For The Love of Music...

Heartful and Dedicated

The Mississippi dew clings to the banks of the city, a barge pushes 100,000 tons of coal, and the voices of a storied history sing the melodies of Creole jazz, Appalachian string bands, and Deep Southern Blues....This is what its like growing up in St.Louis. 

An early love of singing, writing poetry, and old music is where I come from. It's in my bones. It's in my songs, and it's the fabric of my life. 

I have been performing since I started singing in my grandpa's church at an early age. Over the years I have played in many ensembles, with many different musicians, and in many different settings for various people. I know whole heartedly that I gleaned something from every musician and was honored by every turned ear.  I once read that it's "not how you do something, but why you do something" and this is my why.... to connect with YOU, and for us to be in this music together, sharing in a forgotten space, and seeking peace of mind.      

From the banks of the Mississippi in St. Louis to the high peaks of the western Rocky Mountains, Kenny Wayne Gentry weaves a rich tapestry of American roots music. Raised on the soul, blues, and rich heritage of his Midwestern upbringing, the Carbondale, Colorado-based multi-instrumentalist, with a primary focus on mandolin, now channels that deep foundation into a diverse array of mountain-grown projects.

At the core of his active career is Kenny Wayne Gentry and The Companions, alongside a dynamic lineup of performers, and performances suited for any stage:

Solo Performance: Delivering elevated, acoustic sets tailored for upscale private events throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

Duos & Ensembles: Performing in the Gentry/Jackson duo, a folk-jazz duo of mandolin/guitar, blending original compositions, traditional ballads, and 1940s gypsy jazz.

Gentryfried: An electric band project putting a high-energy twist on original songs and reimagined covers. 

Before focusing on his current projects, Kenny spent four and a half years touring as a featured multi-instrumentalist with Nashville-recording artist The Hugh Phillips Band. He also co-founded the original string band Elk Range, earning festival slots alongside bluegrass legend Sam Bush, an appearance on The Real Housewives of Orange County (Season 16, Episode 16), and over 7 million views across two viral videos filmed during a 2023 Colorado highway snowstorm. 

Whether commanding a stage solo or collaborating across genres, Kenny brings an authentic, soul-stirring presence to every note. In the timeless words of Louis Armstrong, "Music is life."