Senior Year -- 2002
Student research is encouraged at Hampden-Sydney College, and the topics selected are
as varied as the interests of H-SC students. However, country music, west Texas
country music to be precise, is not a usual choice.
Drew Kennedy is a senior history major from Hanover, PA, but his love is country music.
For his senior thesis, Drew traced the origins of west Texas country music and combined
his research with his own talents as a singer in a unique thesis presentation on April 22.
Drew performed the songs of writers from the late 1920's to the present as well as two of his
own songs. He also discussed the difference between the highly formulaic Nashville
sound and the more independent character of west Texas country music.
Drew plans to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter.
News from Drew Kennedy -- February 2003
Upon graduation I relocated to Houston, Texas, where I began playing as much and as often as possible. Within the first week I landed a weekly gig at the Firehouse Saloon in Houston, one of the best live music venues in the city. Over the next 6 months I played shows in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Huntsville, San Antonio and San Marcos, to name a few, sharing the stage with many established artists including Gary P. Nunn, John Evans, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wade Bowen and West 84, Wayne Toupes and Zydecajun, Django Walker, Jason Allen, Big John Mills, Jody Booth and Keith Sykes. During that time I wrote some of the best songs that I have written to date, (some of which will show up on my upcoming CD, which I hope to record in Austin at the legendary Cedar Creek Studios) but the vast expanse of concrete that was Houston was too much for someone who cherished the lifestyle of the open countryside. I decided to retreat home to regroup and save up money for the album. I plan on moving back to Austin within the year to take up a permanent residence in the state that I have grown to love so dearly.
My love for true country music began at Hampden-Sydney, and I fully believe that my experiences there have helped me find the songwriter inside of me. The community there was so encouraging, and when it became known that I intended to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional songwriter and performer, I began receiving calls on a regular basis, wishing me well and letting me know that I would have folks here pulling for me. I always got the feeling that if my music never amounted to anything after I left Hampden-Sydney, the warmth that the community gave me was satisfaction enough. I am looking forward to the show, and I can't wait to feel the energy of a hometown crowd surge through me. Whoever said that you can never go home again never spent time at Hampden-Sydney.
|
