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????

The 7th annual PFFFF, and OMG it's Ed Feldman!!!

No... it's not how you type the sound of a raspberry. Well maybe it is, but that is NOT what I'm talking about.

This Saturday, Kinagree Smith played the legendary “Post folk fest festers fest”. Seems Chris Degangie has been hosting this shindig for the last eight years and in my humble (snicker) opinion it's gotta be one of the coolest events in all of live music.

Frankly I've never seen any one person do so much to make a musical event based soley on... well music. While there was massive talent on the bill, it was not a “Book a bunch of big names and make some money” sort of affair. The inclusion of “Kinagree Smith” would support that fact. As a matter of fact there were no tickets for sale at all. The event run on a suggested donation of 20$ and to deposit that money you walked up on the balcony and dropped it in a toilet. How funky is that?

While the vibe was quite funky, the production values were top notch. Chris built a HUGE stage and hired an amazing sound system. This was the kind of event musicians love to play. There was food and drink for all, and when I say drink... I mean the “Good stuff”. A coffin sized cooler full of Guinness made this an event I would LOVE to play again.

Okay I'm about to be very self indulgent for a moment so bear with me. I'm standing there minding my own business, and this guy walks up to me and asks “Pardon me, where are the drinks” and I pointed him in the right direction. And then I say to myself, “Self... that guy looks familiar”. He kind of looks like Ed Feldman from the vintage PBS/TLC show “Furniture on the mend/ Furniture to go” fame”. Now I feel I should point out, there aren't many “FAMOUS” people I would recognize, But 20 some odd years ago, I use to watch Ed and his partner Joe an hour a day five days a week. I don't really care about furniture at all, But Ed and Joe were hysterically funny.

So rather then wonder if this was in fact Ed Feldman I walked up and introduced myself. It was indeed Ed and I went to starstruck mode. Told him how I use to watch his show everyday, and he was very nice indeed. After a few moments of blathering, he asked me if I was playing and if I had a CD. Well I do have a CD and it seems Ed has a web based radio show, so I gave him a copy of “Wartzinall”, and out contact card and perhaps he'll play it on his show, “The Morning feed” on gtown.com.

Ed stuck around for our set, and stood up on one of the balconies so I could see him. After the set he said, “You guys were great” and I said “Thanks for saying that because if you told me we sucked I would have been crushed”. Hey a lot of people told us we did great... but it Ed Feldman for pity sake.

Wow... I came to Philadelphia and dreams really do come true.

Now I know my readers are a cynical bunch, and it's very possible they are saying, “Hey Jack, of course Ed “SAID” he liked your little band. He's a famous guy (at least to you) and famous people learn very quickly it cost nothing to be kind and reaps them great benefits”.

Well maybe you didn't say that, but I must confess the thought did cross my mind. But come Monday night all doubts were laid to rest. Lexie had made a point to contact Ed via facebook ( I would have never been so bold, of course I don't think Ed is quite as famous to Lexie). She mentioned we tend to wonder out to the “Nuclear Hootenanny” on Monday nights and perhaps Ed would like to Join us.

Well come Monday night we are indeed at the Hootenanny, and we just happen to be outside talking, and the topic of Lexie inviting Ed to come out to the show comes up. I suggested Ed would be too busy doing TV star things, and almost as on cue, Lexie looks up and says, “Hey Ed we were just talking about you”. I really thought for a moment she was just messing with me. I hated the fact that I turned around to look because that would be a “Ahhhhh I can't believe you fell for that” moment. But Low and behold... Ed Feldman was in fact coming to see us at the Nuclear Hootenanny.

I did make sure that Ira got a picture of Ed and I on his wonder phone and I'm sure I posted it with this entry. If only mom could see me now. In the big city rubbing elbows with TV stars.

We got to talk with Ed for quite a while, and he did invite us to come play Live on his radio show. As a matter of fact, he suggested doing a full week with him (I don't think Lexie would want to do that, but I sure would), suffice it to say tentative plans to play next week are in the works.

Ed's music director Jim (who might be more actually famous then Ed, I'm not sure) also mentioned a Wednesday night Live show he runs in Germantown and asked us if we could play that as well. Once again I find myself wondering if this is all a dream.

Things seem to be moving forward again. We've made some very good new friends, seem to be getting our music out there and life is good. Of course, I'm one step away from starving or Living on the street, but you have to risk a bit of security to chase your dreams.

Things seem to be looking up, and after a long period of situational distractions we seem to be progressing again.

Sorry that it's been so long since my last update, but things have been complicated. We are back on track, our oars are in the water and we move towards our destiny. Once again I encourage you to expect great things.

Release the releases, Super Secret Mega Release on Kinagree Smith website

Well it's been a busy day at the old website. We are making so much content available it will make your brain pop.

Well... maybe not so much pop as think. Both are rather rear occurrences these days.

We've instituted a new flash based catalog system, just click on the cover art and go to a page that features the release........


Whoa... News Flash... we just had a earthquake in Philadelphia. That was weird.

Anyway...

You are directed to a page giving you all the info on the release and can listen to song samples from the release. In most cases, you get the full song list. It's cool, it's handy and I hope it works well for our visitors.

In the catalog currently are....

Wartzinall, Kinagree Smith's debut recording.

Zorch Boomhauer: “Outside the box”, A box set without a box featuring the entire recorded Catalog of Zorch Boomhauer (Jack Kinagree's Second Life Alter Ego). This is a HUGE collection of songs and is one case in which the play list is not complete. Weighing in at 117 MP3 files... it's a lot of listen for the bucks.

Lexie Luan: “Lexie's Pink Box” The complete recorded catalog of Lexie Luan (Lexie Smith's Second Life Alter Ego). You'll find a full play list for this one. So listen up, and get your PayPal account set to “Spend”.

Disposable Art Project: Re-Psycyled. This is a “Best of” collection from the Disposable Art Project. If you are looking for a Kinagree Smith connection, Disposable Art Project was a Art Rock studio adventure conceived and performed by Jack Kinagree. It's some pretty weird stuff, but if you are an adventurous listener it might be right up your bailiwick.

This is a rather major update and I hope you'll take a moment to poke around. We do intend to release as much music as we can, simply because I think it serves both the music and Listener well.

Please take a moment to check it out

Thanks again for all your support. As always, Expect great things.