Andrew Kerr sings stories. Whether he is singing about his childhood dreams of becoming a rap star or about teaching Coal Miners in Kentucky how to plan for retirement, he delivers his unique brand of ‘truth is stranger (and often funnier) than fiction’ tales with catchy melodies and a hearty dose of sarcasm and wit. Andrew started his performing career ten years ago as a stand-up comic, and from the moment he steps on stage, this is apparent. His live shows are high-energy and interactive, and have been described as a folk-rock-comedy blend.

Andrew’s Roots... Born and raised in New York City, Andrew grew up with a mixed bag of musical influences that ranged from James Taylor and Harry Chapin to the Sugar Hill Gang and Public Enemy. As a result, his music is a unique blend of introspective folk-influenced songwriting, sarcastic stand-up comedy, and rock and rap-influenced music and grooves. After graduating from Syracuse University, Andrew returned home to New York City and began living a double life. By night, he was performing music around New York, and hosting the open mic and booking a monthly ‘New Voices’ showcase at the legendary Fast Folk Café. By day, he was an Investment Advisor (in the folk tradition), traveling the coutryside dishing out advice to unsuspecting investors everywhere (and gathering songwriting material). To this day, he may be the only person on Wall Street to find humor in Retirement Planning and 401(k)s. He could have been one of the great ones...one of the funniest Investment Advisors of all time. Unfortunately for the Investment Community, he left his job in 1999 to pursue music full-time.

Go West... In 1997, Andrew relocated to San Francisco from his hometown of New York City. He released his first CD Me & Buddha in 1998, recorded live at the Fast Folk Café, and began touring both coasts full-time. In July 1999, Andrew teamed up with Bay area producer-musicians Adam ‘Bagel’ Berkowitz and Cole Tate to release his first studio recording ain’t it strange. Bagel and Cole’s list of credits is a who’s who of Bay Area talent including The Westerleys, Elaine Dempsey, Susan Z and 1997 Lilith Fair Talent Search winner Noelle Hampton. Andrew and Bagel teamed up again in 2001 to record Andrew’s third independent CD, rock star.

COME BACK!... In response to his success on the right half of the country and to be closer to home when he tours, Andrew came halfway home in the Fall of 2000 and settled in Chicago. In March, 2003, he released his fourth CD, Live, recorded at two sold-out shows at Club Passim in Cambridge, and he continues to tour the national acoustic scene aggressively, logging over 6 billion miles annually (well, almost).

Besides music... Andrew was a semi-finalist in the selection process for the CBS show, Survivor III, to be filmed in Africa. He didn’t make the final cut, but the producers of the show did love his video tape submission which featured his “Survivor Theme Song,” now a popular staple at his live shows. When Andrew isn’t watching stupid reality T.V. shows, he likes fixing stuff and hanging out with his wife Joanna and cat Ben.