that effort didn’t lead to a breakthrough, Faith Band signed with Village Records, a local imprint tied to Sunshine Promotions, releasing two albums before securing a contract with Mercury Records.

Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Faith Band released a total of four LPs between Village and Mercury. Their single “Dancin’ Shoes” became their signature hit—gaining even more recognition when covered by Nigel Olsson of Elton John’s band and played heavily on national radio.

Faith Band’s live shows built them a devoted following in Indianapolis and across the Midwest. Members went on to make significant contributions to Indiana and national music: John Cascella later joined John Mellencamp’s band, playing keyboards and accordion until his untimely passing in 1992; Carl Storie and Mark Cawley reunited for the 1986 Riva Records project Blinding Tears; and Cawley has since become a respected author and songwriting mentor. In 2010, surviving members released a digital reunion album, keeping their music alive for new generations.

In this oral history interview, Dave Barnes and Carl Storie share their personal journeys into music, the formative years of the band, and vivid stories from their time performing together as part of Faith Band. They recall opening for legendary acts like the Allman Brothers, the Doobie Brothers, and Fleetwood Mac, and reflect on both the highs and the struggles of a career spent chasing—and achieving—moments of rock and roll glory.

This interview is part of the Indiana Music History Project’s Amazing Indiana Music Stories series, generously supported by the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation. On this page, you’ll find the Complete Interview, a Interview Highlight, and Image Gallery that capture the history and spirit of Faith Band.

In this interview highlight, Carl Storie and Dave Barnes reflect on the formation and rise of Faith Band, tracing the group’s roots in Indianapolis and their progression from regional clubs to major concert stages. They share stories of touring and performing alongside national acts including the Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers Band, and Fleetwood Mac, offering firsthand insight into a period when Indiana-based bands were gaining access to the highest levels of the touring rock circuit.

In this complete interview, Carl Storie and Dave Barnes offer an in-depth look at the history of Faith Band, from the group’s early roots in Indianapolis to their development as a nationally touring rock act during the 1970s. They discuss the band’s evolving lineup, rehearsal and recording experiences, and the realities of life on the road, while reflecting on the regional music scene that helped shape their sound. Together, their recollections provide a detailed portrait of a Midwest band navigating the professional rock landscape during a pivotal era in American music history.