Emerging from the quaint town of Osteen, just beyond Orlando's vibrant pulse, CeCe Teneal has become a global musical sensation, captivating audiences in 55 countries.
Join Cece for an electrifying night of music:
Sunday Night Live: METALLIC
Find out what's happening in Orlandofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
May 26, 2024, 7:00 PM
The Abbey, 100 S Eola Drive, Orlando, FL 32801*
Find out what's happening in Orlandofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Sunday Night Live returns Memorial Day weekend for a captivating evening of ultimate live music. Don your metallic and shiny attire for a night to remember! With her powerhouse vocals and infectious energy, CeCe and her band promise a performance that will leave you spellbound. From soulful ballads to electrifying anthems, every moment is infused with raw emotion and passion.
"Try," CeCe's latest single, presents a daring challenge and an invitation to defy time's constraints and embrace a renewed connection. CeCe shares, "'Try' is a testament to my musical journey and evolution. I hope it resonates deeply with my audience, especially those in the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities."
CeCe's journey has been remarkable. Born into a family with a rich musical heritage, she inherited her mother's golden voice but never envisioned herself as a performer. However, fate had other plans. Today, she captivates tens of thousands annually at performing arts centers across the U.S. and aboard luxury cruise lines with her soulful originals and celebrated tribute to Aretha Franklin. She has shared stages with icons such as Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, and B.B. King.
CeCe connects with audiences profoundly, transcending cultural and generational barriers with her raw authenticity and powerful stage presence. Her performances weave narratives of love, loss, resilience, and hope through her rich, velvety vocals and infectious grooves. Her global touring has cultivated a fervent fanbase, particularly among the LGBTQ community, who have embraced her as an ally and icon.
CeCe has been nominated for four Independent Music Awards, winning Best Gospel Song, Best R&B Album, and Best Soul/Funk/Fusion Song. She was hailed as Orlando's Best Live Band, received the Orlando Music Trailblazer Award, and headlined the halftime show at the Citrus Bowl. In recognition of her contributions, September 22, 2022, was proclaimed CeCe Teneal Day in Orlando and Orange County.
A consummate performer, CeCe Teneal continues to transcend cultural and generational barriers with her music. Fans can look forward to a new album later this year, set to be released on all major streaming platforms and at ceceteneal.com, further solidifying her status as a global soulful sensation.
We caught up with CeCe ahead of her show this weekend, below:
Your journey from Osteen to becoming a global musical sensation is remarkable. Could you share some pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your path as an artist?
It's often said that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and I can definitely attest to that. Some of the most pivotal moments in my musical journey were spent watching my mom perform. Yvonne Jackson was an absolute force of nature. Her charisma and larger-than-life personality profoundly influenced my approach to music, teaching me to embrace it unapologetically.
Your upcoming performance, "Sunday Night Live: METALLIC," promises an electrifying evening of music. What can audiences expect from this show, and how does it reflect your musical style and energy?
When I arrived on the music scene in Orlando in 2002, I was determined to create a space where singers and musicians could truly hone their craft—some of my best and worst moments on stage happened at the AKA Lounge in Orlando. This event, part of my journey for over 20 years, truly shaped the artist I am today. It's where my soul was fed, where CECE TENEAL was born, and is a nod to my history. Audiences can expect an exciting night filled with nostalgic 90s music, soulful classics, and original songs. Plus, I've invited some of Orlando's most promising up-and-coming artists to join me on stage.
"Try" seems to be a deeply personal and evocative song. Can you delve into the inspiration behind the lyrics and the message you hope it conveys to your audience, particularly to marginalized communities?
"Try" is a gender-neutral anthem that delves into the complexities of love and mistakes. It speaks to the experience of recognizing someone as your "person" despite past errors. The song challenges your love interest to resist the undeniable chemistry and encourages them to give the relationship another chance.
With the release of your forthcoming album, Side B, later this year, what themes or narratives can listeners anticipate exploring in your new music?
"Side B" offers something for everyone, capturing a spectrum of emotions and experiences. The title track exudes confidence, while "Blow" delves into the effort and struggle of maintaining love, and "Fortunate" explores the warmth of unconditional love. Throughout the album, the common theme is love—self-love, romantic love, and the pain that sometimes accompanies it. Drawing from my experiences over the past 5-7 years, this record channels every facet of my journey, and I believe its relatable passion will resonate deeply with listeners.
Your tribute to Aretha Franklin has garnered significant acclaim. How has her influence shaped your approach to performance and storytelling as an artist?
Aretha Franklin embodied class, elegance, and power, using her struggles to tell compelling stories, often reinterpreting songs by other artists to bring new meaning to them. I see a similar path for myself. I use my voice to narrate the stories of life, infusing them with emotion that enables people to connect and feel in ways they never imagined possible.
Your performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and authenticity. How do you cultivate such a profound connection with your audience, transcending cultural and generational barriers?
Recognizing our shared humanity is the key to my ability to connect with others. During my shows, I often emphasize that when you step into a live music venue, the trivialities of life fade away, and we all become united by the universal language of music. In that space, we come together to experience emotions uniquely and find solace from our individual struggles. Just as I am there to share my music with the audience, they, in turn, give me their energy and support, creating a reciprocal exchange of emotion and connection.
As an artist with a strong presence in the LGBTQ community, how do you see your role in advocating for inclusivity and acceptance through your music and platform?
For a long time, I felt pressured to hide my sexuality due to industry norms and societal expectations. I realized that the lack of acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community stemmed from a lack of awareness and a fear of breaking societal norms. My mission now is to remind everyone that we belong to one race—the human race. The most impactful thing I can do for the community is to show up as my authentic self every day and use my platforms to emphasize that we are all human beings deserving of equal treatment and respect.
Winning several Independent Music Awards and being recognized with accolades, such as Orlando's Best Live Band and the Orlando Music Trailblazer Award, must be incredibly gratifying. How do you stay grounded amidst such success, and what drives you to continue pushing boundaries in your career?
My humility stems from understanding my purpose. I recognize that my God-given talent is both a blessing and a gift—one that can be taken or altered at any moment, and I never take that for granted. I continuously push the boundaries in my music for every little brown girl who has a dream. One of my main motivations is to remind them that dreams can come true with hard work and perseverance.
Your ability to captivate audiences in intimate settings or large venues is widely acknowledged. How do you approach each performance, and what do you hope audiences take away from your live shows?
Before I step onto any stage, I always pray for the ability to touch and connect with my audience. Many people may not fully realize the profound healing properties of music, so I ask God to use me as a vessel to heal through my performances. My goal is for people to leave with a renewed sense of hope, a strengthened sense of purpose, and, most importantly, feeling loved.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future of your music career? How do you envision your artistic legacy evolving in the years to come?
My goal is to perform at festivals worldwide, reaching, connecting with, and healing as many people as possible through my music. I envision my artistic legacy evolving into a transformative organization for girls aged 11-17 who have a passion for singing. Launching in 2025, "Brown Girls Sing" will advocate for, educate, and provide performance and social opportunities for girls from marginalized communities.
