Bubbles, Babes, and Good Vibes: Kelsey Blackstone’s EP Release Celebration @ The East Room

Happy Monday, friends! I’m happy to be back to impart mine and Melinoe’s memorable night last Wednesday at The East Room! Where Rock Oracle had the honor of being invited to take part in Kelsey Blackstone’s EP release celebration!

While I want to make sure to tell you all about Kelsey, I must also enlighten you about the other two artists of the evening: Lily Crow and Kennedy Fine.

An all-female line up for an Air-Sign Gal Pal night out?? Say less!

Lily Crow initiated everyone into our amazing, femme lineup with a spellbinding, stripped down performance. Everyone was enthralled with Lily – her fluid, velvety vocals (that reminded me of a favorite band of mine back in the day, Eisley) swept us off our feet, like a feather being picked up by the breeze. She explained she normally plays with a full band, but there were absolutely no complaints with it just being her, her guitar, and one other guitarist on stage that night! Her music was simply delightful – her talent crystal clear. Lily’s sweet-hearted, personable demeanor only enhanced her charm, as well!

Then came Kelsey Blackstone …who bopped The East Room right out of our shoes! She came out of the gate strong, with vocals so vibrant yet soulful – reminding me of Fiona Apple in some ways – who, in my opinion, has one of the most unique, enchanting singing voices to date – and her presence on stage matched up to the same and then some. You couldn’t wipe the smile off her face or ours while we witnessed her pour out her soul. Literally! She poured out her soul on that stage! Her songs? Extremely well-written. Her band? All extremely talented and fully in tune with one another. All of which created a seamless balance throughout the performance and a great foundation for the catchy, energetic melodies, guided by their leading lady. All in all – Kelsey and her band were just plain fun!

A significant part of Kelsey’s personality shone through her music and performance that night – fun-loving, creative, passionate, bubbly … that last word being one of the best to describe her, as she presented us local-music-lovers with tubes of bubbles to use out with love whenever we felt called throughout her set. This, of course, only enhanced the magic and merriment of the night! (Not to mention how much fun they added to taking photos haha)

If the bubbles weren’t enough, Kelsey also had music videos playing along with her EP songs, which added another layer of art to her performance. The videos further invited you into her creative mind and immersed you into the songs even more. A brilliant set up, if I do say!

But Kelsey isn’t just fun and bubbly. She’s got real depth and vulnerability to her, as well, which became clear when she shared how her recently released EP – The Art of Falling – was born from a really challenging time in her life. She expressed a lot of love to the friends who helped her through it, which allowed her the space and encouragement to create her EP. This is a story we love to hear at Rock Oracle – one that truly warms our hearts. Music brings people together but also is/can be a major tool for healing. We’re so happy Kelsey was able to find some healing through her art and that she chose to share it with the world <3

As a ‘thank you’ to all who helped her write her EP, Kelsey invited her loved ones and writing-companions on stage to sing alongside her for her last song.

Smiles and warm, loving vibes were abound!

Our last lovely lady of the evening was Kennedy Fine, who started off with an acoustic-leaning ballad that had everyone dreaming of their lovers (past, present, and future), but when it came time to play her second song, the acoustic guitar was set down, and the fast ball was thrown! ( Look, Jason! Another baseball reference! Touchdown! *wink*) Kennedy blew us out of the water with her bold, compelling vocals and spunky energy. She has a down-to-earth vibe but bits of whimsy, alt, and rock weaved in, as well, making for a memorable performance you want to tell your friends about! (Kennedy refers to her style as Indie, which I think is a good, all-encompassing genre to tab her under, as Indie can have all the elements I mentioned above – and then some! Which Kennedy demonstrates perfectly. We love an artist with range!)

And that’s exactly what I’m happy to do here, friends – with all three of these remarkable, talented artists! Bringing People Together Through Music happens on every level – most importantly, the local scene. There’s a different potency when it comes to smaller-venue, local shows. Everyone who shows up is doing so to support the community, and that shit is the best.

Thanks so much again to Stutter Mouth Management for inviting us out! We indulged, enjoyed, fell in love with Kelsey and her band, and were beyond excited for the opportunity to discover new music from the other two artists, as well. Lily, Kelsey, and Kennedy: we are so thankful for you terrific ladies – along with your partnering musicians! – for the gifts you are bestowing to the world and the magical night you created for us at The East Room last Wednesday!

Rock Oracles – are you not yet intrigued??! Go take a listen to Kelsey Blackstone, Lily Crow, and Kennedy Fine today! I think you’ll find yourself in happy discovery of new, intriguing sounds, songs that resonate, and a restorative energy we can all use from time to time with music!

Until next time – you Precious, Celestial Miracles, you! ~