On Tuesday, November 26th, I had an exciting opportunity to shoot Kenzie’s set. For those who may not know, Kenzie is a rising singer-songwriter. She gained fame through her dance career, which later shifted into music.
Kenzie kicked the night off in Detroit as the opening act for Mark Ambor’s Rockwood Tour with dynamic energy and a heartfelt set. Her performance was a testament to her growing presence in the music scene. Kenzie entertained the crowd that filled St. Andrew’s Hall with a set that showcased her growth as an artist and her glowing stage presence. Known for her background as a dancer, Kenzie’s performance at this more intimate venue marked a significant moment in her evolution into becoming a serious musician.
From the moment she took center stage, Kenzie beamed with confidence, blending her style of pop with introspective, indie inspirations. Fans in the audience–whether they’ve followed her journey from her dance days to her early singing career with Girl Party, or from her most recent album, Biting My Tongue–were immediately drawn in by her radiant energy and emotional vocals. It was clear that the crowd fell in love with her. I think she could feel that energy especially when the audience sang along to what I believe to be one of her most beautifully written songs, Anatomy. Kenzie provided a well-rounded set with her ability to seamlessly transition between her pop anthems and vulnerable ballads that kept the crowd engaged.
A moment that stood out to me was hearing and feeling her emotion in Anatomy, a song I was particularly excited to hear while photographing her set. Those who knew the song were quick to sing along immediately while shining their phone flashlights, creating a deep sense of connection in the room that made Kenzie feel appreciative of everyone who sang along with her. Her voice was a perfect mix of strength and vulnerability that soared through the venue.
Biting My Tongue, another highlight of the night, demonstrated Kenzie’s ability to piece together music that is both personal and relatable. The lyrics, which promote self-control, frustration, and internal conflict resonated strongly with some of the audience who could be seen singing aloud. The song's mid-tempo and memorable melody were the perfect balance to the more reflective moments in her set. The lighting and stage setup reflected the intimate and personal nature of her music with soft and moody hues to match each song that was performed.
As the opening act, Kenzie took the stage with ease showcasing not only her musical talent but also her natural charisma. Her interaction with the crowd felt so genuine, expressing her gratitude for the support as she continued to pave her own way in music.
When the set came to a close, the reaction to her performance was a clear sign that she had earned the respect as well as the admiration of Detroit fans that left her giving her sincere thanks as she exited the stage, leaving the crowd buzzing and with her fans excited to rush to the merch tables to say hello.
As someone who went from watching Kenzie grow up from her dance career to watching her perform live and having the opportunity to photograph her set was merely a euphoric experience–seeing her transition from a social media personality to a confident, talented artist in her own right was truly inspiring. This was such an enjoyable performance that I’m glad that I got to attend. I’m so excited to see what’s next for this rising star.
Here are a few photos that I captured from the evening:
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