Chapdelaine scheduled for vocal performance

On April 1 First Friday at First Presbyterian will present vocalist John Chapdelaine. The concert is from 12:05 to 12:35 p.m. at the church at South Fourth and Ash streets and it is free and open to the public. It will be performed both in person and on facebook.com/FPC.Sterling. Viewers don’t have to belong to Facebook to access this performance and it will stay up and be viewable after the performance.

Although Chapdelaine enjoys singing all types of music, it is the Easter season, so he will present a program containing contemporary Christian songs, as well as some older gospel tunes. Song titles include “Build My Life,” “One Pair of Hands,” “I Can Only Imagine,” “Be Not Afraid,” “Psalm 23,” “You Say” and “Here He Comes.”

Chapdelaine grew up in Paonia, where he enjoyed sports and all things music, singing in church and choirs and playing in the band. He now lives in Haxtun where he is a praise team leader for his church and he performs for special occasions, weddings and memorial services. He is also occasionally asked to sing the National Anthem at local sporting events. Chapdelaine learned to play guitar as an adult to accompany his singing and in the late 90s and early 2000s he was in a band that enjoyed performing country and old-time rock and roll hits. Chapdelaine is currently a member of the Haxtun Community Choir and he attends weekly practices eight months of the year. The choir performs Christmas and Easter Cantatas which bring great joy to those in attendance. He and his wife Cindy have two grown sons.

Chapdelaine graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Biology and Secondary Education. He has taught school and coached, been a principal of schools and then worked at Sterling Correctional Facility where he finished his career serving as the warden. After retiring from state service, John became the director of the Eastern Colorado Community Fund, which enhances philanthropy throughout Northeast Colorado. Chapdelaine has thoroughly enjoyed working with donors and nonprofits throughout the region. He says that his daily work entails “Working with beautiful people to accomplish beautiful things!”

“I feel extremely blessed and am looking forward to it,” Chapdelaine said of having the opportunity to perform in April in front of a live audience. “My desire is that this be a spiritually uplifting and enjoyable experience for all in attendance.”

First Friday at First Presbyterian is an ongoing series of recitals showcasing local talent.