Band Bio

Text Box: Messenger is:

Text Box: Ken is a newer member to St. Luke’s and to Messenger. He has drummed for many years, playing in numerous bands since he’s been 14. Ken and his wife, Roxanne, have two daughters, Alyssa and Ashley.

Text Box: Kayleigh is a junior high school student and the newest member of Messenger. Kayleigh’s musical experience includes playing trumpet with the school jazz band, as well as being a member of the school’s vocal ensemble. She is currently learning to play the guitar and hopes one day to have her own band. Her father is Lance Breidor – see below.

Text Box: Lance and wife Allyson have 6 children - ages 3 to 17. Lance brought prior “band” experience with him playing part-time for local school and club bands through high school and college. He is an executive in the facility services industry. Aside from music, Lance enjoys horseback riding and spending time with his family.

Text Box: Dennis and his wife Gail (also in the band, see below) have 6 children and 4 grandchildren between them. When there was no guitar player for the first service, Dennis went out, bought a guitar and taught himself to play to join Messenger for the second service. He has since added the mandolin. Dennis and Gail also play as a duo for Christian and community events, providing folk, rock, traditional and contemporary musical styles. Dennis is a network engineer and enjoys reading and spending time on the beach with family and friends.

Text Box: Gail and her husband Dennis (also in the band, see above) enjoy leading worship with Messenger, believing it is God's purpose and a vital ministry at St. Luke's. Gail's two sons (Markus and Lukas) served as drummers with Messenger, thrilling their mother's heart. Gail had piano and guitar lessons as a girl, and sang with the select chorus in high school; always hoping for another chance to sing. Joining Messenger 12 years ago was an answer to prayer then, and continues to be a source of spiritual strength and joy. She and Dennis share 6 children and 4 grandchildren. She works as a geriatric nurse and enjoys knitting and gardening in her spare time.

Text Box: Al is a rhythm guitarist for Messenger with occasional forays onto the conga drums. Born in Philadelphia, Al is the single (and available) parent of two adult children, Justin and Allison. Allison was a member of Messenger at one time and now sings with Dave Stahl's Sacred Orchestra. Al, who never played with a band before Messenger, started playing guitar in his early twenties and joined Messenger in 2000. His musical tastes include Eric Clapton, Boz Scaggs and anything else bluesy and melodic. Al is a corporate safety professional. He sees Messenger as one of the most effective ways to reach out to young people and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Al believes the "Ministry of the Guitar" will catch the attention of young folks with upbeat, up tempo music and a message of hope.

Text Box: Vicky, a founding member of the band, is a life-long member of St. Luke’s. She is also the prayer leader of the band. Vicky had no band experience before Messenger. She and husband George have a grown son, Todd.

Text Box: Doug, after many years in St. Luke’s Choir, joined Messenger as a lead and back-up vocalist. He is also self-taught on the bass guitar. Doug works as a senior manager with the PA Game Commission. He has 2 grown children, Tami and Nate. He and wife Sharon also have 2 grandchildren.

Text Box: Walt is a career musician, having been a member of Guy Greco and the Saints, a popular area show and dance band. Walt is also accomplished on the keyboard and trombone. In addition to Messenger, Walt is Assistant Music Director of the Swing Fever Orchestra, a “Big Band Era” show band. He is also a founding member of Messenger, and also volunteers with the Optimists’ Club. Walt and wife Ginny have four children and eleven grandchildren.

Text Box: Smoky has played in a number of area bands for “longer than he chooses to admit,” beginning in the ‘60’s with The Opus 5, then Sight and Sound, the Jerry Davis Ensemble and the In Tandem Band. In addition to Messenger, he currently plays bass with The Left Edge, a popular area band. When not playing music, Smoky works as a Realtor. He is married to Connie; they have 2 grown sons, Marc and Mike. He is a founding member of Messenger.

Text Box: Dave is a long-time banjo picker who joined Messenger in 2005. Along with his fast picking style, he adds a dry wit to the band. He is a retired Special Education teacher. He and wife Gwen have a grown daughter, Kate, who is in graduate school in Delaware.