What a crazy month June was!  Lots of gigs and prep for the summer as well as performing at the G8 conference.  I have done a ton of gigs in my life but never one where I was playing for the 10 most powerful people in the world.  Beverley Mahood asked Steve (Hogg) and myself to accompany her so we learned some songs and played away.  I think the greatest highlight for me was seeing President Obama autograph Steve's guitar.  He was all smiles and acted like a kid in a candy store.  My reoccuring thought was "I'm so glad I never listened to my high school guidance counselor!"  It a big thrill and what a privilage.  Now if only we could get those guys to spend a little less money!

Back to Muskoka for some more shows.  If you are in the area come on out and we'll celebrate summer together!

Kenny

This past month has been interesting. The weather in many places has been wonderful but some other areas have not been so lucky. In Nashville there was a terrible flood that devastated many peoples lives and businesses.  I was not there at the time but spoke with a number of my friends who gave me a very descriptive account of what happened.  In the Gulf, there has been one of the worst oil disasters in history that is destroying sea life, ecology and effecting the livelhood of many people that depend on the water to make a living.

During this period of time I also attended a number of bar and bat mitzvahs which is really at the complete opposite end of these other events.  I have always seen this time in Jewish life as a time to first of all reflect, secondly take stock and understand where you have come from and thirdly, to look at where you are going.  It involves an understanding of both past and present.

In comparing all of these events I have to come to the conclusion that we must cherish every single moment we are given.  We must laugh, cry, celebrate and embrace life.  I feel so glad to be able to do this through music and its because of my audience that I get to do so.  Thanks to you all.

Hope you can identify with my current sentiment,
Kenny

You know, I was doing a gig last week in Calgary (Canada) and I came upon some real interesting people, three interesting people to be exact.  The first 2 were a couple of real colorful and genuine characters that live on the street.  I had some change in my pocket so I stopped to give these two guys some dough and ended up having a brief but engaging conversation with them.  The one man was from originally Saskatchewan and the other was originally from B.C.  The man from B.C. was a native Canadian and the man from Saskatchewan was about as far from a native Canadian as one could get.  This encounter happened to be about 2 hours before the show and these men where at the complete opposite end of the social spectrum with respect to the crew I was about to play for.  I have to say, I really enjoyed the conversation and the company and I was reminded of how significant every person is in the context of life.  I have never had to live on the street (although I did live in my car for a bit) but I have met plenty of people that do and I never ever want to forget that their lives are as significant and meaningful as anyone else's.

The next character I met was after the show.  He was a 26 year old man from Calgary who had been crippled in a car accident.  He was sitting all alone in a hotel lobby and there was no one around so I sat down and began a lengthy conversation.  He had beyond multiple tattoos, and one could tell visibly that it was a pretty horrific accident.  We chatted in depth and frankly about his life, his accident, his hopes and his dreams.  As we chatted, I couldn't help but think of what a wonderful spirit this young man had.  His smile was genuine and his conversation embraced the wisdom of someone many years older.  Even though I had a wonderful time playing the gig that day, I can't help but be grateful for the encounter with all three of these wonderful gentleman that came from a world far different from mine.  They where rich in spirit and character and had hearts that shone as bright as the sun.

Just wanted to share this story...

Thanks for reading,
Kenny

I have to admit that life has never really turned out at all like I planned it.  Not that I ever really had a plan but when a person is young, you have all these hopes and dreams and somehow as time goes on many of those things change.  Sometimes they change for the better and sometimes for the worse but at the end of the day they are all part of shaping who and what you are as a person.

I learned a number of years ago that no matter how hard I tried, some things are just not meant to be.  The good thing is that hopefully as we mature we have more of a capacity to accept the things that may not be in line with the preconceived idea we had in our heart and mind.  I remember saying to someone once that life is kinda like a river, you climb in the boat not sure just when you will arrive at your destination (if you have one) and there are twists, turns, rapids, rocks, rough and calm waters.  You can plan all you want but no matter how much you do, there will always be many many variables.

