BIO/FAQ
Keith is an instrumental guitarist from York, PA. He is married to Teri and has one daughter named Nikki. He is a member of Pine Grove United Methodist Church in York, PA. Keith plays mostly at churches, music festivals, family events, and community events. The style of music he plays is acoustic instrumental guitar consisting of hymns, original songs, and Christmas Carols.
Keith began playing guitar at about the age of 8. During his college years at West Chester University (1979 - 1983), he became more serious about Christian music and playing guitar. Keith accompanied various singers for church functions and played guitar for Inter Varsity Fellowship meetings.
In the fall of 1985 and the spring of 1986, Keith toured with the Reach Out Singers as a rhythm guitarist. This group was based in Sioux Falls, SD. They traveled to Israel, Egypt, and Belgium, as well as many mid-western, southern, and eastern states of the USA.
In 1990, Keith began playing guitar as a soloist in his hometown area. Since 1990, Keith has expanded his market from playing locally to playing regionally. Most of his playing is in Pennsylvania and Maryland, but his travels have also taken him to New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Colorado, and Texas.
Keith has also played guitar for various church praise teams as a rhythm guitarist at the following churches: Highland Park Presbyterian, Bridges Singles Sunday School Class, Dallas, TX (1986 - 1988); Scofield Bible Church, Singles Group, Dallas, TX (1988 - 1989); Temple Baptist Church, York, PA (1992 - 1994); and Hempfield UMC, Lancaster, PA (1994 - 1995).
As well as playing many solo gigs, Keith also plays with his pastor Bob Vizthum on most Wednesday nights for the Bible Study held at Pine Grove United Methodist Church in York, PA.
The basis for Keith's ministry is found in 1 Samuel 16:14 - 23. As David brought peace to Saul's soul when he played the harp, Keith's hope is to use his gift from God in much the same way.
TESTIMONY
I grew up in York County, Pennsylvania. As a child I attended St. Paul’s Chapel United Methodist Church near Red Lion, PA. We went to church almost every Sunday. My belief in God started at an early age. I remember singing songs such as Do Lord and Jesus Loves Me during Sunday School.
During high school my belief in God became stronger. I finally realized how much God loved us and why He sent Jesus. I was involved in Young Life and became more involved with activities at my church. My belief in Jesus grew stronger because of the dedicated ministry of many Christian people. My parents were my first Christian witness and continue to be to this day. My parents wisdom, prayers, and advice helped me through many phases of my life.
After I graduated from high school in 1979 I went to West Chester University (about 25 miles west of Philadelphia) as a Health and Physical Education major. I was nervous about going to college, but my brother said to me, ""Just remember, before you get to college, God is already there."" That saying has been one that has stuck with me in times when I have faced uncertainty in my life.
During college I became involved with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. Inter-Varsity helped in shaping my belief in God and Jesus. I met many Christian friends during college. As I learned more about God's grace I decided I wanted to be baptized as an adult.
The day I was baptized was a great experience! It was my mountain top experience. My baptism was a spiritual awakening for me. I remember having a tremendous feeling of cleanliness from all my sin and guilt on that day. I felt the presence and peace of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit as I never have before. On this day I knew that I was truly forgiven, that Christ had accepted me, and I had accepted Him. This was truly the day I was born from above by God’s amazing grace.
Since the day I was baptized I have had joys in my life and I have had disappointments. I have had times when I have been close to God and times when I have not been close to God. I have had spiritual revivals and I have had spiritual struggles. I have done some really good things in my life and I have made some major mistakes. But throughout my life I have learned what Jesus said is true : He will always be with us and will never leave us or forsake us!
As a Christian musician God has taught me that my first ministry responsibility is to my family. If I can't lead as a Christian example at home, what right do I have to try and be one in front of an audience? My goals as a family man are two: a) to love my wife as Christ loved the church and b) to raise my daughter in the ways of the Lord. If I achieve these two ministry goals, my ministry as a guitarist will be a piece of cake!
FAQ
1. Do you sing? I get asked this question a lot. I do not do any singing. I believe my calling is as an instrumental guitarist.
2. Have you ever thought about teaming up with a singer or a band? There are occasions where I will play with other people, but usually I play mostly solo events.
On most Wednesday evenings I play guitar with pastor Bob Vizthum at our weekly church Bible study. He leads the singing and I strum along.
There are times I will play with other people, but due to a busy schedule with my day job and home life, as well as my music, it is hard to find time to practice with others.
3. Do you lead worship singing? The events I play are more concert type events or background music events. I do not lead any type of worship singing.
4. What style of music do you play? My musical style is instrumental acoustic guitar that has elements of folk, country, classical, and Celtic sounds. I sometimes use a guitar synthesizer to create different styles and sounds.
The songs I play are hymns, originals, contemporary, and Christmas Carols.
5. Do you do any talking/preaching during your concerts? There are times where I will share stories, try to crack jokes, share testimonies, and interact with the crowd, but as far as preaching, I leave that to the preachers.
The main goal of my music is to bring peace to people's souls in much the same way David did when he played the harp. (1 Samuel 16:14 - 23)
Sometimes I will present special Easter or Christmas programs which involve ___scripture readings followed by a song related to those specific passages.
For example, if I read the passage about Christ's resurrection, I will play Christ Arose.
6. What type of events do you play? I have played events at churches, Christian music festivals, communirty events, weddings, fairs, and book stores.
CONCERT INFORMATION
Most of my venues are churches or Christian related festivals and events. I have also played Christmas events and concerts, community events, fairs, church picnics, bookstores, and weddings. My music is family friendly. The whole family can come and enjoy a Keith Andrew Grim concert!
WHAT TO EXPECT
FROM A CONCERT
I play mostly a combination of hymns and original songs during a concert. I will also tell stories and share testimonies about my faith. If there are kids attending the concert I sometimes bring the kids up to sing some fun songs during a concert.
My whole presentation isn’t necessarily geared to kids, but the fun stuff helps keep them engaged in the concert, as well as the adults. Sometimes adults join in the fun too!
The ultimate goal of a concert is to minister to the souls of people, much the same way David did when he played the harp for Saul in 1 Samuel 16:14 - 23.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC
Traditionally the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my busiest time of year. During this time of year I have played concerts at churches, Christmas Eve services, Christmas parties, community events such as Rocky Ridge Park’s Festival of Lights (in York, PA), and bookstores. The Christmas music I play is mainly the traditional music you hear during the season. To me an acoustic guitar and Christmas go together hand in hand! Tis the season to be jolly and I enjoy spreading Christmas cheer.
FINAL OVERVIEW
In my career as a guitarist I have played events in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Tennessee, Colorado, Ohio, and Texas.
I hope this gives you a brief overview of my services as a guitarist. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.
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