Things are looking up...
March 3, 2021
Hey friends and loved ones,It has been one year to the date since we posted anything on account of the villainous Covid, but it looks like there's a thaw in the air, and we haven't let grass grow under our feet.
We're making brand new music that's super exciting, especially with this remarkable band and a couple of great buddies helping out, Josh Zee and Teal Collins of the Mother Truckers. We're playing a casual few shows with these guys under the moniker "Sunshine Revival" until we think of a better name. Got a couple of upcoming dates and fundraisers too. Stay healthy, stay happy.
New News is Good News
March 3, 2020
Philbillie is off this week to Zihuatanejo, Mexico to MC and perform at www.zihuafest.com. Our buddies Eric McFadden and Lipbone Redding will be on the bill.He'll come home sunburned like a lobster. He does every time.
Recording some fab new tracks here at Okey Doke Records, and we're working on some other artists' wonderful projects. Keep your eyeballs peeled for more one this.
Lastly, the date has been set for this year's San Rafael PorchFest, Sunday, Sept. 20. Fasten your seatbelts, kiddies!
Extra special show with special guest James Nash and the fab Keller Sisters
January 12, 2020
Sunday 7:30 Club Fox in Redwood City we're gonna throw down with a full ginormous band including James Nash, Henry Salvia, Jon Mitguard, Mike Anderson, Kevin Hayes, the fabulous Keller Sisters--the bay area's best! Get tix here: www.clubfoxrwc.com
PorchStock!
September 29, 2019
A star-studded benefit for San Rafael PorchFest at Terrapin Crossroads. Jenny Kerr Band, Eric McFadden, Jimmy Leslie, Mark Karan, Danny Click, San Geronimo,Bryan Kehoe, Josh Zee, Angeline Saris, Diego "El Twanguero" Garcia, circus art performers Poisn Ivy. $25. Ages 16+ Doors 7:30. Tix available at
Second Annual
September 21, 2019
Second Annual San Rafael PorchFest
September 21, 2019
Tomorrow there will be 60 unbelievable acts on 25 porches in the Gerstle Park neighborhood. It's gonna be epic. More all info at www.sanrafaelporchfest.com
Marin Century with Jenny Kerr and Eric McFadden
August 3, 2019
Marin Century 2019 is a pretty big deal. So we called in the big guns and will be playing with our veritable cannon, Eric McFadden from 12-6. It's gonna be one hot ride!
New Spring Summer dates for you, my loves!
May 6, 2019
Here are all the latest shows coming your way! We have some great music blowin' through town from far and wide, and from our own backyard. I want you especially to hear Lipbone Redding. You'll never be the same! There are some benefits we're playing, too, and San Rafael PorchFeste 2019 is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 22.
Philbillie Goes to Zihuatanejo Guitarfest
February 12, 2019
March 2-9 Philbillie again will be Master of Ceremonies and artist-at-large at Zihuatanejo International Guitarfest. www.zihuafest.com There will be a stellar line-up,including our good buddy Eric McFadden (we're working on his upcoming acoustic CD, and it's fantastic). Make it if you can.
Special guest Eric McFadden at West End Village Celebration
October 30, 2018
We are thrilled to have our buddy Eric McFadden as our special guest for a brunch show at Terrapin Nov. 3 12:30-3pm and also at this delightful family festival, Sunday Nov. 4. We go on at 2:45.
It was a smash!
October 13, 2018
The first San Rafael PorchFest went over great! We posted about 100 pix of all the festivities on Instagram @sanrafaelporchfest. One of the best things was the MacIntosh Pipe and Drum parade, not to mention all the wonderful musicians who participated in this event. We are all still a'glow!
Inaugural San Rafael PorchFest--Sunday, Sept. 23
August 1, 2018
Next, we're getting geared up for the first annual San Rafael PorchFest, Sunday Sept. 23, 12-5 pm. This community event will feature over forty musical acts on twenty porches in a six-block radius of the historic Gerstle Park neighborhood, as well as food trucks, a Kid Zone, marching bands and other roving delights. Some wondrously wonderful artists are coming out to play, such as: Bryan Kehoe (Les Claypool), the Papermill Gang (San Geronimo), Josh Zee (Phantom Power, the Mother Truckers) and many others in many styles and genres.
