CYPRIAN LIVE AT KEARNEY LODGE

If you did not attend Cyprien Ally’s free KL concert on August 23rd, you’ll want to be at his next one. This talented 9-year-old delivered an impressive acoustic guitar and singing performance, captivating the audience with skill and confidence. His passion and talent shone through every note, making a memorable and delightful experience for us all. We enjoyed songs like: “You Got A Friend In Me,” “House Of The Rising Sun,” “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Coco,” “Sitting On the Dock Of The Bay,” Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” “Grenade,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” and more. Check out his YouTube music videos by searching, “Cyprien Ally”.

Cyprien’s family moved to KL a few months before his first birthday. His brother, Khy, is our KL maintenance guy (pic). Cyprien does Jiujitsu five times a week and was just promoted to a yellow & white belt. He also excels at wrestling. Since learning guitar, he volunteers multiple times a month at Rady’s Children’s Hospital’s Ronald McDonald’s House and local assisted living home, Novellus. To earn experience, and a little dough for music lessons, he plays at Old Town as well as Little Italy Mercado on Saturday mornings. He takes guitar and piano lessons once a week for two hours with his teacher (who is part of a mariachi band) and additional classical guitar classes with Mr. Fred Benedetti.

His musical experience began just two years ago when he approached the clubhouse piano to learn a few Christmas songs. That following summer at the KL 4th of July ice cream social, he played a few pieces he had learned. He has been learning guitar for one year. Cyprien's father plays a crucial role as engineer, facilitator, and key support team member in this musical journey.

Attendees swayed and toe-tapped to timeless tunes from various genres, decades and artists that ranged in level of difficulty both musically and vocally. He has a great feel for the guitar. His technical ability to change chords and strumming intensity while engaging vocal dynamics, pitch and melody, along with remembering lyrics, is no small thing—especially at his age! Emanating beyond the mechanics is an expression that enhances the emotional impact of his performance. We call for an encore!

Cyprien would like to thank his neighbors for supporting him by donating their recyclables, as they pay a portion of his music classes.