Next week, Chanute High School alumna and musical artist Jennifer Knapp will be returning to Chanute for her induction into the Chanute High School Hall of Fame.
During her visit, she will put on a free concert for the Chanute community during a community tailgating party at Katy Park on Friday, Sept. 26. Gates open at 6 p.m., and music begins at 7:30 p.m. with a local opener. Both events are hosted by the USD 413 Foundation.
The induction ceremony will take place at the SEK Impact Center at 9 a.m. Knapp will be inducted alongside other notable alumni: Kent Frazell, a football and wrestling coach with decades of dedication to Chanute’s students; Paul Lindblad, a Major League Baseball pitcher and three time World Series Champion of the Oakland A’s and the New York Yankees; and Carolyn Kensett, a CHS state women’s tennis champion, Pittsburg State University’s first female athletic scholarship recipient, and a Boston Marathon qualifier.
“I’m truly honored, but more than anything, I see this as an opportunity to celebrate the people who profoundly shaped my early life. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t feel a deep sense of gratitude for my roots,” Knapp said. “The opportunities and mentorship I received at CHS, along with the support of the community, have been a lasting gift I carry with me everywhere I go - and it’s that same generosity and spirit I strive to pay forward every day.”
Knapp said she visits Chanute a few times a year if she is lucky.
“But, rarely with enough time to do more than take a spin around town. So, I’m over the moon that I’ll be back home with time to really enjoy it,” Knapp said. “And, Artist Alley is happening! What a treat!”
Knapp’s first three albums, “Kansas,” “Lay It Down,” and “The Way I am,” have sold over a million copies. She has been twice-nominated for a Grammy award and has received four Dove Awards. When asked what she was proud of, Knapp said she was happiest to have built a life for herself.
“I could make a list of events or accomplishments, but at this point, what I’m most grateful for is that I took the risk to build a life, not just chase a career. I love music, and I know I’m pretty good at it, but the real joy of this journey has been the people who have joined me as we try to live as good, healthy, loving, giving people,” Knapp said. “We really do need each other. I believe we all have a gift to offer that makes the world a beautiful place and friendship a sacred treasure. Somewhere along the line, music became a way to connect and build community. That I get to be right in the middle of that has been the biggest surprise and joy of my life.”
In addition to her musical accolades, Knapp also holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Vanderbilt Divinity School and is the founder of Inside Out Faith, an organization advocating for the LGBTQ+ community within faith communities.
“Despite how I personally feel about it, the reality is that every time I step into a church, go on a Christian-themed podcast, or show up anywhere with an interest in spirituality, just my being there is a statement about those who invited me. This is true for any LGBTQIA+ person standing at the front of their community; it’s still a very consequential act,” Knapp said. “People notice, even if all you do is show up. In that way, we are all advertising who we are and how we will be hospitable to others.
So, it matters when I say yes to being visible in any church. It matters when any of us accept an invitation into a community. Showing up with my guitar in hand is one way to do that.”
Knapp said there is more to be done than simply putting up a flag or showing up in spaces where individuals hope to be included.
“That’s part of the point of my nonprofit, Inside Out Faith Foundation. IOF exists because there is a need to be deliberate about highlighting and supporting the legitimacy of LGBTQIA+ faith participation.” Knapp said.
She said IOF helps faith communities host public events that not only publicly express their invitation, welcoming LGBTQIA+ folks, but also support existing, long-standing leaders who understand this fundamental level of hospitality.
“The truth is, we live what we believe. Our neighborhoods reflect who we are, who we love, and who we are willing to welcome into our lives. And it’s also apparent who we exclude or discriminate against. Understanding this is part of advocacy work,” Knapp said. “There are the obvious things like public events, but there is also the behind-thescenes work, spending time building relationships, collaborating, and learning from one another. Most of my advocacy happens in one-on-one conversations, far more than in the public eye.”
She noted that while programming is important, without the basic grassroots connections through building friendships, sharing knowledge, connecting communities and resources, advocates miss the bigger picture.
“It’s when we start to reconnect with those we’ve been separated from that we begin to realize just how much we really need each other,” Knapp said.
When it comes to new music, Knapp recently released an EP of cover songs, “Resonant,” which was released on Sept. 4.
“‘Resonant’ features songs and artists that have inspired me to play — songs I love so much that I want to share that joy and play them for others,” Knapp said.
Knapp is currently on tour, but said as of right now, new music is not on the horizon.
“These days, I’ve really had my hands full with traveling, performing, and diving into a lot of theological work. I’ve been heady of late, working on a podcast, the bones of a new book, and doing LGBTQIA+ advocacy work in and around faith spaces,” Knapp said. “There’s been so much behindthe- scenes stuff happening that I haven’t had much personal time for what feels like the indulgence of relaxing, reflecting, and creating.”
Knapp’s tour will continue through mid-November. For more information about Jennifer Knapp, visit jenniferknapp. com. For more information about the upcoming concert or Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, visit halloffame.usd- 413foundation.com.
