Edmonds musicians created video performances just for our readers.
Edmonds is lucky to be home to a fantastic community of artists, performers and musicians. As live performances are currently canceled, I have been reaching out to individuals in the community to find out what they are working on and listen to their advice on how to support music in these times. This week, local musicians Adam Kennelly and Bec created exclusive content just for My Edmonds News.
Adam Kennelly
Adam Kennelly has known he wanted to pursue music since he was 7, getting inspiration from Hannah Montana and Taylor Swift when watching TV. Going from loving music and singing to knowing it is your calling is something that often happens much later in life. But for Adam, this passion was clear at an early age and he has proven himself with performing and recording. This January, before even turning 18 and while in his senior year of high school, he released his first album. He performed his newest releases at the Jewel Box Theater in January.
His music, with a soothing and melodic voice and impressive maturity, provides an emotional connection for the listener. Adam created a special performance for My Edmonds News readers despite being separate from his instrument, showing creativity in how to continue expressing ourselves in this time. His recommendation for supporting musicians while live performances are not allowed is to download the music — this is a great way to support an artist while not leaving your house. Adam’s new EP is available here.
Follow Adam on Facebook and Instagram to see where he ends up in the future, I have a feeling we will be hearing a lot more originals. (@adamkennelly on both Instagram and Facebook.)
Bec
Our other featured musician, Bec, has been frequenting Edmonds’ music scene quite a bit over the past couple of years. An Edmonds native, Bec has been performing her originals on guitar (and ukulele) at Gravity Bar & Lounge, Starbucks downtown and the Red Twig Bakery & Café. She was also a finalist in the Taste of Edmonds karaoke competition this past summer. I have a personal connection to Bec as we met a few years ago and decided to form an Edmonds band. That band has taken off, and now Bec splits her time between her solo career and the band Lele.
When asked about her style, Bec shared that she has a hard time narrowing it down as she enjoys a widespread variety of genres and has favorites from early Paramore to Rocky Votalato. She says that most of her music would probably fall into an “indie pop” category. Right now, Bec is working on writing new songs, like the one she is premiering on My Edmonds News, and exploring new instruments. When isolation orders have lifted, Bec shared that the best way to support musicians is to come to the shows. “It’s really low commitment! We let you do your thing while we do ours,” she says. But until that happens, social media is the next best thing.
Liking, sharing and following local artists can benefit the artist and, as Bec says, “overall brighten our day knowing that we are seen.” Bec’s newest solo EP can be found here. Follow Bec on Instagram @beclynnmusic
Thank you readers for tuning in and supporting our Edmonds musicians and artists.
More ways to support the Edmonds arts community – as shared by the Edmonds Arts Commission
- Make a donation to a favorite organization
- Donate the cost of your ticket for a canceled show instead of requesting a refund
- See a show or view “virtual galleries” online
- See if you can purchase goods or service online from a local artist or gallery
Closures and cancellations:
The following are known to be closed and/or canceled, please confirm on your own before making any schedule changes.
- Edmonds Jazz Connection canceled
- Edmonds Art Walk canceled
- Cascade Symphony April 19 concert canceled
- Edmonds Center for the Arts: Events currently postponed
- Art Walk Edmonds: March has been canceled
- Edmonds Library: Temporarily closed
- Edmonds Theater: Temporarily closed
- Frances Anderson Center: Temporarily closed
- Cascadia Art Museum: Temporarily closed
- Edmonds Historical Museum: Temporarily closed
- Gallery North: Temporarily closed
- Edmonds Driftwood Players: Events currently postponed
- Phoenix Theater: No events currently
- Black Box Theater: Events canceled
— By Rachel Gardner
Rachel Gardner has a heartfelt appreciation for art in all forms and believes everyone is an artist, some just don’t know it yet. A dedicated and involved Edmonds resident, she can often be spotted onstage cracking jokes between sets or in the audience enjoying local live performances. She enjoys being playful with her art and finding unique ways of expression, like forming a boho-grunge-folk ukulele trio with local Edmonds moms.
Hello , I’m responding to requests for local artists . I’m a blues, jazz, funk, and soul musician from Edmonds . My group is John Pinetree and the Yellin’Degenerates.
Sorry to say, but the Edmonds Jazz Connection has also been cancelled. It would have been our 20th year. Very sad.
Thanks — we will add this to our list. And we are very sad about this as well as we love covering it.
I am writing as a private citizen and not as a Commissioner of the Economic Development Commission. One of the topics that has been discussed in the open public meeting of the EDC is the need for a city wide “venue permit” for copyrighted music. Playing copyrighted music in a bar or coffee shop require payment for the use of the music. There are ways to create venue larger than the inside of a single building. Maybe this is something ED or the Arts community could explore and find a way to make music more available.
Really appreciate these artists giving their time and talent — shared during these challenging days. And, of course, thanks to you, Teresa, for creating and sustain — against all odds — the incredibly valuable MEN cranked out, reliably, day after day! It’s never taken for granted!! 🙂