Kenny Jackson

If you are a member of the audience, you can expect traditional folk music of the highest caliber delivered by myself, and with accompanists when required: rare and beautiful fiddle tunes; banjo songs, old-time dance numbers, original instrumental compositions, ancient ballads and mountain blues - all delivered with authenticity, heart, good humor, and deep experience.

If you are an event planner, you can engage me to provide music as a solo performer, and for some occasions I can assemble a small group of first-rate musicians. I am experienced in performing unplugged as well as with a full sound system, and I can provide a sound system when necessary. You can be confident that when you engage me for your event, you are getting a seasoned professional as a performer as well as in your business relationship with me.

“One of the finest old-time musicians active today. His astonishing instrumental skill is always tempered with good taste, and his depth of knowledge and passion for the music lends a magical quality to Kenny’s music.” Gail Gillespie, formerly editor of The Old-TIme Herald

Kenny Jackson is a player of uncommon subtlety, spirit, and vitality. His music is rooted deeply in old-time, traditional Southern Appalachian styles, learned first hand through visits with elder masters, drawn from a wealth of archival recordings, and honed in countless hours of playing at fiddler's conventions, on back porches, and in kitchen sessions. Rather than merely repeating the performances of the past, Kenny draws on the deep well of traditional music for inspired interpretations and his new compositions. Since the 1980s, he has performed nationally and internationally with several outstanding string bands, including the Rhythm Rats; Big Medicine, and the Bow Benders. He’s appeared on a number of broadcast programs including A Prairie Home Companion and ABC-TV’s Good Morning America, has performed internationally, and he has a number of album projects to his credit - including his solo CD Over the Mountain.

If you are an event planner, you can engage Kenny to provide music as a solo performer (fiddle, banjo, guitar, vocals), and he is available to perform with a small ensemble of first-rate string band musicians. He is experienced in performing with a full sound system as well as unplugged. You can be confident that when you engage Kenny for your event, you are getting a seasoned professional both as a performer as well as in your business relationship with him.

STAGING As a solo acoustic performer my requirements are simple with regard to staging - basically a small stage/performing area with a reasonably comfortable armless chair, and if possible a small table/stand about the size of a nightstand. There should be enough space for myself and several acoustic instruments on stands. When performing with an ensemble more space is of course needed, dependent on the size of the ensemble.

SOUND REINFORCEMENT When amplification is required, as a solo performer I typically use a single large-diaphragm mic for voice and instruments, sometimes supplemented with a small onboard mic for my fiddle. When playing with an ensemble, additional mics will generally be required, depending on the size and configuration of the ensemble. The size and configuration of the mixing board and speakers will vary depending on how much "reach" is needed, but at minimum I would need a powered 6-channel board with EQ and phantom power, and moderately powered speakers, preferably on extendable stands. Sound system and sound technician (if needed) will be provided either by the client or by myself at additional cost - this will be negotiated prior to contract. I own a compact, 8-channel/400 watt system suitable for smaller venues, which I can provide if needed.

REFRESHMENTS/FOOD At bare minimum, several bottles of water. If the performance is over a mealtime at a catered event, access to a meal and drinks would be appreciated.

TRAVEL COSTS If travel exceeds 20 miles, an additional mileage charge may be incurred.