Live music performances by
Jay
Kirschenmann
I'm a single act, guitar and vocal performer, but I often use a loop pedal to add my recorded acoustic guitar playing to the mix. That way I can sing and play lead electric guitar live along with my recorded acoustic guitar during songs for a more full, two-guitarist sound. I don't mix in full production karaoke-style recorded backing tracks -- I want my music to be uncluttered and as much "me" as possible.
I play weekly for many smaller venues and business in the Aberdeen, SD, area -- six are on a regular monthly rotation.
I'd like to play for your gathering or event! Send me a note with the contact form below.
I am also a member of a four-piece band since 2024 — see us on Facebook: The RetroRockets Band!
ABOUT
Here's what I've been up to the past few decades
1970s: Learned guitar chords in grade school, in Aberdeen, SD. Had fun jamming with friends in high school and later played in the school jazz band. Late '70s played the region nearly every weekend with country band Driftwood while attending Northern State University.
1980s: Moved to Florida, played in duo Pete & Jay with Peter Morris at many Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Sarasota clubs and pubs. We later added keyboard player Barry LaLuna and performed as Eleventh Hour, incorporating lots of old standard songs like "Green Dolphin Street" and "Misty."
1990s: Moved back to South Dakota in the early '90s, joined Heartland Bluegrass Band in Aberdeen for three years, then Bristol-based Top 40 and rock-classics band Stardust. Later joined Full Coverage (photo), playing rock, blues, Top 40 and some country for several years in the Aberdeen region.
2000s: Moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., stood in with many musicians, played open mic sessions, and helped form trio Medicine Creek to play a county fair job. The trio became duo Jim & Jay who performed for many years nearly every weekend, ending when Jim Dews moved to Georgia. Performed a few solo gigs in the Sioux Falls, SD, area, including an hour-long show at the Old Courthouse Museum featuring all original songs.
2015: Moved to Branson, MO, played with Against The Grain during 2016, and several friends during our years there.
2018: Moved home to Aberdeen, SD. Joined The Joeys, house band at Red Rooster Coffee House. We play dances inside and summer outdoor shows there. The Joeys carry on with sometimes-changing personnel on bass and drums, but mainstays me (below, left) and fearless leader Dan Cleberg (right) on vocals and acoustic guitar.
2021 - Present: Rotating between six Aberdeen, SD, businesses nearly weekly as a solo act; Played onstage as opening act two years in a row for New Year's Eve at Hub City Station Convention Center, and a few other shows at the center. Played the anniversary open house at Natural Abundance natural food store, was among performers at the Snow Queen Festival at Brown
County Fairgrounds, and more.
2024 - Still doing ongoing solo gigs, but joined the four-piece band The RetroRockets Band. Seven gigs later we’re booking into 2026! Find us on Facebook.
GALLERY
A few pics...
CONTACT
Jay Kirschenmann
musical solo act
