Today we’d like to introduce you to Kashi-Tara Barrett.
Hi Kashi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
“I’m Kashi-Tara, a versatile artist with a deep passion for the performing arts!
Born in New York and raised in Maryland, my musical journey has taken me on a grand adventure! I had the incredible opportunity to be signed with Atlantic Records, where I began making my mark as a singer, songwriter, and performer.
Music is in my blood. Drawing inspiration from my roots, my mom (K. Shalong) is a jazz singer, and my dad, is a percussionist of Honduran descent, I infuse rhythm in everything I do. I sang background for the iconic duo Salt-N-Pepa and had the honor of performing with renowned artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Michelle Indigoicello, and Cheryl Crow at the Lilith Fair.
My educational journey in the arts led me to study acting at The New School in New York, where I honed my craft and took classes under the guidance of renowned mentors such as Susan Batson and Joi Lee. I also served as a resident actor for Arena Stage’s educational outreach troupe where I performed a one-woman show by Dael Orlandersmith “The Gimmick” under the direction of Ralph Remmington.
I had the privilege of performing at Arena Stage in August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” directed by Tazewell Thompson, and at Columbia’s Rep Stage in ‘The Piano Teacher’ directed by Kasi Campbell. I combined my love of teaching with my passion for theater by being a resident actor for the New Theater of Medicine, a new kind of theater under the direction of Jeffrey Steiger. This innovative theater is based on real stories of health professionals, allowing me to use my artistic talents to create impactful and meaningful performances.
In the world of film and music, I appeared in the movie ‘Kazaam,’ starring Shaquille O’Neal, contributed to the soundtrack of “Space Jam,” and sang background on Patra’s album ‘Scent of Attraction.’
In addition to these achievements, I’ve written and directed several plays, including “A Change Gon Come,” a powerful portrayal of the life of Harriet Tubman, which was performed at the Atlas Theatre in DC, the Arts Festival in Berlin, Germany, and many other venues. One of my proudest achievements, aside from being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., was receiving the Montgomery County Executive Community Award for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities for my work with the Finest Performance Foundation (my family’s nonprofit organization).
Currently, I am a solo artist with a local independent record label WIAW (World Inside A World Records) owned by Grady McCain and I frequently perform throughout the DMV with Bruce Gardner and the BGX band. I am a Creative Movement/Dance teacher at a prestigious private school in Potomac, Maryland, where I get to nurture the artistic spirit of the next generation.
In my multifaceted career, I’m a proud mother of three sons, balancing the roles of artist and parent. I bring authenticity, personal connection, and the joy of life to the stage, infusing my performances with a unique and heartfelt touch. My passion for the arts continues to inspire with the hope of leaving a lasting mark on the world of entertainment.”
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say smooth road, more like adventurous with many turns and potholes along the way. Being in the entertainment industry and learning “trial by fire” definitely impacted my walk.
Balancing trust and naivete in such a competitive industry was, and still is, a struggle to be honest. Finding a team of like-minded, creative individuals who share a common vision and are willing to do what it takes to get there, was a struggle as well. The biggest struggle for me has been balancing family, creativity, work, mental/emotional wellness, and time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a solo vocal artist with a local independent record label WIAW (World Inside A World Records) owned by Grady McCain. My sound has been described as neo-soul, funk, R&B, and likened to Erykah Badu, mostly because of my jazz influences (Billie Holiday) and my theatrical performance.
I am a writer. I write original songs, plays, monologues, jingles, you name it, I am a trained actor. I have been performing on stage since I was young and have studied acting with Susan Batson and Joi Lee, to name a couple. I have written, directed, and choreographed several plays as well as taught acting. Currently, I perform throughout the DMV area with Bruce Gardner and the BGX band. I am a Creative Movement/Dance teacher at a prestigious private school in Potomac, Maryland, where I get to nurture the artistic spirit of the next generation.
One of the things that may set me apart from others is that I have an innate way of complimenting the musicality of a beat with heartfelt lyrics and melodies. Another thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to envision a performance and map out the necessary steps to bring it to life. I love to perform and it shows. My genuineness, authenticity, joy, and indomitable spirit come through in my performance leaving the audience truly entertained.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Through my multifaceted journey in the arts and life, the most important lesson I’ve learned is there is no giving up on your art if it’s truly WHO you ARE, which continues to shape my artistic endeavors and my approach to the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiawkashi11/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Free2BeMe11
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashi-tara-barrett-94196615/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kashi_tara
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoq8PtKpmYIDzfax956yAGQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-912845611
- Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@kashitara11
Image Credits
Grady McCain
