Kenny Ard entertaining Pam and her friends on her birthday!
Kenny Ard received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano Performance / Music Theory and Composition from the University of New Orleans, and a Master of Musical Arts Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by post-graduate keyboard studies with jazz great Ellis Marsalis. Upon being employed by Grossmont College in 1988, he has taught Class and Private Piano in both jazz and classical idioms, Rudiments of Music, Music Theory, Music History, Music in the Classroom, and Commercial Music Skills. He also taught at Southwestern College in nearby Chula Vista, CA, where he directed the Jazz Vocal Ensemble for three years.
Mr. Ard performs jazz on a regular basis at various locations throughout San Diego. He also performs regularly with his combo, Etouffee, a New Orleans Rhythm and Blues group.
Two original musicals were written by Ard, "The Delta Queen", and Storyville, A Sweet Sportin? Proposition" and he is currently performing his lecture-concert, "The History of Jazz", with his six-piece combo at various venues throughout San Diego. He also has done extensive musical direction for theater productions in New Orleans and San Diego. A compilation of Ard's original tunes were produced and released on a CD recording, titled "Gumbo in My Blood." "Kenny's latest CD, Missing New Orleans," is a live recording together with his band, Etouffee in San Diego, December, 2005. Ard is currently a member of the MTAC and ASCAP.