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Biography

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H aving been musically inclined since the early age of 12, Eric has taught himself to play the piano, guitar, and bass guitar. Over the years, Eric's musical yearnings have taken him through a myriad of achievements, including playing bass guitar for the band Scepter, and recording musical jingles for radio commercials, as well as a syndicated movie review theme. Eric began developing his own composing talents, but didn't feel his personal style was always appropriate to the rock 'n' roll setting into which he had fallen.

Joining the up-and coming rock band Lost Nation as lead singer, Eric felt right at home singing and writing with some of his favorite musicians. When Lost Nation parted ways, Eric decided that the time was right to record his first album, and in 1987 the ten-song "A Long Time Coming" cassette was released, featuring eight Kinkel originals. After the album's release, Eric concentrated on performing live, appearing at local night clubs, coffee houses, and private parties, even giving a few speeches along the way. In 1999, a digitally remastered CD-single featuring remixed versions of "Antique Spirits" and "The Dutchman" was released, See CDs page

Continuing to follow his musical muse, Eric has broadened his approach to include different styles of writing and playing, which include collaborations with bassist/cellist Al Ehrich, as well as close friends Kurt Christensen (drums), Rich Koc (pedal steel) Ken Pfeil (guitar) Angela Martin (violin) and more recently L.J. Slavin (mandolin, harmonica, tin whistle) Jim Teolis(Bass) and Matt Teolis(gutiar, accordion). Eric has added a depth of rhythm, melody, and composition to create an ever-expanding musical tableau.

In 1997 Eric gave the first of three benefit concerts for his sister Linda, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. With special guests Michael Smith (folk) and The Boyzz (Rock), Eric succeeded in bringing together some of Chicago's finest musicians from different genre's to create an un usual and vibrant variety of music in one show, which also included Eric's regular lineup.

Again, in the fall of 2001 he gave his second benefit concert for Linda, along with special guests Anne Hills(Folk) and The Boyzz (Rock, & acoustic). Again  Eric managed to bring together a consistent array of talent that entertained his audience. This turn of events has steered Eric in a direction that utilizes his musical talents to raise money for his sister and draw attention to her deadly disease.

On July 16th another show was produced,appropriately titled "Brotherly Love Benefit Concert" . This time headlined by well known country/folk artist, Tom Dundee, along with additions to Eric's line up  including, bassist Jim Teolis, and guitarist Matt Teolis,  Eric continued to streamline  the show by featuring a 45  minute song set with Eric Kinkel & Friends, and a 50 minute set featuring Tom Dundee. Proudly, Eric has managed to raise nearly $ 46,000.00 for his sister Linda, through out the last eight years and three concerts, an achievement Eric continues to remain dedicated to, in the coming years.