Something I learned from The Greatest War was that creating repeat performances of such a large production was going to take an all new company. So over the years, while I’ve been writing After the War: 1919, we have been building the organization that can produce and tour these rock and roll history shows.

Performing a multimedia concert about WWI at the Barrymore was an audacious idea. Touring these highly technical shows that require as many people off stage as on stage is no small feat. And if I’ve learned anything from my three decades in the music business, it’s that disappointment comes easy (and often) while success is hard earned.

But now audacity runs in my veins.

I’ve performed thousands of times in my life. I’ve played bars, cafes, theaters, festivals, colleges, classrooms, cafeterias, lobbies, living rooms, warehouses, basements, farms, parks, sidewalks, highway medians, tv stations, radio stations, parades, weddings, and funerals. I’ve rocked out to thousands of ecstatic dancing screaming fans, and I’ve crooned for nobody but the barroom staff. One could say I’ve paid my dues.

After I witnessed the amazing transformative power of The Greatest War, I didn’t ever want to produce anything less powerful. And to do that I have had to use every bit of knowledge, experience, and skill I have. For me to create the work I want requires me to constantly be informed, transformed, and entertained by it. The quality of the process reflects in the final work.

Our rock and roll history shows don’t fit neatly into any established genre. They combine music, theatre, and history, the combination of which makes for a new kind of production, and one whose way of presenting itself is still being defined.

The same goes for the organization. Music has a certain way of operating. As does theatre. As does history (and if I’ve learned anything, the sharing of history is definitely an art form).

So we are forging our way and building the team. More people keep joining us, doing their bit to help launch this budding arts organization.

And we have plans.

The question I get the most is “will you perform After the War: 1919 again?” The answer is most wholeheartedly “yes!” Debuting this show last winter as well as The Foe and the Fallen last fall is part of the first phase of the rollout of Mobilize the Poets.

We want as many people to see these shows as possible, and with a strong Wisconsin focus, we especially want to perform around the state. We are currently engaged in the behind the scenes work that it takes to make that possible.

Some of the next steps for Mobilize the Poets include:

• Recording an in studio album of the music from After the War: 1919
• Releasing videos of both The Foe and the Fallen and After the War: 1919
• Developing a solo show that can travel to smaller venues
• Developing the education wing of Mobilize the Poets that brings mini-performances and workshops to schools, campuses, libraries, and community organizations

To get as far as we have has taken the support of many. Thank you to all who have been part of the foundation of this all new arts organization.

And if you’re new here, welcome. The stories we share are about you, us, our ancestors, and our fellow humans.

We are all poets.

Yours in remembering,
Ken