Artist spotlight: @KenneBlessin
Two weeks ago Atlanta recieved something special at Stir It Up, an album release party for the multi-talented international artist Kenne Blessin for his first Reggae Album "Get Up and Go."
Sit back and relax and let me repaint the night through words.
Enjoy!
Entering through the main doors upstairs, the first thing seen is a backdrop with sponsors splashed across it and of course the red carpet. Continuing to the dining area there is an intimate yet well lit ambiance. There are large comfty yet elegant looking chairs, booths, tables and seating also available at the bar. The aroma of Jamaican cuisine is lingering throughout the room making it hard for anyone's mouth to not water. When entering the door that leads downstairs to "The Artist Den" the feeling changes. A very intimate yet upbeat atmosphere takes over, classy all white furniture is accentuated with a kind of black-lighting giving the room a lounge feeling with club lighting. One particular corner in the back, my favorite, has multicolor lights flashing slowly, giving a different feeling than the rest of the room. As people slowly start to fill the room, drinks are ordered and food is served. DJ Storm spins old school classics getting the crowd warmed up as the Island Soul Band sets up. As people are waiting the hosts of the evening, the very talented Ulato Sam and beautiful LeAndra Blake, walk around the room and speak to the audience members and bartenders. There were some who were familiar with Kenne's music and others that would get to hear him for the first time. One thing is for sure, the ladies love Kenne! One woman in particular was asked to name what she loved about Kenne, her response was 10 reasons including his great voice, stage performance, his height and how handsome he was (times three).
(Photo: Hosts - Ulato Sam and LeAndra Blake)
A nice amount of time passes while I help, working diligently, on setting up the Live Stream situation that I don't notice how much the room has begun to fill with people. "Kenne will be arriving upstairs in about 10 minutes" a voice says to me and my heart begins to beat with much agility. Everything has to be on point so when the man of the hour arrives we can get right to business! After about 5 minutes pass my friend and business partner Sun and I make our way upstairs. Excitement has taken off in a matter of seconds knowing that it's that much closer to my first time seeing Kenne Blessin preform live and up close. Although the excitement was felt waiting on his arrival, when he entered the building with his manager Patricia, it felt as if the temperature was turned up more than a few notches. All of the sudden lights are coming from all directions from cell phones to video cameras. "So this is what it feels like to be treated like someone special" I think to myself as I also pull out my phone to snap a few photos.
(Photo: Ulato Sam, LeAndra blake, Kenne Blessin and Patricia Henry)
After an introduction interview by the Ulato Sam and LeAndra, we begin to make our way downstairs. As we make our way downstairs to capture Kenne's entrance, I realize the crowd has gotten packed as if he used magic to make the crowd appear right on time for his arrival. After an outstanding introduction Kenne appears in the spotlight and the crowd goes BANANAS! It was showtime and you could feel and hear it in the air. As I enjoyed some delicious honey garlic wings and a ice cold rum punch, I jammed out. From cover tracks such as "I Don't Mind" by Usher to original tracks such as my favorite "More Reggae" from his new album "Get Up and Go" there was something for everyone. During a quick bathroom break I spoke to a woman waiting behind me who had never heard of Kenne but was extremely impressed with his performance skills and smooth young spirited vocals. Although I was just as into the vibes as everyone else, it is safe to say the crowd did not stop moving the entire time Kenne was on stage. His magnetic energy kept the ladies eyes glued to the stage while they captured video and photos of his performance as the fellas vibed out to the tunes. You could not only feel the energy but you could also see the sweat glisten off of Mr. Blessins' face.
The band did an excellent job and even restarted some tracks that the audience just couldn't get enough of. For such a humble artist Kenne possessed the explosive characteristics which said "I'm here now and this is MY stage, MY time." Effortlessly performing, utilizing every inch of the stage - it was well worth the wait.
It was a great Valentines (Eve) Day event, the lovers took hold of each other during songs such as the very popular "Searching" which touches the heart and fills it with optimism and hope. There was a sound for everyone, even the lovely bartenders couldn't help but to wine as they made drinks and served food orders. To top it off Kenne invited talented artists Little Pinchers and Gucci London to showcase their talent.
(Photo: Gucci London [left] and Little Pinchers [right] with Sun&Peaches)
Other special guests made an appearance such as radio personality and author Wayne Hall, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce President Jackie Watson, Red Carpet Shelley and many more. It was a night of unity and entertainment and after the show the official video for "Searching" was released. which you can check out below.
To end the night we sat down for an interview with Kenne, Patricia and others. This was another favorite part of the night for me, it's enjoyable to talk with Kenne because he loves what he does and that's it. He isn't concerned about recognition he just wants to share his music and inspire others all across the globe! Stay tuned for more photos and video footage coming to Instagram and Facebook. Once the LiveStream is edited that will be posted as well. As always BIG thank you to Kenne and his entire team including his manager, band, the Stir It Up owner and employees and everyone else involved!
1. More Reggae
2. Get Up and Go
3. Searching
4. Keep The Faith
5. Jah Is With Me
6. In Love With Jah
7. Don't Want To Lose Your Love
8. Love Never Left
9. Hear My Cry
10. If God Was Like Man
11. Myself
12. In This Life
13. Education Nuh Cheap
14. Times Hard
Searching (Official Music Video)
@SunAndPeaches interview Artist @KenneBlessin
November 2014
Thanks for reading!
kisses*
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