Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Kerensa Gray!

It's almost difficult to write about someone who is your friend - who you have seen grow and flourish over the course of several years.  Kerensa Gray is that and a mink coat :)  She first came to visit yours truly when we were face-to-face at my former radio station.  She had to make the trek from her cozy house in Pennsylvania to unknown territory in Maryland.  But she went the distance the way she does ALL things: fearlessly.

As a middle school student, Kerensa showed a great deal of promise via the violin.  So much so that she played in the Frostburg State University Orchestra during those tender years.  Through the course of playing so much music and so often, she discovered that she had a voice.  And there was no stopping her motivation to become the best that she could be.  With discipline and an unbelievable array of gigs during the time that I've known her, Kerensa has truly made a name for herself. We've covered two albums during previous visits - the last was "Bliss" (and it was!).  This time, we'll focus on her new "Take Me In."  She covers beloved standards in the way that she knows how: with the knowledge and love of Jazz, with the innate Blues and Gospel that she feels - and with Folk and Smoke combined.  You'll hear and you'll KNOW.

Kerensa was the last winner of the annual Billie Holiday Vocal Competition that was an important reason why attendees visited Artscape in Baltimore.  They let that event go, sadly - but Kerensa is still known for that remarkable honor.  It has paved the way for lovely musical associations with some of the greats in the business.  But, to really get a feel for what she can do, see her when she headlines.  Especially in intimate gatherings when she can let her hair down and sink her teeth INTO a song.  That's the Kerensa I know!   Join us at ONE on 1/12!