Tales from the Nuclear Hootenanny

Well on Monday the 9th, the day after “Zombie Jesus Day”, the Nuclear Hootenanny also rose from the grave. How that for an overly colorful opening statement?

As I was being driven over by my personal driver Lynn, I found myself myself wondering, “Will this really be a Nuclear Hootenanny? Can Kenn Kweder revive the magic that was so much the touchstone of the creative Philadelphia music scene”?

Then I stopped wondering when I remembered, Kenn Kweder can to anything.

It's back....

It's a stone cold happening...

And the Legend lives on.

EVERYBODY who was a mover and shaker in the Philly songwriting community seemed to be there. You may not know these names, but you should. Kenn Kweder (of course), Larry Saklad, Adam Gregory, Chris Degangi, and by the end of the night, even David Rowen found his way to the Hollywood Tavern.

Not only were the musicians there, the local music supporters were out in force as well. It was a lot like a family reunion without that In-law you like to avoid showing up.

Of course the high point of the night, in my estimation, was the blistering hot set provided by Kinagree Smith. We tore it up... but then... that is how we roll.

To say the show was an Epic musical event would be remarkably accurate. Everybody was amazing and the place was packed out.

I can't wait until next week when Valery Barbin (Noma Falta) comes to play. After the show on the 16th, the Nuclear Hootenanny will go back into hibernation. For how long? Only Kenn Kweder really knows. But when ever it happens again, I'm sure it will be incredible.

You might think I'm being overly optimistic, but remember, Kenn Kweder can to anything.

Keep expecting great things

The Return of Kinagree Smith

Hey, it's not like we went anywhere. But things have been quiet on the blog and that can make things seem quiet all over the world as far as Kinagree Smith is concerned. But fear not, our musical fields have no gone fallow. Here is some news you can use.


The return of the Nuclear Hootenanny

On Monday the 9th of April, Kenn Kweder's Nuclear Hootenanny returns. While no longer held at the Legendary “Green Rock Tavern” the “New and Improved” Hootenanny should provide the city of brotherly love a much needed shot in the head.... er, arm. We've got a prime slot reserved already and will be playing some tunes. If you are in the area, head on over to The Hollywood Tavern at 700 Huntingdon Pike and get ready to RWAK!!! Show starts at 7:30 PM. Get there early and catch the Kweder.

Rock star visitor coming to Hang with Kinagree Smith

If you've been to any of our Second Life shows, you may have heard us greet Noma Falta our Rock Star friend. Well her “Real Life Alt”, Valerie Barbin is coming to Philly to hang the in effervescent glow of the Kinagree Smithness. There will be much music making and God only knows, we might put some of it up on the web. But the one actual item on the agenda is for Valerie to play at the Nuclear Hootenanny. I talk to Kenn about it, and he said he would make her to featured artist of the evening.

So mark it down on your “Hello Kitty” Calendar. April 16th, Valerie Barbin AKA Noma Falta at the Nuclear Hootenanny with Kinagree Smith.

New Solo release from Jack Kinagree

No, the band is not breaking up. But we do allow a good deal of artistic latitude and there can never be too many recordings of me, so get ready dear friend. “Hobson's Choice” is coming.

If you are a Zorch fan, you will have heard these songs before, nothing new in the material, but the recording is so revolutionary that I can safely say it's either brilliant or stupid, I'm not sure which.

What we did was throw up some very expensive mics, hooked it up to audiophile recording equipment and captured a performance in amazing detail.

Each performance is one take, no overdubs, time stretching or pitch correction. Every nuance is captured in some very emotional performances. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to sit in front of me as I play to hear how the music really sounds, here is your chance.

The initial release will be of the MP3 version, but shortly after that, there will be High Definition versions available from Unipheye Music in a variety of formats. So if you happen to have a 100,000 $ stereo system... we can hook you up with some cool tunes.

While labeled as a Jack Kinagree solo recording, Ira Norman Segall does play on most of the cuts. So if you are a fan of the “Bring a helmet” shows. You have a recording you will LOVE.

The release of “Hobson's Choice” should be shortly after Valerie's visit. Expect it by the end of the month or early May.

Yes, we've had a slow winter. There were circumstances that really brought us to a crawl. But we are back. Full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes. Once again, you can Expect Great Things.

WIN !!!!

Okay, this can't be considered a “Review” because as a member of the band, I have a bias. But as followers of the band know, we just played our first headlining show and this is an event much like a debutant ball, and we came out in grand fashion.

The thing I remember most was at the end of the night being in a daze and going “Wow”. Things seemed to go as well as they possibly could. So much so, if not for the actual review of the show in “Liberated Dissonance”, you could have possibly convinced me it was all a dream.

Speaking of press, the band got a write up in Montgomery County news, and the show was featured in the Philadelphia Daily New as one of the weekend's “Best bets”.

Ticket sale were pretty good pre-show sales and were more then enough to cover the venues minimum draw (20 seats had to be filled by show time). However, because there was no difference in price between Pre-show and at the door prices, we quite a few people just show up and by tickets at the door last minute.

