Also this issue:

Fall guide
-Debra Auspitz

Feeding Frenzy
An off-Broadway hit about the restaurant biz comes to Philadelphia -- and hits close to home.
-Toby Zinman photos by michael t. regan

Gearing Up: Tara Keating
-Debra Auspitz

Bittersweet Inspiration
Soul/R&B singer Vivian Green draws power from the pain.
-A.D. Amorosi Photo By Michael T. Regan

Wherever, Whenever
A peek behind the scenes at the dream world of Cirque du Soleil's Varekai.
-Deni Kasrel

Gearing Up: James Valenti
-Debra Auspitz

Gearing Up: Sandra Blakely
-Debra Auspitz

Down To Zero
Bad-boy artist Neil Bernstein tries to do some good in a gallery near Ground Zero.
-David Warner photo by Jay Muhlin“

September 19-25, 2002

cover story

Gearing Up: Mike Kennedy

by Patrick Rapa

Mike Kennedy is, first and foremost, a drummer. Currently the stickman for two distinctly divergent and popular Philly rock bands -- the earthy, poignant Matt Pond PA, and the high-volume, high-energy Lefty’s Deceiver -- Kennedy has been on the scene for years, having previously played with the likes of Mesmer, MantaRay, the Most and the Mindworms. (“I just realized that all my ex-bands start with the letter M,” he jokes. “What does that mean?”) Singing, songwriting and playing guitar with Audible, he used to say, was just a side thing. But, as he began dedicating more time and energy to Audible, he eventually had to admit the “little solo four-track project” had become a band. Kennedy and co. release their digital debut, a split CD with local strummer Adam Arcuragi, at the Khyber this Tuesday.

Who's in Audible

Mary Garito sings and plays the Casio SK-1. Jim Kehoe (Matt Pond) plays the guitar. Kris Muller (Lefty's) plays the bass. Currently, Sean Byrne of Lenola is filling in on drums, and while it's been great playing with him it bothers me that he's such a better drummer than I am.

How he prepares for a gig

First we look for a drummer. After that, we manage our stage fright using a special technique that involves sushi, beer and liquor.

Quiet time

With three bands, I guess I don't have much quiet time. But when there is, I usually write and record more songs. It's sad: I have no other hobbies.

What he writes songs about

Things I've done and things I wish I hadn't done.

The future of Audible

We have a full-length recorded and ready to go and another one written and waiting to be recorded. We're trying to find someone to put the record out sometime next year. Then we'd love to tour and bring our somber musical stylings to the world, but first I have to buy a guitar.