RI Child Prodigy Alexis Clare McKinnon to Perform Benefit Concert
Anthony Faccenda, GoLocalProv Lifestyle Contributor
RI Child Prodigy Alexis Clare McKinnon to Perform Benefit Concert
Tickets for the show, which is entitled “An Amazing Child Prodigy,” start at $21, and are available for purchase at the Stadium Theatre website while supplies last. A portion of the proceeds will support the St. Mary’s Home for Children, which is a non-profit agency offering comprehensive treatment programs for boys and girls traumatized by abuse or experiencing the challenges of psychiatric disorders.
Singing for a good cause
GoLocal spoke to McKinnon to see what it means to her to be able to raise money for a good cause. “St. Mary’s Home for Children is a magical place that cares for neglected children,” said McKinnon. “My goal is to raise as much money as I can by headlining a concert where my friends, family, and community can attend and share in the support for this truly worthy charity.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTStarting at a young age
McKinnon began singing at age 2 and by the age of 5 began training with a professional vocal coach. Despite her young age, McKinnon, who possesses a 5 octave soprano voice, has already amassed quite the résumé. At age 7, she was invited by The Juilliard School of NYC to the Pre-College Division Saturday Morning Program. McKinnon also made national history performing the lead role in Amahl, a classic opera by Gian-Carlo Menotti. In Oct. 2009, Alexis was a VIP guest of Mariah Carey to appear on the NBC Today Show.
Eclectic influences
While many young singers may tout pop stars like Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus as influences, McKinnon told GoLocal that she draws her inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists—both classic and contemporary.
“Today's radio cannot compare to the radio classics—R&B legends, Motown, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Minnie Ripperton, Leon Ware, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Whitney Houston, Jeffrey Osborne, Smokey Robinson, etc. I want to bring all that back in an innovative and modern way.”
McKinnon also addressed the tendency of modern artists to use auto-tuning stating, “I feel strongly that the true ‘gift’(natural, God-given talent) cannot be faked, no matter what. It is unfair to the people who have the ‘gift’ and never get their chance.”
Attracting major attention
It has been McKinnon’s natural “gift” that has attracted attention from some major names in the music industry, including Rhode Island native Jeffrey Osborne and Motown legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Smokey Robinson.
"Alexis is one of the most incredible young singers that I have heard in quite some time,” Osborne told GoLocal. “Her 5 octave range is incredible. The scary thing is that she will only get better because of her passion, her drive, and her absolute love for what she does. She has been blessed with a very rare gift. Get ready for her, because she's going to make us Rhode Islanders real proud.”
Robinson added, "Alexis is surely one of the best singers I have heard in a long, long time. She was born to sing."
What lies in store?
Despite already have accomplished so much at such a young age, McKinnon is not content to slow down. “My goals for the future are to sell out Madison Square Garden and to get a few Grammy Awards,” said McKinnon. “I look forward to having my own original songs (maybe co writing with Jeffrey Osborne, Smokey Robinson and Taylor Swift) to share and one day to hear them on the radio. I would also like to have my own brand—Alexis Clare—for clothing, jewelry, accessories and perfume.”
For more information about McKinnon’s upcoming show at the Stadium Theatre and to purchase tickets, click here. For more information about McKinnon, go here.
13 Biggest Music Stories in RI in 2013
13. Macauley + Carlton
Local music legend John Macauley of Deer Tick, and world renowned singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton came to Providence in January to headline a show to benefit The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence.
Here is music critic Rob Duguay's review of the show:
This past Saturday at the upstairs stage of The Columbus Theatre on Broadway in the heart of the West End of Providence, a magnificent display of music took place to benefit The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence. Deer Tick's John McCauley & Ian O'Neil, Vanessa Carlton, Smoota and Caroline Hecht were on a star-studded bill for an experience that was guaranteed to be a memorable one. It's always great when talented people come together for a worthy cause, and in this day and age this was needed more than ever. Read More
12. Carolina Choc Drops
Bringing an eclectic mixture of Piedmont blues, country, ragtime jazz, and traditional folk, the Carolina Chocolate Drops came into town to headline a Sunday night show at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in April.
GoLocal Music Critic was there for the show, and he claimed this to be one of the best shows he attended in 2013:
Class was in session Sunday night at Lupo’s as theCarolina Chocolate Drops provided a crash course in traditional African American music. Their style, which fuses Piedmont Blues, jug band country, ragtime jazz and traditional folk, delighted the crowd. Sounding straight out of a juke joint in Mississippi, (or North Carolina, where the band hails from), their music is infectious. Read More
11. Artistic Explosion
Featuring some of the best local acts from all different genres, GoLocal music critic Rob Duguay organized the first annual Artistic Explosion Music Festival, a week-long multi-venue show to raise money for Girls Rock! and the Rhode Island Music Educators Association.
By all counts, the event was a tremendous success.
Read more about the event here.
10. 24 Hour Music Project
For the second straight year, Kim "Giggles" Madden put together Providence's 24 Hour Music Project benefit. This year, all proceeds from the event and concert went to benefit music education in Rhode Island's public schools.
