The party season may have cooled off, but Chewstick is looking to keep the local entertainment scene sizzling hot by offering live music performances each Friday night.

Tomorrow 20-year-old R&B/Soul artist Jonathan Seymour will be taking to the stage to share some of his new music with fans.

Performing since the age of six, one of the highlights in Mr Seymour’s career came when he got to open for singer Chris Brown in 2006. Another special career moment took place this summer when he was given the chance to open up for Manchester-born soul and pop artist Daley.

Mr Seymour is hoping to make tomorrow night another gig to remember — and encourages local music lovers to come out and show their support.

Q: How did you get your start in music? What about it appealed to you?

A: I started playing piano at the age of six and started out playing in church and singing. I am an R&B/soul artist who specialises in love songs and soulful music that people can relate to. Growing up, I went to schools like Port Royal Primary, Harrington Sound, Warwick Academy and Cedarbridge, but then ended up [leaving the traditional school setting and] got my General Education Diploma [GED]. After that I was accepted to Berklee College of Music. For me, music was something that was always around me and actually runs in my family. My father was the lead singer of Burning Ice, which was one of the hottest bands back in the day; my brother [Jesse Seymour] is also a reggae/soul artist who is pursuing his career in music, while my mother has stood behind all of us since the beginning.

Q: Where has your music taken you over the years?

A: Music has allowed me to meet and perform as an opening act for some incredible people. In 2006, I opened for Chris Brown when I was only 12 years old. More recently, this summer I had the chance to open for UK R&B sensation — Daley. Meeting him was awesome! He is very down to earth and offered me good advice as a budding independent artist.

Q: How did the chance come about to perform in this week’s Live Friday programme?

A: Chewstick is a special place to me as an artist. I have been a part of the Chewstick family for sometime now and they allow me the opportunity to share my music every week. I often get to use the Chewstick audience and stage to test new songs and have gained considerable stage experience thanks to them. I’m fortunate that they reach out to me to share the stage for so many events.

Q: What can audience members and fans of your music expect at the upcoming event?

A: Most of my music relates to love. I focus on that more than I do relationships. I try to interpret my feelings, thoughts and emotions into my music so that others can relate to what I’m singing about. That’s what you can always expect when I’m on stage.

Q: Out of all the songs you plan to sing are there any you’re particularly excited to share with the audience? And why?

A: Speechless — it was a proven hit at this summer’s showcase I did.

Q: Why do you think people should come out to your show tomorrow night?

A: I hope people come out on tomorrow night and connect with me and my music. I [try and take over] the stage and share the music in hopes that people feel something and have a great experience.

There are many new things in the works behind the scenes for me, so I encourage music lovers to stay tuned.

Live Fridays will take place each week at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge starting at 9pm.

The cost of entry is $10 — with proceeds going directly to the artists. Next week Jahstice Reggae Band will perform, while AntiBoy (an All Girl Pop Band) & Gene Steede will take to the stage of Friday, October 24. Last up for the month will be local rock band Radios In Cars, performing on Friday, October 31. For more information call 292-2439 or e-mail info@chewstick.org.