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... by Joanne Corsano

Maura and Pete Kennedy
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We went to that fab nonprofit venue, the Narrows, to see The Kennedys. They're two singers with guitars, a married couple, Pete and Maura Kennedy, playing songs in the realm of folk and Americana, mostly originals. Pete is a very talented instrumentalist and Maura has a very sweet voice, and they sound very good together. They were also very photogenic, especially Maura, who dressed in a little black dress, fancy tights, and stage boots, and she looked really happy most of the show. Pete is maybe the more serious player of the two, but he seemed to enjoy himself, too. They both moved around the stage, striking rock star poses as they played their guitars; it was really quite entertaining to watch. They really had a "look" on stage.

The show was opened by The Lonesome Brothers, a duo who play songs with some country influence, consisting of Jim Armenti on guitar and Ray Mason on bass. The two guys alternate singing lead on the songs. The audience enjoyed their set quite a bit and engaged in some good natured teasing of them: "are you guys really brothers?" and "are you really lonesome?" Since we've been a fan of Ray Mason for a few years, it was enjoyable to see him in his country incarnation, and to hear the talented Jim Armenti for the first time. Ray and Jim joined The Kennedys for a few songs at the end of their set. Maura and Pete clearly appreciate their association with these two veterans of the music business. I would not be at all surprised to find out that Maura and Pete call them Uncle Ray and Uncle Jim; and if they don't, they should.

This show is a good demonstration of how useful the term "Americana" is. The Lonesome Brothers have some country sound, but they're by no means straightahead country; The Kennedys are based in the folk world, but are no means straightahead folk.

Note added in October 2020: Every concert goer experiences shows that wind up having a major influence on their future musical interests. This show was one of those for me. I didn't see The Kennedys again for a few years, but then I started to see them every year at the New Bedford Folk Festival, and in the past few years Concert Going Partner and I have seen their shows quite a few times. This year, the year of the worldwide pandemic, The Kennedys have performed a streaming show every Sunday, which I have watched almost every week, and it has been a real anchor in my week, helping me to cope with the worldwide terrible situation we are in. In addition, I have also gotten to be quite a fan of The Lonesome Brothers and have seen them quite a few times.

Here is a page with a handy list of links to all pages on this website with content relating to Pete and Maura Kennedy.

Here is a page with a handy list of links to all pages on this website with content relating Ray Mason and the bands he is in, including The Lonesome Brothers.