active 1 year, 6 months ago

Base

Name

Kennon Jackson

Type of Artist

Spins Flags

My History

How would you describe yourself as a flagger?

Me. It may sound trite or silly — but that’s really the only way I can describe how I flag.

It’s actaully fun when I flag by myself. I give into my body letting it control the flags as if they are merely extensions of my hands with their own will.


What is it about flagging that you enjoy the most?

Nothing brings me greater peace than being able to find just the right spot – whether at the club, outside in the park, or even at home only to close my eyes and transport my mind to a different plane.

Flagging is therapeutic — a chance to let my inner child play; it’s almost cathartic.


How long have you been flagging? How did you get started?

I have been flagging for a little over three years now.

Flag Dancing for me started as a skill that I was determined to learn. I initially struggled and found myself frustrated almost to the point of giving up trying to learn.


What was your first flagging experience?

In September 2001, a friend purchased a new home and had a few folks (say 20!) at his new place for the weekend. One of these is a friend who since took his own life – Brad Mooney. Brad had recently relocated to North Carolina from Indiana and was readily accepted into our group of friends.

Satruday night after returning to the new house from the club, Brad walked upstaris and stood in the corner leaning over the bannister which overlooks the livingroom (where the rest of us had gathered). Two ghostly white panes emerged from his pockets and he began flagging over the banister while we watched. I was entranced as I had never seen anything like that before. Twenty minutes later, my husband and I were getting lessons on proper hand holds, motions, etc.

That night holds a lot of meaning for me – and each time I leave the house with a set flags in my pocket (and believe me, that’s pretty much all the time!) – I know that Brad is looking down on me and smiling.


Who has inspired or taught you?

There are three people in my life that have all given me inspiration in developing my passion for flagging: my friend Brad, my husband Bernie, and Phillip.

While I could write a book on how each influenced me and gave me the strength not to give up, I’ll leave it at this:

Brad – Inception: the first person whom I ever saw flag and took time asking nothing in return, to teach me.

Phillip – Awe: I met Phillip in Austin for Perfect Day in 2001 and despite my ex’s joking comments in his introduction (please don’t ask!) – Phillip adopted us with open arms and an open heart. At times, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief at what a wonderful friend I have found in Phllip. To meet someone such as him who gives and gives yet asks nothing in return is a rareity. Phillip holds a special place in my heart as many of the skills and enthusiasm that I have for flagging were bourne out of my friendship with him. I am forever indebted to him. His generousity knows no bounds…


Kennon's Latest Activity See All →

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    kennonjackson and ericlindstrom are now friends   3 years, 7 months ago · View


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    kennonjackson and nicholaskimps are now friends   3 years, 7 months ago · View


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    kennonjackson and donbaker are now friends   5 years, 7 months ago · View


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    kennonjackson posted on the forum topic
    July 24th @ Nation – DC   5 years, 8 months ago · View

    Howdy all,

    Not that I could EVER replace the words of my favorite DJ DIVA Michelle, but please note the correct date for Michelle’s MUCH ANTICIPATED return to the main room of Velvet Nation in D.C (www.velvetnation.com) on JUNE 24, 2006. In Michelle’s previous post, the "Subject" line contains the incorrect date.

    June 24 at Velvet will be flagger/fanner friendly – look for a note from me or my partner, Bernie, as the date gets a bit closer.

    In the meantime, if you’re anywhere even close to DC on July 15, 2006 – join us for the end of an era as Velvet Nation holds its last party before closing its doors FOREVER – to be immediately demolished thereafter to make way for D.C.’s new professional baseball stadium.

    If you don’t have plans for June 26 and/or July 15, 2006 – PLAN TO BE AT VELVET NATION. Both Saturdays are sure to deliver an extraordinary night of music and camaraderie!


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    Kennon posted on the forum topic
    THANK YOU – DJ Yiannis @ Velvet Nation in DC: Saturday – September 3   6 years, 5 months ago · View

    POST FOR SPINTRIBE MEMBERS FROM BERNIE MEENAN…

    Thanks to all who came out and/or supported Velvet Nation and Yiannis on
    Saturday night.
    It was great to see you all, and I hope you all had a great time as well! It
    feels like DC is on it’s
    way to establishing a "tribe" of some sort (NO, I"m NOT VOLUNTEERING TO START
    IT!!!),
    which is a great thing. Regardless, I, Velvet, Yiannis, and others appreciate
    the
    go-with-the-flow, easy-to-work-with, and respectful attitudes that continue to
    be
    demonstrated by the people involved in flagging events in DC. Likewise, I
    appreciate the
    attention that the art of flagging has given DC within the past few years,
    and I’d like to thank
    Yiannis, Staci, Ed, etc. for giving us the chance to show that we can bring a
    little "extra
    something" to their events.

    Thanks again… and keep having fun!
    - Bernie


Kennon's Wire See All →

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    visitor : June 13, 2006

    Donnie B:
    My goodness you are so cute!


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    Phillip Kimball : July 12, 2005

    Kennon,

    I had a great time last Sat.

    I haven’t let go like that in years.


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    George McCarty North : January 16, 2005

    Kennon, it was great meeting you at Nation. Too bad you couldn’t stay later. Next time you’ll have to take me to Mass, if it’s still around. ciao, George