Ken Burke Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Author
Ken sings and plays guitar and some piano, bass, banjo, harmonica, and tuba. He debuted at age 12 playing for school dances, and has since played in every kind of band imaginable. He wrote and/or performs on most Idol Time songs and in all Idol Time shows. His most notable solo performances were at Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe and DC's Blues Alley.
He also writes novels and an autobiography, featured on our BOOKS page, and produces VIDEOS for our songs and shows. 
Ken and Danielle perform as the IdleTimers duo. Both sing and play guitar on timeless covers sprinkled with some of their best original songs. They have played at many of Richmond's breweries and music venues.
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Danielle Westphal Singer, Songwriter, Producer
Danielle sings her original songs as well as standards with many bands. Her most notable perfromaces were at the White House for the President and First Lady, the Kennedy Center, and in all Idol Time Shows. The website
www.allmusic.com says that "Danielle Westphal is among "the most talented and entertaining jazz performers" in the country." www.DanielleWestphal.com has more information about her 'High Standards' collection and performances. ContraBand The 'AML' Band
ContraBand performed the show American Musical Landscape (AML) for fifteen seasons; and at similar shows in Orlando, Philadelphia, Canada, and Bermuda.
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The Swooners A Performing Band of Many Talents
Danielle and Ken joined Rockabilly Legend Billy Hancock, pedal steel, guitarist Brint Hannay, and drummer Barry Hart to form 'The Swooners.' They performed in DC-area honky tonks, concerts, and parties; often with guest stars or substitutes. Their perfromances featured vocal harmonies in an mix of their own originals and covers of all types.
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The Idle Time Band "Citified" Country Rock
The Idle Time Band performed its “Citified Country Rock Originals and Covers” at clubs, concerts, private parties, and charity events in the Washington DC area. Our most notable gigs were with the Bluemont Concert Series playing for communities throughout Virginia. Check our demo CD on the SONGS page.
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The Circle K Band Studio Band for "Next of Ken"
Ken formed The Circle K Band specifically to record his Next of Ken collection, which featured vocalist Kym Burke, bassist Jenny Knight, drummer Wally Martin, guitar and harmonica Glen Rickman, and fiddle Phil Swaby, and many guests.
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The House Band 'Virtual' Bands in Home Studios
Ken has been working both solo and with other artists over the years to record his and other Idol Time songwriters' songs. Studio performers have included Danielle Westphal and Katherine Queen, and others including Hall of Fame Pedal Steel Buddy Charlton pictured here.
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Backyard Blues Band We got Janet Reno to Boogie
Do you remember Saturday Night Live's schtick about then Attorney General Reno dancing? The Backyard Blues Band has the distinction of being the band that was playing, as the Wall Street Journal reported, she "danced to Mustang Sally at her office holiday party," and here's the picture to prove it. We still play at community events around Washington.
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Other Performers Join our bands and have their own
Idol Time Bands often invites guest performers to join them in live shows and recording sessions. Among the more notable and frequent guest is Kym Burke, pictured here, who was also a founder of The 4th Wall Band. Others guests include singer/songwriter Eric Scott, bassists Steve Wolfe and Dave Jernigan, guitarist Mike Ault, keyboardist Robert Redd, saxophonist Seth Keibel, and rockabilly icon Billy Hancock.
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