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 and/or Notable works include:

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

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.

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'