Concert Chronicles: Durand Bernarr
Healing Musical Odyssey + songs I'm currently obsessed with!
Hello Music Aficiandos!
Welcome to my first official newsletter for “My Point Is.” Where I basically highlight my musical experiences. Whether it be diving into the heart of live concert performances I’m attending or the eclectic soundtrack of my everyday life with new and uncut gems I’m discovering.
I can’t wait to share my recent VIP concert chronicles, musical discoveries or just highlight essential things happening in life.
Durand Bernarr: A Healing Musical Odyssey
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of experiencing the live experience of the phenomenal, otherworldly artist that is Durand Bernarr.
Imagine surrounding yourself in shimmery soulful harmonies, with the familiarity of a Black southern cookout all wrapped in an affirming hug. It sounds insane, I’m sure but hear me out.
The concert opened with the oh-so-talented artist JeRonelle. A soulful artist who sings effortless high falsettos down to heavy, barrelling croons. Though I was unfamiliar with the artist, his original songs were melodic and groovy that left the audience buzzing for more. He moved the crowd with a beautiful cover of “This Woman’s Work” and quickly took us to church with an eloquent, gospel and R&B blended melody of songs.
With the crowd in great spirits, it was hard to not to expect magnificence from the main attraction. And boy, was that an understatement.
Durand Bernarr’s stage presence was electrifying from start to finish. Whether it be the command of the powerful and versatile range of his voice. Being able to handle airy ballads to funkified croons of popular hits over a beautiful blend of genres; or being able to hypnotize audiences with his stage otherworldly stage presence.
My favorite experience from the concert was his connection with the crowd, and the relatability to his audience. The affirmations, humorous talks and “turn to your neighbor” segments filled me with a self-assuring warmth I’d honestly only ever experienced talking with close friends and family. Also, the fun “Mississippi Cha-Cha Slide” dance break or his amazing DJ mix that seemed to bring the entire room together.
Oh how powerful it is to see a Black artist be their 100 percent authentic self and not only own it but encourage others to do the same. Durand is the epitome of light and genuineness. Putting on a phenomenal show and gracing the stage effortlessly — not to mention it was the man’s BIRTHDAY! I really hope he felt the love and warmth from us in the crowd, and how grateful and happy we were to embrace and watch him perform.
All and all, the concert was nothing short of tremendous and I’d experience it ten more times if I could.
I also got to meet him!! (see photo gallery) And he was just so kind — and a great hugger, haha!
Eclectic Soundtracks of My Life
Here are some gems that have been on repeat this last week:
Snoh Alegra's song “Sweet Tea” has put me in a harmonious, loving trance.
The angelic harmony, the melody. It reminds me of Michael Jackson’s ballad “I Can’t Help It” just from the light, airiness feel of it.
Because of course, I am still bumping Durand a week after seeing him live. “Destination” has been my personal journey anthem these last few months (plus hearing it live and in person was very surreal).
Because I always have to have a throwback. But I was reintroduced to this gem recently, “Tell Me Where” by Tevin Campbell. Honestly, the energy some of y’all give “Can We Talk” y’all need to put into his other songs because he wasn’t called the “male Whitney Houston” just for y’all to pay the rest of his discography dust!
Cleo Sol is healing. “Self” (and her entire new album) is everything.
If you guys have any new music recs, I’m always open! Suggest them down below!
And stay tuned for more updates from me, whether it be my adventures within the music realm or other things I am working on.
Also, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date about my endeavors! (or just get a good laugh because all I do is post memes.)
Instagram ♡: queenglyn