Tempered by experience and fueled by passion, Ken Dunn’s music "sneaks into you feet, heart, and soul." - No Depression
Distilling disparate life experiences into a proficient set of musical skills, Ken's unique songs and stories take audiences on a healing journey of love and self-discovery. With decades of touring and nine critically acclaimed albums to his credit, Ken writes, performs, and records with the intention of promoting peace, social, and environmental justice. Alternatively light-hearted and pensive, contemporary, yet infused with tradition, this is music focused on positive human values, with diversity and inclusivity at its core.
Here's hoping everyone is safe and sound out there! I sure do miss performing live, but I'm so grateful for the response "Ashes in the Morning" has been getting on the airwaves! Many thanks to everyone who has purchased the album, live streamed on iTunes or Spotify, and all the supportive Folk DJs out there! Check out "Ashes in the Morning" here
At present, the Canada-U.S. border remains closed to non-essential traffic (including us poor musicians)! Unfortunately, given the circumstances, I will not be able to secure my U.S. work visa for 2020-2021.
It is therefore with a heavy heart that I must cancel my upcoming 2020-2021 U.S. tour in support of my new album "Ashes in the Morning".
On the plus side, I am looking forward to producing an online concert series over the next year, and have a number of radio shows lined up.
Let us all hope for a brighter future with the joy of live music ringing in our ears, and hugs all round!
Peace, Love, and Music, Ken
In these challenging times, when we are all feeling so isolated, I am thankful for the music which keeps us together! It's wonderful to know that people are still listening to music and I am grateful to those that have taken the time, and made the effort to review "Ashes in the Morning".... Peace, Love, and Music Always !!
‘Ashes In The Morning’ is a phenomenal album with glowing notes and deserves the highest recognition among the music community.
- Jimmy Rae, Skope Magazine, USA
"This is quite a sincere effort by an engaging troubadour."
- John Apice, Americana Highways
"A very inspiring album"
- Remo Ricaldone, Planet Country, Italy
"A stentorian voiced folkie…finding strength through speaking truth"
- Chris Spectre, Midwest Record Review, USA
I must say I'm honoured "Ashes in the Morning" is being featured as Album of the Week, beginning May 8, 2020 on Blues and Roots Radio. Check it out if you're in need of a little Covid relief... Stay safe, healthy, and happy folks 🎶💕☮
I am thrilled to announce the release of my new album "Ashes in the Morning" by Trespass Music today, May 1, 2020.
It is also available on most streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, and most major online retailers.
And of course, if you would like a physical copy, I'd love for you to order a signed CD or Vinyl LP directly from me!
I feel very passionate about this record, which I view as a clarion call to embrace love, compassion, hope, gratitude, and non-violent activism as positive change agents in this unprecedented and challenging era of pandemics, climate change, species loss, and upheaval on so many levels.
I hope this music serves to inspire positive change both within ourselves and the fragile world we share 🎶💕
Dear Friends,
As mentioned in my previous blog post, I believe that despite the suffering and loss we are currently experiencing, there is an unprecedented opportunity to heal and forge positive new beginnings.
Toward this end I have created an album of music that embraces love, compassion, hope, gratitude, and non-violent activism as change agents in this challenging era of pandemics, climate change, species loss, and upheaval on so many levels. I hope the music contained herein serves to inspire positive change both within ourselves and the fragile world we share.
"Ashes in the Morning” is my 9th album in the past 25 years and it will be released by Trespass Music on May 1.
Although the album will be available on all digital platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and Apple Music, I would appreciate pre-orders directly from my Crowdfunding Page to help offset production costs.
My very best wishes to you all. Please stay safe and keep your hearts open!
I hope this post finds you safe, healthy, and sane wherever you may be. As we struggle to find meaning in these difficult times, let us keep our hearts open, and our hopes alive. Despite the suffering and loss, I believe we now have an opportunity to forge a positive new beginning.
Perhaps the dawning of a new age, a kinder, gentler, and more compassionate relationship with our selves, our fellow human beings, our fellow creatures, and Mother Earth is at hand.
Like my fellow musicians, the gig cancellations continue to roll in, and I find myself struggling for ways to remain connected to you - my dear friends and fans.
