Kenneth Thames
Allow me to introduce myself, I am Kenneth (Kenny) Thames.
In fulfilling my purpose and completing my joy, I wear many hats. In addition to presenting piano performances, I also provide a combo from 2-4 additional musicians for events.
My genre encompasses jazz, blue, country, pop, standards, classical, and gospel.
I have written over 200 songs, many of them are performed at my events. One of my favorite genres' of music to compose is Children's music. I also compose gospel, inspirational, classical, jazz, blues, and country.
I love to write, composing a musical "Kleo the Kat", "Mary's Journey" and "When Guys Dies." All have been presented on stage in the metro Phoenix area.
In 2023, I began presenting comedic storytelling events.
I have taught piano for 25 years. It amazed me, when I spent some time to reflect my students over the years, to realize that I have taught approximately 1,500 to play piano. My youngest student is 3 and my oldest was 93. I continue teaching in my studio/home and remotely now.
I have been honored, over the decades, to officiate dozens of weddings and celebrations of life. I interview the persons involved, and write the eulogy or vows, complementing the lives that have transitioned and those that are beginning a new commitment in marriage.
I have been honored to play country clubs, resorts, churches, holiday parties, family reunions, senior centers, and school music classes.
With my decades of experience, passion for music, and fulfillment in bringing music into the lives of others, I am confident in my abilities to present joy, laughter, ambience, and inspiration through the gift of music.
My mother, Lona Thames, encouraged the gift, quite often reminding me that joy does not come in "owning the gift, but rather in sharing the gift."
I look forward to sharing my gift to a diverse audience and venue.
I hope this website brings you as much joy in getting acquainted as i have in sharing the gifts.
PIANO INSTRUCTION
Lessons are offered on-line and in person. Traditional sight reading and improvisational stylings are offered. His youngest student began lessons at the age of three. His oldest student was a 93 year old accordion student. Lessons are $40.00 for half hour. For enrollment and further questions, please email at kenneththames68@gmail.com or call/text 602-515-8787.
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When my daughters were two and four years of age, I took them to a pet store in Glendale, Az. to "just look at the animals." The one that caught our attention was a huge fish, alone in a tank, with a note to not to put our hands in the tank because the fish would bite. The fish had huge teeth that looked human to us. On the way home, my youngest daughter asked why the fish was so ugly. I explained to her that everything is created by the same source, from nature, to animals, to humans, all are connected. She repeated that the "fish was ugly". I told her that it wasn't ugly to God, because God doesn't see ugly, he sees us from the inside. I concluded the conversation with "God Loves Ugly Too!" Within moments, this tune came into my mind, and lyrics flowed from my mouth. "God loves ugly, cause He made it too!" A few years later, a wonderful artist in our church agreed to illustrate the song for me. Vikki Pena captured my thoughts in her design. The coloring book was published and released. In addition, I wrote a song, "God Loves Ugly", that has been popular with children's choirs throughout the country. Fabio Bruzzesse designed the eye-catching cover.
The book can be purchased on Amazon, search for Kenny Thames, God Loves Ugly. The art work is a masterpiece. The recording of the song is available on Sound Cloud. To access SoundCloud, click on the top icon on the right side of this page, leading you to SoundCloud and my page. The book and song is for ALL ages. Enjoy!!edit me. It's easy.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Sundays - Pianist at Larkspur Christian Church 10641 N. 43rd Ave, Phoenix 10-11 a.m.
Nov. 8th 3:00-4:30 p.m. Senior Sing Along Encore on First, Mesa, Az. 25 West First Ave., Mesa AZ
Nov. 23 6-9 p.m. Benefit for Children Cancer Network Gilbert, Az
November 28 12-4 p.m. Thanksgiving Brunch Paradise Valley Country Club
December 7 5-9 p.m. Private event, Paradise Valley Country Club
December 13 4-5 p.m. Christmas Event, Encore on 1st, Mesa, Az.
December 16 6-8:30 p.m. Private event, Morton's Steak House
December 18 5-9 p.m. Paradise Valley Country Club
December 19 5-9 p.m. Paradise Valley Country Club
December 22 5-9 p.m. Paradise Valley Country Club
December 24 7-8 Christmas Eve Service, Larkspur Christian Church
December 25 2-4 p.m. Private Christmas Day Celebration with Lonze Reynolds