You probably know Guy Penrod as the former lead tenor from the Gaither Vocal Band.  After 13 years with the group, He has now set out on a solo career, with the release of a new single recording.  With the launch of Breathe Deep, Guy Penrod will tell you he’s not looking to change the face of country music. Only to bring a new prospective to its’ best attributes.

“I had made fourteen records with the Gaither Vocal Band when Bill asked me last year if I wanted to do a solo record.  I was excited by the opportunity to individualize my music and broaden my horizons. I also wanted to be true to the integrity of not doing a solo career inside the walls of my commitment to the Vocal Band.”

Born in Abilene, Texas, the son of a preacher, Guy grew up in church with a desire to somehow impact the world. “I learned pretty early in life that music was a good vehicle for me.”   He nurtured the gift of music growing up by singing in church and school and recalls his mom and dad telling him the story of how they stood him up on a folding chair as a 3-year old for his debut solo of “Fill My Cup Lord.” From there, the powerful voice that would grow through experiences in school plays, and singing with local groups and theater productions,  would lead subsequently to graduation with a vocal scholarship to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.  He took a job teaching voice at a private school in Georgia before opting a year later to heading back into vocal performance and a move to Nashville with wife, Angie.

During the early 90′s, Guy was an in-demand session singer in Nashville working in studio with the biggest names in both country and gospel music.  TNN’s “Music City Tonight” subsequently introduced Guy to wider national audiences as part of the vocal quartet that appeared nightly on the live 90 minute telecast.  “I got to sing behind some of the great legends of country music that I grew up listening to, as well as backing new artists like Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain at a point when their careers where just launching.”

Tim Mikkels with Gunn Productions presents Guy Penrod in concert on Thursday, April 15^th at 7:30pm at the Sioux Falls Orpheum Theatre.

Download a concert poster.

For ticket information call 367-4616  (Sioux Falls Arena Box Office) or purchase through Ticket Master

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Guy-Penrod-tickets/artist/1313992

For these brave men and women, sacrificing so much to serve and protect on our behalf, the days can get long and lonely. A letter, even from a stranger back home, can boost morale and uplift a soldier on the worst of days.

Faith 1270 and Life 96.5 are partnering with the dedicated Red Hat Ladies of Hartford, who diligently support our military. Here is an excerpt from their email:

“We have 1800 Service Men and Women on our send list – most are SD National Guard members, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait (4 units). We also have the Ellsworth contacts and are sending to the Units in Afghanistan and Iraq (3 Units). We also have a few Full-time SD Army and Marine Units (7 units, varying from Special Forces to a Chaplain from Watertown).”

“The letters or cards can include general greetings, give info on the sender’s family or interests – anything pretty much goes. The only thing we try to stay away from is political comments or rants and personal comments on the war itself. Keep it light and uplifting. Letters from kids, pictures and drawings are always big hits. We will send these as soon as received. Return address can be included – some soldiers may write back – but many do not have time or resources. No address on the envelope is needed, as they will be sent in batches in boxes. We have a contact in each unit that makes sure supplies and letters are distributed to the entire unit personnel.”

Bring your letters during February to any Faith 1270 / Life 96.5 event, or drop them off at one of the following Sioux Falls locations:

Faith 1270 & Life 96.5 KNWC (M-F, 8:30-4:30)
6300 S. Tallgrass Ave.
(1 mile West of 69th & Louise)

The Blessed Door (each Thurs.-Sat., 9:30-5:30)
3300 S. Holly Ave.
(41st and Holly, next to Inca Restaurant)

Look for the big red valentine box!