Matthew Holt leaves Perrys
Yesterday afternoon, an anonymous individual posted comments on several blogs that pianist Matthew Holt had left the Perrys. (I didn’t approve the comment left on mine.) The official announcement came out last night; Holt will be leaving the group after this weekend’s concerts. The press release states:
The award-winning Perrys have announced the departure of their pianist of four years, Matthew Holt. Group spokesman, Tracy Stuffle, says, “Life is a series of seasons and this group has been blessed to enjoy Matthew’s talents for a fantastic seaon. He’s a very fine pianist and an even better young Christian gentleman, husband and father. We know great things are in store for him and we fully support him in his decision to slow down.”
Matthew will be departing Southern Gospel road life to become the Assistant Director of the Renaissance Music Program at Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., the west Tennessee community where Matthew makes his home with his wife, Lindsey, and their son, Fletcher. His last tour with the Perrys will be July 24-26.
The Perrys will announce the name of their new pianist within the coming weeks.
The press release doesn’t mention any open audition call, but with a piano player (Troy Peach) already on the bus as their bus driver and sound man, they shouldn’t be hurting in the interim until a new player is announced.
Comment by Bev (July 22, 2008, 11:35 am)
We recently got to see Matthew and the rest of the Perrys in Wisconsin. The Perrys have a very busy schedule and it had to be very hard for Matthew to be away from his family for such a long time. He is a very talented pianist and will be missed by the Perrys and all fans of theirs. With the price of gas now, the expenses are great for any group and hard for any of them to make a little extra for their own families expenses. We must all keep them in our prayers each day as their ministry is so needed more then ever.
Bev
Comment by ST (July 22, 2008, 4:58 pm)
The Perrys will always have a back-up musician for the piano. Libbi’s brother-in-law, Chuck, married her baby sister. Chuck used to play for the Perrys back in the 90s. I cannot remember his last name, but he certainly can pick up the slack if other obligations would not hinder him (job and life in general).
Comment by Brady (July 22, 2008, 6:19 pm)
His name was Chuck Trivett.