BY NAJAH MONIQUE TODD

Race to the Light adds color to the canvas and is a reminder to us all that there is still hope and light in the world. The band promises live shows will be full of good vibes, good times and that you will leave with the feeling of having found your people. Their music can be described as a little dash ofMotown, Michael Jackson, and QUEEN, peppered with jazz and the upbeat musicality of the 80s while sometimes invoking Chaka Khan with a little Amy Lee of Evanescence. The band is led by vocalist and pianist Kelvin Penn. Also on vocals are Ari Campinilla and Vaughan Carey (whom you may know from the group Kief Urban). Hector Sosa is on guitar, Nick Blodgett handles the Bass and Josh Hansel plays drums. All of them together are pure magic!

Formed in 2019, the band has had a few adaptations over the past few years and feel that they have learned much about finding joy while creating music together with their former and current members. Carey and Campinilla spoke about the band utilizing collaboration as a tool, keeping in mind that each musician will bring their unique style and personality to each song creating a unique blend of melodiousness. Race to the Light illuminates the stage with a warmth that reaches into the crowd while they serenade them with positive and uplifting originals along with a few covers as an appetizer to a full meal of a show.

The band is currently in the studio working on music and asks supporters to visit their social media pages to find out how best to support their fundraising efforts. As we all know, the music-making process can be costly. Send them some love if you can!

When asked about the coming year and what things they hope to do, vocalist Ari has aspirations to perform at local music venue Jazzbones. Penn, the band’s leader, feels passionate about the band connecting with the community and he wants to build a bridge between the Seattle and Tacoma music scenes, similar to what Marshall Law Band, another local favorite, has done. Penn really wants to give back to the community that has given so much to them.

Penn and local musician Bryan Veal, better known as Vealinium, are starting a platform called “On the Kowch” a play off of the name of the art and music collective they run together called KOWCHSURFERZ. The platform will allow artists to perform in front of a live studio audience as well as leave with a video of their performance. There will be an interview portion where attendees will get to ask some questions to the artists. The first event will take place at the local famed lifestyle brand brick and mortar ETC this winter.

Upcoming live shows: Seattles’ Freakout Festival on November 3rd at Cafe’ Umbria at 7 p.m. You can find out how to connect with the band through their website www.racetothelight.com