Even a damp November night couldn’t stop Auburn students from showing up to UPC’s "War Damn Coffee Jam," a night filled with free coffee, donuts and live music on Samford Lawn. However, the night's big draw was a concert by Devin Kennedy - an R&B/Alternative artist who creates very intimate and meaningful settings for his listeners within his music.
The California native just recently wrapped his tour for his newest album “In My Imagination” back in October, with this show marking the first time he’s performed since then. A graduate of Berklee College of Music up in Boston, Massachusetts, Kennedy started as a producer for other artists before releasing his debut EP “Feel The Same” back in 2018 and now boasts almost 1.5 million monthly streamers. Each song of his creates a dreamy atmosphere within the listener’s head that’s perfect for late nights when you just feel like reminiscing about life.
The rain held off just for this event, and as students arrived, the stage glistened under the misty night sky, with Samford Hall perfectly backdropping the night. Four Auburn music students had the privilege of opening for Devin Kennedy. The group - led by bassist and vocalist Ian Malinowski - perfectly set up the night. Playing hits like "Lady Hear Me Tonight" by Mojo and "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder, you could tell that they were having fun up there. It was a very easygoing feel, with a smaller but nonetheless supportive crowd for them.
Each player took multiple turns soloing during their setlist, with Malinowski setting the tone with this groovy funk feel. Keys player Aaron Grey perfectly backdropped the mood for each song with his smooth touch, while guitar player Chris Steele and drummer Chris Whitehurst were able to show off their finesse with ease.
In the middle of the set, Malinowski started to get a little choked up while introducing “I Need A Dollar” by Aloe Blacc, saying it pulled on the heartstrings a bit. His passion was visible throughout the set, but at that point it shined. They wrapped up their set by prepping the audience for the upcoming holiday season with a lovely performance of “Last Christmas”, and as Aubie appeared with them to close their set, the Christmas-colored lighting perfectly primed the audience for the main event.
People took time in between sets to enjoy the fresh donuts, coffee, and popcorn from the local Auburn Popcorn Company. Even with fewer people at the event, the vibes were still high, and people moved a lot closer to the stage to enjoy the event.
It was finally time for Devin Kennedy to take the stage. As he started the night, the speakers started to play this very airy and aura-like opening segment, and as the bass laid down the groove, Devin Kennedy laid down the foundation for the night with “Falling For You” - the first track from his new album.
Kennedy’s R&B influence shined as his easygoing guitar mixed with his smooth vocals to create a real crispness for the night. The audience couldn’t help but be entranced by his incredible finesse of making an immediate connection with them.
Keeping it strong with “Follow Through” and “Star Crossed,” bass player Noah Christian was really able to shine with his very groovy yet mellow style, and drummer Kevin Smart perfectly set the mood with his simple yet intoxicating style. Kennedy continued to show off his vocal ability, mixing chest and head voices to create a real leisurely feel.
However, even with a smaller crowd, Kennedy didn’t let that influence him, with the show being quite an interactive one. He encouraged the audience to join him in the chorus of “No Worries”. As he introduced himself, Kennedy noted that this was his first time being in Alabama, hailing from out west in Los Angeles. Perfectly segwaying into “California Rain”, his silky vibe continued to entice the audience. The song especially was perfect for the night, as a slight mist picked up during the song, creating a core memory for everyone listening. It felt like something straight out of a movie.
Slowing it down a little bit, Kennedy asked for his other band members to clear the stage for his “intimate” set. Stripping out everything but his guitar, Kennedy takes his favorite songs and creates these versions to get straight to the meaning of them. His first one was made in just 15 minutes, and after it blew up when he released it, he knew he had to make more of them.
Playing “Eventually” and “Hurt U” in these intimate versions, Kennedy stated that love songs are kind of his thing, and then proved that through these songs. His ability to capture the pureness and awareness of love is what makes these songs shimmer and shine.
Picking it back up with “Annie” and a funkified version of “All Of Me” by John Legend, the audience was hooked by this point, with them waving their phone lights and continuously singing along to songs they just learned. The crowd broke out into hand-waving for the majority of “Fine Wine” - which was the band’s first time playing it live. Finishing his set with “Loose Change," which a fan specifically requested earlier in the set, and his biggest song “In My Imagination," Kennedy rode his new connections until the very end.
The impact of his songs was evident, as after the show, he invited people to chat with him afterward and was immediately swarmed with new fans wanting to take photos and talk with him. His easygoing personality translated so well on the stage because that’s just who he is - a very kind and relatable person. We actually had the privilege of snagging a quick interview with him about his music and his journey. If you want to listen to it, go check out @hd_concerts on Instagram.
What could have been a very dull evening with the cold and the rain became a very warm and engaging setting with the Auburn music students and Devin Kennedy creating meaningful connections with their audiences. Kennedy’s music is sure to uplift your mood and give you those reminiscent vibes. He is someone to definitely be on the lookout for in the next few years, and as a new fan of his, I can’t wait to see what heights his career will go to next.
Auburn Setlist:
- Lady Hear Me Tonight
- Superstition
- Kids
- Geroge Porgy
- Come Together
- I Need A Dollar
- You’ve Got A Friend
- Last Christmas
Devin Kennedy’s Setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/devin-kennedy/2024/samford-lawn-auburn-al-2b5e184e.html
