
BarFly's Review of Kenton Club
"The World Famous Kenton Club," so-called due to its co-starring role as scenery for Miss Raquel Welch in "Kansas City Bomber," is quickly becoming the darling of the local indie-country/rockabilly circuit.
Featuring ShanRock's Trivia every Thursday at 9:00 pm
Open 7am-2am daily. Low to no cover.
This place sounds very interesting, BUT-No matter how great the venue is otherwise, I won't poison myself with smoke-just can't breathe. I feel sorry for the staff and band!
Can't wait till this state goes smoke free in January. Look forward to checking out this and many other (now smoke-filled) places then.
Write Your Own Review »
I would sure love this bar more if it wasn't so smoky, I went in the winter time so the awesome patio wasn't an option.
Lots of people watching here, good drinks too! I didn't try the food.
St. Bruno might need to go back and give it another chance, the new owners are lovely and have done a swell job attracting local talent.
Write Your Own Review »
I will disclaim right away that I am a friend of the new owners. That's right- new owners as of fall 06. The clientele is varied, the atmosphere smoky, but I was there before the change and have been back since, and things are steadily getting better. Now there is a nice patio area in the summer, the bands are actually trying, and the drinks are still cheap. Sure, it's not a swanky downtown joint, but it's a stiff drink, good atmosphere, and no hassle. Give it a try.
Write Your Own Review »
Write Your Own Review »
Firstly, I think St. Bruno is a turd for writing a negative review of an establishment he's not set foot in for several years. Secondly, and more germain to the point, I think the Kenton Club is an awesome example of what's good about Old Portland merging with New Portland. The Kenton is a bar that hasn't been remodeled or lost it's 'roots' and 'feel', but rather embraces what it is and those whom might feel comfortable there, and because of that, has made the best of both worlds. If the Kenton Club was in SE (or on wheels!), it'd be my second home, especially as the Kenton (or rather Michael Sean Cummins) has done a diligent job at cycling interesting and quality bands through the bar, while at the same time, allowing new bands to prove their merit. As a music booker and promoter, I can say that Kenton is a great place to play, and Michael and staff are succeeding at making it a home to the Roots Music scene. Congrats to Kenton.
Write Your Own Review »
Have not been there in a few years, what I remember is not good. The owner was drunk the patrons were local idiots and the entertainment was a one-man-band.
Write Your Own Review »
Michael Cummins was the gracious host for an eclectic mix of music, beatboxing and comedy.
Bud in the bottle (No hatin people) was 2 bux and there are a lotta tables with overcushioned seats for us 'older' folks. The crowd was a nice mix mostly 20's-30's. Everyone was very supportive of the acts.
If you like the follow-the-bouncing-ball folkfest many open mics are, please don't come here. I'd like to see the freaks and non-mainstreamers come do their thing.
Here was tonite's rundown: ("Guitar & vocals" covers Many musical styles. No two performers were alike)
Michael Cummins- Host, guitar & vocals
Lues Bros- Guitar & vocals
Jason Schummer-Guitar with Heather on vocals
Notorious Kelly-Irreverent Comedy
Zac & Amanda-Guitar & vocals
Larry-Guitar & funny vocals
Xbox- Beatboxing (some amazing stuff)
Ivy-Guitar & vocals
Shane-Guitar,vocals,rapping featuring Xbox & dancing with a drunken local (He was the highlight of the night to me)
Davis(vocals, lead & bass) & Company: Shawn on lead & bass, George on drums Featuring Fred on vocals for some Blues . They got the whole room dancing.
I'll be back next Wednesday at 9 for more.