The wonderful thing about this is that it makes for an incredible journey full of surprises.  Many people don't like surprises and that's fine but I have learned to anticipate what might be around the next corner knowing, if anything, that it won't be what was around the last corner.  In my song, "KATE," I wrote of a girl who is probably one of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life.  Kate was someone I never ever thought I would meet but someone that really changed my life forever.  I could never have planned this encounter and the fact that I didn't made it even more meaningful as the impact had a certain profoundness to it.  Isn't love kinda like that?  Well, life can be like that... and it should be.  The guy at the bank will tell you to save for retirement, others will tell you to find something secure.  Maybe your belief system will tell you that others are wrong and you are right.  In short, what is retirement?  Is there such a thing as security?  Are you right?  We only have today, right now, I'm not even sure how many more blogs I will be able to write.  So, basically, love those around you, sit back and enjoy the journey.

Love you all,
Kenny

It is Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 and as I look out my window I can see and hear spring in the air.  I think that summer is my favorite season but spring is my second favorite season because everything is new again.  The trees begin to green, the flowers begin to bloom and the birds are singing.  In a perfect world, I think I would alternate between spring and summer.

March was a very interesting month for me as I began looking at a ton of new music and started the process and task of grinding the axe and practicing my butt off.  I looked at some old covers that I've wanted to learn for a long time like "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates and also some more current singles like "All The Right Moves" by One Republic.

I also did my last volunteer night for "Out of the Cold" which is a program in the winter that helps people who are homeless and less fortunate than others.  It's a wonderful program and I have met many incredible people thru it.

I also am at the point now where I can say goodbye to my dear friend Ralph Hodgins.  Ralph was my high school music teacher and he was also one of my father's music students when he was a young man.  Ralph was only 61 years of age and he was one of the people who always encouraged me to do music.  Although he passed in January I have not really been in a place to say goodbye till now.  He was an inspiration and living proof that the only moment we have is NOW so it's imperative that we grasp this and live while we have life.  Rest in peace dear friend.

Also, I want to let you all know that we will be doing a website update soon.  We will be recording in Nashville on April 5th to put together a new EPK for our endeavors in the U.S.  Gerry and the crew at Big Ride have been instrumental in helping me focus on my moves forward and this new EPK will contain new material with the purpose of moving the band into other markets.  Stay tuned for more information.

I hope you are all well and I look forward to hearing back form you.
Sincerely,
Kenny

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

I have to admit that I'm never really sure what to write in a blog but as time goes on, I hope to get better at it.  When I started out in the music business there was no such thing as a blog (or emails for that matter) and to have watched the world change at such a fast rate is incredible to say the least.

I have had a number of things going on in my life lately and they mostly have to do with change, musical change as well as personal change.  Every one of us (whether or not we think we do) needs some change.  We need to constantly look at how we think, how we respond and how we take in the daily events and information that life presents us with.  Too many people (in my opinion) allow much of life to rob them of the all the nutrients that foster the growth of one's heart.  This is most apparent to me when I bump into someone I have not seen in a long time and I notice how they have allowed so many events to kick them down without even realizing it.  When you think about it, we all have things that challenge us, rent, mortgages, bills, family challenges, work issues, you name it, the list goes on and on.  As an artist, it has always been an uphill climb but I decided many years ago that no one can own or take the spirit of what motivates me away from me at any time.  I think as people we all need to think more like this; we need to remember that we are all individually unique and that no one else can be you.

When I look back over time, I realize that the only person in my youth who ever told me to go for it was my father.  He really taught me that what others think does not really matter and that if you are made to be an artist, be it, don't talk about it, be it and do it.  I am so very grateful for those words and I hope that my words can encourage you as much as my father's words encouraged me.

