Opps... the future and past are having issues

About the new web site, it seems not to work at all on older versions of web browsers.

It is possible (er... probable) I might be able to fix this, but if you could update your browser you could enjoy the new site today and not have to rest your hopes on my alleged coding skills.

Things work properly on Google Chrome, Firefox 11, and Internet Explorer 9.

I'm still waiting on Smart Phone compatibility.

The Updated Kinagree Smith Dot Com, now 70% more Swanky!!!!

The General interest story

We've got a brand new web page. I point this out simply because I'm sure a lot of people would not notice. But it's More-Less where it needs to be and just enough to be “Wicked Kwel ™ ” .

The Nerd/Geek part of the story

You may think this was a, “I had nothing better to do” project. But that was not the case. There was a major gaff in the design of the old Kinagree Smith page. It was accidentally very dated technology.

This caused major problem.

Back in the day when Dinosaurs ruled the earth, and made web sties on Geo Cities with Frame sets, I learned the dark art of laying out websites in “Tables” and then embraced what I was told would be the future of web design, “Flash”

Springing forward in the history, we find both the Dinosaurs and Steve Jobs dead, and I can't recall the last time I saw a frame set. However, Tables are also rendered to be the HTML version of the Dodo, and Flash... the once and future king of web spiffyness is now.... not supported by I-phone.

While this might seem like “Not and Issue” I assure you it is. When people went to the site with an I-Phone, they saw a collection of gray boxes and could not make heads nor tails of whatever content might be there.

Some Android phones can see the Flash elements but some can not. I'm pretty sure computer users could see the site. But an awful lot of people surf on their phones.

This is a problem.

On a side note, did you ever notice your living in the future? We not only have computers, we have Lap top computers, Tables and Smart phones. Google is working on Wi-fi glasses that will take us all one more step closer to singularity.

Living the the future means, as a content publisher, adapt or... be a bunch of Gray boxes.

The new site is not just “HTML” but the new and Uber Swanky “HTML 5”. The Styles are not just “CSS” but the bleeding edge of technology, “CSS3” (Check out that radius-ed corners. If your browser supports CSS3. Gwad knows your Phone does). And the animated/interactive elements are Java, or more to the point Jquery.

I must mention, while I've done all I can do to make the page work on smart phones. There will be a few gray boxes. Some of the third party plug-ins are still Flash. But when they update, I will as well.

Mind you the full page still works on your computer, so if you get some gray boxes you can log on via your trusty computer and uncover the mysteries of it all.

Welcome to the future dear friend. Enjoy the new site. I'm going have my jive talking robot butler bring me my rocket pack and go for a fly around Port Richmond. Until next time.

Expect great things.

Five Crazy days with Kinagree Smith and Noma Falta

On April 14th of 2012, Noma Falta (Some call her Valerie Barbin) came to the Kingdom of Kweder, or as some call it Philadelphia. Lexie and I just happened to be driving by the airport when Noma came walking out. We says “Hey Noma”, and she said “Hey Lexie and Sidecar Zorch. I've just flown to Philadelphia on a whim and was wondering if you I could hang out with with some Rock Stars”. Lexie looked at me smiling and then answered Noma, “All the Rock Stars are out of town this week, but you can hang with us if you want”. Noma though about it, shook her head and got into the car.

This was the start of five crazy days.

That story is not entirely true, but we like it so it's the official LEDGEND now.

Music Music and Pizza!!!

Noma really didn't let the dust settle when we got to the Epicenter of the Philadelphia music scene, the Kweder House, before instruments were yanked out of their cases and live music filled the air.

After a couple of hours of “Kicking it around”, Noma thought for a moment and said, “Hey, this is pretty tasty, why don't we share it with the kids on the grid”? Lexie and I smiled and nodded, we were thinking the same thing, and we did have a show booked at Bahama's Swingers Club.

Oh boy.... Let's go swinging!!!

The very first “Rock Summit” show was performed at Bahama's Swingers Club. While a bit off the “Music Community Radar”, this is one of our most supportive venues. In other words... we love these guys and were so very pleased to perform such and EPIC and History making show for them.

The normal attendance for a Saturday Night show at this venue is about 40 people, but at this show, the map says there were 77 people there, having their eardrums anointed by some of the best live music on the Internet.

Hey Noma is a Rock star.

This show also featured a song that we made up on the spot, called “Crashing on Linden's Floor”. It was wicked cool, but we promised NEVER TO PLAY IT AGAIN !!!

But it was cool.

Live on the Radio with Ed Feldman !!!

How could we have Noma over and NOT do a segment on G-town Radio's “Morning Feed” with Germantown's own King of Media, Ed Feldman?

Ed is a full blown HOOT to hang with, and to me... and it seems Noma, he's still a TV star.

Hopefully we'll get a copy of the show to post for you.

Something different really odd happened during the show. We got a phone call that wasn't from Ed's Ex-current (never sure about the status) girlfriend Arlyn. It was from our very best Second Life Fan/Stalker, Vecnia. Yay for Fan's that listen in. We are both very flattered and a little concerned.

