‘Mardi Gras’ Charlie announces CD Release Party March 28
Well known as a founding member of the Yard Dogs, Charlie “Mardi Gras” Kuchler has struck out as a solo act in recent years.
A prolific performer and song writer, Kuchler has produced many new songs that he has melded together to produce his latest CD “Main Squeeze” which will be celebrated during a CD release party scheduled for Monday, March 28. Kuchler is welcoming fans old and new to help him celebrate with a party at Woody’s Waterside in St. James City from 6 to 9 p.m. when he will entertain listeners with his high-energy and slightly unusual sense of humor incorporated into songs that reflect his Southwest Florida home.
“I have come to love this area and think of it as my home,” Kuchler said. “Especially Matlacha, St. James City and Pine Island. My new CD is almost like a travelogue of this area.”
Kuchler began his solo act about three years ago when the Yard Dogs decided to scale back on some of its live performances. A voracious performer, Kuchler opted to launch a solo act and since that time, performs about 150 shows a year on his own and considers himself a working musician.
Kuchler is an accomplished accordionist and keyboard player specializing in what the Yard Dogs have dubbed as Florida Swamp Music, which blends zydeco, Cajun, folk, country and rock ‘n roll. Kuchler’s music stems from roots in the rock genre and was strongly influenced by honky tonk greats including Jerry Lee Lewis and Nicky Hopkins.
Main Squeeze is the fourth CD written and produced by Kuchler. His previous recordings include “Living My Dreams”, “Freshly Squeezed” and “Squeeze Me?” all of which have been well received by his ardent followers. All of the music found on Kuchler’s CDs are produced in his own studio and all the tracks feature vocals and all instruments played by Kuchler himself using a method known as “back tracking” so what the listener hears is uniquely Kuchler and no pre-recorded studio music.
Kuchler originally hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and spent many years developing his craft while sharing the stage with legendary performers including U-2, Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon. After teaming up the the Yard Dogs, Kuchler still returns north, now accompanied by his band mates Kip Lawrence and Brian Travis, as they travel back to Wisconsin to perform at venues through out the mid-west during the summer months. The Yard Dogs have estabilshed themselves as respected musicians and in addition to performing locally, also travel regularly to perform gigs in Key West.
In addition to performing every Monday evening year round at Woody’s Waterside, Kuchler also performs regularly in Cape Coral at Scuttlebutts, Bubba’s Roadhouse, Twisted Conch and at the Pine Island Moose Lodge as well as other area venues.
For more information about Charlie Kuchler, visit charliekuchler.com