About the Band

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The Bittersweet Gospel Band began as an extension of Bittersweet Ministries, at the time a rehabilitation home for men in East Los Angeles. The home, founded by Pastor Gilbert Romero, was a half-way house, a safe place, where men young and old could find stability, self-discipline and healing from their broken lives as gang members, drug users, alcoholics,and the abuse they suffered from the hands of others. Pastor Gilbert came out of this same world when God called him to ministry. In the mid-1990's, the Band began to minister to the main stream of the Church of the Brethren, and to other denominational and non-denominational churches as well, with a focus on reaching out to youth and breaking down walls of cultural division. With the Band's music and Gilbert's preaching, Bittersweet concerts take on a revival atmosphere. Pastor Gilbert is a dynamic speaker and presenter, as well as a smooth vocalist, percussionist, and songwriter. Joining him since 1997 is Pastor Scott Duffey, who plays guitar, sings, and also writes some of the music. Scott and Gilbert are from different worlds, but God has put them together as a model for intercultural ministry.

Monday, August 9, 2021

IT'S HERE!  Our latest album is now available and can be found on most streaming sites.  Just follow the link below.  "When Grandma Prays" was recorded in the fall, just before Covid-19 struck, so the mix sat in the studio.  Then the studio, "Blue Sprocket" in Harrisonburg, burned down the in the spring of 2020.  So we waited until we could get access to our music mixes in the cloud, reconnecting to our sound engineer, Taylor Bess, who had moved to Richmond with "In Your Ear Studios."  Finally, we got things remixed and mastered, and we are releasing them to you.

Please take a listen on your favorite streaming site, or download it from Itunes or Amazon, and let us know what you think.  The music of the Bittersweet Gospel Band is a ministry to share the love of God and inspire our living.   

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bittersweetgospelband/when-grandma-prays

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

New Tour Ya'll - Coming to Maryland and Virginia

Gilbert and Scott will see you in Maryland and Virginia the end of August, 2017!!  We'll have Trey and Dan, Leah and David, and maybe a surprise.  We plan to rock for Jesus.  During the tour we hope to do some television recording and also visit a prison, but they're not on your schedule.  Here is where you can catch us, and we hope you do!!

August 23 - Hagerstown, MD, Church of the Brethren - Benefit Concert - 7:00 PM
August 24 - Wakeman's Grove Church of the Brethren, Edinburgh, VA - 7:00 PM

August 25 - "Sing Me High" Music Festival at Crossroads in Harrisonburg, VA, the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center.  Friday evening from 5-8:30 PM there is a Pie Auction with music interspersed all evening by all the groups playing on Saturday.  Come sing along tonight to familiar gospel songs and hymns.
August 26 - "Sing Me High" Music Festival - 1-1:50 PM Concert time

August 26 - Mt. Zion/Linville Church of the Brethren - 6:00 PM
August 27 - Staunton Church of the Brethren - 10:30 AM Worship - Outside
August 27 - Summerdean and Renacer Churches of the Brethren, Roanoke, VA - 5:00 PM

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

SPRING TOUR 2016 HERE WE COME -
March 29, Tuesday, 7 PM, New Enterprise Church of the Brethren, PA.
March 30, Wednesday, 7 PM, Martinsburg Memorial Church of the Brethren, PA
March 31, Thursday, 7 PM, Bermudian Church of the Brethren, East Berlin, PA
April 1, Friday, 10:30 AM, Brethren Village Chapel, Lancaster, PA
April 1, Friday, 6:30 PM, Alpha Y Omego Church of the Brethren, Lancaster, PA
April 2, Saturday, 3 PM, Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, PA
April 3, Sunday, 9:15 AM, Lititz Church of the Brethren, PA
April 3, Sunday, 1:30 PM, Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren, Quarryville, PA
HOPE TO SEE YOU AT LEAST ONCE!  WE'LL HAVE OUR CDS, AND TWO DVDS -
"Jesus In The Line," and our new release DVD "Cardboard Hotel" - filmed in Mexico. 

