KZSM — Rockin’ the Kissing Alley Thursday
KZSM.org, together with our partners the Main Street Program of the City of San Marcos and the innovative event management company Apogee Presents, proudly announces the second concert of our Kissing Alley Summer Series, Thursday, August 19, from 7-10 p.m. featuring the Johnathans.
The Johnathans are an “oldies” band specializing in the years 1955 to 1965. They play hits by Elvis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, The Ventures, Beatles, various Doo-Wop songs and more! The musicians’ first names inspired the band name: Jon Ricketts, lead guitar and vocals; Jon Kemppainen, sax, guitar, keys, and vocals; and John Chandler, drums and vocals.
The only Johnathan not named Jon is Paul Wilson, bass, twelve string guitar, and vocals. Wilson hosts “Philosophy and Popular Music (Sundays noon-2 p.m.), one of KZSM’s most original live shows. For his broadcasts, Wilson melds his two careers: He’s an accomplished musician and a part-time member of the Association, and also an instructor in the Philosophy Department at Texas State.
Four years ago Wilson put the word out among his fellow musicians that he wanted to play fifties music. “I wanted to play it just because it was the one style of music I had yet to play,” he recalls. I’ve been in so many bands and played so many genres of music that—if I play this, I will have done it all.” Wilson was joined by Kemppainen and Ricketts, veterans of the bluegrass band Hard to Make a Living. Chandler added his passion for surf instrumentals along with his drum skills.
Fifties music has a broad appeal. “It’s the quality,” Wilson explains. “There’s not a bad song among it. No matter when they were born or what they were exposed to as far as pop music goes,” people respond positively to the music.
Since its inception, the Kissing Alley concert series has hosted an impressive variety of local groups, offering all kinds of music. The diverse mix of entertainment at our Kissing Alley Concerts reflects the range of talent and creativity that abounds in our city and region.
The Johnathans are among the many bands who make up that mix. “We had a great time last time,” they report.
Join them and us Thursday 7-10 p.m. to celebrate summer in a magical space filled with tradition. Masks and social distancing are recommended for this event.
