George eyes up BAAGS support

Earlston singer George Kennedy has teamed up with Borders Aspergers & Autism Group Support (BAAGS) to promote awarness of the local charity.

Along with the BAAGS team, the 23 year old performer will be organising events throughout the year aimed at raising funds to provide support for people affected by Autism. In particular, he hopes to raise the profile of the charity among young people , who make up the vast majority of his following , both in the borders & further a field.

This year is expected to be a busy year for George with a packed UK tour & up and coming album realease, and fans will be glad to hear that he will be appearing at the Volunteer Hall in Selkirk, later in 2008

Singer George set for a bright future

Earlston musician George Kennedy is to perform at major showcases in Scotland & Northen Ireland. One is to be held on March 26th & the other in Belfast on April 30th. Top Irish showbiz agent Paul McCulloch of Meadowvale Entertainment, sees a bright future for the young borderer.

He said "in three years this is the first act we've thought we can really do something with" "George is coming over to Ireland in a while and we're planning to get him into the recording and put out a single"

The local lad proved a hit in a recent showcase in Blackpool. The event was attended by over 600 entertainment agents, cruise line representitives & industry folk. George is please his performance generated substancial interest.

He said "this was a huge showcase and im pleased with how it went, i've been trying to get away from the club scene and into the chartier stuff, i want to continue writing my original material, although i do perform songs by the likes of Green Day & The Killers"

George's parents George senior & Dorothy, are backing there son to the hilt, providing sound engineering & accounting facilities respectively. The local singer added, "i've had great support from friends, venues & agents and im doing alot of my own promotion, it's all about spreading my wings a bit and would be good to do some dates in England, i'd also like to perform abroad, but the focus is on being succesful here first of all!!

George is playing a charity night in Cumbernauld tonight (wednesday) and his next performance in the borders will be at the Vale of Leithen Club in Innerleithen on April 7th

George has music in his blood. He began keyboard lessons at the age of five and by the time he was nine, he was regularly performing with his fathers country band Mississippi. When his dad (also George) retired a few years ago, young George went solo and has never looked back.

It's still very much a family affair with George snr operating the sound & lighting systems at live shows & mum Dorothy acting as booking agent.

George acknowlages the support & inspiration  he received at Earlston High School where he took part in various productions, playing Buddy Holly in "Star of Stage & Screen" & Elvis in "King Of Rock N Roll". He was also in Galashiels Operatic Societies production of "Me & My Girl", "The muscials gave me valuable experience , but it wasn't really the direction i wanted to go in" said George.

He then enroled for a three year degree course in music performance with the Perth based UHI Millenium Institute. "The course covered a wide range of disciplines, such as stagecraft & presentation, studio recording & buisness and it has really boosted  my confidence as a solo performer" recalled George.

Apart from playing live , George has more recently been working on his own songs  & promoting himself through the internet.

"My ambiton is to get away from clubland & win recognition as an original artiste, hopefully the blackpool gig will be a stepping stone to achieving that aim"

Saturdays gig in Innerleithen  starts at 8pm

Spotlight's on George as he heads for Blackpool showcase

AFTER years  playing his trade in the club scene north & south of the border, Earlston singer George Kennedy is hoping a date in Blackpool later this month will herald a major breakthrough in the music buisness.

George's latest album "Ready And Waiting" so impressed top Irish Promoter Paul McCulloch that he has signed the youngster to appear in a special showcase in the tourism capitals famous Horseshoe Show Bar on January 24th.

Industry agents & record company executives will be there to hear the 22 year old, whose heros include Marti Pellow, Robbie Williams & Elvis Presley, give full rein to his talents.

Before that, Borders punters can enjoy  this exciting performer when he plays the Vale Club, Innerleithen.

 Showcase review 2005

Trendy young singer George Kennedy quiet literally leapt onto stage to perform an up-temp Elvis medley. The lad is a lovely mover and a gravelly & well pitched singing voice which was best used during a version of the Lonestar song Amazed, was pretty distinctive & easy to listen to. A version of Green Day rock anthem Holiday completed young Kennedy's impressive debut showcase appearance.