House Concerts, New Dates and Bears, Oh My!
July 17, 2018
Okay,so I lied about the bears. But the Lipbone Redding concert is almost sold out, and tix are also going fast for the Eric McFadden concert. Get 'em here:. Also, we have something pretty shiny and new in the works for September 23. More on this to come.
Two special house concerts not to be missed!
May 10, 2018
For the first time ever, we are organizing and playing with two of our favorite artists ever! July 22, 4-6 pm Lipbone Redding and Aug. 19, 4-6 pm Eric McFadden More info coming soon
New Spring Dates Have Sproinged
April 7, 2018
Got some sweet shows coming up around the bay, new tunes, and some new friends who will play your socks off.
Free new song for the New Year!
January 10, 2018
If you are among the chosen few on my mailing list, I'll be sending out my new favorite song for free. Happy New Year!
If you're not on the mailing list, it's easy.All the cool kids are on it, and you're probably cool too. Click on the link above.
Stay tuned for spring shows!
Muchos smooches,
Jenny
Terrapin Xroads tonight and HMB Pumpkin Fest next week
October 10, 2017
Stoked to play this fine venue in our new "haunts" followed by the second appearance at the world-famous Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay.
New spring/summer dates announced
April 14, 2017
We're putting together some shows in and around town, so have a look at our tour dates.
Americana Mondays at Bar Fluxus
February 7, 2017
We'll been playing a very cool residency for the month of February at a funky and tasteful new venue, Bar Fluxus, from the beautiful people who brought you Madrone Art Bar, voted best bar and best happy hour in SF. 8 pm til when it feels right to stop. No cover.
New studio for Okey Doke
October 6, 2016
Although you may doubt it, we are working in fact hard here at Okey Doke, putting in a brand new studio at our new location in San Rafael tweaking that 'Wall of Hay' sound you've come to expect over the years. The Keller Sisters will be kicking off the first recording there. More to come.
Blues Harp Women Show planned for San Francisco
March 4, 2016
I am excited and honored to be included in this great 2-CD release of women harp players on Ruf Records. It's available on Amazon, "Blues Harp Women." A show is in the works for San Francisco, sometime in June it seems. We'll keep you updated.
Special Birthday New Years' Day show
December 5, 2015
Fri. Jan. 1 New Years' Day and also a big birthday for me, one with an "0" on the end. Come and have some fun at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. 7-10 PM Big ole band.
Berkeley House Concert at Poplar Playhouse Sat. Nov. 14
October 26, 2015
We'll be performing at this lovely up-close venue with acoustic version of the band. call or email tom for details and tix:tommont45@gmailband, 510-697-4097
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
October 10, 2015
Roll your cute lil pumpkin on over to Kelley and Main Sat. Oct. 17 from 1:30 - 4:30. We'll be there with a 5-piece band ringing in the Halloween spirit. Or rather spirits.
Zamora Moon Benefit Saturday, Sept. 26
September 18, 2015
Block Party 1-7 pm at 19th@Collingwood and Diamond. I play at 1:50, also RonKat, Eric McFadden, George Johnson and more. $16. Food, drinks, face-painting, music. Please come and help this sweet child overcome the most deadly of childhood cancers, DIPG.
Headlining Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
August 13, 2015
Yes, Oct. 17 in participation with the Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., we will be headlining with full band all afternoon!
New live dates up
May 27, 2015
Wanna hear some live music? Got June dates up on our tour page. Some fun shows coming up and a couple of new venues.
Ramble at the Empress
April 19, 2015
We were so impressed with the Empress last time we played that we wanted to share it with you. Gorgeous vintage theater, astounding sound. Yes, it's a Wednesday, but these wonderful people have worked their tushes off to revitalize and restore this theater...Please come and show some love.
