The Katinas

The Katinas, an award-winning contemporary Christian pop-rock group, are five brothers whose vocals are smooth like jazz, with instrumentals that pump your endorphins.

They'll bring their unique mix for two concerts Monday to Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock. Quimi, a Modestan who had her first CD produced by the group, will share the stage. The evening will include a lineup of Christmas tunes and songs from The Katinas' recently released CD, "Still."

The brothers — Sam, 42; Joe, who turned 39 Thursday; twins James and John, 36; and Jesse, 34 — were born in Southern California when their Marine father was stationed at Camp Pendleton. They moved to American Samoa, their parents' home country, after their father's military service was complete.

Together with their older brother, Dave, they began a worship band. Dave was called to pastor a church in Hawaii, while the five others eventually signed with a record label and moved to Nashville. They live with their wives and 16 children, with an 17th on the way, within 10 to 15 minutes of one another.

On Thanksgiving and Christmas, the family gathering includes the brothers, their wives and children, and some cousins and their families — "quite a wild madhouse," one said.

The Bee caught up with jet-lagged James on Thursday, shortly after the group returned from a trip to the Philippines. Here's his take on his family and their work:

Q: Have you toured frequently in the Philippines?

A: This was our first time there. We've had several invitations to go there, but it never worked out. We're definitely going back. It was awesome. It reminded me a lot of our island (Samoa) — culturally, a lot of similarities, very family-oriented.

We were there for a long weekend. It was emotionally draining. A lot of poverty and need there. But the people are very content and a very optimistic people. We played at the Arnetta Coliseum. That's where the "Thrilla in Manila" was, where Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier. Six thousand people came out to hear us. It was a big success.

Q: Your beloved mom died in 1988 of cancer. Is your dad still alive?

A: He's alive and pastoring a church in American Samoa, the same one he's been pastoring for 35 years. He remarried after my mom died, and there are 12 (children total). We're not quite the Brady Bunch, but close.

Q: Do you go back to Samoa often?

A: In last three years, we started a Katinas Mission. We go there every July or August for a couple of weeks. This last year, we went to assist the pediatric ward there. Hospitals there are in terrible shape, with a big lack of equipment. We worked with our partners and donated some things to the pediatric ward.

Q: You used to be with Gotee Records, but now are on your own label, Destiny Music. Is producing your own music a challenge?

A: There are pros and cons, but no doubt the upside is greater. We had the privilege of being under a record label for seven to eight years and have great relationships out of that. About four years ago, we made the decision to have more control over our vision and our career and brought everything in-house. We're still learning today through decisions and partnerships and that kind of stuff. All in all, it probably was one of the best decisions we made from a career standpoint.

Q: You guys seem to come to Turlock a lot. Is there a reason?

A: We just love Turlock. People all the time ask, "Where is one place you love that people haven't heard of?" We say, Turlock. The first time we played was four to five years ago. The show was promoted by several businessmen in the area. One was Matt Swanson. We hit it off with this guy and have become very close to Matt and his wife. That was kind of the start. We've created somewhat of a following there. We're in Northern California quite a bit.