The Face of UW: Kenny G?
Seattle is making headlines in the Media & Advertising section of the New York Times this week because of a locally made commercial. The spot had a budget of less than $100,000, features poor vocalists singing the UW Fight Song and highlights BECU, a local credit union. So why all the fuss? Two jazzy words: Kenny G.
Whether you love or (more likely) hate him, the king of smooth jazz is garnering some national media attention for our little Sound. The commercial is promoting BECU’s new debit card featuring the University of Washington’s logo, and the filmmakers’ aim was to attract Husky fans throughout Washington. Though the commercial also features UW alum such as travel guru Rick Steves, “Home Improvement” baffoon Richard Karn and father of the father of the internet, William H. Gates Sr., it’s G (we can call him that, right?) who’s bringing the beat to the spot.
The Youtube video, which you can view below, has about 30,000 hits—three times the company’s projected viewership. Not bad for a small commercial made by Seattleites! Be sure to check it out below and sing along.