Shows with Eric McFadden this week
March 31, 2015
Our buddy Eric McFadden is in town and we're doing some playing together this week. Thursday 3/31, 6:30-8 we are playing the first show of the season at the super fun Picnic at the Presidio series, then Friday we'll be playing with Eric at 19 Broadway. And of course you can almost always catch Philbillie and me first and third Wednesdays at the Madrone.
Shows to the north, shows to the south
February 5, 2015
Petaluma Music Festival Showcase at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma Thursday Feb 12, 6-9 pm will be acoustic duo
Lucky Friday Feb.13 7-9 pm Pre-Valentine show at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Full band featuring Marisa Martinez (Eric McFadden, Liar) on fiddle
New show announcement, Sat. Jan. 10 Hotel Utah
January 10, 2015
We'll be supporting our buddy's cool new band, Fog Swamp, at the Hotel Utah Sat. Jan 10, 9 PM. Fine players! Come have a listen. $10 at the door. Also playing, Bitch Franklin. We go on first.
Last minute show this Friday at Presidio Yacht Club, Sausalito
January 9, 2015
This Friday, Jan 9, full band featuring Marisa Martinez and Philbillie Milner. 8:30-11 PM so we can get home before GG Bridge closure. www.presidioyachtclub.org
Happy Holidays to all my loved ones
December 20, 2014
I'm sending out an unreleased track, "Beautiful Just as You Are" to all the lovely folk on my mailing list as a gift and token of my gratitude for being a part of the music. Wishing you all a season full of cheer and delight. We'll see you out there in 2015.
Keller Sisters CD Release
December 7, 2014
We'll be playing a set supporting the Keller Sisters CD release party house concert. A few seats are still available. Contact thekellersisters@gmail.com for info.
Playing with Eric McFadden for his Birthday Bash
November 29, 2014
The Starry Plough in Berkeley, Sat. Nov. 29, 9 PM
This Friday Oct. 17--Official Far-West Showcase!
October 16, 2014
Friday night, Oct. 17, 7 PM! We're on.See Tour dates for deets.
Subscribe to our new Jenny Kerr Pandora Radio Station
September 21, 2014
The new CD "Head of Fire" is now available on Pandora. There's even our own radio station.
Official Showcase at Far-West Folk Alliance
July 15, 2014
New Flash! We are so excited to announce that we have been chosen as one of twelve official showcase acts for this year's Far-West Folk Alliance. The duo will be performing sometime between Oct. 16-19. More details soon on the way!
Headliner with Banjo Babes at SF Free Folk Festival
June 12, 2014
Last minute show on Sat. June 21, 5:40 on the Faith Petric Stage (main stage) with the Banjo Babes at the SF Free Folk Festival www.sffolkfest.org. It's a totally cool festival at Presidio Middle School at 30th and Geary in SF. Everything from Jane Austen era dances to a Flash Mob Choir.
Summer shows
May 21, 2014
Come hang out with us this summer...just posted some new shows for May and June. xoxoox Jenny
Jenny Kerr Band Hosting Club Fox Blues Jam with special guest Quinn Deveaux, Wednesday April 23
April 16, 2014
If you haven't been to this terrific venue in Redwood City, you should come. It's reputed to be the best blues jam in the Bay Area. And if you haven't heard Quinn Deveaux, he's a soulful straight-from-the heart performer, not to be missed. Also the sweet Keller sisters will do some back-up singing with us, and perhaps another surprise guest or two.
The New CD is HERE
January 18, 2014
A lot of blood, sweat and tears, and here it is. With the title track produced by legendary Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crow, Michael Jackson, Tom Petty) and a track that won 'Song of the Month' with BMI, we hope you will love this. We feel it's our best work yet...
World debut of our first video!
November 5, 2013
The video was created by a very talented young videographer by the name of Vanessa Hellmann. It was shot entirely on location in San Francisco, in Golden Gate Park, the Great Highway and the Marin Headlands overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a beautiful love letter to everyone’s favorite city, San Francisco. We certainly hope you have as much fun viewing it as we had making it, and we would also like to give you a call to action:
After you see the video and fall in love with it as we hope you will, please go to the Jenny Kerr YouTube Channel and take the next steps: Subscribe, Comment, and most importantly, Share the video to every music lover that you know via Facebook, Twitter and email. And just maybe, we can make this one go viral, as the kids say.
