Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Guy, Kiss,
Muddy Waters, and The Professors:
All in One Sentence!

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November 22, 1998, marked the second appearance of The Professors at Kenny's Castaways and places us in some very good company. With its 30 year history, Kenny's Castaways is firmly established as a focal point for New York music. The club's colorful history has earned it a permanent place on New York City's official "Music trail." Hosting a variety of acts (acoustic, soloists, and bands), the Kenny's Castaways venue showcases the best rock and blues the tri-state area has to offer.

First opened in 1965, Kenny's Castaways immediately became the club of choice among up and coming acts. It all started when a little known band called the New York Dolls took the stage for their fist club gig outside the Mercer Arts Center. Soon after came acts such as Kiss, Aerosmith, The Roaches and the poetic styling of Patti Smith. An unknown singer named Pat Smythe was performing when Columbus Records came in looking for a vocalist for the newly signed Scandal. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments came when Bruce Springsteen took the stage for one week in 1973. This would be his first ever N.Y.C. show with the now famous E Street Band.

While Kenny's Castaways is more known for rock acts, the club has had its share of the blues. From legends like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Professor Longhair to regular acts such as Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Luther Allison and John Hammon Jr.

While many things have changed in the past 30 years, one thing has remained constant: Kenny's Castaways is still showcasing some of the best talent around. More recent acts include The Smithereens, Blues Traveler, From Good Homes, and, of course, The Professors. Kenny's continuously maintains its eclectic policy of booking straight ahead rock and blues, great vocalists and stylists, acid jazz, alternative, and R & B. With its newly remodeled stage and V.I.P. balcony area, Kenny's Castaways is the place to showcase the finest musicians around. This friendly Greenwich Village environment offers a welcome retreat for the music lover tired of the pseudo- pretentiousness of so called "in" places.

This page last updated February 22, 2010 by Gary Radford.
Many thanks to Kurt Wagner, Marie Radford, and Jon Oliver.