Foster Youth, Fashion-Styled Performances, and Standing Ovations Is What Indie Hotspot Is All About

Oct. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- Doing her favorite 1960s jazz standards, Kaylene Peoples and her all-star “orchestra” proved to be a big hit at the benefit concert held at the House of Blues on Sunset Strip Friday, September 28, 2012.  The show opened with the band performing jazz instrumentals followed by Peoples’ arrival on stage, where Kaylene spoke briefly about the mission of Agenda Foundation.  

“Thank you all for coming out and supporting the cause of foster youth in filmmaking.  These youth will be given the opportunity to tell their stories through cinema, and be offered the chance to pursue a career in their chosen field of making movies,” asserts Kaylene Peoples.  “Statistically, foster youth is the largest population with over 50 percent homeless, incarcerated, or even worse after aging out of the foster care system.”  

Kaylene introduced L.A. fashion designer Octavio Carlin, who dressed her for the evening—Kaylene wore a stunning gown made of black jersey and bronze piping.  Carlin spoke a little about his designs.  Octavio Carlin launched his line in Los Angeles in 2011 at Vibiana in Downtown L.A. during Style Fashion Week.  On September 27, 2012 he celebrated the official opening of his atelier in Los Angeles.  

Kaylene opened her set with “How Deep is the Ocean,” surprised her audience with an intimate flute solo of “Nature boy,” and delighted everyone with a mixture of bossa-nova tunes.  Then Kaylene sang the classic song “Straighten Up and Fly Right.”  In the middle of the set, she sang “Happy Birthday” to two audience members celebrating their birthdays; but what made the evening even more special was the “special needs” young adult—the daughter of one of the birthday guests—who sang the first verse of “Happy Birthday” before Kaylene concluded the birthday serenade.  Kaylene closed her set with a very emotional rendition of “Stormy Weather,” for which she and her band received a standing ovation.  

The musicians in the All-Star Orchestra that evening were pianist Kevin Flournoy, bassist Vashon Johnson, guitarist Mark Hammond, and drummer Tony Moore.  These established musicians have played with some of the most respected musicians in the industry, including Jimmy Wyble, Boney James, Diane Schuur, Ronnie Laws, Dianne Reeves, and more.  The Indie Hotspot concerts have always been filled with intricate soloing, virtuoso playing, trivia, giveaways, and laughter, creating fun-filled and memorable evenings.

The House of Blues performance on September 28 was the third concert of the Indie Hotspot Jazz Series.  Past featured guest performers include actor/singer Chase Masterson of STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE; Emmy-winner journalist and character "Perd Hapley" of PARKS & RECREATION actor/singer Jay Jackson, who is known locally for his jazz crooning; and legendary saxophonist and one of the founding fathers of West Coast Jazz Dave Pell.  The Indie Hotspot Jazz Series has been heavily attended by celebrities, which include 3-time Grammy-nominee Hubert Laws, young Hollywood, and established entertainment industry professionals.  

To learn more about the Indie Hotspot, visit http://www.theindiehotspot.com.  Contact Eveline Morel at indiehotspot@aol.com to get involved in this groundbreaking, grassroots movement to showcase artistic expression and live musical performance locally.  Portions of ticket proceeds go to benefit Agenda Foundation’s accelerated film program for foster youth.  Visit http://www.agendafoundation.org to learn more about the 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.

The Indie Hotspot was created by AGENDA MAGAZINE founder and editor in chief Kaylene Peoples back in 2006 to help further the cause of “quality” independent music, film, and art.