New Video From The Uptown Theater!
October 11, 2013
Here's a new video of our performance of "When I Get Home" at the Uptown Theater in Napa opening for Dr. John on September 22, 2013.
Jenny Kerr CD Release Party! Sat. Oct 19, 2013
October 7, 2013
It's gonna be a special night with guest, Mark Karan(Ratdog, Bob Weir)! Featuring James Whiton on bass (Tom Waits). Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 PM at The Plough and the Stars, 116 Clement St. @2nd Ave., SF, CA.
Happy day!
September 26, 2013
Thanks to our beloved friends, fans, and fam-damily, we surpassed our Kickstarter goal. There have been so many surprised along the way; Phil and I never expected such generosity. We are inspired, thrilled, and feelin' the afterglow! Love to you all.
Jenny and Philbillie Go Kickstarter!
August 20, 2013
We've just launched our 35-day Kickstarter campaign to create a marketing budget for our new release, "Head of Fire." This is the best record we ever made, and we want to really get it out there to the world. With your contribution, we can make this happen. Here's the link:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jennykerr/jenny-kerr-the-new-record-head-of-fire
Opening for Dr. John
June 18, 2013
We are thrilled to be opening for one of my all-time heroes, Dr. John, at the Uptown Theater in Napa, Saturday, Sept. 21, 8-8:30 PM.
New management team
May 7, 2013
Guess what? We couldn't be more pleased to welcome Billy Cohen and Colleen Kennedy over at Labyrynth Productions as our official management team. Billy was a talent buyer, manager, bon vivant, event manager, and a whole lot more for an eternity in the bay area and Colleen worked with Bill Graham for many years. They organize ginormous events, like Bay to Breakers. They rock! www.labyrynth.com
Special guest Diego Garcia at Jenny Kerr and Friends show June 8
April 10, 2013
We are pleased to welcome Diego "El Twanguero" Garcia (Spain, Argentina, Mexico)who will be joining Jenny Kerr and Friends for a special show on Saturday, June 8 at the Plough and the Stars for his premiere San Francisco appearance. We shared the stage at the International Guitar Festival in Zihuatanejo and were wowed by this phenomenal guitar player. Diego mixes flamenco and Americana styles into an astounding and fiery brew. Please join him and other special friends for this special night. Did we say "special"? More details on the tour page.
Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival
December 26, 2012
We are honored to announce that we have been selected to perform at the 10th anniversary of this wonderful non-profit festival. It is held in Zihuatanejo, Mexico from March 3-10, 2013. It will be our seventh appearance. It's really fun. You should hop a plane and come on down.
Radio Valencia
December 15, 2012
Tune in to SF's own Radio Valencia 2-4 pm this Sunday for Quarterman Jack's show, Bakersfield Backbeat at . Philbillie and I are gonna be on the air live singing some new tunes off the soon-to-be released CD, "Head of Fire."
"Blossom in the Dust" chosen by BMI Song of the Month
December 7, 2012
Jenny just won the BMI Community Song Pick of the Month for December. It's "Blossom In The Dust" which she just finished up. You could have a listen for yourself here on soundcloud.
Jenny Kerr featured on Hermonicas website
November 2, 2011
A very cool website that focuses on women who play the harp is running an article I wrote about our recent tour in Maui. Lots of pix, too. www.hermonicas.com
Maui Tour with Eric McFadden
August 15, 2011
Yes, we're going to Maui for a string of shows from the end of August to mid-September. Eric will be joining us at Stella Blues, Charleys, and Casanova. Yeah! Check this site and Facebook for complete dates and latest pix. We'll be posting for sure.
