Meet this week's guest editor, Kayen Wilborn! As a Family Partner at The Faison Center for Autism, he offers compassionate support, advocating for his clients' independence and well-being. Alongside his care work, Kayen is an accomplished musician with 12 years as a professional DJ and eight years as the singer, trumpeter, and bandleader of Weekend Plans, known for its blend of Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, and R&B. He has shared the stage with many national and international touring acts like Ledisi and Trombone Shorty. Kayen’s studies in Music Performance and Social Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University enhance his artistic and empathetic approach to life. Passionate about art in all forms, Kayen also enjoys cooking and is known for his flavorful BBQ and vegan dishes. As a professional DJ (DJ Lēto), he has extensive experience with various events and is always ready to provide a memorable musical experience.
Take it away, Kayen...
Vibes at Sunset
Take a little time to enrich yourself on this pre-Friday evening! The amazing curators of Electric Sun Society will be leading yoga and meditation sessions, there will be food vendors, merch vendors, and two guest DJs, one of which is my guy J. Kirven, who will be spinning under the blissful rays as the sun sets. Bring your blanket, your yoga mat, even a furry friend or two!
Vitals:
Vibes at Sunset / Friday, August 15th, 5:00 - 9:00 pm / Free / Libby Hill Park, 6801 E. Franklin Street
Pay Rent Brass Band at Get Tight Lounge
If you want to get sonically hit in the face with some of your favorite pop, hip-hop, rock, and even video game songs, Pay Rent Brass Band has you covered. These dudes don't play around. With their intricate arrangements and bombastic presence, they bring the heat to whatever room they're in. Grab a friend, grab a drink at the bar, dance the night away, and sing your heart out!
Weekend Plans, North by North, Beefcake & Flatspot at The Camel
Now what kind of self-respecting bandleader would I be if I did not take every opportunity to shamelessly promote my band? Yes, my band Weekend Plans is performing at The Camel with some friends! Beefcake and Flatspot are some of our local buddies, and North by North is traveling from Chicago to throw down with us! It's going to be a great time with some rockin', funkin', groovin' music to boot! We can't wait to hang with you on Hump Day!
We're bringing back one of our most popular Grid shop items, an Old Fashioned glass that is anything but old fashioned! Our collaboration with artist Hamilton Glass continues, and features his signature #Whosham RVA logo laser-etched around these double rocks cocktail glasses. Hamilton, with his architectural background and passion for public art, has been prominently featured in Richmond Grid and Here Weekly. We’re thrilled to present this limited-edition product from Grid Supply Co. that highlights his distinctive style.
If cocktail glasses aren't your thing, Grid Supply Co. carries other locally made gifts and handmade items by some Richmond's favorite makers and artisans.
My best friend Jordan and I, seen here in the photo of us apparently attempting to smile like horses, are working on new music for our band, Weekend Plans (he is the co-founder, lead songwriter, and bassist). Additionally, though not pictured, my other best friend Justin (keyboard player and also co-founder) and I are working hard behind the scenes to put together a string of shows in the coming months (some might call it a "tour"), so stay tuned!
Lastly, I am just grateful to be alive, to interact with family and friends, and to hopefully learn some lessons and make new friends along the way. So many goals, aspirations, and dreams...I'm lucky to be alive to pursue them with all of my might. A comedian once said, "In your life, in any given moment, the strongest dream of that moment, WINS that moment." I think I am a very powerful dreamer, and I try to bring my dreams closer to fruition every day.
