Alumni Profile – Kali Stoddard-Imari ‘05

I started a family and moved to Boston. I worked in an afterschool program and several summer camps. I was a pro-social development specialist in the world of facilitated play. I also did some research and design for a play company. All along I was honing my music craft, and after a few opportunities I became a full-time musician and performer. I have opened up for acts like Adam Ezra Group, The Halluci Nation, Taj Mahal, Mike Love, Martin Sexton, Shwayze, Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn, Jefferson Starship and both The Wailers and the Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson. It's brought me all over the country and I have had some great adventures. 

Here’s one of my videos: "Wake Up" (Official Video)

Also here are links to my released music on Spotify:

 

I married Jennifer Stoddard-Imari, and we have three children, Nia (14), Asha(12), and Sekou(10). 

My three siblings, Netdahe Stoddard ‘95, Henekis Stoddard ‘98, and Shani Stoddard ‘07.

Going from not thinking of graduation to setting a goal in graduating. And the rebound record...

Hmmm, what didn't I like! But my all-time favorite was that it all went well with chocolate milk.

English Literature, I started to think deeply about the power of words, a precursor to songwriting. Also, art classes helped me build a set of lenses to see the world through.

Latin, but in a good way. I loved being absolutely in over my head, because when something finally clicked it was like a magic trick, I did to myself.

Being with friends that understand you because you're all being shaped by the same experience. Growing and learning with others. Friendship was never so pure and easy. 

I secretly loved dress-up day because my father had such a huge tie collection, and he would give me a new one from time to time to match my outfit.

The Senior Lounge during school and after school was Sanborn Hall or the basketball courts, then we would hop between friends’ houses.

Not until I was older, and I realized I was fascinated by the interactions between people. In a way music has become a continuation of this fascination.

 

Chris Hertz and I rolled around in his Honda Civic listening to Blackstar by Talib Kweli and Mos Def. I loved Linkin Park too-the soundtrack of our afterschool times.

 

I could never pick just one.  Honestly, I have many fond memories of teachers not giving up on me, despite my propensity to cause a little havoc. I hope they know how important they are in my story.

 

Work still in motion

Sports were amazing. I felt like a gladiator, but I liked participating in student government, chorus ensemble, and the plays.

I was fortunate to have a pretty cool group of friends. People I’m still closer with today than many people I have met since. They know who they are, and I love every single one of them.

It is not that I wasn't trying then, but I didn't truly learn the meanings until later. I would have been more thoughtful, kind, and listened more. Mostly I would have paid more attention, because it all happened so fast. I would not want to change much,  because it lead me to where I am today. 

Lyndi Gaskin Medico and she was like Clarissa from CLARRISA EXPLAINS IT ALL, and I was like her Sam. I could always talk to her about everything - the best prom date ever.

All the brass, and to this day brass just brings me back to watching my friends battle for greatness.

I think about the ending every day of “The Road Not Taken” ~Robert Frost 

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”