An Inaugural Night of Melodies and Soulful Performances
On February 23rd, 2023, the MEK Initiative hosted the inaugural Dawn Fest Backyard Concert Series, providing a delightful musical experience to a crowd of dozens. The event was held at the home of the MEK Initiative’s founders, Landry and MC Lawson, and showcased an array of local artists who delivered captivating performances, covering a range of popular songs and captivating the audience with their original compositions. From the heartwarming melodies of Britain Lord and Isiah Holmes’ saxophone to the soul-stirring renditions by Ian Dooley and the captivating headline set by Stephen Sylvester, the evening was filled with unforgettable moments of music and passion.
As dusk settled over the enchanting backyard venue, the stage was set for an evening of exceptional music. The intimate gathering created an ambiance that allowed the attendees to connect with the artists on a personal level, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared appreciation for the power of music.
Melodic Duets
The night began with Britain Lord and Isiah Holmes, whose harmonious duets captivated the audience immediately. Their rendition of Rihanna's "Stay" set the tone for the evening, blending Lord's rich vocals with Holmes' soulful saxophone accompaniment. The duo's performance of Calum Scott's "You Are the Reason" further showcased their ability to convey emotions through their music, leaving the audience in awe of their talent.
The Maestro of Blues and Jazz:
Ian Dooley took the stage next, mesmerizing the crowd with his virtuoso guitar skills and deep-rooted understanding of blues and jazz. Dooley's rendition of Cream's "Outside Woman Blues" showcased his ability to capture the essence of the classic blues era, while his rendition of Morgan Wallen's "Cover Me Up" added a touch of modernity to the set. The highlight of Dooley's performance came with his rendition of the Allman Brothers' epic "Whipping Post," leaving the audience in awe of his skillful execution and musical finesse.
Originals and Fan Favorites:
Headlining the night was Stephen Sylvester, an artist whose talent has earned him a coveted golden ticket to American Idol. Sylvester's set was a masterful blend of cover songs and his own original compositions, showcasing his versatility and undeniable stage presence. The crowd swayed and sang along as he performed his iconic song "Home to Alabama," an ode to his roots and a testament to his songwriting prowess. Sylvester's performance also included two of his latest songs, "I Promise You" and "Happy Endings," which had garnered critical acclaim as semi-finalists in the 2022 American Songwriter Contest.
In addition to the captivating performances, the Dawn Fest Backyard Concert Series also featured an exciting raffle, made possible by the generosity of MEK Initiative and their friends at Zephyr's Market. Attendees had the opportunity to win fantastic prizes, adding an element of anticipation and excitement to the night. The raffle prizes further enhanced the sense of community spirit and appreciation for the event's sponsors.
The inaugural Dawn Fest Backyard Concert of the series was an extraordinary musical experience that left a lasting impression on all those who were able to attend. The event brought together a diverse range of talents. Stunning video clips immortalized the night's performances, courtesy of Nicholas Merch of There You Are Media. With the soulful harmonies of Britain Lord and Isiah Holmes, the bluesy virtuosity of Ian Dooley and the captivating stage presence of Stephen Sylvester, MEK Initiative's commitment to providing a platform for emerging artists and fostering community through music was evident throughout the night. As attendees left with hearts full of melodies and memories, it became clear that Dawn Fest Backyard Concert Series had established itself as a must-attend event in the local music scene, promising even greater things in the years to come. No need to be upset if you could not make this phenomenal show, just be sure to follow @MEKInitiative on social media to be notified of upcoming events and updates!