DETROIT (Kemistry Records) - Four local community organizations each received $5,000, a portion of the proceeds from R&B Singer KEM's SOLD OUT concert at the
Detroit Opera House on December 29, 2004. The organizations included
Detroit Rescue Mission,
Highland Park Development Corporation, The Aneurysm Genetic Study Group at Wayne
State University, and African Americans and Allies Against Domestic Violence.
A check presentation made by KEM and his Manager Toya Hankins took place at a VIP Reception just prior to the concert which also served as the location for his first video shoot, I Can't Stop Loving You, the first single released from his new album, KEM Album II.
"It's a blessing and mind-blowing at the same time to be in a position to give $20,000 away," said KEM. "But it's important for me to give back to the Detroit area community which has been a big support to me in my musical endeavors as well as on a personal level during some tough times in my life."
The concert, An Intimate Evening of New Music with KEM was co-produced by Project Producers, LLC and Kemistry Records. The owners Toya Hankins and KEM, respectively, both loyal Detroiters who have been teamed up for more than 10 years, use their accomplishments to purposely create opportunities that impact the city of Detroit and its surrounding communities.
"It is our desire to contribute to the comeback of Detroit by creating job opportunities; utilizing its venues; and giving back to community organizations," said Ms. Hankins. "So, we each chose and made presentations to two organizations close to our hearts for very personal reasons - one being that they are based in the Detroit area."
KEM selected the Detroit Rescue Mission, a non-profit, private organization dedicated to meeting the basic living needs of individuals by providing food, shelter, and clothing, where he once sought assistance for himself as well as Highland Park Development Corporation, a non-profit agency dedicated to creating and implementing community development and economic growth within the city of Highland Park.
Hankins chose to donate funds to The Aneurysm Genetic Study Group at Wayne State University, a group of researchers searching for the genes on the human chromosomes associated with aneurysms - a subject of vital importance to her as her mother continues to successfully recover from a brain aneurysm.
She also chose African Americans and Allies Against Domestic Violence, a collaboration of numerous programs and individuals in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties, including the domestic violence service agencies that have been promoting a campaign that raises awareness of culturally appropriate community-based prevention and intervention strategies to address domestic violence in African American families.
KEM's sophomore project, KEM Album II is scheduled for release in March 2005 by Universal/Motown. Second only in name, it offers fans more romance with saucy lyrics and sexy arrangements laced with funky guitar licks and surprising flute and percussion accents.
This live instrumentation orchestrated with depth, groove and feeling continues to set KEM's work aside from the average.
The video for the first cut, I Can't Stop Loving You was shot on location at the Detroit Opera House and will debut shortly after the single hits radio air waves this month.
