Gedeon Luke Featured at MLK Celebration

 
I have been honored to be Co-Emcee of the Annual MLK Celebration at the Empire State Plaza for the past 8 years. Each year there's a new performer who knocks your socks off! This year it was American Idol Season 5 Semi-Finalist Gedeon Luke! Check out the above video of him jamming to "We Shall Overcome" with the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church!

His rich voice filled the auditorium for a 2 song set. He sang with his group "The People" his songs "Gray" and "Live Free/Hey". Getting a chance to meet him after the show I found him energy filled and so friendly! His smile brings you in and I wanted to ask him about his skin care regime because the man had great skin. He was very approachable, gave us a cd and some stickers and seemed to be having a great time. I learned he's going to be in the Capital Region in August for a large celebration in the works. When I find out more about that I'll be sure to pass it along to you.

Being a part of this annual event is truly a blessing. I get to spend time with

 

some of my wonderful friends and I always bring the children with me. They get a history lesson while enjoy the acting skits and musical performances. This year we were asked to say what our dreams were for the future. I said:

I, JoDee Kenney, have a dream that we find a way to resolve conflicts peacefully, so my, our children have a brighter future. My hope is that people of this planet learn how to accept each other's differences so we pass down a safer world to our children.

Have you heard Gedeon Luke and the People's song "Gray"? It reminds me of the 70s soulful music my mom and dad used to listen to and yet it has a today spin. I was so honored to hear it in person and can't stop listening to it! Check it out!

"Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars"

Bullies stink. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. They can be child bullies, and yes, trust me, there are adult bullies too- I've seen them.  They prey on people they perceive to be weak. But what if they aren't weak? What if they just haven't found their voice? What if they choose to not say anything because the bully isn't worth it? What if they are weak- and just need a little help standing up for themselves?

Well, today 13-year-old  Anthony Gargiula stood up for those people and himself.  You see- he's been bullied. Instead of me telling you why- listen to him tell his story:

Anthony created "Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars" and hopes to bring events like this to many more locations. The money raised will help him spread the message of tolerance and acceptance. Spare Time on Route 9 in Clifton Park was the place to be. It was filled with local Singers, News Anchors, Radio DJs, Basketball players and even Former Albany County Executive Mike Breslin Came out.

People paid $15 to bowl, eat pizza and soda and enjoy a concert by Anthony and the AG dance crew. Everyone who attended said it was a huge success and they enjoyed the positive atmosphere.

I first saw Anthony perform a couple years ago at the state's MLK Celebration in which I co-emcee. He sang a Stevie Wonder song. As soon as he began to sing I thought WOW- this guy has a bright future. After meeting him at this event I know he has a bright future. Not only is he talented. He also has a wonderful personality and a true heart of gold. If you'd like to learn more about Bowling Against Bullies you can see the Facebook Page. Donations can be made to "Bowling Against Bullies" at the Glenmont Pioneer Bank. You can learn more about Anthony by going to his Facebook Page or Twitter.

I was honored to take part in this event and told Anthony to count on my support in the future. Below is a small video clip of him singing at his concert at the event. He had the crowd going!