About
Rich Kienle
Live acoustic guitar — Bedford, Indiana. Playing since 1972.
50+
Years Playing
Full Time
Since 1986
20+
Bands
5
Notable Opens
Playing Since
1972
The Story
Five Decades. One Instrument.
Rich Kienle picked up the guitar in 1972 and never really put it down. What started as a teenage hobby in the Chicago suburbs became a semi-professional career by his late teens, and a full-time livelihood by 1986.
He's played Memphis blues joints, Chicago clubs, Central Illinois bars, and Southern Indiana venues — adapting to every crowd, every room, and every occasion along the way. The repertoire spans rock, blues, country, jazz, folk, and more.
These days Rich is based in Bedford, Indiana, but he travels. North in the summer, south in the winter — out-of-town bookings are welcome. He's looking for regular gigs, a permanent spot with a local band or duo, and the right venues that appreciate live acoustic music done right.
Career Timeline
Where He's Been
Chicago Area
Born in '63, picked up the guitar in '72. Started playing semi-professionally as a teenager in the late '70s.
Bands
Memphis Area
Went full time in 1986. Rich honed his craft on the Memphis circuit and opened for some names you know.
Bands
Opened For
Chicago & Central Illinois
Nearly two decades of steady gigging across Illinois — clubs, venues, and everything in between.
Bands
Bedford, Indiana
Home base in Southern Indiana, still gigging strong. Open to permanent band positions, duo work, and out-of-town bookings.
Bands
Opened For
Currently
What Rich Is Looking For
Regular Gigs
Breweries, wineries, restaurants, bars — any venue that wants live acoustic on a recurring basis.
Band or Duo Position
Open to a permanent spot with a local band or a duo partnership. 50 years of stage experience behind him.
Out-of-Town Bookings
North in summer, south in winter. Don't let geography stop you — reach out and ask.
Archive
Through the Years
Decades of stages, bands, and cities — a few snapshots from the road.
Memphis, ~1980s
RT Scott Band — Memphis
Bluz Next — Illinois
Bea Brady Revue — Illinois
Hooligans — Illinois
Big Giant Head — Illinois
Ratt Bastard — Press, 2006
Rich Kienle — Today
Get in Touch
Call or Text — Best Way to Reach Rich
Please don't rely on Facebook Messenger — it tends to be unreliable. A call or text is the best way to connect.
Rich Kienle · (812) 325-5323