New festival Just Strings Music Festival in Geyserville
August 14, 2011
We take the stage Sunday Aug. 14 at 5 PM, just before headliners Charles Neville & Youssoupha Sidibe with The Mystic Rhythms Band. David Grisman Quintet headlines Saturday. Brought to you from the super-cool friends who were responsible for the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival in Mexico, they have organized what promises to be a super-string fest in Geyserville. Hey, I even helped figure out the name! Get the details at www.juststringsamusicfestival.com
Jenny Kerr song chosen for indie film at SF International LGBT Film Festival
May 28, 2011
"Suzy's Blues" has been chosen for "Running in Heels: The Glendon "Anna Conda" Hyde Story" that will premiere June 19th. The film follows Glendon “Anna Conda” Hyde on the campaign trail during his run for San Francisco District 6 Supervisor during the 2010 election season. This heartwarming documentary features interviews with campaign workers and community members, as well as real footage from the campaign trail, highlighting Hyde’s commitment to grassroots efforts in the city. Running in Heels is a flattering portrait of the drag queen and community organizer’s commitment to social change.Directed by Dain Percifield
Women who Play Harmonica
May 28, 2011
Jenny is featured on a cool website, that focuses on women who play harp, put together by Norman Davis.
Bill Bottrell track on upcoming CD
February 10, 2011
Philbillie and I have been working feverishly on the new CD, "The Good Life." We have some of the finest musicians in the Bay Area and beyond, and a special track produced by Bill Bottrell. I'm very excited about this CD. It's been a long time coming and has some of my best material on it. I just know you're gonna love it. We've got some videos posted of some of the sessions on our youtube channel jennykerrband and on my blog, "Jenny's Kitchen." We'll post some tracks and other fun stuff, too, so you can get on down to the real nitty gritty and see what goes on behind the scenes.
Parents' Choice Silver Medal Award for "Chicken and ABC's"
October 8, 2010
Marisa Martinez just got the word that the kids' CD we released last May has received the very prestigious Parents' Choice Silver Award. Phil produced it here at Okey Doke Studio and Marisa wrote most of the songs (I wrote one of them, "Schroedinger's Cat")with special guest appearances from Eric McFadden, Paulo Baldi, Sam Bass, Mike Anderson and myself.
Here's the review:
Aimed at the pre-K to second grade set, the eighteen songs on Chicken & ABC's help kids learn counting, naming the days of the week, spelling, social skills and other important lessons. Marisa Martinez has been a full-time kindergarten teacher for ten years, and she has sung and played these songs with her classes for years. Martinez gathered a few friends, who happen to be some of the most noteworthy players in San Francisco, to contribute bass, drums, guitars, cello and tuba to the recording. Martinez herself provides acoustic guitar and sings in a strong, clear voice, reminiscent of Maria Muldaur. Song highlights include her "Phonic Song," "Vowel Song," "Days of the Week," "Months of the Year," (in English and Spanish), the "Four Seasons," and a couple of nice songs about self esteem ("Believe in Yourself" and "Flying to the Moon"). Also of note is "Schroedinger's Cat," a fun science song about a scientist and his cat, and a Bo Diddley influenced rendition of the African American poem "Dem Bones Dem Bones." The album ends with a curious version of Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," that somehow works as a kid's number.
Chicken & ABC's is a very enjoyable and educational CD for young children.
Lahri Bond ©2010 Parents' Choice.
Lyrics, additional activities and supplemental educational material are available at her website.
Mrs. Martinez and Kinder Rock Band
http://www.abcandchickens.com and Amazon.com
49th Annual International Camel Races with Sopwith Camel
September 10, 2010
Sept. 10 and 11 Jenny Kerr will perform with the seminal SF psychedelic group, Sopwith Camel, at one of first-ever pyschedelic venues, the Red Dog Saloon in historic Virginia City, for the year's best-attended albeit strangest event, the International Camel Races.
In true Virginia City spirit, the Camel Races began as a hoax. History has it that in the late 1800s camels were used in the Nevada desert country to carry the salt used to reclaim silver and ore. But when the country drooped into a depression, most mining operations were forced to abandon their mines. What did they do with the surplus of their fur-humped friends? The bankrupt operators decided to let them run loose into the desert, where many camels roamed wildly until their American extinction in 1936. But in 1960, camels returned to the desert when Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and director John Huston were in Virginia City filming The Misfits. The story goes that two newspapers, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Phoenix Sun, challenged each other to a camel race. Huston, riding for the Chronicle, won.