Rob Duguay was on hand for the CD release party in October:
One of the most inspiring things I've encountered in Providence is the 24 Hour Music Project. Started by Kim "Giggles" Madden last year, a star-studded compilation album of the Creative Capital's finest musicians benefits victims of domestic violence. This time around, another album was made to benefit music education in public schools, another noble cause with an ensemble cast of local musical talents. On Sunday at The Spot, the release of the second 24 Hour Music Project album was celebrated with an amazing show that had Dan Dodd, Dylan Sevey & The Gentlemen, Wake and Baker, P. Lowe, Galactic Alliance and Resin ED jammin' on two stages. There's no better way to spend your Sunday than supporting a great cause, and the Spot was the prime destination to do just that. Read More
9. Colexico at The Met
Tuscon Arizona's Colexico, according to GoLocal music critic Ken Abrams, sounds like "a Tex-Mex meal - you don’t always know exactly what’s in it, but it tastes delicious."
Well, Colexico paid a visit to the Ocean State in June, and Abrams was in the crowd for the festivities.
8. Buddy Guy
Since Park Theatre massive renovation and reopening, the Cranston venue has become a great spot for live music in Rhode Island, and have drawn some very impressive names.
In October, blues legend Buddy Guy stopped by, and music critic Ken Abrams was there:
Last Friday night at the Park Theatre, the nation’s leading ambassador of the Blues made a triumphant stop in Rhode Island. For the second consecutive year, Buddy Guy filled the Park to its 1006-seat capacity, a rare feat for a performer labeled a “Blues” artist. Before the night ended, it was clear why – he is one of the finest performers on tour today. Read More
7. The Temptaions
Legendary Detroit Motown band, the Temptations stopped by Cranston's Park Theatre in December, bringing with them their classics.
Music critic Ken Abrams was front and center for this once-in-a-lifetime R&B experience:
A warm welcome greeted The Temptations Sunday night in Cranston as the Park Theatre hosted a sold out show by the legendary Detroit band. The award winning R&B group thrilled those in attendance with classic hits along with some new songs. Read More
6. Chris Cornell
Legendary Seattle grunge rocker Chris Cornell is known for rocking hard with Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, and Pearl Jam; but when he came into Providence in November, he left the wires behind for an acoustic show on the newly-renovated stage at The Vets:
Normally, one would think of Chris Cornell as the vocalist who can peel the paint off walls with Seattle legends Soundgarden, but recently he's been doing a solo acoustic tour that's been getting a lot of attention. This past Tuesday he made a stop at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium for an experience that exuded soothing songs that hit straight to the heart. Bhi Bhiman opened things up as well, it was going to a memorable evening. Chris Cornell at his genuine best, what more could you ask for? Read More
5. B.B. King
What could be better than a warm summer night in Newport? How about when you are there to see THE name in Blues, BB King? Well, GoLocal Music criticRob Duguay was lucky enough to be in attendance for this show at the Newport Yachting Center in July:
As a live music fanatic, when I hear that a legend is coming through The Ocean State it's a no-brainer that I have to come check it out. When it's a bluesman like B.B. King performing, saying its a no-brainer is a vast understatement, it's more like a spiritual expedition. The King Of The Blues headlined a fantastic night at The Newport Yachting Center as part of The Sunset Music Series with Providence rocksteady soul group Boo City opening up the show, you knew it was going to be one of the top shows of the summer. The whole time I was here I had to remind myself that one of my favorite musicians of all time in B.B. King as well as pinch myself a few times. The guy is pushing 90 and still tours like he was in his mid-20s and still can strum Lucille better than anybody else, Newport was definitely the hotspot for a once in a lifetime chance to see a musician who will go down as one of the greatest ever. Read More
4. Bob Dylan at URI
Legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan passed through the Ocean State in April, making a stop at URI's Ryan Center. GoLocal music critic Ken Abrams made the trek down to South County for the show:
Bob Dylan’s “Never Ending Tour” rolled into the Ryan Center on Monday night. The band is currently on a college campus swing, and featured a new addition, RI’s own Duke Robillard on lead guitar. Read More
3. Sir Elton John
A Dunkin Donuts Center crowed was graced by the presence of music royalty in November when Elton John came into Providence for an unforgettable 28-song performance:
Elton John made a triumphant return to Providence Saturday night, making the Dunkin Donuts Center the second stop on his Diving Board Tour. Expectations were high for the near capacity crowd and Sir Elton did not disappoint. He covered a number of hits in his 28 song set, including a full album side from “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Read More
2. The Who
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend; the remaining members of one of the most highly-celebrated rock and roll supergroup of all-time, the Who, finished up the US leg of their World Tour at the Dunkin Donuts Center in February:
On Tuesday at The Dunkin' Donuts Center in downtown Providence, rock & roll legends The Who rocked the joint for the last show of the United States leg of The Quadrophenia and More Tour that has been sweeping the globe since last year. Opening the night were Los Angeles' rock & roll souls Vintage Trouble and it was bound to be one of the memorable shows in Providence's music history. There are rock bands and then there's The Who, it was very clear that the best way to enjoy the first half of your week was to be at The Dunk on Tuesday. Read More
1. Newport Festivals
Summer in Newport -- shopping, beaches, sailing, dining, and LIVE MUSIC. Aquidneck Island comes alive when the weather warms up, and once you get beyond Thames Street, music festivals dominate the scene. In 2013, GoLocal' music critics were on hand for three great music festivals in Newport:
Sunset Music Series- Featuring Chris Isaak and The Doobie Brothers
Celtic Rock Festival- Headlined by the Dropkick Murphy's
Newport Folk Festival- Featuring Beck, John Macauley, and the Avett Brothers
