Local musician Jennifer C. will perform Saturday, June 16, at Coliseum.
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By PATRICK STEVEN WAECHTER
Friday, June 15, 2007
This weekend, begin pride early. As a special pride event, Gary Santis is bringing you dance master Tony Moran for a crazy sweaty late night. To make the event even more exciting, local dance diva Jennifer C. will be performing her hits to get the crowd going. She’s a regular performer at Wilton Manors’ own Flowers restaurant, but will bring a special punch to the late-night Coliseum crowd, no doubt. I was fortunate to get some time to speak for a bit with this sweet and sultry Latin princess.
The Express: Where are you from originally?
Jennifer C: I’m from Miami. Born and raised. Puerto Rican and Cuban descent.
And you live here in Broward now, right? How do you like South Florida life?
Yes, that’s right and, oh, I love it! I wouldn’t leave it. This will always be my main homeland. I wouldn’t move anywhere else. I love the sun, the beaches. Just my culture, my whole Latina culture.
What’s up with this name trend among dance divas abbreviating their last names?
Actually, I changed that now. I’m going by my first and last name. Jennifer Carbonell. Jennifer C. was more of my underground, my earlier name. Since I put out my first single, “Time,” this is my album. I’m not a featured artist, so I’ve decided to change it and go with my first and last name. To answer your question, though, a lot of artists shorten the name because it’s kind of hip, like “J-Lo” and “Christine W.” It’s quicker. You’re in and out.
When did you decide that music was your thing?
I decided, oh, as a child. I’ve always loved music. I started taking it seriously at 17 when I started going on the road. I actually started with a Latin band. I used to go out with Tito Puente’s son, Tito Puente Jr. I got my start with the Latin Rhythm Crew. That was my first start as an artist. I got my feet wet with that whole thing. It was in a time when the whole Latin rap thing was really big.
Unlike some other performers, you’re a songwriter too. How do you get into the right zone to write music?
When I write my music, it’s usually with a producer, and we split it. I write the lyrics and they write the production. My best work comes from inspirations of what is going on in my life, be that a breakup or a new romance. Love inspires me. Let’s put it that way.
Your gay following began around the time you released “Open Your Heart” on the “Queer As Folk” Soundtrack, wouldn’t you say? Did you consciously seek out the gay boys as fans?
I would actually go even further back to when I worked with Nic Martinelli. We did a few songs then. I’ve been in the gay scene longer than that, like since back in ’96 or ’97. And yes, I chose them. I love everyone, but I’m automatically drawn to the gay scene. There’s a lot of love there.
Ever have a fan who loves your music get confused into thinking he loves you?
They say it, but I don’t believe it. I hear it every weekend at my local gig over at Flower. They always say, “I would become straight for you,” but I say, “Yeah, right.”
You must have lots of crazy stories from making music and performing. What’s one that stands out?
Several years ago, I had a woman come into the dressing room. Well, I thought it was a woman. She was so beautiful. And she straight up showed me her vagina. It was actually a man who had just had a sex change. She was so beautiful. He, I mean she, came back and told me he, she loved my music so much. That’s a story that stands out!
Our birthdays are one day apart. Yours is the 25th and mine is the 26th. It’s a big responsibility being an October Scorpio, isn’t it?
Yes it is, especially in the first decant. If you fall in the first 10 days, you carry a lot more traits of Scorpio. I’m sexy. I’m passionate. And very, very strong.
You’re performing at the Coliseum at a special Pride event. As an honorary member of the gay community, why do you think Pride celebrations are important?
They’re a celebration, a gathering, of love. It’s very important because that’s when everyone gets together to acknowledge how much love there is in this community. Celebration, bitches!! (laughs)
What’s next for Jennifer C.?
Well, I’m going to be moving along. I just shot my first video for the song “Time.” I’m very very excited. It’s going to blow everybody’s mind! There are very few dance artists out there who have a video of this kind of quality. I decided to think out of the box and kind of, well, not challenge everyone, but I want it to say dance. Like back in C and C Music Factory days when there were big budgets, I went all out and spent a lot of money on this. It’s not your typical video with dancers in the background. It’s reminiscent of “The Prestige.” It tells a real story. I’ve got a lot of touring coming up as well and events. Look out!
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