Kenny

It's March 3rd and I'm leaving Nashville to head back to the snowy north.  It's been a bit cooler than usual down here but none the less it's still a city full of southern romantic charm that can warm the heart on a cool day.  I spent a fair bit of time with my management team looking at social media and planning my next musical coarse which I believe is going to be really exciting.  We picked out some great songs for me to try and, in between all the strategizing, managed to scalp some good seats to a Nashville Predators hockey game (they played the Edmonton Oilers).

As I sit here waiting for my flight to depart I have to take a moment to be grateful for all I have and all I see.  Life can sometimes seem like this huge obstacle coarse; and at times the mountains and turns in the road are sharp but yet our ability to face these challenges is what makes the journey worth while.  I'm not sure why this comes to mind when I am traveling from one destination to another but I think it's because you do have a bit of time to think and reflect when you are in transit and, after the last 2 days of meetings, I have lots to think about.

I hope all of you are well and I look forward to receiving your input and comments, what you like, what you don't like, maybe even what you think I should write about.

Kenny

Hey Everybody,

Its February and I have to say that I'm hoping its only 8 more weeks until the ice comes off the lakes in Muskoka.  Its one of those times of the year when I really anticipate the end of winter and the beginning of spring.  I love taking that first boat ride across the lake and smelling the cool April air that leads into summer.

In terms of my music, I have some interesting things on the horizon.  I'm revisting some songs I have written for my next CD and I'm writing with a few diferent artists, namely Lianne Cranfield and Robin Barker, that have really peaked my interest.  Totally different musical styles but something I can find artistic ownership in.

I'm also spending a lot of time in choosing a musical direction for my live show.  My manager, Gerry Leiske, and the team at Big Ride have really helped me along with my focus and direction.  As soon as we are a bit further along I will send out some test material so you guys can tell me how we're doing.

Hope you are all well and I would love to hear from you.  Post some comments, opinions, things you'd like to hear from me, whatever you'd like to share.

Can hardly wait,
Kenny

Hey Everyone,

Kenny here... I just wanted to tell you a little about myself... I write songs, play music and do all I can to avoid any form of conventional employment.  I have recorded 3 full albums to date of my own material and have probably produced about 25 albums for other artists.  I have also written a ton of jingles that hopefully make you go out and purchase things that you are not even interested in.

Just like everyone else I have a couple of 2010 resolutions.  This year I am focusing on 2 things: 1) becoming a better writer and 2) becoming a better musician.  This is going to be an exciting year full of challenges and I am anxious to see (and hear) what the year holds for me and my music.

My last CD, Short Stories, was a real bare bones recording and slightly melancholy.  It is a great easy listening album and I hope that you enjoy it!  I have already begun working on a new CD that will be much more upbeat.   I have written a number of songs for it in the back half of 2008 but spent some time on another project in 2009.  Now I am once again focused on the new CD that will include songs that stand up melodically outside of a lyric.  So, you can expect great lyrics and great music.  I can't wait for you to hear it!

As I begin to post some of my work here on the website, I encourage you to give me some feedback, say anything you want.  You can tell me it sucks if you like but having feedback is pretty important to me as a writer.  I really do wanna know what you think.  On top of that, if you want, tell me your story, I would love to hear that as well.

Fire Away ,
Kenny

For those of you who have not been here before, please take your time checking out the site. Then leave me your name and comments on my blog in the About section. I would love to hear from all of you! I want your feedback because first and foremost I want this to be a place where you can communicate with me and I can communicate with you. For those of you that have been here before... thanks for dropping in again. I am able to do what I do because of my fans and for this I am forever grateful.

I hope that what you see here is a guy who loves music. I love writing it, I love playing it and I want to translate that to you with all my heart and soul. If you like my music you can buy all of my full CDs online or purchase downloads of your favorite individual songs. I hope that you will enjoy my music enough to tell your friends about it and send them my way.

I am also managed now by Gerry Leiske at Big Ride Management in Nashville. Gerry has a great team of people that look after much of my day to day management in order for me to have more time to make music for you.

Stay tuned and stay in touch... ask questions and send comments. Better yet lets find a way to get me to your town as soon as we can.

Love you all,
Kenny