From Awkward to D.C. Fashion Week

I’ve been pretty unique all my life. I never wanted to fit in with the popular crowd. Well, I did think they were pretty interesting at times… but I never wanted to change who I was just to be accepted by them. Hence, I was labeled “awkward” by my peers growing up. Actually, the concept of assimilating never even seemed like an option in my mind for some reason or another. Needless to say, I was the butt of many a joke. Whether it was because of a hand-me-down outfit I had on, my walk, or the way I talked – there was always something to be said about Kenny. I’d be lying if I told you the things they said didn’t hurt. In fact, they cut quite deep. And yet, for some reason, I seemed to assert my individuality even more.

I was a great student and I excelled in music. Despite the daily taunts, my classmates were extremely attentive and receptive whenever I sang or played piano. Their response gave me enough confidence to make it through the rough times and served as a confirmation of my life-long dream of being a singer one day. I knew that if even they could recognize my gift, the world would one day also.

Later on in high school, I discovered many of my schoolmates who I thought couldn’t stand me actually admired me for always following the beat of my own drum (it would’ve been nice to have known that all along).

Fast-forward to 2012: I have the incredible opportunity of performing at D.C. Fashion Week on February 25.  To me, this is such a full-circle moment. The kid who was once dubbed “weird” by his peers is summoned to perform original music for a crowd of fashion tastemakers. Please don’t misunderstand me, my life has not been a quest to find people who like me.  However, it is a beautiful feeling to be appreciated, respected and loved for who you are and what you do! So, if this is where being awkward will get you – SIGN ME UP! :p

If you’d like to get tickets to my performance at D.C. Fashion Week CLICK HERE

Peace and Chicken Grease…
Ken