Thankfully, the veritable explosion of online performances is testimony to our ability as performers and audiences alike to thrive as a musical community.
Sadly, venues that present live music have few options, with an already dwindling number of folk and roots presenters facing further pressure and risk of closing.
I hope to help by performing an online concert for each cancelled show, with proceeds of ticket sales shared with each venue that had to cancel.
I am still working out the logistical details, but hope to have those worked out soon. Thank you for your kind attention and continued support. Stay safe and stay kind.
Love, Peace, and Music Always, Ken
I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy in this unprecedented era of social distancing and self-isolation. Thank you for doing your part to reduce the impact of the virus by staying home if you can. And for those who cannot, to those providing essential services, risking themselves daily to keep us safe and supplied with the necessities of life, thank you! To those who must venture forth out of economic necessity, to the marginalized and homeless, to all who have no other choice, my heart goes out to you as well. Let us find compassion in our hearts to help each other in these difficult times.
After what will likely be our last show for some time, the 8th annual benefit concert for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Anna and I drove 24 hours over three days and crossed into Canada at Niagara Falls and are now in self-isolation in Hamilton, Ontario.
Shortly after our arrival, I was greeted by the delivery of my new CD, "Ashes in the Morning", my 9th in the past 25 years. Ironic timing for sure, as the scheduled release date of May 1 is, like everything else, uncertain. Also in the mail was approval of the U.S. Work Visa for what was to be my upcoming American tour in support of the album release.
Unfortunate timing for sure, but I know I am one of the lucky ones. I am using this time to cultivate gratitude in my daily yoga and meditation practice. I have someone to love, not to mention a dog to keep me grounded. I am updating my website, changing guitar strings, learning new chords, and writing songs. I will be performing online concerts to share the joy of music with you when I can.
And, if you would like to hear some fresh new music celebrating love, compassion, hope, gratitude, and non-violent activism as positive change agents in this unprecedented and challenging era... then checkout my Crowdfunding Page to advance order "Ashes in the Morning"
It was great to be back in the studio with Jan Hall at Folk Roots Radio for this interview and live performance featuring a number of new releases from other performers as well. Check out the show here!
FOLK ROOTS RADIO WITH JAN HALL, EPISODE #495 FEATURING KEN DUNN
Happy New Year everyone! As we enter a new decade, push the proverbial reset button, and formulate our resolutions, I remain hopeful that a better world is unfolding!
Undoubtedly, 2019 was a year filled with angst and crises too numerous to fully comprehend. And, despite our fervent desire for a quick fix, we know the clock striking twelve midnight is not going to make it all go away.
Whatever Bogeyman haunts your particular version of reality, whether that be the climate crisis, the prospect of nuclear war, or your own personal struggles with mortality, let us all take comfort in the fact that we are stronger together as a community. Indeed, resolving our differences as a species, and learning to treat all life on this planet with respect is our only hope, if are to survive.
Musically, it has been a wild roller coaster of a year with the release of my 8th album, "Live in L.A." and tours both far and wide. Taking a very personal, musical message of love, peace, social justice, and environmental responsibility across the continent can be a risky business on many fronts. Vulnerability and isolation alternate with exhilaration and the formation of powerful connections. Acceptance and rejection become yin and yang, a catalyst for letting go and cultivating gratitude.
And so with a new year, and hopefully a new age dawning, this old folksinger will continue down the road, sometimes crawling, sometimes dancing, either solo or happily accompanied by my love and musical partner Anna, and our furry little friend, Louie.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me on this quest, including family, friends, fans, DJ's, and venues. It really does take a village! Special thanks to 'my team' - Michelle Fortier, Larry Ahearn and Trespass Music. I look forward to our continuing journey together. Love, peace, and music always!
Now in its eleventh year, The Living Room Coffeehouse at the Mason Congregational Church in Mason, New Hampshire is a monthly community event that features an ever-changing mix of area musicians, poets, and spoken word artists. I was looking forward to being the feature performer, bringing musical love to this wonderful community! However, due to Covid-19 I was unable to obtain my U.S. work visa for 2020-2021.