Author Archives: kesslerbk

About kesslerbk

When I was supposed to be studying in high school... I was playing along with recordings in the basement. As a nice suburban boy, I knew about the Beatles, the Who, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. These were the only recordings of harmonica I knew. I learned some of their solos. It didn't take long before I discovered where the harmonica lived and breathed for me - Chicago blues. I got into Chicago players of the 50s and 60s and tried to play like they did...not as easy to master! I'm still finding that out today. For a long time, did just fine as a self-taught harmonica player. But along the way I realized the value of expert teachers - on harmonica Corky Siegel and more recently Howard Levy; on jazz clarinet Nick Bisesi and David Bloom (I spent an entire year under his tutelage working not only on jazz clarinet but music theory, arranging and practice techniques). I joined Bakelite 78 in 2003. The band specialized in parlor jazz of the 1920s and 30s, old murder ballads, blues, country-western, and original material that borrows a little from each category. The Chicago Reader called the first Bakelite 78 CD "a fantastic collection." The band's 2nd album was produced by guitarist Jimbo Mathus and came out in Nov. 2008. However, the band is on hiatus as our talented founder, songwriter & singer is pursuing other opportunities in Seattle. The "indie-rock" duo Short Punks in Love asked me to contribute to new recordings 2009 and I took part in their collection, The Adventures of Rosie the Cat. Meanwhile, I continue to learn and grow as a soloist, accompanist and musical colorist. Need something impassioned and unique on your own recordings? See what I can do for you.

Spring 2013 Shows

Posted on March 24, 2013

Fri. 3/29 Hideout Happy Hour, 5:30pm We play acoustic in the front room (one of our favorites!) Fri 4/12 Uncommon Ground Happy Hour, 6:00pm Another favorite acoustic Happy Hour. more to come…stay tuned! 

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November/December/January Shows

Posted on November 21, 2012

Friday, November 23rd   The California Clipper    10pm-1:30am   No cover.  Our Hometown Home Away from Home!  1002 N. California Ave., Chicago Wednesday, Nov. 28th  Untitled Speakeasy   6pm-9pm   No cover.   A new downtown venue.  It’s a speakeasy. Don’t tell anyone  they … Continue reading →

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Honored to be mentioned…

Posted on October 2, 2012

in this piece about live country music in Chicago: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/09/24/us/ap-us-travel-trip-country-in-chicago.html?_r=0

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April Live Shows

Posted on April 20, 2012

Friday, April 20th – Uncommon Ground on Devon   1401 W. Devon, Chicago  -  Happy Hour(s) performance from 6pm-8pm Thurs. April 26 – Schuba’s 3159 N. Southport, Chicago – Opening for 4 on the Floor

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Clipper shows and Country Soul

Posted on February 20, 2012

We’re goin’ to California…Clipper.  And once just ain’t enough, we’ll be rockin’ three nights in the upcoming month. Uncommon Ground too! And on the very last day of March we’ll be warmin’ up the crowds at the Hideout for none … Continue reading →

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2012 Live Performances

Posted on January 6, 2012

Tues. Jan 10th    The Hideout   9pm   One of our favorite rooms to play!   Did you miss the high-energy, packed performance in December?   Come on by! Fri. Jan. 20th  FitzGerald’s  9pm   We’re on the bill with the Anna Egge Band and … Continue reading →

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We close out 2011 with a month full of shows!

Posted on November 27, 2011

Friday, Dec. 2nd   California Clipper    10pm-1:30am   FREE Friday, Dec. 16th  Chris & Heather’s Country Calendar show at FitzGerald’s Hosted by Chris Ligon and Heather McAdams. Featuring Nora O’Connor, The Polkaholics, The Chicago Cajun Aces, Charlie King, The Modern Sounds, The … Continue reading →

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Dog Days…Autumn’s a-comin’

Posted on August 16, 2011

New shows posted for ya folks. Our last few gigs of the summer, then straight on through to fall. Seasons be damned, the Willoughbys play on! As always, check out ye olde Facebooke for updates to the calendar. Saturday, Aug … Continue reading →

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‘Tis the Season… Summer shows update

Posted on June 6, 2011

Howdy howdy. Been a while since we last updated, but we’re back in force: What follows is a fairly complete list of all our upcoming summer gigs — notably, the ‘Day in the Country Festival’ at the Hideout, sure to … Continue reading →

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Upcoming shows…updated!

Posted on April 14, 2011

Howdy everyone. Tackin’ on a few more shows to the schedule. Check it out: Fri, April 29 @ Duke’s Hideaway 6920 N. Glenwood Ave, Chicago 10 pm. FREE. If you’re even remotely close to the red line, you have no … Continue reading →

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