When the business development session kicks off on the first day of the Wisconsin Leadership Summit on October 10, the rhythm and spirit will pick up.
Madison-based R&B and soul band Kinfolk will take to the stage and entertain attendees at the fifth annual event. The organizers of Madison365, which hosts and produces the summit, have held the first in-person summit since 2019, the theme of which is “Family Reunion,” which is exactly what the band hopes to accomplish.
“It’s just family, relatives,” said bassist and cofounder Corey Saffold. “It is getting together with close family, friends, having a good time. That’s what the band represents. ,
The band originated from Fountain of Life Church on the south side of Madison, where Saffold, Dr. LaVar Charleston, Anthony Ward and Marcus Fleming Church were musicians. Each of them were regularly asked to perform at weddings and other celebrations, and over time it became clear that they had something special in common.
Nearly 15 years later, with the help of some Milwaukee-based musicians who had been brought in for gigs, the band performed once a month around the Madison area at events such as Live on King Street, Den Dance, and other local festivals and venues. Had been. After nearly two years off during the pandemic, things have intensified, and the band now plays several gigs each month.
“Ever since the pandemic has given up… people are coming back to things. It’s picked up this summer,” Saffold said.
Most of his shows consist of covers, with some original music mixed in. He has released two songs across all music streaming platforms – “Easy” and “Waiting in Wayne” – with two more coming soon. Saffold stated that they would like to play more shows in the area, performing regularly in Fox Valley, with a view to performing in Milwaukee and Chicago.
You can catch the Kinfolk at the Mad Lit Concert on Friday nights from 8-11 p.m. on the 100 block of State Street in downtown Madison for free. Registration is now open for the Wisconsin Leadership Summit https://wisconsinleadershipsummit.com.