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If we of the MCHS Class of 1963 had known Harold Kinman was going to become a Living Legend, we’d have treated him better!
That’s a joke, folks. Harold was one of the best-liked kids in our class. And now that he’s making a steady recovery from a bout with cancer, we’re looking forward to seeing him at our 45th reunion this month.
Harold is the leader of the Kinman Family singing group, of course, and they did themselves proud Saturday night at the Scottsburg Jamboree (you call it what you want, and I’ll call it what I want). Any show with Papa Harold and his four talented kids is a treat, but this time they out-did themselves with their Classic Rock ‘N’ Roll show. Many of us in that audience remember when songs like “Only You,” “Monster Mash,” “I Got You, Babe,” “Wipeout,” “409,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “Be Bop A Lula,” and “The End of the World” were the big hits on shows like “Soda Pop Hop,” which was a very popular Madison radio disc jockey show of the late ’50s and early ’60s.
Harold is obviously back in the driver’s seat again after his bout with illness. Lead singer David shone on several demanding songs, family chanteuse Kim was great on Skeeter Davis’s “The End of the World,” and she and class clown Jeff did a great job singing the big Sonny and Cher hit “I’ve Got You, Babe.”
The visual hit of the evening was Jeff’s performance of “The Monster Mash” dance to accompany himself as he and his siblings sang that novelty song of the ’50s. You had to be there, folks; that’s all I can say.
Anyone who hasn’t seen and heard the Kinmans, and assumes that they’re just another family country music band, is dead wrong. You’ll never hear four family members with a better mix of voices, and younger sister Jamie also contributes with a song or two in each show. The chemistry the Kinmans have with each other on stage, and their talent for blending comedy with their music, is a rare thing indeed. No wonder their shows sell out!
Yes, Harold is a friend and former classmate of mine. But that’s not the only reason I’ve written about the Kinmans several times on here. They’re outstanding performers with Madison roots who could hold their own with any musical group in the country; and they’re also a really special family.
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Here’s some good news for local military veterans who get their medical treatment and medications from the VA: It is opening two new clinics in our area, one in Carrollton and one in Scottsburg, this fall.
A local person who is familiar with the VA’s intentions confirmed to me this week that the clinics will be opened. I was not able to obtain exact dates yet, but if you have an upcoming appointment at VA hospital in Louisville or at the New Albany clinic, you’ll likely be brought up to date on the clinics at that time.
It will mean a much shorter trip for veterans to reach their health care providers. Whether they’re going aboard the DAV van, or driving themselves, in this period of high gas prices, that’s good news.
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And finally, here’s a little funny to brighten your week. It’s called the “Law of Recognition:”
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God’s Chosen People.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the pope as the head of all Christianity.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters.
Old Corporal <corporalko@yahoo.com>
The Kinmans: Cool!, – Sunday, August 03, 2008 at 00:01:08 (EDT)
