KENOSHA KID
at ART HOUSE
BILLINGS, MONTANA
MAY 18, 2025
- Erik Olson Presents -
the Music of Kenosha Kid
Renowned pianist Erik Olson returns to Billings from his new home in Athens, Georgia, to present a special night of music featuring the compositions of Dan Nettles, guitarist and leader of Kenosha Kid—or K. Kid, as it is sometimes stylized.
For over 20 years, Kenosha Kid has thrived at the crossroads of jazz, rock, and cinematic composition, forging a singular sound that blends deep improvisation, intricate rhythmic interplay, and evocative storytelling. Rooted in jazz’s harmonic and structural freedom but unbound by tradition, Nettles and his rotating ensemble navigate a rich landscape where “the harmonic richness and rhythmic involvement come from jazz, but the sonic particulars—electric bass, grooving drums, guitar amped in stereo with pedal effects—come from a number of places.” (Flagpole).
Described as “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock, and improvised music” (Free Times), Kenosha Kid’s ever-expanding catalog includes original scores for silent film, exploratory twin albums Inside Voices and Outside Choices, and the expansive, three-LP masterwork October Book. Their performances defy easy categorization, striking a balance between meticulous composition and boundless spontaneity. As All About Jazz notes, “Kenosha Kid doesn’t fit easily into any category, but rather straddles genres without inhibitions.”
For this one-night event, Olson and Nettles are joined by Parker Brown (bass) and Zach Paris (drums) to bring this fearless, groove-forward, and improvisation-rich music to life. Expect deep swings, lush textures, and the kind of interplay that keeps audiences leaning in.
"A mash-up between contemporary jazz, alt-rock and jam-band ethos... Nettles... is an understated yet arresting guitarist, and an accomplished, composer with an ear for a good hook... Kenosha Kid would grace just about any festival stage." - All About Jazz
Nearing twenty years in existence, Kenosha Kid (or K.Kid as occasionally stylized) is a musical group led by guitarist Dan Nettles. Based in the humid indie-rock haven of Athens, Georgia, Nettles has lead a worldwide host of collaborators in a simple purpose: build a scene, write for people you know, and listen to your creative heart. Although deeply rooted in jazz composition, the all-instrumental music is fueled by an omnivorous musical appetite and as likely to reference Monk as Willie Nelson, Hendrix as Duke Ellington.
In an avalanche of creativity, October Book Parts One, Two and Three [2022] are the latest K. Kid offerings. Written across one month, OCTOBER BOOK is an epic 3-LP set featuring 31 songs, 25 musicians and a dreamlike abundance of musical sorcery with moments of lyrical melodic hooks, textural bliss, and pure rock-band glory.
"Nettles’ compositions are melodic and organically unfold through clear forms and solid sounds... a distinct sonic and emotional universe brought into focus by a band that listens as hard as they play…" -Staccatofy