FORMER CAPE RESIDENT RELEASES FIRST ALBUM

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis.-- Recording an album has always been a dream for Steve Sandfort. And now it's a reality.

Sandfort, a former resident of Cape Girardeau, last month released his first album, "Shake It Off."

And sales have been good, he said, adding that the primary venue for his album has been concerts and performances at churches.

Sandfort is the Christian education and youth director for St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls.

He often performs for church groups or concerts in the area, which is where his music ministry began.

"I might do this for a living someday, but I enjoy youth ministry," he said.

Sandfort first became involved in Christian ministries as a volunteer leader for Young Life. While in college, he learned to play the guitar. He practiced for four hours a day during a two-month period and has been playing ever since. He also began writing songs at the same time.

"It comes in spurts," he said, adding that if he mentions a song idea to his wife it usually progresses faster.

Coming up with ideas is difficult, but Sandfort uses many of his own life experiences. "I write with all my heart," he said.

His favorite song, "Our Life," tells the story of how he met Becky, his wife, who had been dating his best friend.

The couple had just ended their relationship. And as friends, she and Steve went to a college dance together.

"It was neat how the hand of God brought us together," he said, adding that the couple has been married for six years now and have a 15-month-old daughter, Rachel.

Although she doesn't often perform with her husband, Becky also has a musical career. She usually sings background or plays on acoustic songs.

In fact, most of his family was involved in the business of promoting, packaging or writing songs for the album.

His father, Maurice "Moe" Sandfort, the former president of Centerre Bank in Cape Girardeau, produced the album.

"He called all the shots," Sandfort said, adding that he's fortunate to have the support of his entire family. "My dad is interesting. He wanted to be the one calling the shots, so I let him do it."

And the work has paid off. Sandfort's album can be purchased at area Christian bookstores.

"If I can change my little world and it grows to a larger place, that's great," he said.