Background
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From
age nine, when he first picked up a guitar and learned the shape of a G-chord,
Dean Phelps has made music to bring enjoyment to anyone willing to listen. His
folk style, positive demeanor and family-friendly repertoire make his music
appropriate in a variety of venues, including churches, coffee shops and
restaurants.
Influenced by a number of singer songwriters like John Prine, John Hiatt, Nanci
Griffith and Kate Wolf, his music is an acoustic blend of folk, gospel and
Americana. Dean sings songs that are both religious and secular and has made
several original arrangements of traditional hymns and songs of the Christian
faith.
The songs he sings tell stories about people, life and faith. They are not all
explicitly Christian songs, but they are songs offered by a Christian; Dean’s
faith runs through it all.
Born and raised in Maysville, Ky., Dean now lives, works and makes music in
Indianapolis, Ind. He grew up singing in churches, often traveling to
congregations around eastern Kentucky. His family and musical roots both trace
back to the rural areas of Kentucky.
Doc Possom of Indy Folk News writes: "Dean is an ordained minister in the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is Reverend Dean Phelps, with no
apologies, but although he's a Reverend, he's not very churchy. He is a regular
guy with a fun repertoire, a relaxed manner, nice picking, and a friendly way of
putting a song across!"
Venues
Dean’s music has been well received in venues and churches
around central Indiana. Some of the places he has played include:
- Beanzie’s Gourmet Coffee Co., Avon, Ind.
- The Bean Cup, Indianapolis, Ind.
- Boulevard Place Café, Indianapolis, Ind.
- The Bread Ladies, Greenfield,
Ind.
- Center Stage Café and Deli, Indianapolis, Ind.
- First Christian Church, Gas City, Ind.
- First Christian Church, Mooresville, Ind.
- Lighthouse Café, Alexandria, Ind.
