A note (and update) from the Kensingtons:
The Kensingtons are in the midst of a great year of playing music, having just done gigs at Earl’s ( 6th Annual Venture Riders Rally), Larkinville (5th year) and at our monthly musical home, Sportsmen’s Tavern.
We’ve also had enjoyable outings at M & T Plaza, The Draft Room, and Riverfest Park (Fourth of July Celebration).
We’ll be back at Sporto on Friday, Sept. 27, at 5:30pm (Benefit for Cathie Wallace); Oct. 24 (Veterans’ One Stop Benefit with three other great bands); Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and Dec. 27 (4th Annual Krismas with the Kensingtons).
2020 will have us at the Sportsmens for our usual Friday happy hour gigs ( and a couple Saturday Matinees) on Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 24, July 31, Aug. 21, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 17 and Dec. 18.
Thanks to Dwane Hall and his family for their kindness and support over these past few years. Thanks also to Ken Biringer for his support and generous booking schedule.
…and a special thanks to the SPORTSMENS AMERICANA FOUNDATION. You do more to promote and support Americana music and to foster music education than any group or organization that we know of. That’s why we are happy and honored to be a SAMF sponsor.
Other things to look for as we move forward? We will be doing a special two-night stand at Pausa Art House in February 2020, featuring music from great artists like Jimmy Webb, Tom Waits and Paul Simon.
We hope to be infusing our sets with more original songs written by us individually and collectively.
Willie is working on his own recording of Schoellkopf originals, Jack has several originals waiting to see the light of day and I have a bunch of my own songs (some of which aren’t terrible).
Joe and Tom have written some great songs together and Mike is always there to keep the beat going on drums. (If he’s written any songs, he’s kept them a secret so far).
I am planning a sequel to my “Simple Matter of Twang” CD, which will feature some under-the-radar country classics and a couple of originals.
We’re also happy that Willie has added some new instruments to his musical arsenal, including a nearly 100-year-old mandolin and a brand new red, 12-string Rickenbacker guitar. He’s also playing his Strat and Martin Acoustic. It’s opened up all kinds of musical possibilities.
Maestro Jack continues to lead the charge with his great piano and vocals, Joe rips it up every time with his Stratocaster riffs and vocals, Tom Lillis continues to amaze with his cool bass riffs and Mike just keeps banging out a great sound ( with occasional help from Mike Jr).
I’m here mainly because I seem to be able to hit high notes, and who doesn’t like Roy Orbison?
The Kensingtons are:
- Jack Freedenberg (piano, vocals)
- Tim Franczyk (vocals and acoustic guitar)
- Willie Schoellkopf ( guitars, mandolin, vocals)
- Joe Nicastro ( guitar and vocals)
- Tom Lillis ( bass)
- Mike Lillis ( drums)
- Mike Lillis Jr ( percussion)
