We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kebbi Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kebbi, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Failing and surviving was my early path to fearlessness in art. Also being open minded to many different art forms and pathways that are not similar to each other. That acceptance of differences makes me realize, that what may be a risky situation in one world may be a comfortable scene in a different place. So essentially there is no failure just adjustment and learning. Also I take risks because I know that if risks aren’t taken there will be no progress towards the unknown beauties and tribulations of the future. Also there is a Euphoria or a high that comes with discovery when you do take risks and succeed, and for me that discovery is quite addictive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Musician “Kebbi Williams is considered to be one of today’s leading improvisers on tenor saxophone. The award winning multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, arranger, teacher and innovator, defies categorization and experiments with all music genres.” I thrive in exploration. I am always looking for the unknown goods in the arts.
I also have a non profit that’s very dear to me called Music in the Park ATL. Check out our website www.musicintheparkatl.org
Our Mission is To Provide LIVE MUSIC & DIVERSE CULTURAL and EXPERIENCES for communities who have limited access to ARTS & CULTURAL programming. Our next Annual event will be 13 years of community service. The date is October 8 on Peeples street in the Historic West End neighborhood of Atlanta. We will block the street off and provide 10 stages of music dance and art from 1-7pm. Come out and experience greatness and Arts.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Discipline Courage
Perseverance
My advice to young artists is to keep perfecting your craft and don’t give up if you really love what you do. Money will come but even more happiness and inner security is what will truly be gained.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking to collaborate with visual artists and dancers. Music in the Park ATL is a non profit that serves Music and Arts to communities. I have all of the greatest musicians on the planet regularly give back to our communities. I would like to connect with more of the greatest Visual and Dance Artists possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.musicintheparkatl.org
- Instagram: @musicinthepark_atl
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MusicinTheParkATL
- Youtube: Kebbi Williams
Image Credits
Steve West photo credit