Speaking of the Door, much thanks to my other brother from another mother, Bill Carr, whom did Ticket Check in, door sales, CD sales and of course, provided us with sharpies so we could autograph programs.

On a footnote we did offer to pay Bill for his labors that night but he said he would not have that. Bill has been watching our back at just about ever show we've played, and the fact he declined our offer to pay him really touched me. Nice to see someone supporting you out of respect and... dare I say love? When it seems people that don't do 1/16th of the work Bill does seem to have their hands out demanding to be paid.

Bill, you officially RAWK.

Okay, let's talk about the show.

This was our first chance to show people what a full Kinagree Smith show was like. We were stoked and the audience was made up primarily of strangers, at least to me. I had really thought a few people that had seen us play the open mic would pop in to get the full Kinagree Smith experience, but only Matt and his lovely wife came to the show.

However Ira, our percussionist has been playing music in Philadelphia for decades and his reputation is rather impressive. Most in attendance came to see just what he was up to.

They were not disappointed.

We played an amazing set, and people were listening intently. It was the kind of show that is somebody stirred their coffee you heard that. This was also the first show in which we played “Lament of ashes” that people didn't burst in to applause during the four beat break. There were paying attention and could tell we weren't done yet. When we did finish a song or a suite of songs the applause was intoxicating.

We played well, the audience “Got it”, we got good press coming in and going out. We even managed to make a few dollars, so you are probably saying to yourself, “Yeah, that is a win alright”. But in the words of info-mercial , “Wait there is more”.

The first day we posted Tickets for sale, Bob Cole of “Worldwide stereo” bought five tickets. About a week later, the show was postponed until the 7th of January (The original date was 4th of December). Bob told us he could not attend the show on the 7th because he had a business obligation to fulfill. We thought we would have to refund his money, but he said don't sweat it because some of his family would attend.

After the first set, guess who comes walking in the door? Bob Cole of “Worldwide Stereo”. Bob was in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics show, hopped on a plane, flew in to Philly, Got to our show. Enjoyed our second set, Then hopped on a plane back to Las Vegas.

Wow, thanks for the support Bob.

Hey, here is a link to world wide stereo.

Can you see why this might seem a bit dream like?

But wait there is in fact more.

Seems the Blog I mentioned at the outset of this entry has had record setting traffic due to the review of the Kinagree Smith show at Rollers @ Flying fish.

Now people are asking, “When is the next show”. Well, when I know I'll share that information with you gladly. But for now, as always...... Expect Great Things.

Changes

I'm taking a moment to recognize two milestones.

The Nuclear Hootenanny is gone. If you wanted to some day attend this event, it's too late.

Kenn Kweder hosted this epic musical free for all for a period of 11 months. He informed the owner of the bar he needed to take some time off from the massive amount of work the Hootenanny required. The bar owner got a friend of his to take over hosting duties but it seems this fellow was not up to the task. After two Kwederless weeks, nobody showed up to play, and the owner said “Fuck it”. Kenn Kweder's Nuclear Hootenanny is now resigned to history.

But what a history. Let's not willow in melancholy. Let's remember when Kenn and a rag tag group of musical geniuses shook the pillars of heaven. It was probably the coolest thing to ever happen in Port Richmond, and elevated a humble corner bar to the epicenter of the Philly music scene. All the cool kids played there and I'm glad to be numbered among them.

You know, thinking back, it seems everybody I know from Philly I ether met at the Hootenanny, or ended up at the Hootenanny. Come to think of it, I met my Phantom roommate there.

But not all changes are sad.

Kinagree Smith has played many live shows in the Philly area and while each one was a treat, I must confess I felt we could have used a bit more time on stage. Lexie and I play one hour shows just about every day. A 20 min set (in some cases two song) made us feel as if we were just pulling the guitars out of the cases, just to turn around and put them back in. But you do what you must to get your music out in front of people.

Well... I'm pleased to announce we've booked our first headlining show.

As headlining shows go, this is a humdinger. We are playing at “Rollers @Flying fish” on December 4th,in the Chestnut hill section of Philadelphia, and the last two acts to play there were Mose Allison and Andy Pratt.

Not bad company to keep.

Tickets for Limited seating go on sale hopefully sometime Friday. Of course as soon as we have a link we'll be plastering it all over the place.

The Opening act is Jim Dragoni. The second best guitarist in the whole universe.

Rollers is also a listening room environment. People come for the music.

With just a solid date announcement we've had 18 request for ticket info. Things are looking good. But as good as things look, the aspect that has me most excited is we get to bring the full Kinagree Smith experience to a live audience.

So things are changing, but in a crazy world where nothing makes sense, there is one constant.

You can always expect great things.

My life is kind of weird

Yeah I know this blog is suppose to be all about Kinagree Smith, but I'm part of that band and what happens to me effects the whole band because I host the playing arrangement in my living situation.

Long story short, I've moved. The place I move to about two month ago kind of vanished on me, and while I could tell you all about it.... blah blah blah snore... who cares.