To celebrate this unique history, Virginia City now imports camels for their annual September race, where an average of 27 jockeys climb on top of these curious creatures every year and try to get them to run, which isn't always so easy.
Camels are known to have short attention spans but can also get pretty crazy, which means sometimes the camels leave their riders in the dust, face first in the dust. The race is "International" because Australians show up every odd year to try to take the crown away from us namby-pamby Americans. While you have to be a pro camel jockey (there was one?) to ride, all you need is $8 to watch. Other events include ostrich races and the rare water buffalo stampede.
Twang Nation Jamboree
August 25, 2010
We are tickled pink to be headlining Twang Nation's first-ever Americana Jamboree at the Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco. From the home of the premier Americana music event in the country, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, Twang Nation Americana and roots music blog is proud to present the Twang Nation Jamboree showcasing the best of local Americana and roots bands and performers. We're appearing with Mars Arizona and Pork Chop Express.
Mark Karan (Ratdog) to perform with Jenny Kerr Band for "Twang 4 Tots" Benefit
June 4, 2010
This just in: guitarist Mark Karan who for 12 years was lead guitarist with Bob Weir's Ratdog will be playing with us Friday, June 4th. (As you may remember, Bobbie played in a little band call The Grateful Dead.) Our own Philbillie got to know him back when he was a guitar tech for Mr. Weir. Also on this amazing show will be San Francisco's own Guitar God, Eric McFadden, neo-ragtime guitar stylist JL Stiles and singer/songwriter Leon Bristow, who we know you're gonna love.
Thanks to all for your support. We and the tots look forward to seeing you.
Smokin' Studio 'n' Stuff
February 18, 2010
Well, Philbillie finally reached deep into his pockets and bought some of the coolest gear for our studio, including a Royer R121 ribbon mic that makes your voice sound like the voice you hear in your head. Warm, round and scrump-tili-umptious. He's working on a slew on cool CDs, too. Eric McFadden's latest (I'll be singing, playing piano and harmonica--aren't you proud of me?). Marisa Martinez is doing an incredible children's CD. She's a teacher out at Hunter's Point, the poorest and most neglected district in SF--Philbillie will be out there recording the kids singing backup vocals, and Marisa has been received a grant from donations to do this. Wilson Gil (Wilson Gil and the Willful Sinners) cut a killer CD that should be released shortly. Lastly, J.Byrd Hosch, formerly of the Kuntry Kunts, rad lesbo band from the 90's, is doing her latest release in a long long time. She's the best writer. In fact Crystal Gayle picked up at least one of J. Byrd's songs, and it will be appearing on Gayle's next CD.
"Clear A Path" featured on PBS Series Road Trip Nation
November 11, 2009
Listen to "Clear A Path" on the PBS series "Road Trip Nation." Here's the link to Episode 5. The entire episode is great, but it you want to skip to our little bit, we're on at 4:49 where the gals are learning how to drive a big ol' RV. If you haven't been hipped to it yet, the show is oddly addictive and they are a big supporter of independent artists, so check it out.
Thanks to all of you who participated in the Children's Book Project Benefit this year.
June 8, 2009
The venue was extraordinary, the sound stage sublime, and the Meyer sound system positively explosive. It was great to see some of the old music crowd from days gone by, folks who had worked with Chet Helms, Dave who worked at the Paradise, guys from the Maritime Hall, and a gaggle of the usual freaks and weirdos that we love so well. All in all, a great event for a great cause. Children's Book Project
Tweet, Tweet!
April 20, 2009
Well, I have checked it out, seen all the hype and twittering and tweeting and it still seems like a really fun and effective way to keep in close touch with all one's peeps. So if you are among the legion with an account, then come on over and let me know what you're doing. My Twitter name is "frailinjenny". If you have not yet checked it all out, you can sign up here
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