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Grammy-winning rocker Greg X. Volz to appear at Evangel University on April 11

Published on Apr 3, 2013 by Paul K. Logsdon

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Greg X. Volz, Grammy award-winning lead singer for Petra, will be performing and speaking at Evangel University on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at 10 a.m. in the chapel.

His appearance at Evangel is free and open to the public.

Volz also will speak to music industry students in the Barnett Recital Hall at 1:30 p.m.

Greg X. Volz is best known as the lead vocalist for legendary rock band Petra during their golden years (1977-1986). An incredible rock singer with a 4-octave range, Volz was offered the role of lead vocalist for REO Speedwagon in the ’70s, but instead decided to join Petra. He spent most of the following decade using his talents to give Petra their signature, arena-rock sound, performing an average of 160 concerts per year.

“With over seven million albums sold, numerous #1 singles, three GRAMMY Awards and multiple Dove Awards, Petra’s fusion of pop and arena rock with a positive message propelled the band to worldwide acclaim and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame,” according to a story featuring Volz in Billboard Magazine, December 2008.

Volz, a former Springfieldian, still has family in the area. He is visiting Evangel by invitation of Paul K. Logsdon, longtime friend of Volz and spokesman for Evangel University.

“Our response from students and faculty alike, especially music industry students, was overwhelming positive after Greg’s last visit to campus,” said Paul K. Logsdon, public relations director. “We were happy for the opportunity to invite him back and look forward to having him on campus.”

Evangel’s music industry majors earn a B.S. degree, with an emphasis in music business or recording technology.

About Greg X. Volz

After giving his life to Jesus in 1970, Volz helped form one of the first “Jesus Rock” bands, making him a pioneer of the Christian mainstream rock movement. Volz relocated to Springfield, Mo., in 1973, where he worked with legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy and performed the lead role in “Ezekiel,” a rock stage musical.

After lending his talents as a guest vocalist on Petra’s “Come and Join Us” release in 1976, Volz was invited to join Petra full-time, and the rest is history.

In 2010, Volz reunited with the 1985 line-up of Petra and performed for tours and festivals worldwide.

Volz continues to travel the nation, encouraging primarily Christian audiences with his music and ministry.

For additional information about Volz, visit www.gregxvolz.com

Evangel University is a private, Christian university of arts, sciences and professions. With an enrollment of more than 2,000 students from all 50 states and abroad, Evangel offers more than 100 undergraduate academic programs and nine master’s programs.