Jazz – MyReporterIAD | Music and inspiration to aspire you to declare the best YOU.

Kenya has found a place in the hearts of UK listeners. Her single MakeUSmile, featuring Brandon McKenzie and remixed by Tom Glide, has steadily made its ascension to claim the #1 spot on the UK Soul Chart Top 30 (May 22). Kenya releases music that speaks to the listeners’ being and uplifts.

What sets Kenya apart from other artists is her work ethic. After wrapping up her show at St. James Live in Atlanta (May 13), Kenya continued to reach out to her loyal supporters via her 2016 Social Media Tour: Creating Crimson Conversations. Last Thursday, Kenya’s Twitter Party Finale was a success. Now, she is preparing for The 10 Indie Artist Commandments on Periscope.

While not on the road, Kenya imparts her expertise and experiences through her consulting business, Creating Crimson. As an Independent Artist, Kenya is very serious about education and knowing how to navigate the music industry. On her 2016 Social Media Tour: Creating Crimson Conversations, Kenya with her special Co-Hosts, Lil’ John Roberts, Gwendolyn Collins, William Kurk, LSH Books, Shana Tucker, Kendall Duffie (Kloud 9), Jamal Smallz and DeborahBond, gave their expert advice to those who sought to know more about creating a successful music career. In a fast pace world of constant changes in technology and music, it is most important to stay abreast of what is going on and be willing to invest in yourself as an artist.

Learn more about Kenya and Creating Crimson via their perspective websites. Follow Kenya on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Download Kenya’s new album My Own Skin on iTunes and other digital outlets. For more information on Kenya’s upcoming European Tour visit her website.

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) along with the Jazz Institute of Chicago recently released the four day Jazz Fest line up, which includes a tribute to the great Billie Holiday, affectionately “Lady Day.” Celebrating 100 years of the birth of a vocal virtuoso, April 7, 1915 Eleanora Fagan made her debut into the world. Chicago prepares to honor Ms. Holiday, recognize other legends and showcase upcoming artists. Labor Day weekend Jazz music will fill downtown’s Millennium Park with thousand of enthusiasts.

The life of such of a revered presence ended abruptly at the age of 44. Despite her tumultuous battle with substance abuse and domestic abuse, Billie Holiday left crowds swooning and entranced with her vocals. Billie worked with some of the most influential musicians and singers in the business. Traveling the country with the Count Basie Band, performing with her mentor Louis Armstrong, writing, arranging and acting in films. Her life of musical triumphs lives on in her songs Strange Fruit, Summertime, God Bless the Child, and others.

Jazz heads from around the country will enjoy the reflective renditions of NPR radio host Dee Dee Bridgewater with newcomer Jose James paying homage to the late legend Billie Holiday. Among the Jazz Fest line up, the Muhal Richard Abrams Experimental Band will reunite giving honor and celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Association of the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). The Chicago Jazz Orchestra will pay homage to the legacy of William Thomas “Billy” Strayhorn with fresh rearrangements of his repertoire. For more information visit DCASE’s website for the complete line up.

[Original article on AXS.com by Latrea Morrow]

Tag: Jazz

Billie Holiday: Chicago Jazz Festival to commemorate 100 years