John Kerns Music

John Kerns is a life-long musician with talents and abilities that reach far beyond the average musician. A powerful vocalist, a multi-instrumentalist and proficiency at running behind-the-scenes sound and recording, showcases him as a jack-of-all-trades in the local music industry of The Twin Cities.

Music has been part of his life and family for decades. His grandfather, Lynn Kerns, toured between world wars in the Rhythm Club Orchestra and his father, Dan Kerns, was a high school band director. This inspired John to learn piano, saxophone and guitar in school and appreciate all genres and instruments.

John began teaching private guitar and bass lessons in 1997 after graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College. Teaching a wide range of students from beginner to advanced, ages 7-67, helped Kerns hone his own skills and come into his own playing and writing music.

Leading and playing in bands as Music Director for Spirit Garage, the Church With the Really Big Door, gave Kerns a unique perspective on how musicians of all levels absorb skills and material. 25 years at this church allowed him to express himself musically and spiritually while collaborating in songwriting, sound mixing, livestream production, producing and recording 3 CD’s along with worship leadership, event coordination and mentorship of volunteers.

Outside of the church world, Kerns has worked with many other bands and musicians, including Jonathan Rundman, Natalie Lovejoy, The Bazillions and Scott Laurent to name a few. His personal projects include rock band Kerns and the Hemispheres, which allowed him to record his first full original CD “Electron Drive”, and, an original children’s album, “Cradlesongs”.

Currently, along with still teaching lessons, Kerns plays in “Sir Psycho”, a Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute act, performs acoustic shows with long-time collaborator and friend Shelly Domke [and The Hemispheres], and performs many community engagement shows geared to children and families.