Drexel's Dragonfly Concert: A Captivating Showcase of Student Talent

Drexel University's annual Dragonfly concert has become a highly anticipated event, known for its ability to attract big-name artists and showcase the exceptional talents of its student performers. This year's show was no exception, as it packed the DAC with eager fans eager to witness the electrifying performances of headliner Tinashe and opener Slayyyter. But the real standout of the night was Kari, a Drexel Music Industry student, who took the stage as the opening DJ and captivated the audience with his high-energy set.

Unleashing the Power of Student Artistry at Dragonfly

Kari's Rise to the Dragonfly Stage

Kari, whose real name is Colin Keenan, is a 20-year-old DJ and producer hailing from Madison, Wisconsin. His passion for music has been a lifelong pursuit, stemming from his childhood days of watching DJ videos on YouTube and experimenting with GarageBand on the family computer. Over the past six years, Kari has been honing his craft, transitioning from a hobby to a serious pursuit, ultimately leading him to Drexel University's Music Industry program.Kari's journey to the Dragonfly stage was not without its challenges. He had to compete against a pool of talented peers, but his unwavering determination and unique musical style ultimately earned him the coveted opening spot. "I guess they thought I fit with the headliners, Tinashe and Slayyyter, who are great artists, so [that] meant a lot," Kari reflected. "Having a setup like [Dragonfly] is really special. Professionally, it gave me a chance to get a lot of new ears on my music."

Behind the Scenes of Dragonfly

The Dragonfly concert is one of Drexel's biggest entertainment events, and the behind-the-scenes experience was nothing short of exhilarating for Kari. From the early morning setup to the final soundcheck, the Dragonfly team worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless and unforgettable show.Kari was given his own green room, which he described as "awesome," and he had the opportunity to witness the headliners' soundchecks, an experience he found "so cool." The soundcheck for Kari's own set was a nerve-wracking moment, as he finally got to experience the stage and feel the energy of the real performance. But with the support of the Dragonfly crew, Kari was able to put the finishing touches on his set and take the stage with confidence.

Crafting a Captivating Performance

Kari's opening performance was a resounding success, setting the perfect mood for the headliners that followed. The process of curating his set was a delicate balance, as Kari had to align his music with the overall vibe of the show without knowing the other artists' styles until just a few weeks before the event."I honestly wasn't told who the other artists were going to be until a few weeks before the show, so I had already started making my set a month or two before I knew the vibe," Kari explained. "So I was just being myself and hoping that it would all come together, and it did. It was really up to the Dragonfly crew; they knew the vibe that they wanted, and they did a great job choosing the lineup accordingly."Kari's preparation for the live performance was extensive, drawing on his experience from previous DJ sets. He always has a backup plan and extra songs ready, as he knows that live performances can be unpredictable. "It's a lot of work mentally, but it's worth it," he said. "I think Dragonfly went the best it could've gone. It was probably one of my best sets yet, and I think it's because I spent so much time preparing."

Engaging the Audience with Unique Sounds

Kari's set was praised for its energy and engagement, and he attributes this to his approach of putting his own twist on familiar pop songs. "I try to put my own twist on songs that people already know, like old 2000's pop songs flipped into the modern underground electronic scene," he explained. "I want people to be able to sing along and dance while also enjoying a different style of music."This unique blend of recognizable melodies and fresh, energetic production is what sets Kari apart. He aims to keep the audience engaged by giving them a new spin on familiar tracks, while also showcasing his versatility as a producer. "The key is to choose music that people know so that they're engaged, but make it new so that they're still entertained by it," he said.

Navigating the Duality of Student Life and Music

Balancing his studies at Drexel's Music Industry program and his burgeoning music career is a constant challenge for Kari, but one he has learned to navigate effectively. He recognizes that sometimes, the creative process can feel more like a job than a passion, but he has found ways to separate the two and maintain his enthusiasm for music."Balancing music and school can be difficult, but it's rewarding," Kari said. "I go to school for Music Industry, so sometimes making music can feel like a job instead of a passion — music and homework can be synonymous. Both parts of my life are very intertwined, but I try to separate them as best as possible in order to keep my passion projects alive and separate from things that feel like work."Kari's approach involves creating a structured schedule, dedicating weekends to schoolwork and weekdays to his personal music projects. This strategy has allowed him to thrive in both realms, pursuing his academic goals while also nurturing his creative aspirations.

Envisioning the Future: Kari's Musical Journey

As Kari looks to the future, his vision is clear: he wants to continue expanding his musical horizons and connecting with more listeners across various genres. "I hope to just keep on doing what I'm doing and get more ears on all the areas of music that I'm working in -– the electronic scene, the rap scene, the grunge scene," he said. "I just want to continue to meet and connect with people through my music, and I want to make listeners happy."Kari's diverse musical interests and his ability to seamlessly blend genres have positioned him as a rising star in the industry. With his Dragonfly performance serving as a springboard, he is poised to continue his journey, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression on the music scene.Fans can follow Kari's musical journey on his Instagram (@kariofficial__), Soundcloud (soundcloud.com/karimusicc), and Spotify, where he has new music on the way. Additionally, his DJ collective, Helix, is always hosting events in the University City area, which can be found on their Instagram (@helixhelixhelixhelixhelix).