Support MUSICAL INGENUITY with the accomplished Jazz and Gospel Violinist's 4th Album InspireME. Minor Pledge = MAJOR Impact!
To Friends, Family and Supporters,
I am so excited to be working on my highly anticipated 4th album, InspireMe.
Sparked by my journey of spiritual growth, accomplishments, challenges and musical creativity, InspireME will awaken the spirit in all of us!
With quite an accomplished career thus far, I am anxious to bring fresh, new, musical and spiritual sounds to your ears!
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT? I need my family and friends to support the new album! A MINOR pledge like $5 will make a MAJOR impact. With over 3000 supporters, we can be there in no time! I don't have outside funding or corporate sponsorship. Even though I have a major goal, I believe that joint support from my friends and family will result in the awesome success of this campaign.
Plus, I get to give back to you in return. Check out the gifts to the right.
ABOUT ME:
To those who may be new friends, nice to meet you :) I am an independent artist and musician, having performed across the country. I am a graduate of the Yale University Class of 2006, have three albums The Gift (2008), Walks of Faith (2005), and The Beginning (2002). I have opened or performed for Denzel Washington, Ray Charles, Regina Carter, Sinbad and Dionne Warwick. I was blessed to perform for then Senator Barack Obama (2007), worked with Yanni (2010), featured on WNYC and WBLS FM radio (2009), and to volunteer, perform for and teach students in Port Au Prince Haiti (2011).
More recently, my work as an artist has turned to ministry. I’ve experienced awesome worship and record CD sales at ministries on the West and East coasts, including those of Apostle BAM Crawford, Rev. Dr. Jackie McCullough, Rev. Dr. Buster Soaries, Rev. Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr., and Bishop George C. Searight!
About the Album:
The concept behind the album is to ignite inspiration in the hearts and minds of the listener; to be music of healing and power that builds our relationship with God and ignites our hopes and dreams. Standing on Isaiah 60:1 and Luke 1:34-38, the album will musically communicate how incredible God’s love is for us and how with him, and with His love, all things are possible!
When will you record? JULY 2011 :)
Producers & Guest Artists
The record’s executive producers are myself and Eric Parker, with the assistance of producers Eric Johnson, and Michael and Alicia Olatuja. I am really excited to announce that the album will include featured collaborations with Grammy award nominated, MacArthur Fellow violinist REGINA CARTER, Grammy Award winning saxophonist Mike Phillips and up and coming gospel rap artist B Luv. Other featured musicians include harpist Brandee Younger, jazz pianist Miki Hayama, bassist Nate Jones among the notables. I have partnered with JoJo Pada of Ignition PR (Rev. Donnie McClurkin, Vashawn Mitchell) to lead the PR, marketing and radio campaign for the album.
The music: -- 12 tracks total! Confirmed, arranged, or in production are:
Center of My Joy
Lord, I’m Available to You / Alpha & Omega
How Great is Our God
Adoration (an original by yours truly)
Holy Holy Holy (original arrangement by yours truly)
And more being written and in pre-production over the next month! Check back here for updates!
Though at its heart, the album will be gospel/inspirational, ultimately, it will be, as my music always has been, a hybrid of spirituality, musical study, multifarious life influences, role models, and a diverse range of genres and musical styles, including of course jazz, R&B and classical. InspireME is a musical journey through the people, places and things that inspire me to create music.
How do I support?
Like I said earlier, the joint support of family and friends will take this campaign to success! I need everyone to make a pledge of at least $15! Why? Because then, in return you receive the full album, AND with the number of supporters, we'll reach the goal.
But, don't make me sweat! If the goal is not pledged by JUNE 29th, I'll have to start all over again! Make a decision to get on board today! You won't regret it!
Whats the money for?
Your support will InspireME and it will make provision for the following: studio time, replication, mechanical licensing, behind-the-scenes AND promotional video production, producers, guest artists and musicians, a fabulous PR and marketing professional to push this album to thousands of individuals, and the new InspireME website (coming June 2011).
And, how does Kickstarter work?
This pledge drive will last for 37 days. Kickstarter will not charge your card until my goal has been reached at the end of the 37 days. If I do not reach my goal by that time, there is no charge to your card at all. It’s all or nothing! Therefore, please SUPPORT TODAY, then share with friends and family!
Lastly,
Only with your help will I be able to complete the album. I’m certain that InspireME will bless hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Partner with me as I bring the vision, healing and inspiration of InspireME to life.
With Thanks and Love,
Kersten
FAQ
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Your pledge includes shipping within the domestic U.S. For all international locations outside of the U.S., please add $5 to your pledge to cover shipping costs.
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All awards that might involve travel (for concerts or for release events) include travel within the Greater NYC area (generally NJ, NYC, Westchester, Fairfield Cty CT). In short, anything within 90 minutes of Teaneck, NJ.
Any locations outside of the 90-minute radius, may involve additional accommodation for travel (gas/tolls), airfare and/ore hotel accommodation. ie We can get to California, just not by car and we'll gladly drive to Philadelphia or Washington DC :) -
We'll handle this on a case by case basis. I have sound specifications and if anything is needed, it will not be included in the pledge amount.
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Because it will take a little time to compile all of the backer's information, unfortunately if your birthday is tomorrow or any day between now and July 2011, you'll be receiving your birthday greeting next year. Birthday messages will start in August 2011 and continue through July 2012 birthdays.
