Grammy winner David Phelps to perform in Conneaut

CONNEAUT – David Phelps grew up listening to the vocal performances of Bill and Gloria Gaither. A performer himself, Phelps eventually joined the couple’s band, with which he won a Grammy award.
Now, deep into his career, Phelps is touring with his own band to promote his latest album and will perform in Conneaut.
“I’m touring to support my newest release, ‘Speak of Love,’” Phelps said. “We’re on the second leg of the tour, and it will close in November. It’s been an amazing ride. I was even able to go international with the tour.”
Phelps will perform at New Leaf Event Center, 110 Gateway Ave., on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.
“It will be a night for the whole family,” Phelps said. “It’s amazing the different age groups that come to our shows. We get high school kids to grandmas. If you appreciate vocals, it will be a wonderful time for you. Because I sing gospel, I’m able to give some hope, and we all need hope in our lives.”
Phelps, who owns a ranch outside of Nashville, has been singing his entire life.
“I was born into a family that sang at church all the time,” Phelps said. “Eventually, it became a form of instruction. I started doing concerts as a teenager for anybody who would have me. I got a degree in voice music from Baylor University and started my professional career. I started with the Gaither Vocal Band as well as doing some solo shows. The last 10 years, I’ve been a soloist.”
Music was a way Phelps learned to express himself.
“(Singing) is the way I express emotions and ideas in a more concrete way,” Phelps said. “In a personal way, it helps me work things out. Music helps me drop my guard in ways I might not be open to. It’s a way to connect to people. While I’m performing, I can reach out and it allows me to interact with real people. It’s what drew me into doing what I do.”
Throughout his life, Phelps says he has been influenced by all kinds of music.
“Growing up, my family listened to music across the board,” Phelps said. “My mom used to listen to opera. We would listen to Dolly (Parton), Bill and Gloria Gaither, Anne Murray and Tina Turner. The concerts I do are eclectic. I’m known for gospel, but I might do some opera like ‘Nessun Dorma’ or Broadway. It’s an eclectic night.”
Phelps won a Grammy award while a member of the Gaither Vocal Band.
“It was amazing,” Phelps said. “I grew up listening to them. Of course, they’ve been through many changes over the years. They had started with inspirational music then went more toward pop then more toward southern gospel. (When I was younger), I had people in my life who said I should be with the Gaithers. I got that worked out and it was pretty great.”
As a performer with the Gaithers, Phelps learned everything he could, but he also drew knowledge from the same artists he listened to growing up.
“I’m definitely a student,” Phelps said. “I walk into a situation with my ear open and ready to learn something from somebody else. I love to learn. I learned communication from Bill and Gloria. I got to sit with Gloria on a bus on many mornings and talk about songwriting and the way they run an organization, as well. Those were amazing years. I learned from Dolly, Tina Turner and Tony Bennett, who had never-ending careers. I learned to take chances. Those were artists who took chances. You don’t reach new heights without doing it.”
Having performed in venues of all shapes and sizes, Phelps likes hosting shows in buildings like New Leaf.
“I love the electricity of an arena, but I also like the smaller venues,” Phelps said. “They’re more intimate and allow people to connect in a world struggling for connection right now. Small venues allow for a more personal experience for audience members. I love those shows. They can take off in a different direction. I have a skeleton set list, but I love when a show goes off in a different direction. My band is great. They know there might be some surprises, and they’re ready for them.”
Those different directions are often dictated by the crowd Phelps is performing for.
“The other night, I was in a concert, and a VIP had told me some stuff their family was going through and it stuck with me,” Phelps said. “I found them in the audience, and I said we were going to go in a different direction. I was able to connect with somebody. What a gift to be able to do that for somebody.”
Visit https://davidphelps.com/tour-dates/ for tour dates and ticket info for David Phelps’ shows, including the performance at New Leaf Event Center.