The Kenn Morr Band will be performing for Bartow-Pell’s August First Friday concer series on the back terrace overlooking the pebble court and formal garden (weather permitting).

The Kenn Morr Band is pleased to be touring in support of its latest release, “Still Shining”. Recorded at Sandy Brook Studios in Colebrook, CT, the album features eleven new songs penned by Morr highlighted by the cohesive playing of the Kenn Morr Band.

The result is an organic collection of lush three-part vocal harmonies and sparkling instruments—real musicians playing soulful music in real time. United Kingdom’s Andre Avanessian of Radio Airplay states: “Passionately performed and tenderly written, Kenn Morr’s captivating “Still Shining” bears all the distinct trademarks you’d hope to find in folk of this ilk from its poetically vibrant lyrics to its wonderfully understated performances, and whilst “Still Shining” proudly bears these genre staples, Kenn Morr makes sure to stamp his own distinct musical identity onto proceedings, resulting in a songwriting that has the power to whisk listeners off their feet effortlessly. The Kenn Morr Band has delivered yet another thoroughly rewarding listening experience filled with compelling wordplay, meaningful themes, and thoroughly engaging performances.”

Growing up on Long Island, Kenn was inspired by such lyric and melody-minded acts as Gordon Lightfoot, Simon and Garfunkel, Graham Nash, and Jackson Browne. Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step became his friend and supporter and recorded Morr’s “Following the Moon.” When a college baseball scholarship didn’t work out, Kenn turned—appropriately—to Communications, a field for which he is well-suited. He’s got a radio announcer’s rich baritone and the kind of humor and charisma that enthralls audiences of all sizes, from intimate coffeehouses to the stages of venues as demanding as the famed Bitter End in New York City and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas on the New Haven Green.

Kenn left Long Island and found in Connecticut a home, new friends, and—eventually–the band that brings his music to life featuring violin virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Tom Hagymasi, Berkely College of Music grad, Pat Ryan, on (soulful, melodic) bass and “the heartbeat of the band,” drummer Tido (T-Bone) Holtkamp. Known for its close three-part vocal harmonies and fiery instrumental interplay, the group has been together for many years, becoming fast favorites on the outdoor festival scene. They’ve paid dues of every kind and played gigs of every stripe, along the way sharing the stage with artists like John Sebastian, Al Kooper, Eric Burdon, and John Wesley Harding.

Kenn’s 2003 album “New Moon Rising” was produced by legendary producer Bob Johnston (Dylan, Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen and many others.) The experience of working with Johnston greatly influenced Kenn to continue to write and produce honest and pure music. “Still Shining” is Morr’s eighth album since the Johnston collaboration.

With airplay across the country and in Europe (England, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands), The Kenn Morr Band is… Still Shining.

Cost Heritage Members and above: Free; Friend Members: $5; Not-Yet Members: Adults $15; Seniors/Students $10

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