Grammy Nominee and Dove Winner Jennifer Knapp to Play at Local Coffee Shop

Seven years ago Jennifer Knapp walked away from the music industry and now she's back after rediscovering herself and maybe getting a little jealous of pop singer Katy Perry.

The title of Jennifer Knapp's latest album Letting Go says it all. This award-
winning Christian singer-songwriter packed up her suitcase and took off to Australia in search of a "normal" life. After back-to-back albums and tours, she became exhausted with the industry and even music.

And then there was that other thing, she openly admitted to being gay to the surprise of her very conservative audience. When she left, the bigger
question wasn't "when," it was "if" she ever came back.

"When I walked away, it was my intent to literally quit," said Knapp over a phone interview. "I didn't fully know if I was simply leaving the Christian music industry or music all together, so I junked it all, cold turkey. I was certainly worn out professionally, so much so that I had difficulty in separating the art from industry," Knapp explained.

During her travels, she had made several trips to the Australia and fell in love with
the culture and established quite a few friends so the choice to move there became simple.

She even got a position at a local antique shop that she frequented. Knapp found
the variety of cultures that could be found in the store's inventory "fascinating and educational."

Despite her intent to quit music, Knapp knew it was always going to be a part of
her so after about a five-year hiatus, she found herself dusting off her guitar. She describes writing again like reconnecting with an old friend after years of silence over a misunderstanding. Knapp began having a sense of unrest when going to concerts; she noticed herself feeling strange sitting in front of the stage.

"Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry and Pink added fuel to the fire. Katy had grown up
so much, and becoming a solid performer–all of it was reminding me of the joys and contributions I used to have in that world," reflected Knapp. "I started thinking, 'What am I doing?' I was so jealous, missing it, and at the same time thinking I must be nuts to consider even thinking about working again."

At first, Knapp questioned her own confidence, but soon enough she began to
think creatively and was finding joy in the whole process again, including the guitar calluses on her fingers.

Knapp admitted the break led her to change her perspective; she wanted to focus on being an artist first and foremost. The ability to make a living off of her talent is secondary, but her contribution to music and her audience is a priority that
Knapp will always have.

Letting Go may not be a traditionally spiritual album, but it still contains the same devotion and spirit Knapp has always brought to her music.

"Seeing that the music that comes out is still connecting with people who hear it
on a meaningful and personal level is a welcome comfort that maybe not all that much has changed," said Knapp.

Knapp was the winner of the 1999 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. Her 2000 album Lay it Down, received a Grammy nomination in 2001.

Knapp will be playing a double-header at in Newtown Square. This will be Knapp's first time playing at the coffeehouse. The 8 p.m. show has been sold out but tickets are still available for the 10 p.m. show. Tickets are $12.