Presenter's Approach:
Charles Kennedy, Jr.'s joy is infectious.  A quiet and gracious man, he becomes larger than life as music erupts out of his soul. Sometimes light and capricious, sometimes wrenchingly sorrowful, the songs he sings and the stories he tells combine to paint a vivid picture of  America and of the human heart as captured by two of Pennsylvania's musical sons, Harry T. Burleigh and Stephen Collins Foster.  With memorable character representations in his original solo MusicDramas™, he "introduces" his audience to Burleigh and Antonin Dvorak, composer of the Symphony from the New World.  Burleigh and Dvorak shared a love of Foster’s music.  Additionally, he involves the audience in a sing-along of rich selections from the Spirituals and plantation songs that influenced Foster so greatly.

Harry T. Burleigh
Harry T. Burleigh gave his life to music and the service of God.  He was a world-famous composer, arranger and soloist.  An internationally respected music editor, courageous artistic pioneer and humanitarian, he was also a fun-loving passionate, humble and loving man.

Even though the world is still singing his songs, history had all but forgotten him.  
He had captured the heart of America – for decades his performances were standing-room only – and thousands attended his funeral.  Yet this bright star of American music lay in an unmarked grave for almost 50 years until he was returned to his hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, on May 28^th, 1994, 100 years after he arrived in New York City, penniless and unknown.

He popularized the spirituals and showed the world their great power and beauty.  
He bridged cultures and races by using the inspiring songs of his ancestors, crafting them into works of beauty that now stand with the greatest Western art.  The famous composer, Antonin Dvorak, turned to Burleigh for help in composing his symphony, “From the New World,” and Burleigh shared the songs learned from his grandfather, who had been a slave.  Dvorak and Burleigh became close friends, and it was Dvorak that encouraged Burleigh to make artistic arrangements of the spirituals that could be presented on the concert stage and that people could play at home.  Together they showed America a New World of music.

Stephen Collins Foster
Since in today's world he would be a millionaire many times over, why is it that this musical pioneer was disowned by his family and died penniless?  The world is still singing Foster's catchy tunes and his songs continue to be featured on dozens of CDs on the shelves of music stores.
    
Stephen Foster was a gentle genius whose beautiful dream of America is yet to be realized. He changed the course of American music, yet we seldom give him his due and our scant knowledge of him is clouded by the many myths that have sprung up about Foster.  However, the truth about this musical pioneer is even more interesting and inspiring than the myths.  In addition to archival material, Charles draws upon  interviews with his friend, Dr. Deane Root, Founder and Director of the Stephen Foster Memorial at the University of Pittsburgh.

Results:
Participants will:

• Learn about the lives, music and other contributions of two great composers

• Be instilled with a greater sense of community pride as they learn of these important and colorful figures of local history

• Be able to listen to music with greater understanding, and be more active than passive listeners

• Gain a deeper appreciation of the benefits music has to offer to both individuals and to society as a whole

• Enjoy a wonderfully warm and engaging performance

Price Range:
$1300
Plus travel expenses.
Charles is available for multiple performances as well as for workshops and residencies.
Price range may be discussed based on need and the artist's program schedule.

Logistical Factors:
Hosting organization is to provide the following:
(Mr. Kennedy can provide items not available, if need be)

• a tuned baby grand piano (preferred) or professional keyboard 

• wireless lavalier mic and sound system

• capability to play accompaniment CDs

• stage monitor for accompaniment tracks

• 2 Music stands

• bottled water for the presenter

• no special lighting is required

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About the Presenter:
Charles Kennedy, Jr. is a versatile performer, moving with ease from German lieder to contemporary gospel music.  He received his master’s degree in vocal performance from Fredonia State University of New York. The son of missionary parents, he and his wife Cindy have also served as missionaries.  His work has taken to them to South and Central America, across the United States, as well as to Europe and Africa.  

Charles is also a playwright, writing original solo MusicDramas™ based on the life of Harry T. Burleigh and Biblical characters.  An accomplished composer, Charles has received commissions for orchestral works as well as a ballet, but his favorite medium is song writing. 

He has sung and acted internationally from Paris to Hong Kong as well as at the Chautauqua Institution.  He performs in all venues  - from outdoor festivals to jazz clubs; solo recitals to orchestral soloist; backwoods churches in the Mississippi Delta and the cathedrals of Paris; Senior Centers and his special love, schools ranging from Elementary through College.

A rostered artist with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Charles travels regularly, teaching and performing at schools and other institutions.  He has just released a new CD honoring his hero, Harry T. Burleigh, titled "Tribute I".   Says Charles, “Music is a great part of my ministry and spreading Burleigh’s music around the world once more is an endeavor I’ve gladly undertaken.”

What People Are Saying:
“...an immense impression.”    -  Wayne High School, Ft. Wayne, IN

“What a wondrous voice God gave you.”      -  St. Mary’s Retirement Home, Erie, PA

“...took (us) soaring to Cloud Nine!”    -  Chautauqua Institution

“Uplifting!”    -  Daily Collegian, Penn State University

"Your stories were wonderful and your singing, absolutely amazing."   -  Dr. Charles Garoyian

“You had our full attention.  All eyes were riveted on you.  I’ve never seen people listen like that."    -  Stan Bialomizy 

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For more information or to request this program, contact Kim at:
Dynamic Demos, Speakers & Seminars
51 Comstock Rd Tunkhannock PA 18657
Phone:  (570) 241-6807    Email:  kim@dydemos.com
     

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