The Apostle's Blues Band was born in 2000 when Kathie invited some friends to join three generations of her family in recording her first CD, "Snow"-- a fun collection of favorite Christmas Songs. Later that year she arranged and recorded with a full horn section "The Apostle Blues Band" which included lyrical piano pieces and fun gospel arrangements of hymns. The band was off and running-performing at festivals, churches, conventions, fundraisers and various events around the region.

Kathie and the Apostles had the privilege to perform several years at Spiritfest Midwest where legendary trumpeter, Phil Driscoll played with the band. They also kicked off the day at We Fest 2 years in a row for artists such as "Ringo Starr and the All Stars", Trisha Yearwood and Brooks & Dunn. Now that was a lot of fun for a small town girl from Minnesota! In 2003, the Apostles recorded "Song of Praise" which included original compositions as well as great swing arrangements of gospel tunes.

Recently, Kathie and the Apostles have been performing at Jaspers Theater in Park Rapids as well as the new area Family Jam Festival in Detroit Lakes.   Their latest CD "Hopes, Dreams and Promises" was released in 2006 in honor of and inspired by Dee Johnson (Kathie's mom) who was a member of the band and passed away in 2005.

The band includes 2 trumpets, trombone, sax, guitar, piano, drums, bass and 4 vocals. The band members are a neat mix of people that vary in age, occupation and church affiliation that enjoy coming together for one mission: To spread God's Love, Peace and Joy through music.

Every concert includes Dixieland, swing, funk, bluegrass and contemporary praise and worship music. Having performed in both the secular and Christian mediums, and at all denominations, the music selections can be tailored to any audience.  The unique talents and personalities along with the vast experiences from the members having spent their lives in the entertainment business adds a warm, humorous flavor to every event! In various performances you will also hear the best songs from every era and style chosen to best meet the audiences musical tastes.

Here are brief bio's of the Apostles:

Shawn Brekke, Trumpeter and band director; has performed with musicians such as, Kenny Rogers, Phil Driscoll and Peter Irskine.  Originally from Oregon, he now resides in Fargo with his wife, Kathie, performs in area musicals, churches, with the Apostles, Jazz Arts Group of Fargo-Moorhead and in Jaspers Theater. Shawn also teaches band in Fargo Public Schools.

Lynette Guida singer and guitarist has grown up performing gospel and country music. Lynette lives in Park Rapids where she and her husband  own and produce a family music show at Jaspers Theater. Her Daughter SarahDee Guida is also an Apostle. Lynette is Kathie's sister as well as one of the best yodelers you'll ever hear!

Walter Johnson, drummer and sound technician has a big heart for praise and worship music and has played in a variety of bands throughout the years. He grew up performing country and gospel music and currently plays with the Apostles at Jaspers Theater. He is Kathie's brother who lives in Detroit Lakes with his wife and 3 children and is the owner/operator of Johnson Welding and Repair.

Dee Johnson, (Kathie's Mom) was an entertainer who is dearly missed.  She was a singer and bassist, who performed with many country music artists and gave her 6 children a love for music. Her sense of humor and love for others was an inspiration to all that knew her.  She passed away November of 2005 after a long battle with cancer.    She is remembered for her love and laughter and a part of every song we sing.  

John Pederson- trumpeter; has directed bands in Fargo Public Schools and plays with the FM Jazz arts Group. John is a fantastic improviser who has played trumpet with many of the professional touring jazz artists. John is also a part of 42nd Street which plays weekly at Jazz Night at the Fargo Ramada Plaza. He lives with his wife Marlys and in Fargo.

Harley Sommerfeld Saxophonist, flautist and clarinetist, puts his heart and soul into reaching others with music. Harley recently retired from teaching band in Moorhead, MN. He has performed with James Moody, Louis Bellson, & Clark Terry. Also he has backed performers such as Bob Hope, Red Skelton and Robert Goulet. He performs in the Jazz Arts Group of Fargo, with the Hard-Bop Sax quartet, with 42nd Street at Jazz Night, leads his dance band, The Marvels and in various theatrical productions. He performs at Jaspers Theater in Park Rapids and enjoys spending time with his wife Candis.

Kent Karch, Bassist lays down a great bass line with a nice groove and smile! "Biff" is a teacher in Moorhead Public Schools and performs in various groups around the Fargo Moorhead area including being a part of 42nd Street at "Jazz Night at Basie's" in the Ramada Plaza Suites and Jaspers Theater. He and his wife Jacki and two sons live in Moorhead.

Dr. Kyle Mack, trombonist and educator, teaches jazz studies, ensembles and low brass at NDSU along with directing the Fargo Moorhead Jazz Arts Big Band. He has been a guest soloist at various jazz festivals and brings great energy and passion to band through his great solo chops! He and his wife Sam and daughter Lauren live in Fargo.

Daniel Brekke is the son of Kathie and Shawn.  He is a 7th grader involved in Football, Band and Orchestra.    Daniel has entertained for 4 years at Jaspers Theater performing on the bass, drums and fiddle as well as dancing and doing magic with Jack Sand.   He plays a mean Orange Blossom Special on his fiddle which has been and added repertoire change to the Apostles sound!

SarahDee Miller  is Kathie's niece who made her singing debut with the original cast of Jasper's Dinner Theater when she was just 4 years old.   She has spent many hours singing, dancing and barrel racing her horses! She recently got married and is attending school for nursing.