193
Backers
$19,311
pledged of $18,500 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
May 23, 2011 -
Jun 29, 2011
(37 days)
- First created · 2 backed
- Kersten Stevens 1652 friends
- Website: kerstenstevens.com
Pledge $5 or more
12 backers
As my thank you, you’ll get an mp3 download of a single from the new InspireME CD before its released AND you'll get a dose of my first inspiration -- an mp3 download of a new, unreleased recording of Master Blaster - my original arrangement (done when I was 16) first inspired me to pursue music! Only Kickstarter backers will get to enjoy :)
Pledge $15 or more
42 backers
Get the MUSIC! You'll get a digital download of the full album before its released. [plus the above]
Pledge $30 or more
56 backers
GET INSPIRED! You’ll be sent a signed, physical copy of the album before its released with a personal, handwritten "Thank You" note from me! Also included will be a really cool InspireME wrist-band designed by yours truly [plus everything above]. (For international backers, please add $5 to your pledge to cover shipping)
Pledge $50 or more
24 backers
GET ACCESS! I'll be presenting a private web-cast concert for Kickstarter backers only! I'll play the entire InspireME album, with the band members and some special guests. I’ll talk about each song, answer questions live and have giveaways for viewers. [plus everything above]
Pledge $75 or more
7 backers
GET ALL MY MUSIC! Receive autographed, physical copies of two of my other CDs -- Walks of Faith and The Gift. If you already have them, they will make great gifts! You’ll also get the mp3 download of my Night in Tunisia recording, released exclusively to Kickstarter backers. The recording features the Kersten Stevens Quartet, which includes some of the most talented, young jazz players in the NYC jazz scene. [plus everything above].
Pledge $100 or more
25 backers
GET HAPPY! You'll get a the autographed InspireME project poster. Then I will send you a happy birthday greeting and my special violin rendition of Happy Birthday on your birthday OR on your behalf to a friend on his or her birthday. [plus everything above] See FAQ for more details.
Pledge $200 or more
4 backers
GET GOLD! You will receive a Limited Edition Gold Album - Signed by all of the producers and artists involved in the project. AND, I’ll send you two bonus physical copies of the InspireME CD to give inspiration away as gifts! [plus everything above minus GET INSPIRED]
Pledge $300 or more
0 backers Limited (20 of 20 left)
GET CLOSE! FAMILY Award #1: Get 2 VIP tickets for any one CD Release Event plus a personal 30 minute skype chat with me about the album. [plus everything above].
Pledge $300 or more
0 backers Limited (20 of 20 left)
GET WISDOM! FAMILY Award #2: Get 2 VIP tickets for any one CD Release Event plus a 1 hour music lesson with me (a fantastic option for any musician or lover of music!) [plus everything above].
Pledge $500 or more
3 backers
GET MINISTRY! I will come to your church and minister during the Sunday morning worship services. The church will be listed as a "Sponsor Who Inspires Me" in the liner notes of the album. Also get the Custom Designed "Inspired" T-shirt, the awards above and either Family Award #1 or #2, for the Pastors/ awardee.
Pledge $500 or more
2 backers
GET INSPIRATION! You’ll be listed as a "Sponsor Who Inspires Me" in the liner notes of the album AND you’ll get the Custom designed "Inspired" T-Shirt (fitted Women’s sizes AND Basic Tees available). PLUS you’ll get a digital download of my previously unreleased Just Friends MP3. It’s not available anywhere else! [plus all of the above and either Family Award #1 or #2.]
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
GET PERSONAL! Intimate Concert #1: I’ll perform an intimate, exclusive acoustic mini-concert at your personal home for up to 25 of your closest friends and family. The concert will include songs from the CD and three songs at your special request, arranged just for the occasion. ALSO -- Your name will be listed under the "Inspiring Partners" section on the Partners page of my NEW website - June 2011. [plus everything above and either Family Award #1 or #2]
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
GET PROFESSIONAL! Intimate Concert #2: Similar to the award above - for BUSINESS OWNERS: Your business and/or your name will be listed as an "Inspiring Business" on the Partners page of my NEW website - June 2011. Your logo will appear and the listing will link to your own website. ALSO, I’ll perform an intimate, exclusive acoustic concert at your personal home OR your place of business for your closest friends, family and employees. Give them a treat for working so hard for you! [plus everything above with either Family Award #1 or #2].
Pledge $2,500 or more
1 backer
GET LIVE MUSIC! I’ll come and perform in concert with my band at your church or organization! I will also minister during the Sunday Worship Service and will do a 30 minute Q&A with the youth and young adult ministries, prior to the concert. [plus everything above, either Family Award #1 or #2, and minus Intimate Concert #1 and #2].
Pledge $5,000 or more
1 backer
GET IT ALL! Be listed as a producer of the album! Your name will appear as a producer on the OUTSIDE back cover of the album. You’ll get to spend a day in the studio during one of our sessions and have lunch with the band [travel not included]. You’ll receive 10 autographed copies of the album to share (and brag!) with family and friends. PLUS you’ll receive everything above, either of the Intimate Concerts #1 or #2, either Family Award #1 or #2, and minus the public church concert. Oh, and lest I forget, my utmost gratitude and thanks, for many years to come.
