Bio
Rich Kern is a multi-disciplined writer and music producer, working in mediums of song, poetry, short story, plays, instrumentals, and sound effects. His poetry has won multiple contests and he has been invited to read original written works at art galleries in the Chicago area. He has also performed music on guitar, bass, and vocals, in live theatre, rock bands, and as a solo artist.
Recent Writing
Music Albums
Music Reels
Recent / Notable Works
AmbienteOS (Upcoming)
September 2025 performance in the AmbienteOS project. Semi-improvised and contemporary classical music set to the artscape of local visuals and writings. Ensemble: Adrian Mesino (Clarinet/Art Lead), Matt Gilleran (Guitar/Conductor/Composer), Hope Rogers (Flute), Eric Goluska (Saxophone), Gramm (Cello), Rich Kern (Drumkit).
Concept Album Collaboration
I Used to be a Superhero releases in summer of 2025. The spoken word album pairs author g. e. moore's writing and vocal performance with Kern's musical composition and production.
Asante Africa Foundation
In the spring of 2025, Kern joined Asante Africa Foundation as a writer for the marketing team. The organization helps align educational resources for youths in areas of entrepeneurship and life skills. They work directly with local representation in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Tangled Up in Red
Kern's first full length play had its first stage read with
Danztheatre Ensemble's playwright cohort in early 2025.
Read here.
The Crow as it Flies
A spoken word, short story poem. Performed for the sold out Art Speaks event in Chicago by Vibrant Cast. Read here.
No Strings
A short story selected and performed for the opening night reading at Art Studio 928's Huanted Gallery. Read here.
Silhouette of Man
A moving alternative rock concept album that confronts the fallout when cultures value exploration and global dominance over humanity. Listen here. Fully produced by Rich Kern. Inspiration Map
Miserere Review Poetry Winner "Cracking"
The first track on Silhouette of Man, published and selected as poetry contest winner in a fall 2024 issue of The Miserere Review. Read here.
Chicago Suburban Drum Circle
Kern cofounded and facilitated Chicago Suburban Drum Circle, an all inclusive, any experience level, community group focused in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. A notable event was the glowstick infused, evening mobile drum circle hosted aboard the Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier.
Lullaby
Contributed instrumental rendition of The First Noel to holiday music album The Nice List. Later released for streaming paired with a bonus track from the archives. Listen here.
Live at Espresso Cup
The legendary live solo music show. Listen here.
Eudaimonia Theatre
Kern did musical composition, live sound effects, and part of a music performance ensemble for productions of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten'
Spire Magazine Poetry Winner "Intolerence"
Kern was the first place winner of the Florence B. Palmer poetry contest with his poem 'Intolerance' which describes a decomposing elephant juxtaposed in a suburban setting. It was published in Spire magazine (available in print only).