To say that Leighton Kennedy is a saxophonist would be a dishonest portrayal of what he is able to do when he is playing. It is very clear that he is passionate when he is playing, but around the notes is a specific intent.  That intent is to give the listener a feeling of hope and healing.

    He attended Atlantic Union College and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing.  As a nurse practitioner in psychiatry, Leighton often interacts with and helps guide people who state that they have lost hope in their own way.     While it is challenging to change someones feelings, it is possible to show them a direction.  Through Leighton's music, he wants people to see a path of hopefulness, joy, healing, and most importantly a connection to Jesus.  This desire to help others find hope in Jesus is his passion.  The saxophone is just the vehicle. 

    This journey of the playing saxophone to help others has allowed Leighton to play on many different platforms including playing in front of President Barak Obama, as well as being an opening act for gospel music artists such as Jaci Velaquez, J.J. Hairston, and featured on Duawne Starling’s live recording of “Deeper Faith”.  He released his own recording in 2012 entitled “My Heart” and has been featured on the recordings of local DMV artists.   

    He continues to share this ministry regularly at churches, concerts, at shelters, special celebrations, health care facilities, and wherever he is invited.