MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Catch Up ....... June & July 2009

Hi, So it's been a looooonnngggg time since I actually sat down to write a blog!!! Well actually I have attempted a write a few, but never got round to finishing them (naughty me). So here I am now trying to put together a detailed, but not too lengthy one right now!!

Well I guess I should start by saying that the past 4 Months have been very eventful indeed. So here we go ...

Trying not to waffle too much ....

Back in May I decided to take a well deserved break to Miami .. which gave me some time gather my thoughts together, putting my life into perspective. After slightly losing insight, you could say I had a sudden wake-up call and decided to keep things moving. (THANKFULLY lol)

Jun 2009

Got myself back into the swing of things ...

Tues 16th Jun 09 - M.U.S.I.C.A

First performance on the month was at an event night called 'M.U.S.I.C.A' .. A new set-up

Guitar: Martin Anderson

Guitar: Ed Riches

Backing Vocals: Shakka Phillips

I guess you could say I was testing a new sound... The night had a great turnout, a lot of people came down to support.... Thank you for that. xxx

Absolutely loved the vibes ... It's imperative that there are no personality clashes within the band.. It can make it can make my life a lot more difficult!! .. Thankfully I never had this issue with Ed, Martin and Shakka and still don't now! (TOUCH WOOD) :o)

Sat 28th Jun 2009 - Eco Design Fair

Now I'm always one for supporting others, especially when it comes to family!! My big sister Louise Kamara I must say is a very talented in many ways ... One great thing I must point out; that she organises an Eco Design Fair (exhib

ition) in London every year.

Here is a short synopsis about the event ....

Founded in 2004 by Textile Designer Louise Kamara, the Eco Design Fair is an annual retail event. The aim of the fair is to encourage direct trade between the public and designer makers – all of whom focus on environmentally friendly production methods and/or fair trade principles.

The fair provides a much-needed specialised platform for sustainable design in The UK, regularly hosting events in London

I have always offered to help her out whenever these events came along, but never actually got round to doing anything. This time was different .. I felt I had to make some sort of contribution, so when Louise asked if I could sing a few songs, even though I was a little hesitant, I couldn't say no! lol

As I hadn't actually played my guitar and sang in public (almost never ... well actually in a very long time), the nerves started to kick in! To be honest, thinking about it beforehand was the most worrying part of it all. But when I actually sat down, strumming the strings of my black, varnished (but fingerprinted) Yamaha guitar .. I felt every strum took my stress away. ( Sound a bit corny, but it's so true.. lol)

Before I knew it, I had played and sang through 4 of my song. One thing I must say ... Next time sis .... I will call my guitarist lol ;)

The whole event, as always was very pleasant in many ways. From the variety to choice straight through to the exhibition and fashion show. Definitely an event to look out for in the future, especially if are an eco friendly person like myself!

There is a Christmas far coming up on the on Sat 28th Sun 29th Nov 2009

Please check the link below for more info :0) X

ECO DESIGN CHRISTMAS FAIR

July 2009

So at the beginning of the month, I got back into the studio with various writers & producers and put down a few new ideas.. Outside of that, it was the just the regular 9 am - 6 pm day job and of course more shows!!! ....

Weds 22nd Jul 09 - Soho's Got Talent

Now this was something rather different ... something I hadn't done in years!! I told myself that I wouldn't participate in one again, but a friend of mine 'Emma Quinn' managed to rope me into it!! A competition that took place @ Punk, London called 'Soho's Got Talent' .. kinda similar to 'Britain's Got Talent', but a much smaller event.

The winner of the competition in the previous year was singer 'VV Brown', who has gone on to achieve some great things!

I was told there would be a panel of judges, consisting of industry representatives i.e. AnR's, Press etc. I also found out that ' The London Paper' would be covering the event on the night! Well you know what I thought .... Of course you do ... HELL YEAH!

I guess I was mainly attracted to the fact that 'The London Paper' were going to cover the event ... and that there was a chance I will be mentioned in the paper! Also winning the competition would be even better. :0)

Each act had 5 minutes each to show the judges what they're made of. Obviously used to having longer sets, this would have been a bit tricky . But I decided it would be a good idea to do a medley .. and to bring my band along with me!

So the set up was as follows:

Guitar: Martin Anderson

Bass: George Malamas

Cajon: Terron Murray

Backing Vocals: Shakka Phillips

Here is a clip of the performance someone kindly rec

orded for me .... check it out on youtube

Results ... Not the results I wanted .. I came 2nd to the dance act 'One Motion Crew' and in 3rd place Lisbee Stainton. However, it was great night and experience and I did get a good mention in 'the London Paper' the next day!!

I'd just like to say THANK YOU to everyone that came down to support ... I feel very blessed to have you in my life. xxx

I managed to scan the newspaper and upload a few pics ....

Sadly 'The London Paper' ceased publishing Sep 18th 2009! Thanks for your support. xxx

Sat 25th Jul 09 - Thurrock Festival 2009

Thurrock Festival is the biggest FREE Festival in the East of England. T-Fest ‘09’ bringing the best of Dance, R’n’B and Rock Acts to the Festival stages. This year’s acts included Britain’s Got Talent Diversity, ’Signature’, X Factors Same Difference, Alisha Bennett. Other acts included Kele le Roc, Grace Obika, Young Nate, E-Entsir, Duane Lamonte (X-factor), Nadine Caesar, Jag Soul Singer, Grhymey, Asher D .... including myself .. Plus more!

This day was extra special as th weather was lovely and HOT, so we didn't have to splash along in the mud .. wellington boots ... you know the score!! lol

Anyway, this was a great experience overall ... as you know, there are always technical difficulties ... but when we sailed through the day and put all we had into the performance.

This was a full band set including the following:

Martin Anderson - Guitar

George Malamas - Bass

Amanda Brown - Cajon

Shakka Phillips (Shax) - Backing vocals

It's a great feeling knowing you have acomplised something great over all the obstacles. I was over joyed to find that I had been voted 'The best act at Thurrock Festival' by 'Your Thurrock Council'!!! THANK YOU!! XXX

Thanks band, this wouldn't have happened without you! xxx

Here are a few links for you to check out ...

Your Thurrock

Thurrock Festival

NME Online

Summary

So overall Jun and July were 2 very eventful months! Look out for the Aug and Sep 'Catch-Up blog' coming shortly ... a lot of exciting stuff I wanna share with you. :0)

But for now ....

Stay blessed

Peace n Luv

KK xxx