Kristen Alford is a talented musician and concert promoter. She has a free spirit and is making a positive difference during Covid-19, scheduling events for various musical groups throughout Florida. She is passionate about music the same way the Pantry is passionate about culinary arts. She found time in her schedule to chat with us for a few minutes and after the interview collaborated with us on a new coffee cocktail recipe.
Kristen loves music and refers to music as the universal language that “anyone can groove to”. Her musical mentor, Peter Merlin, taught her to play the violin at 10 years old. He had her wear a shoulder rest until she could hold the instrument on her own. It only took 15 minutes for her to shed the shoulder rest. Kristen progressed quickly and plays the violin, viola, ukulele, mandolin, and sings as well. Her love of music led her to follow jam bands and festivals, and, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she became a band promoter for similar musicians.The Firewater Tent Revival inspired Kristen to play punk rock bluegrass. It was the first time I ever heard of the term. When I asked her about it, Kristen told me that bluegrass is punk rock, lyrically. Punk rock bluegrass just adds a little more attitude to the lyrical style.
When the pandemic struck, Kristen was a mixologist at a bar in Palm Harbor, Florida. She witnessed the devastating toll the pandemic took on the hospitality industry firsthand and put her personal positivity to the situation, promoting bands and scheduling live events. Even though social restrictions mandated a change of plans, Kristen believes that music will pull all of us through the pandemic.
Kristen enjoys cooking and Cajun and seafood being are her two favorite cuisines. She spent some time in a New Orleans styled restaurant, tending bar and playing music. She quickly fell in love with the food, cooking techniques, and culture. Cajun cooking is as vibrant and colorful as the people, and Kristen incorporates this vibrant attitude into her cooking, her music, and her life. She prefers healthy cooking and intentionally searches out herbs and spices that have natural healing properties.
In five years, Kristen sees herself touring, either with a band or as a solo act. This is an attainable goal, as talented as she is. I look forward to following her journey and to see what she will create next. She has a wide-eyed appreciation for the world, and this awe drives her creativity.
It was clear throughout our conversation that Kristen is articulate and passionate about not just the music she loves, but about those she helps keep afloat during the pandemic. She has an infectious positive vibe, and this is something we should all strive for, especially during times of crises. In fact, I asked if she would donate a cocktail recipe to the Pantry and she graciously accepted. Kristen’s philosophy meshes so well with JP’s, that she agreed to be the resident mixologist for the site. Below is a link to the coffee cocktail she created for JP. Kristen will collaborate with me on recipe creations and concert events, including the upcoming Fest Life.
My culinary journey has led me to some interesting places and introduced me to some wonderful people like Kristen. She has a positive outlook on life and has opened doors of creativity that may have remained closed if not for the pandemic. I look forward to collaborating with Kristen on the site and seeing where our journeys take us next.
https://www.facebook.com/kristen.alford.374
