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The LA Times called Kirk Kelly, "The Billy Bragg of NYC" and, in 1990, The College Music Journal referred to him as "The Phil Ochs of the '90s". A founder of the "Anti-Folk" movement, Kirk Kelly has performed extensively here and abroad. As leader of 'Paddy on the Railway', which features Television's Billy Ficca on drums and the Violent Femmes' Brian Richie on percussion and bouzouki, he has successfully melded the protest song and the punk ethic. Kelly combines original, biting, political rock with protest standards.
A recording artist in his own right, Kelly also appeared on the upcoming compilation of Bruce Springsteen covers, "Light of Day", a fundraiser for cancer research (this also featured Elvis Costello and Billy Bragg). He is the founder of an indie label, Mugsy Records and the organization, the Artist-Worker Action League which makes a special mission of exposing college students to the music and struggle of working people. Kelly dedicates much of his performance schedule to progressive causes including Labor and he has served as co-organizer of the Workers Memorial Day-May Day Festival. His music has been heard at Irving Plaza, the Knitting Factory, and Sidewalk Cafe, among many others as well as in many rallies.