The reason we were doing the show on Monday was to promote Noma's live performance at Kenn Kweder's Nuclear Hootenanny where she would be the “Featured Guest”. Woot.

Ed said he would be there and bring the full staff of G-town radio, and they would all ride in on the custom Airbrushed G-town Radio Van.

Lexie didn't get the joke and was a little disappointed when there was no custom Airbrushed Van. But Ed did come to the show.

Thanks for the REAL support Ed.

The world renown, famed in story and song, Nuclear Hootenanny !!!

One of the touchstone events that had to happen was for the Kinagree Smith/ Noma Falta show to play Kenn Kweder's Uber Open Mic, The Nuclear Hootenanny. When we told Kenn that Noma was coming he said, “Great I'll make her the featured guest”.

We got to the event and something was missing? Ummmm.... oh yeah, where is Kenn?

As is the case with many events during this show, history was made again. The normally prompt Kenn Kweder was late for the fourth time in his 30 year musical career. While there was a 7:30 start time, we didn't get rolling until about 9 PM.

Because of the late start, we played as a full band second. It was as amazing as you might imagine. A little later, Noma Played solo, but only did one song. We got up early to do Ed's show, so Noma was beat down to her socks. But it was a fun show for sure. And I can mention playing with Noma live on my ever expanding resume.

The show is over, let's PARTY LIKE ROCK STARS !!!!

After the Hootenanny, we had an obligation to party like Rock Stars so we headed to south Philly with Germantown's king of all Media, Ed Feldman in the back seat. Time to head out to Pat's (this king of steaks) to get Noma a Cheesesteak samitch.

Having Ed in the backseat made for an interesting ride. Talk about a guided tour of Philly in the middle of the night. Ed knowledge of the lore of encyclopedic, so even while partying like rock stars we were being educated.

It's good to be us.

After visiting Pat's we went to “Center City Pretzels” , a place Kenn told us about just before we left the Hootenanny. Man... that place is amazing. The Pretzels come right out of the oven and you get 5 huge soft pretzels for a dollar. We got six dollars worth and it was like eating eating pretzel cake.

Yum-tacular!

A bold experiment... it's effin science !!!!!

For the longest time, I've had an account at “Stage it”, a web site that provides musicians a portal to provide video shows live for their fans. I've thought about doing one, Lexie and Noma had thought about doing one, so what the heck. We figured with this line up, it would be a great time to give it a try. We scheduled a show, and put tickets up for sale.

We were looking at this purely as an experiment. Just getting everything to work seemed like a big enough hurdle to deal with. As for selling tickets, we didn't have much in the way of expectations. While very affordable, every time you deal with a web site they make you register, and put money into the system and we figured most would choose not to bother.

We were wrong about that.

We posted notices and invited people to join us in our experiment. We asked them to do it in the name of Science. And 8 people pulled on the lab coats and made history with us.

Wait... is it science or history?

Both I think, with a side order of Art.

It was a great show and much thanks to those that logged on. It was fun and it would not have been so much fun playing to the virtual chairs.

One last show together

After the video show, we posted a spontaneous show at our venue, “The Drunk Tank”. We got to tag up one last time with all our online supporters, and at the end of the show, we were tired and a bit sad. It was an amazing time, and we made some wicked cool music.

Noma transfigured from a cartoon to a real person to us, and a real friend. Much Love Noma. Thank you for jamming with us.

In summation....

What a crazy five days. We did record a few shows, so who knows they may be available sometime soon for those that missed out.

As always. Expect Great Things.

Super Mega History Making Event... All In The Name of Science !!!

Tonight (unless you are reading this on a date other then April 17th 2012), we'll be undertaking a bold experiment in the name of both Science and Art.

Here is the deal.

At 6 PM SLT (9 PM EDT) The Band “Kinagree Smith”, with featured guest bassist/vocalist Noma Falta, will be doing a Live video show on the web site “Stage It”.

You might have heard us making amazing music and having the time of our lives in Second Life, but now you can get a real life glimpse into the reality of us making amazing music and having the time of our lives.

The entertainment value of this is incalculable (wow, that is a big word meaning “The math would be very hard”). But we aren't just doing this for the well documented “Jolly Factor”, we are undertaking this in the name of Science.

In other words, we've never done it before. Others have, but they were not Kinagree Smith with featured guest Noma Falta. So anything can happen.

To participate, you need to head over to “Stage it” and do all the register-y crap that just about ever other web portal requires and get some “Stage it” Money.

Don't panic.

We know the economy sucks and we keeping this “Super Mega History Making Event... All In The Name of Science” affordable. For the paltry sum of two dollars American, you can pull on your lab coat and RAWK out with us.

Our researchers assure us there is nothing good on TV tonight. So come on out and find out just how much fun you can have with an Internet connection.

Expect great things.

Here is the link to “Stage It”.

Here is the link to the show.

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.