About

The Midnight Kitchen blues band first came together as a Jazzschool collaboration in 2014 called Midnight Blue. As we added bandmates, we soon realized the band needed a name that reflected the fun we had playing together.  The Midnight Kitchen is where you go with friends to shed the worries of the day, feast on some tasty music and by the end of our time together, feel pleasantly satiated.

How we describe our music

Midnight Kitchen gets folks up dancing and having fun. That’s why we say “Blues You Can Use.” We love introducing our audiences to music from the artists that have inspired us. Our music is a mixture of many different influences.  We draw from jump blues, swing, jazz, old school R&B, funk, bluegrass, country and rock.  For us, the common denominator is the upbeat vibe of the blues with all of its many branches.

Here’s what the band members say about our musical influences

JEANNE (vocals, rhythm guitar, mandolin)

I grew up singing my heart out in my bedroom to Aretha, Phoebe, Gladys, Linda, Joni and Janis. My musical journey started with R&B, folk and rock, and amplified once I learned to play the Blues and Swing on my guitar. A heartfelt shoutout to my musical guides Steve, Kate and Pamela. The music of Louis Jordan, Memphis Minnie, Bonnie Raitt, Cyndi Lauper, Susan Tedeschi, Ray Charles, BB King and Bessie Smith still influences me today.

TIM (lead guitar and vocals)

Country music was constantly playing in the background during my formative years in rural Ohio. Got my first guitar at 10, about the same time the Partridge Family was beamed weekly into our living room, starting a lifelong quest to be a member of the perfect performing family. My sonic journey has taken me from 60’s and 70’s Rock ‘n’ Roll, to Punk, to Jazz, to Blues, then back to Country. I love all of what American music has to offer and take comfort knowing that it’s all connected by one tangled up instrument cable.

BARBARA (violin and vocals)

I started my musical life in the classical arena but moved to the music that moves me the most—blues, rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, jazz, swing. Artists inspiring me include Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Bonnie Raitt, Louis Armstrong, Claude Willliams, Itzhak Perlman and my Mother. I studied violin under Chad Manning, Mads Tolling, and Katie Glassman. Music brings people together. My favorite music urges people to dance, reminisce and lose themselves in the beauty of the moment.

JERRY (guitar and vocals)

I just love to play!  Over the years I’ve played classical guitar, banjo, dobro, lap steel.  On guitar, I like to play fingerstyle (think Leo Kottke, but only aspirationally), jazz, blues, whatever.  You can check out a bunch of my projects over the years at https://jerryfiddler.com/music/.  Having great fun playing with Midnight Kitchen!



RICH (bass)

To name a few of my influences: Berry Oakley’s deep pocket with the Allman Brothers. Phil Lesh’s imaginative contrapuntal lines. The atmospheric stylings of Eberhard Weber and David Friesen. The New Orleans funk of Little Feat. Coleman Hawkins’ rich lyricism, and John Coltrane’s profound body of groundbreaking work. Improvisational music of all kinds!

NANCY (drums, percussion)

My background is from classical training (I still play in an orchestra) and I’m much newer to the Blues scene. Pamela Rose and her “Blues is a Women” is an inspiration along with Tony TC Coleman, a great blues drummer who played for years with BB King, and the great Lucinda Williams. Enjoying the journey.

How we Arrange our Shows

Normally, Midnight Kitchen plays as a full electric band. We enjoy playing either inside or outside. Since our performances are tailored to each individual venue, party or event, we can also play as an acoustic band, as an instrumental band or in smaller combos of 2–4 musicians. Our music sets are perfect for restaurants, wineries, pubs, parties, festivals, fundraisers and corporate events.

Selected Past Venues

Baltic Kiss, Richmond
Black Star Pirate BBQ, Richmond
Cafe Leila, Berkeley
Caffe Chiave, Berkeley
Cornerstone Restaurant, Berkeley
CovidChella, Berkeley / Albany
El Cerrito Folk Festival, El Cerrito
Freight & Salvage (private events), Berkeley
Ivy Room, Albany
Kensington Circus Pub, Kensington
Mike Hess Brewery, Walnut Creek
Peralta Community Garden Concert Series, Berkeley
Riggers Loft Wine Bar and Restaurant, Richmond
Solano Stroll, Berkeley / Albany
Kensington, Fort Mason, SF & Moraga Farmers’ Markets
Private Events, Parties and Benefits, various locations

For bookings, information, comments, or just to say hello, please contact us at midnightkitchenband@gmail.com