Suffice it to say, moving sucks. I seem to do it a lot in Philadelphia. I have a theory that fate is trying to make it so I live in everybody's house for two months, and when I've spent time in every single house in Philadelphia... I'll probably die.

Hey... don't panic there are a gazillion houses in Philly, if I spend two months in each I'll live to be a gazillion billion years old.

Anyway, seems I'm currently living in Kenn Kweder's house. Kenn is the host of the “Nuclear Hootenanny” and a serious Philadelphia Rock Icon.

I'm really kind of coming to grips with Kenn's Legacy here. His memorabilia (or perhaps Kennorabilia) is all over the house. It's not so much because he's a freaking ego maniac (which he may be, I just live in his house I can claim to know him very well)), but because he's selling this house (or trying to) and the realtors are playing up the fact Kenn lives here.

If I've ever doubted Kenn's fame, suffice it to say when realtors know you are famous... you are famous.

Out of all the “Kenn stuff” in the house, my favorite is his business card. It says “Kenn Kweder, Rock Star”.

Kenn Doesn't live here, so stop imagining some kind of late night jam sessions. But he does drop by from time to time. Probably to collect rent.

While I can't speak with authority about the scope of Kenn's Talent and or his musical legacy in Philadelphia, I can says he's a pretty cool guy.

Me: Hey Kenn, can I live at your house?
Kenn: Yeah, sure.

Now that I'm all settled in, we'll start working our five year plan for world domination. We've got some exciting shows in the works, and I understand we are going to put out a record or two in time.

Keep expecting great things... coming live from Kweder basement.

I'm pretty sure Kenn will sell his house... in two months.

Ed Feldman has a Radio show and guess who was a guest of that show?

Did you guess Kinagree Smith?

If you did... bingo, you got it right. If you guessed somebody else, well ..you might be right, but I'm not writing about that.

Hey, did I mention I met Ed Feldman?

I could talk about it, but if you missed it here is the recorded version of the Radio show. It's a hoot, give it a listen.

Wow, a year in Philadelphia

On October 31st of 2010 I came to Philadelphia, so this Halloween marked my first year in the city of Brotherly Love. Let's take an overview and see what has transpired in that 365 day period.

While I didn't come here to start a band it seems I'm in one. Kinagree Smith was formed last year and it's been a wild ride for sure.

I lived in an abandoned warehouse for six months. It was weird and difficult, but also colorful and ROCK AND ROLL. Definitely part of the Kinagree Smith Legend.

While Living in the warehouse we recorded our Debut CD “Wartzinall”, with a little help from our friends, Noma Falta, Senjata Witt, and Chris Gately.

Lexie and I also were part of the virtual choir on Sean Kagalis'es, “It all belongs”.

My Cartoon Alter Ego (Zorch Boomhauer) had a “Covered” Event in his honor. Covered is a show where other songwriters pay homage to one of their own, by covering the honoree's songs. I also participated in an Event honoring my personal songwriter heroes POL Arida, and Sean Kagalis.

We also had a Video explosion at the ZorchBoom YouTube channel. Lots of Live shows and one funky cool production video.

We've play a bunch of prestigious venues/shows. The Legendary Dobbs, The Rotunda Theater, Grounds for Music fest, The Post Folk Festival festers fest and of course, a long running stint as part of Kenn Kweders's Nuclear Hootenanny.

We've also managed to share the stage with Philly music icons and world class musicians. Kenn Kweder (Kweeeeeeeederrrrr), Larry Saklad, David Rowen, Nicole Sbaffoni, Sharon Little, Jack Mc Tamney, Wayne and John, Jim Dragoni, John Francis and Andy Pratt. I'm probably forgetting a few people, but it's been an amazing year for great live music.

I really feel as if we have become kind of part of a family at Kenn Kweders's Nuclear Hootenanny. Lots of amazing shows, and of course, Kenn.. Da Man.

On a personal note, if I may, I've not always been the most outgoing fellow and frankly I've kind of thought myself socially challenged. But I've made many good and dear friends here in Philadelphia. I use to feel very isolated and I figured it was just something I would have to learn to deal with. But a few of the good people of this city reached out and made me feel good about myself. In the end, isn't that what friends are for?

The inclusion of Ira Norman Segall in my life is very profound. His musical energy really informs my music with great scope and drama. But more then that, he's a true friend, and someone I can speak to in a very unguarded way.

Of course, Lexie Smith has been such an amazing part of my Philadelphia experience. She helped me through some very rough times, and we've made some incredible music together. Lexie's youngest son once asked her, “Is Jack your best friend”? Lexie smiled and answered, “Yes, he's my very best friend”. Lexie, you are my very best friend, and so much more. My life profoundly enriched by you being part of it. Thank you so very much.

To my surrogate family members... you know who you are. Thanks for a great year.

Some suggest the world will end in the year 2012. This is due mostly because that is where the Mayan Calender ends. But it only ends because they predicted the Phoneme that is KINAGREE SMITH.

Expect great things.

Hey, did I mention I met Ed Feldman????