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

New Video Coming

In April, we will be in Tijuana, Mexico, to film the music video for "Cardboard Hotel."  Please join us by praying for our journey and for the people whom we will meet on the way.  We hope to visit a landfill and see some of the "cardboard hotels," the boxes that serve as people's homes, near the landfills.  When we're done, the video will be on Youtube, and we'll get it on our Facebook page.  Thanks to those of you who made contributions to make this happen.  "Cardboard Hotel" is available on the CD "Bittersweet Lane" which you can get on iTunes and Cdbaby.com. 

Saturday, September 27, 2014

FALL BITTERSWEET GOSPEL BAND TOUR

We hope to see you on our Fall Tour 2014.  Here is our schedule:
October 22 - Dupont Church of the Brethren, Dupont, Ohio - 7 PM
October 23 - Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren, Ashland, Ohio - 7 PM
October 24 - Freeburg Church of the Brethren, Ohio - 7 PM
October 25 - Maple Spring Church of the Brethren, Hollsopple, Pennsylvania - 7 PM
October 26 - New Enterprise Church of the Brethren, New Enterprise, Pennsylvania - 10:30 AM
October 26 - Manor Church of the Brethren, Boonsboro, Maryland - 4:00 PM

Come worship with us!  Gilbert Romero and Scott Duffey will be joined by Trey Curry (Drums), Leah Hileman (Piano and Vocals), Jose Mendoza (Bass), David Sollenberger (Lead Guitar), Andy Duffey (Hand Percussion and Vocals).  Come hear "When Grandma Prays," and we may have something else new by then. 

"Bittersweet Lane" CDs at 2 for 1.  DVDs of "Jesus in the Line."  Hope to see you!!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Fall Tour and Music Video Fundraising

Hi Everyone - We are planning another tour - FINALLY!  We are planning to be on the road from October 22-26, 2014.  We will be travelling to northern Ohio, western and middle Pennsylvania.  We'll post the schedule when it's confirmed, but we are really excited about getting out again to the glory of God and sharing our testimony in music.
We continue to try to raise funds to do a Music Video to "Cardboard Hotel."  We have already shot band footage.  What remains is to get Gilbert and Scott to Mexico with Videographer David Sollenberger to shoot the onsite film at the landfills and with the people who's courageous lives inspired the song.  You can make a donation through CrowdRise.com, or just send something to Gilbert or Scott.  We are trying to raise $2500.
God is great and God is good!  Have you heard our newest song yet?  "When Grandma Prays."  Haven't even recorded it yet, but we used it in Spanish in Puerto Rico.  Wow!  What a response!!  Hopefully you can hear it in October.  We'll keep you posted with tour details.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Fall Tour 2013 - Here We Come Again!

Hey Everybody - Here We Come Again!
Saturday, October 26, Skelton 4-H Center, Wirtz, VA., 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 27, Green Hill Church of the Brethren, Salem, VA., 6:00 PM
Tuesday, October 29, West Charleston Church of the Brethren, Ohio, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, October 30, New Carlisle Church of the Brethren, Ohio, 6:00 PM
Thursday, October 31, 12 Noon, Bethany Seminary Peace Forum, Richmond, IN.
Thursday, October 31, 9:00 PM, Manchester University, IN.
Friday, November 1, 6:30 PM, Columbia City Church of the Brethren, IN.
Saturday, November 2,  6:00 PM, Pleasant Chapel Church of the Brethren, IN.
Sunday, November 3, 9:00 AM, Decatur Church of God, IN. 
Come see us!  We'd love to see you!  Bittersweet Gospel Band on Tour!!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Jesus In The Line - OFFICIAL Music Video Release!

We are happy to release our music video for "Jesus In The Line." The video was filmed on location in Roanoke, VA at the VA Rescue Mission which is the inspiration for the song. The mural there, as well as those serving at the VA Rescue Mission have provided many in need with inspiration and hope. We hope you enjoy the video and hope you will share it with others.

