Giving voice to his faith: Christian performer to play Cape Girardeau

Singer/songwriter and ventriloquist Brent Vernon's 15 years of touring have taken him to 48 states and several countries and, on Wednesday, Cape Girardeau.

Vernon will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Abbey Road Christian Church.

He travels as an independent musician doing about 150 shows a year in places like churches, coffee houses and schools.

"I feel compelled to share my love for Jesus Christ in my songs," Vernon said. "All of my songs and messages come from that wellspring."

Although this is his second time performing in Cape Girardeau, it will be his first appearance at Abbey Road.

Roanne Dean, choir director at Abbey Road, said events like this are fellowship opportunities and a chance to listen to good music.

"A Christian artist who writes his own music is very refreshing," Dean said.

The show incorporates a variety of styles of music ranging from adult contemporary to show music. Vernon said he has been writing and arranging music since he was in high school.

"I am very passionate about my faith," he said. "I believe that music is a wonderful vehicle to lovingly communicate the things we embrace."

Vernon said he assembled a small group that traveled full time for three years. After the group cut its touring schedule because of growing families, Vernon decided to continue the show on his own. He said it has made him a stronger musician and person.

"I basically do everything from designing the CD covers to booking the shows," he said. "I would much rather write a song than be stuck working through concert details with an event coordinator, but I'm extremely grateful to stay so busy."

Shortly after going solo, Vernon said, he added his ventriloquist act that introduced his sidekick Sam.

"My parents gave me a ventriloquist figure when I was very young, and I performed with him, in very small ways, whenever I was asked," he said. "On a Christmas tour in 1996, I was asked to bring along my pal to add some sparkle for the kids. The rest is history."

Vernon said he wants his audience to feel joy and comfort during his shows.

"I want folks, myself included, to leave the venue thinking about the stuff that really matters in life," he said.

The concert is free and open to the community, but the church will take an offering during the show. Dean said members from other churches come to events Abbey Road puts on, but she would like to also see members of the community in attendance.

"We want people to know we're open and accepting [of people] and to know where we are," she said.