Exclusive Q&A with David Kenney

David Kenney has a radio show on WBAI-FM called Everything Old Is New Again. He will be bringing a holiday show to the Metropolitan Room on Thursday, December 17 at 6pm, benefiting the radio station. Julie Budd will be among the singers that night. David won this year's MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Board of Directors Award. We sat down recently to do the following interview. Again, thanks to Richard Skipper for getting us together. richardskipper.com


Buddy Beaverhausen: Tell us about your upcoming show at the Metropolitan Room.
David Kenney: It's our third holiday concert there. So it's sort of become our home. It's a two-hour show at a reasonable ticket price, so nobody will feel cheated

BB:What led you to that venue in the first place?
DK: It has a great art-deco decor that sort of suits our shows. And Bernie and Joanne are so easy to deal with and such nice people.
BB: I love those guys!

BB: Were you born and raised in NYC?
DK: No, I'm from New Jersey.
BB: Isn't everybody? I a Jersey boy, too.
DK: Where are you from?
BB: Paterson. You?
Dk: Kinnelon, actually. Do you know where that is?
BB: Well I know it's near Wayne and the Pompton Lakes area.
DK: Yes, just a little west of that.

BB: What music influenced you growing up there?
DK: Well, I was exposed to everything. My dad liked -- and played classical on piano. And mom loved playing The Beatles and other 1960s pop music. So it was very eclectic.

BB: How did you choose your show's ensemble performers?
DK: It's a very mixed selection of artists I've admired and/ or worked with. Usually I supply the band but this year, for the first time, each singer will bring his or her own accompanists.

BB: Do you listen to much current pop music on the radio these days? And if so what do you think?
DK: My teenage son loves to listen to rap music but I personally don't find musical value in it. Too much egotism. bragging as well. After I drop him off, I change the station.

BB: What do you think about Lady Gaga, who seems to be positioning herself more toward classic pop music?
DK: I think she's very wise to do that. She has positioned herself for the long run. I think she has a great voice, and I admire her for that.

BB: Who would be the dream artist you'd like to have in your ensemble?
DK: I already have my dream team this year.

BB: I have a lot of LGBT readers. Anything you'd like to say to them?
DK: I support equality for all, so I support your struggle for it, and stay strong.

BB: Thank you, David. Any last shout-outs to our readers?
DK: Certainly! Come see our show at the Metropolitan Room, Thursday, December 22nd at 6 pm!