A special thanks to David Sollenberger! His hard work in both filming and editing have made this video possible.

Keep an eye on our blog and facebook page for upcoming tour dates and concerts!
You can also listen to songs from our albums on our YouTube page as well.

Our newest album 'Bittersweet Ln' is available for purchase through iTunes and amazon.com.
To order from amazon.com click here.
Your purchase will support the continued ministries of Bittersweet Gospel Band and Bittersweet Ministries.

In Peace,
The Bittersweet Gospel Band



Wednesday, December 26, 2012

New Tour and Concerts

It's that time of year again - time for a Bittersweet Gospel Band Tour.  The footage from the fall music video weekend is in the hands of the videographer, David Sollenberger, and we'll let you know when to look for our youtube video of "Jesus In The Line;" but now its time to play again.
We're going to Puerto Rico to visit the Church of the Brethren congregations from January 14-21.  We'll play several times, including the Assemblea - the annual meeting of the island churches - at Castaner.  Really looking forward to it with Gilbert, Dan and Abby, Leah, Trey and Kathy and Quade, and me - Scott.
We'll also be doing two Pre-Tour Concerts in Virginia before we fly out to San Juan.  We'll be at Sunrise Church of the Brethren in Harrisonburg, VA, on January 12 at 6:30 PM; then we'll be at the Staunton Church of the Brethren, VA, on January 13 at 3:00 PM.  We hope you'll come and worship with us in music.  The Pre-Tour band will be Gilbert, Trey, Scott, and Kevin.  God is good!  All the time!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Enjoy Two New Bittersweet Gospel Band Songs!

The new album is available now! Contact Scott to get your CD today!

'Like' Bittersweet Gospel Band on Facebook and stay tuned to this blog for more tour dates!

 

Jesus Never Loses


Cardboard Hotel


bittersweetgospelband.blogspot.com

Monday, March 12, 2012

SPRING TOUR 2012

We'll be looking for you to meet us on the journey of Spring Tour 2012!  Here's the schedule:

April 14, Saturday, 6 PM, Staunton VA. Church of the Brethren - Benefit for Disaster Relief
   Love Offering for Disaster Relief and Bring Disaster Clean Up Kit Items with you! 
April 16, Monday, 6:30 PM, Somerset PA. Church of the Brethren
April 17, Tuesday, 7 PM, Everett PA.  Church of the Brethren
April 18, Wednesday, 7 PM, York First PA. Church of the Brethren
April 19, Thursday, 10 AM, Brethren Village, Lancaster, PA.
April 19, Thursday, 7 PM, Bermudian PA. Church of the Brethren
April 20, Friday, 7 PM, York Second PA. Church of the Brethren
April 21, Saturday Evening, Alpha Y Omega Church of the Brethren, Lancaster PA.
April 22, Sunday Morning, Alpha Y Omega Church of the Brethren, Lancaster PA.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011


Thanks to everyone who came our for the tour in October. More dates have been added for November!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Weekend Tour in the East

We've booked the weekend of November 4, 5, 6 in the East.  We hope you'll come see us somewhere.  Spread the word about the music and the message of Bittersweet Gospel Band, bringing people, cultures, and followers of Jesus together for something good every time! Post it to your facebook friends!!

Friday, November 4, Antioch Church of the Brethren, Rocky Mount, VA, Renewal Service
Saturday, November 5, Hagerstown Church of the Brethren, Hagerstown, MD, Concert
Sunday, November 6, Roanoke First Church of the Brethren and Renacer Fellowship, Roanoke,VA., 4 PM

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

2011 FALL TOUR

Come out and see us this fall when we're on tour.  Want to know where?  Here it is!!

