Andy Kim, legendary singer and songwriter and 2019 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, was added to the Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival in Rochester. Kim joins Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels.
This year’s festival will span 14 acres and feature two outdoor music stages and seven custom-built experience tents. National acts include Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Charles Wesley Godwin, Old 97’s, The English Beat, Dark Star Orchestra, moe., and many more.
With forty dollars in pocket, Kim boarded a bus from Montreal to New York City, changing his life forever. He marched into the Brill Building, home of many popular chart-topping songs from the early 1960s. While at the offices of renowned hitmakers Lieber and Stoller, Kim asked for five minutes of Jeff Barry’s time. Owing to his audacity, a career of songwriting immortality emerged.
Barry signed Kim to his Steed Records label and went on to produce and co-write Andy’s first hit song in 1968, “How’d We Ever Get This Way,” which peaked at #21 on the Billboard charts. However, a fictional comic book rock band from Riverdale High School would catapult Kim to his first Billboard chart topper.
The #1 Hits
“Sugar, Sugar” was the #1 song in 1969 for four weeks in the US. It was co-written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim, and was performed by both on backing vocals on The Archie Show. Kim lent his voice to several more real-life Archie’s singles and album releases.
When no one would produce his song “Rock Me Gently” in 1974, Kim forged his path by forming his own record company, !CE. Soon, this second leap of faith rewarded Andy once again, topping the Billboard charts with his second #1 hit. “Rock Me Gently” stayed on the charts for an astounding four months. With Kim’s baritone voice, he is often confused with Neil Diamond. Similarly, Andy Kim is frequently ranked among the top composers of feel-good songs of the early 70s.
Later, Andy Kim won Best Solo Indie Artist of the Year from Canadian Music Week for his 2004 collaboration with Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies on “I Forgot To Mention.” His career includes nine Top 40 hits, more than 30 million records sold, and honors from the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Billboard’s Hit Parade Hall of Fame. Additionally, he is a recipient of the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
At this year’s Hoochenanny Festival in Rochester, songwriter Andy Kim joins Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Calvacade of Scoundrels on Saturday, Aug. 9th. Brunett is no slouch in his own right.
A Rochester icon, Brunett was the touring guitarist for British rock band Modern English (“I’ll Melt With You”) in the late 80s – early 90s. In addition, he has appeared on the Today Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Tommy also created Universal Buzz Radio, a nationally syndicated radio program featuring live performances from recording artists like Henry Rollins, Willie Nelson, and The White Stripes. At its peak, Universal Buzz Radio boasted a listenership of 3.2 million people worldwide.
Hoochenanny 2025 Music Lineup
The 2025 festival will feature an expanded music lineup, with international, national, and regional artists performing across two stages. The lineup will deliver a dynamic mix of Americana, rock, alternative, punk, outlaw country, and rockabilly.
Friday, August 8: Charles Wesley Godwin, Old 97’s, The English Beat, Cristina Vane, Checks & Exes, Johnny Hart and the Mess
Saturday, August 9: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Record Company, Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels featuring Andy Kim, The Jack Knives, Vandoliers, Mike Powell and The Echosound, The Isotopes, The Medicinals
Sunday, August 10: moe., Dark Star Orchestra, Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Eggy
Additional special guest performers will be announced at a later date.
Passes are on sale now at hoochenanny.com/passes. Open to all ages with designated 21+ areas, both day and weekend general admission passes are available. General passes include the full music experience, free beer tastings, water fill stations, and plenty of covered seating space.
Conversely, you can upgrade your experience with a General Admission Tasting Pass, including 20 curated whiskey tastings. Likewise, VIP guests enjoy all the benefits of general admission tasting, plus access to the VIP Loft double-decker tent. You’ll have a bird’s-eye view of both stages with exclusive VIP bridge access, private whiskey tastings, full cash bars, and plush cocktail lounges. Sit-down dining and dedicated catering for purchase in VIP, while climate-controlled luxury restrooms, a cigar bar featuring custom-made, hand-rolled cigars, and free on-site parking serve as additional upgraded accommodations.
Visit www.hoochenanny.com for information about the weekend’s artists and events.
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