5 damascus road: Bios

Marilyn grew up singing with her mother and sister while attending church with her family. Her mom says that she would lie in her bed singing the night away. When she was told to be quiet and go to sleep, she would say, “But Mommy, I’m only happy when I’m singing!” Singing has always been her greatest passion, although her shyness in high school usually kept her from performing in front of too many people at that time. She eventually married and now has three kids. While living in south Orange County with her young family, she attended Saddleback Church and sang in their gospel choir. After moving to Corona she began singing with a worship band at her church. This is when her talents really began to grow, along with her confidence. That’s when she really got excited about the role music played in connecting people to Christ and knew that God had a plan for her life and was calling her further into the music ministry. She currently sings on the worship team at South Hills Church in Corona and has recently joined up with 5 Damascus Road and is looking forward to the many opportunities to serve God, and bringing people closer to Him through their music. Marilyn enjoys computers, boating, skiing, scrap booking, reading, and traveling around the world to visit new cultures. She also enjoys cooking up a great gourmet feast too!

Paul Hutchinson

Paul began playing drums for the stage band in the 6th grade. Later as a teenager he knew God could use music to reach out and minister so he played in his church.

After years checking out the nightclub scene playing secular music Paul has focused on Christian music because of the great message.

Paul continues to play at St Paul's Chino Hills and asks that you pray for God's will in directing the band.

Paul enjoys music, animals, baseball, football " He is a Vikings Fan " and being with his family and friends.

Steve Liljedahl

Steve started playing guitar when he was about 12 (country/western!). He played in Southern California back in the 70s. He put it down for about 15 years while he raised his kids.

Steve got saved in 1986. He has been involved at Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley since 1990. He work's with the children's ministry, working with the pre-k kids. He love's doing praise and worship with them.

Steve has three wonderful children and is very involved with his son's baseball.

Steve started playing his guitar again in 1999, knowing that the Lord had plans for him. After playing in four different bands, The Lord has led him to the wonderful guys in 5 Damascus Road.

We are truly blessed to be able to share His message of salvation and love through our music.

Jim Arvans

Originally from Chicago, as the newest member of 5DR Jim is coming off a long hiatus from performing in bands while he learned to fly airplanes and “did the dad thing” with his son – baseball, soccer, marching band, school events, etc… During the interim, he worked on acoustic fingerstyle and played solo at singer-songwriter open mics.

He once played Mick Fleetwood’s drums (Fleetwood Mac), but it was a long time ago and he doesn’t think Mick is mad about it anymore. J

Jim believes the unique influence of music can be a powerful affirmation of the spiritual connection we all share and is excited to have a role in putting that message out with 5DR.

Bob Fernandes

Bob began his musical journey, thanks to a door to door accordion salesman, at age 7. He told his parents that it would be cool to play the accordion and the rest is history. After playing a few years, he taught himself the keyboard and began playing for a Portuguese band called ACORES 84. A few more Portuguese bands on the "Linguisa Circuit" and a couple of Classic Rock bands later, including CRQ, Bob was looking for a new sound. Since he was playing with his Life Teen Choir at church for a while, he decided that a Christian band would be a great calling. 5DR was born.

Bob enjoys his job in the technology sector working for SRP Computer Solutions, Inc. He likes to play baseball with his son Nolan and watching movies and talking about books with his daughter Meaghan. Along with his wife, Erin, they attend services locally where he also assists in the Audio/Video Ministry.

Donny McCleary

Donny started his musical life at nine years of age playing trumpet from the 5th to 8th grades. Upon entering High School he decided that marching band was not his thing and was asked by friends to join a cover band and trying his hand at bass. Mark Moreland played in that band, and later formed 'Wall of Voodoo' with his brother Bruce Moreland. Donny went on to play and write original music for several local progressive rock bands including, Windlord, Cheap Day Return, and Air Castle which later became 'One'. After a substantial effort with One, Donny feared his dream of being a professional musician was fading but felt fortunate for the opportunity to work with manager John Resnick (Natalie Coles manager), and recording a highly polished demo with Laurence Juber, Paul McCartney's guitarist and musical director for the Conan O'Brian show. He has also done some work with Kim Fowley of early Emerson Lake and Palmer and Runaway fame, and had the opportunity to present themselves to A&M, Epic, Geffen, Atlantic, Columbia Records, and A&R people at the old Wolf & Rismillers Club. Unfortunately they failed to ink a deal, although the deals did come later for some of the others while Donny eventually decided he was done with these pursuits.

Donny plays bass guitar, guitar, piano (for writing only), and he sings as well. His influences are The Beatles, Yes, Genesis, Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren and Kate Bush, just to name a few. He has lived in Southern California his entire life and currently lives in Rancho Cucamonga.

Bios from past Members