Monday, October 17, 7:30 PM, Highland Brethren in Christ Church, West Milton, Ohio
Tuesday, October 18, 7:00 PM, Brookville Church of the Brethren, Brookville, Ohio
Wednesday, October 19, 1:15 PM, Chamberlain Elementary School, Goshen, Indiana
Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 PM, Goshen City Church of the Brethren, Goshen, Indiana
Thursday, October 20, 3:30 PM, Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana
Thursday, October 20, 7:30 PM, Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren, Auburn, Indiana
Friday, October 21, 11:20 AM, Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana
Friday, October 21, 6:00 PM, Community Concert at Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana
Saturday, October 22, 6:30 PM, Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren, Decatur, Indiana
Sunday, October 23, 9:00 AM, Decatur Church of God, Decatur, Indiana

Come and see us more than once and bring your friends!  Inspiring and Fun!
Thanks be to God!!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"Bittersweet Lane" Released

Great news!  "Bittersweet Lane" is now available, a 15 song CD by the Bittersweet Gospel Band.  Buy it today and listen to "If Only I Knew," "Jesus Never Loses," "I'm Blessed," "Cardboard Hotel," and more.  For now, you can send a check for $18 ($15 per CD and $3 shipping) to Scott Duffey, 36 Mallory Circle, Fishersville, VA, 22939, and I'll ship it right out to you. 
If you're at Annual Conference, you can find it at Brethren Press. 
Soon, it will be available on iTunes and other places online. 
But get yours first, ORDER ONE TODAY AND ONE FOR A FRIEND! 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Lyrics for songs posted

"Through My Lord's Eyes"
CHORUS: How do I look, through my Lord's eyes.....
VERSE 1: I used to be a wallflower, hoping no one would see me;
    but deep down I really wanted everybody to see the real me.  But I ask...
VERSE 2: There are many reasons to be noticed, one of which is popularity,
    What will I sacrifice to get it; is it worth it if I lose the real me?  So I ask...
VERSE 3: Sometimes I act ashamed of Jesus, other folks just might not understand,
    Isn't my heart enough to please him, does he have to see me serve with my own hands?
    Then I ask...
VERSE 4: One day I'll finally walk with Jesus, not 'cause of anything I've done.
    He simply loves me beyond measure, and He will welcome me when my race is run.
    So I say...

In the Studio

HI Friends!  Scott will be in the studio next week for the final mixing of the new CD "Bittersweet Lane."  For those of you who have heard us in concert lately, this CD will have songs like: "Cardboard Hotel," "If Only I Knew," "Jesus In the Line," and "I'm Blessed."  As soon as its available, I'll let you know. We hope to have the new CD available at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in July, and you'll be able to order them online.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thanks to everyone who purchased a Bittersweet Gospel Band T-Shirt at the Staunton Church, and to all who purchased CDs.  For those of you who have the copies without the booklet, here's the set list on the CD: "Salvation in a Gospel Band;" "Through My Lord's Eyes;" "In My Father's House;" "Leah's Song;" "Beans and Rice and Jesus Christ;" "Jesus Watches Over You;" "By His Grace;" "Harvest of Blessing;" "The Butterfly Song;" "Cordero;" "Prayer of Reconciliation;" "Vive Principe de Paz;" "Jesus Loves Me - Our Tribute;" and "We All Need Friends." 
We hope you enjoy it all!
If you'd like to order one of these CDs, contact Scott at sduffey11@gmail.com.  They are $10 plus shipping.
Keep watch here for the announcement that the new CDs are ready.  They're coming soon. 
WOW!  The Spring Tour was AWESOME!  Thanks to everyone for making it such a special time. We put on 1,000 miles, but every one was a great blessing. We know that hearts were opened and we pray for every person who is dealing with something in your life that came to light in one of our concerts or services.  May God lead you through this desert time and into whatever it is that you need - peace, reconciliation, restoration, forgiveness... We (Gilbert, Scott, Kevin, Trey, and Jose) were blessed by all of you and we thank you for your support and encouragement, too.