Penelope’s love for music began in the church and flourished throughout her school years. As a young adult, she directed church choirs, gave voice lessons, and served as an accompanist for schools and churches, laying the foundation for a lifelong musical journey.
In the early 2000s, a close friend invited her to a jam session at Knuckleheads, hosted by Billy Ebeling. That night marked a turning point—Penelope and The UnUsual Suspects were born. The band thrived for six years, touring across Iowa, Arkansas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri, energizing audiences with their vibrant blend of Blues.
Penelope also became a beloved figure in the local music scene, hosting jam sessions at Blayney’s for four years and Marty’s Blues Club in Merriam for three. These gatherings not only showcased her talent but also helped her forge lasting friendships within the music community.
Her musical influences are rooted in the legends of Soul, Gospel, and R&B—icons like Patti LaBelle, The Pointer Sisters, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mahalia Jackson. One of her lifelong dreams was to sing with a big band, a dream she realized when she joined Platinum Express. For the past 18 years, she has delivered powerful lead and backing vocals with the group, bringing her soulful voice to countless performances.
In 2018, her longtime friend and guitarist Jeff Graefe approached her with an idea: to form a new band alongside drummer Ron Still and bassist Dave Jefferson. That idea became Last Call. Since then, Penelope, Jeff, and her saxophone-playing husband, Chris Cohick, have been crafting a unique sound and building an exciting setlist. As the lineup evolved, Chris Brackman joined on bass, along with his friend Ben Stamey on drums, adding fresh energy to the group.
While Blues remains Penelope’s first love, Last Call also reimagines popular hits from the ’80s and ’90s, giving familiar songs a fresh twist. Audiences can expect both soulful originals and nostalgic favorites at their shows.
Penelope cherishes every bandmate and every friend she’s made along the way. Above all, she’s grateful for every opportunity to share her voice and her passion for music with you.
