Kenneth P. Garnier

**Kenneth Paul Garnier** (born October 31, 1960), originally from Los Angeles, California, is an American bassist, composer, producer, actor, and musical/visual artist. He is the creator of the science fiction character, **Churchman**, a title originally and affectionately conferred on him by children in a neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he served as the principal pulpitarian of a church for twenty-four years. Garnier holds degrees in Religious Education (A.A.) from Southwestern Christian College (Terrell, Texas), Psychology (B.S.) from North Central University (Minneapolis, Minnesota), and Leadership and Management (M.A.) from Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota), and is the recipient of multiple community service awards. As a musical artist, he goes by the moniker **Akouo**, which means, “I hear” and expresses himself through a collage of genres including jazz, R&B, funk, gospel, country western and rock. To date, he has released four studio albums. Also, a visual artist, he authored the children’s book, Churchman Children’s Art & Amusement Book (2021), with author/illustrator, Chris Fulton, and is the writer and illustrator of the monthly comic strip, Churchman & Kape-able Kidz (2022-present). In the performing arts, Kenneth and his band have played before a wide range of audiences. Additionally, he has appeared in commercial ads, including for the United States Armed Forces. Currently living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, Garnier is the founder and president of Pineal Records, Books & Films, through which he releases his own, co-owned, and others' works and merchandise.