Stephen Pender, a native of Wilson, NC, is a multi-instrumentalist, artist, clinician, and producer. His attention to detail, eagerness to perfection and heart for God has allowed him to take his gift nationally as an accompanist as well as an artist. While he began playing gospel music, he has expanded his musical genre to jazz, rhythm and blues, classical, etcetera.
Pender is the founder of SAPhisticated Productions (LLC), a production company that consists of several branches including SAPhisticated Music. Community-driven, he is also the founder of SAPhisticated, Inc., a non-profit organization geared toward inspiring the generation of today and tomorrow through the arts.
He has been the musician for Stellar Award winning artists and national competitive choirs. He has performed at various sold out musical events, such as Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound gospel choir competition, and has shared the stage with world renowned musical artist such as Fred Hammond, Eric Benét, Shirley Caesar, Peggy Britt, and many others!
Pender is currently the minister of music at First Baptist Church of Weldon, NC, where he has been the organist and pianist since 2012. In conjunction with being the minister of music, he is the organist for the legendary Bill Myers & The Monitors Band of Wilson. He is also the pianist for Salvation & Deliverance Church Choir, 2011 national winners of Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound gospel choir competition and 2014 participants in the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards, of Tarboro, NC.
He received his diploma from Fike High School in Wilson. He attended Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance with a concentration in piano. While at Elizabeth City State, he was the musical director for the school’s gospel choir, Essence of Praise.
Pender released his first extended play, The Art of Expression, Vol. 1, which includes a combination of hymns and original compositions, in July 2014. In December 2014, he presented the first annual A SAPhisticated Christmas Concert and released his first Christmas album, which includes Christmas music from the concert. He is currently working on his third project to be released in the summer of 2016. Pender is looking forward to presenting even more shows and events in an effort to give back to his community and assist in giving those who are less fortunate life changing opportunities. In addition, he plans to go on an “Inspiring Minds Tour” along the entire East Coast and beyond!
I'm being interviewed today at noon by Kingdom Builders Publications, LLC on the Artist Scope! Start the last week of the year off right - Please tune in and check me out at www.jamvibesradio.biz. I can't wait!
Watch "Christmas with TCT," on the TCT Network, today at 2 and 5:30PM... Featuring yours truly! It's being aired NATIONALLY so please spread the word and be sure to tune in!