Ken Kitchings

Born and raised in Connecticut, Ken Kitchings was surrounded by music his whole life, thanks in part to his father, Chester. At age 10 he was given a sparkle red Slingerland drum set which sat in the family dining room where he learned standards as he accompanied his dad’s organ playing after dinner.  

During his teen years he played in rock bands and picked up the guitar. Adulthood brought adult responsibilities; translation, working for the family business. In 2007, the family business was sold, and Ken seized the opportunity to pursue his love of jazz music by producing shows at the Garde Arts Center in New London, CT.  

At the Garde he developed a small space for jazz concerts, showcasing the like of Cyrus Chestnut, Julian Lage, Jeremy Pelt, Helen Sung, Buster Williams and many more. In 2011, the Old Lyme Inn property became available and the vision of the SideDoor Jazz Club materialized. 

After extensive renovations, the doors opened in May 2013 with George Wein All Stars performing the inaugural concert. Five plus years and over 500 shows later Ken still has a passion for introducing world class jazz musicians to audiences of all ages. 

When not in the club on Friday and Saturday evening, Ken can be found playing the drums in the Old Lyme Inn lobby with the Steve Donovan Trio or heard on his weekly internet radio show, Jazz with Ken on iCRV radio.