Young vocalist films music video at Detroit's Garden Court condominiums

  Up-and-coming hip hop artist Katrina Carson last month made another move forward in a career that began nine years ago - when she was just eight years old. The Southfield native, now 17, filmed her debut music video at the historic Garden Court Condominium building on E. Jefferson Ave. in photo shoots on March 14 and 15.
  "I always loved the stage," said Carson, who made her young debut as the opening act for a Motown group in Kalamazoo. "I've been singing since I could walk and talk."
  Nearly 40 local actors and actresses were on site to perform in the production for Carson’s new single “Beautiful," which she also wrote. Its message conveys a theme she carried throughout her career, about feeling beautiful inside and out, no matter who you are. The song has been played on FM 98 WJLB.
  "I like doing inspirational songs," she said. "I think young girls need good role models. That's what I try to do."
  In addition to her work with P. Diddy, Ne-Yo and J. Holiday, Carson has opened shows for Al Hudson and One Way, the Contours, the O’Jays and performed on stage with The Whispers and Howard Hewitt. She currently hosts a televised talk show called “Kids on the Move” that airs on Comcast ED TV 15 Southfield station and serves as CEO of HipHopera Entertainment.
  “There is not much else to say, other than this is one of the most exciting times of my life. To see my lyrics become a reality is nothing less than amazing,” said Carson. “I think we’ve captured the message of ‘Beautiful.’ We found a truly beautiful setting at Garden Court and an ensemble of performers who were beautiful - both inside and out.”
  The music video was shot by Detroiter Darren Brown of Dirty Mitten (DM) Films, a full-service production company specializing in feature length projects, as well as short film and music video productions. Brown recently was nominated for “Best Director” at the Detroit Rap Awards.
   Garden Court Condominiums often is recognized as an example of famed architect Albert Kahn’s early work. Garden Court also served as the exterior of Martin Lawrence’s home during the 1980s on the popular television show “Martin.”
 “Our company is committed to Michigan and its growth sectors. The rapid expansion of the film industry is certainly encouraging for the region’s economy,” said Andrew V. Farbman, President of Farbman Group and representative for Garden Court Condominiums. “We are thrilled that we were able to open our doors and be part of the activity. Garden Court is an important example of the fine architecture that abounds in downtown Detroit and we hope this opportunity will encourage other filmmakers to take a closer look at this area.”
  Carson, who will graduate this year, plans to go to college. She said she'll major in music and probably minor in acting. To keep up with her career, visit http://myspace.com/KatrinaHarmony