Jim Knable the Funny Singer/Songwriter

Jim Knable is a fully adaptable performer who rotates toward audience needs, whether or not they know what they want. He can rove and strum or stand on stage and command the room with a mic. He has had to fill in for wedding MC's who have become too inebriated to go on, he has faked his way through spontaneous kids' parties, and he has spoken to and played for Presidents, homeless people, and outdoor pool party guests. He's even done Zoom entertainment, from hosting a voting rights show in 2020 (writing a song for each episode and interviewing guests) to providing corporate staff break entertainment. The planning conversation starts with "What do we predict might happen?" The gig is "What happens when the unpredictable makes it more fun."

Jim Knable and his rotating band of Randy Bandits have been gently ravishing New York, its surrounding states, and the globe in some shape or form since 2003. Playwright turned troubadour Jim Knable writes the songs and the band arranges and plays with him on them with reckless but considerate abandon. Their albums Redbeard (2006), Golden Arrow (2009), Green Man (2018), and Blue Reunion (2020), are quintupled with the 2025 album PALE FIRE, recorded with most of the original lineup plus special guests, engineered by Bryce Goggin (Phish, Pavement, Antony and the Johnson’s). Jim Knable is currently touring alone and with the Bandits to support the release. As a solo performer (and with guest musicians), he tends toward comedic audience engagement with songs that express his quirky but sincere sensibility. He as gone on the road with the Unorthodox Podcast and created songs in a matter of minutes based on audience suggestions. He has covered songs for events like holiday gatherings (everything from "Silver Bells" to Tom Waits' "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis") and Bruce Springsteen tributes ("Wild Billy's Circus Story" by request). He weaves a show experience together for whatever audience he has assembled and frequently calls on his skills as a working English teacher to create an educational as well as entertaining and edifying experience for all. Your guests might not have seen anything quite like this in one person, but they'll be glad they did.

If you want me to be heard in large room, especially over people talking, I could use a PA system to plug into and a mic. I can also bring my own set up with a Fishman Loudbox amp and microphone for a medium-sized room or even outdoor entertainment. Depending on the needs of the gig, I can bring a band or just another musician or two and their needs would be something we figure out together.