AJ’s in Marble Falls hosting video shoot for ‘American Idol’ contestant Kendall Beard
Season 8 'American Idol' contestant Kendall Beard is holding a concert Jan. 18 at AJ's in Marble Falls and shooting part of a music video during the performance. The show is free, and AJ's owner A.J. Vallejo is encouraging anyone who wants to be part of the video to show up and have some fun. Go to www.ajslivetx.com for show times, more information and a list of upcoming performances. Courtesy photo
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — When singer Kendall Beard looked for a place to hold a video shoot for her latest single, “Can’t Hold Me Down,” she could have had her pick of Austin clubs. But she opted to head west instead.
Beard, who recently debuted her album, “All Around Girl,” and was a semifinalist on Season 8 of “American Idol” will perform Jan. 18 at AJ’s, 903 Third St. The concert is free, and some of her upcoming music video will be shot during the performance.
“She loves Marble Falls and is really excited about coming out here and holding the video shoot,” AJ’s owner A.J. Vallejo said. “We definitely want anybody who wants to be in a video to come on out and plan on having a lot of fun.”
Vallejo said Beard will put on a regular performance, but, during part of it, the show will come to a short stop and the director and video staff will give the audience a bit of direction.
“They’ll say, ‘Get crazy here,” Vallejo said. “These video shoots are a lot of fun. If you’ve never been in one, here’s a great chance. Just dress up nice and come on out.”
Beard is originally from Lufkin. When she was a junior in high school, she made her public singing debut during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when she sang during costume changes for a dance competition. Her singing eventually caught the attention of scouts for the group Boys II Men who were looking to create an all-girl act. When she was 15, she left East Texas and settled in Philadelphia, where she sang as part of Shara Lane. But she returned to Texas, where she attended the University of Texas.
Friends got her to try out for Season 8 of “American Idol,” and she made it to the semifinals. All this just spurred her to pursue a singing career. In September 2013, she released her album, “All Around Girl,” which features 10 tracks. The song “Can’t Hold Me Down” is her second single released from the album.
“I think people will be blown away by her,” Vallejo said.
Shows typically start at 8 p.m. For hours and a list of other upcoming shows, go to www.ajslivetx.com or call (830) 798-1600.
daniel@thepicayune.com