Although Jessie Kirschenman just moved to Borderland in March, he’s already stunned plenty of listeners with his vocal talent. Local audiences got their first glimpse of Kirschenman when he performed at United Way’s Hooked on Talent Contest in May.
Kirschenman took home second place as well as a Peoples Choice Award for his stirring, “Bowed on my Knees.” Following that, Kirschenman sang country songs to an enthusiastic audience which gathered during the local Relay for Life in June.
On Sunday, the soon-to-be 24-year-old Gospel music singer is headed for Nashville to the Gospel Music Association’s Immerse Conference, one of the GMA’s premiere events for aspiring songwriters, worship leaders and Christian music artists. Talent scouts will be on board to hear auditions from budding Gospel artists in the country.
This is the event that over the years has launched the careers of artists like Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Jars of Clay, Point of Grace and 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, among others.
Kirschenman spoke with The Journal Friday.
What’s he doing up here? The clean-cut, Gospel crooner drives truck for U.S. Food Services and moved here from Minot, N.D. “But I’ve lived around the United States,” he said. Now he’s delivering food to resorts on the border waters and Borderland restaurants.
Kirschenman was born in Colorado and moved to Kentucky at 13 when his musical abilities were coming to the surface. He began by singing in church and school choirs. He heard about the GMA conference through contacts at Evangelical Covenant Church, which he attends in International Falls.
The GMA conference is scheduled for July 28-31 at Belmont University in Nashville and will feature training, and professional and personal feedback designed to uniquely equip creative Christians to impact culture through music — both in and out of the church.
It will include a competition in Nashville on the closing Saturday. Those who do well go on to compete for top prizes which include a break into the industry by performing at Disney World.
“But I’m not looking to win,” Kirschenman noted, adding that his talent is raw and he’s taken no formal training. “I just wanna get out there.”
He said he will likely perform at the upcoming bass tournament talent show in the Falls. His younger brother is also living in Borderland. Otherwise, his nearest relatives live in Iowa, he noted.
“I like it here; it’s nice. I like the weather.” said Kirschenman. “People are friendly. I really feel like I fit in here.”
