The Ken Battista Band: Making Sure the Beat Goes On In Skippack

Posted by Michael Shaw in Life | 3 comments

Overview: The Ken Battista Band featuring Anna Silvestera makes frequent appearances in Skippack, notably at the Cabana Bar and Hotel Fiesole. To find the schedule for this great band and hear samples of their music, visit their website at www.kenbattistaband.com.

My story: One of the most remarkable things about my journey on this planet is the number of people who help me out each day without even knowing who I am. For example, consider the managers of two local establishments, the Cabana Bar and the Hotel Fiesole. I never met them, don’t even know their names, but they, along with other local restaurant managers and owners, are committed to building a music scene in Skippack, bringing my wife and I consistent, reliable happiness.

Music Nights at the Hotel Fiesole and Cabana Bar

On Thursday nights at the Cabana Bar and Friday and Saturday nights at Hotel Fiesole, there is live music or, if not, a DJ. On those nights, Debby and I walk into town and find entertainment without worry. No need to check first online to find out who is showcasing a band that evening or plan ahead. Off we go.

We are always happy if the entertainment turns out to be the Ken Battista Band featuring Anna Silvestera on vocals. When they appear as a duo they are billed as Annamarie and Kenny B; the full band includes up to four players.

The Ken Battista band, even when it is just Ken and Anna, consistently delivers a rich, full sound, and strong dance floor beats. My wife is a child of the disco era and by now we have probably requested they play September by Earth, Wind, and Fire about a half dozen times. Characteristic of local Skippack charm and tact, Ken and Anna always respond with pleasure, as if hearing the request from us for the first time.

In a digital age where entertainment is only a push of a button away, it is easy to forget the hard work that goes into making a dance floor come alive or the musical accompaniment for a night at the Cabana bar as refreshing as the beer. Ken explains to me that the rich sound produced by his duo or small group is the result of mixing pre-recorded music beforehand along with his own accompaniment on electric keyboard, guitar or saxophone and Anna’s smooth, strong, and versatile vocals.

Ken is quick to point out, however, that he does not want to be constrained in a box, even if it is a musical box. A full-time musician, he is also dedicated to his own original songs (he has 8 CDs of original music to his credit). As a performer, he and his band mates are ready to serve up a diverse fare to their audience. He points that in addition to pop, disco, R&B, classic rock and contemporary dance music, he and Anna can provide a evening of jazz standards for a dinner or luncheon crowd that likes it fine and mellow (that would be me; I love jazz standards).

I am looking forward to enjoying many evenings of music from Ken, Anna and band mates: A privilege of being a Skippack resident. And I am hoping this is the first of many appearances by the Ken Battista band in the I Love Skippack blog. Like many local musicians, they are kind and helpful, answering questions and holding still for photographs in the same cooperative spirit they handle song requests. Great music and great people: Two key ingredients that make Skippack an oasis in the suburban desert.

Thanks Also to these Great Skippack Restaurants

Other establishments in Skippack that provide live music include the Parc Bistro (Saturday nights in Summer) and Justin’s Carriage House (Thursday and Friday Nights).