Greeley Grad/Katonah Mom to Rock The Armonk House

Greeley Grad/Katonah Mom to Rock The Armonk House: Katonah mom, – three times – and Greeley grad, Robin Kern and her band Blonde Ambition will perform at the Armonk House at Elide Plaza this Friday, June 17: 8:30—11:30pm. What To Do likes to keep up with all local rockin’ moms (Armonk, Chappaqua) so we gave her a call to see if she would chat us up.

A PR exec at D2 Interieurs in Weston, CT, Robin is a classically trained singer who grew up on opera and show tunes. A chance meeting with Not Dead Yet’s Michael Koren eleven years ago turned her into a rock and pop cover band diva. She’s been fronting Blonde Ambition, from local smoky tavern bars to the Katonah Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden, ever since. “I’m not your typical Chappaqua mom,” laughs Robin Kern. “I sing all the time. To take off the mom hat and be a rock-and-roll chick for a night… it’s the most fun thing ever.”

Why “Blonde Ambition”?

Michael Koren came up with the name… for obvious reasons. I’m the lead singer, blonde and ambitious.

What’s on Blonde Ambition’s set list?

We do a lot of Fleetwood Mac. “Dreams”. We do the Pretenders… “Brass in Pocket,” “Back on the Chain Gang” [and] “Mystery Achievement.” We sing Motown… “I Want You Back,” “I’ll Be Around,” “I Got the Music in Me.” We do Eric Clapton, Melissa Etheridge. It’s eclectic.

How about yourself? If I were to open your phone right now, what music would I find?

It’s also very eclectic. I love so many genres. Right now, I have “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and “Drink You Away” by Justin Timberlake, “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner, “Stand Back” by Stevie Nicks, “Hands of Love” by Miley Cyrus, “Be OK” by Ingrid Michaelson, and “Under Pressure” by Queen, to name a few. I have thousands.

Is there a song you’d love to do with the band that you’ve never done?

That’s a good question. Anything by Bonnie Raitt. We don’t do Bonnie Raitt. We are known for being more dance rock now… people come out and they expect to dance. So, we don’t get to do the slow, ballad songs that I grew up singing and loving. I have to save those for the home. But… “Angel from Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt.

On the flip side, is there a song you just flat-out won’t ever do?

“I Will Survive.” (laughs) Or “Oh, What a Night.” Not that [they’re not good songs], they’re just the two most overplayed songs in the world. Though, Cake… they do a version of “I Will Survive” that’s amazing. So, I would actually love to do their version of “I Will Survive”. But not the original.

What do your kids think of your rocker chick persona?

They’re always wondering why they can’t come hear me sing. ‘Cause I play at 9:00 at night, and usually at a bar or music venue which is not appropriate [for kids]. They’ve heard me a few times, when it’s been appropriate. I don’t think they really understand, you know? They know I’m passionate about music, and they’re always telling me to be quiet and stop [singing], but other than that, they don’t really [understand].

Do you have a favorite venue you’ve played?

Well, it was MTK [in Mt. Kisco, closed April 2016]. Now it’s Lucy’s.

Is there a venue on your wish list you’d like to play?

I’d love to play a bigger venue and fill it up. Like the Capital Theatre or Madison Square Garden. But not quite there yet.

If you could tour for any band in the world?

Fleetwood Mac. Without a doubt.

Do you watch shows like American Idol or The Voice?

I think American Idol was great at picking winners and really promoting them and making them famous. They really backed their winners. A lot of them went on to be complete superstars. I mean Jennifer Hudson is out of this world, Academy Award-winning, Grammy Award-winning. Kelly Clarkson is amazing. They really have picked some amazing winners and taken them to incredible heights. I think The Voice is more about the judges and making money on iTunes. Like, once the person wins, you never hear about them ever again, you know? It’s like they’re gone with the wind.

Your first concert?

It was Walden Woods — with John Henley, Sting and Billy Joel. And at the time, I was a huge Sting fan. I mean, I still am, but [then] I was certain we were going to get married.

Did you have an “aha!” moment when you knew you wanted to be a singer?

I’ve been practicing my autograph since I was five. I always thought I’d be a famous singer. Still working on it… not quite there… but I always knew.

Who is your rocker inspiration?

Stevie Nicks. (pause) And Bonnie Raitt. I think they’re amazing. I think Sheryl Crow’s amazing. I think Christina Aguliera’s amazing. I appreciate good singers. Whitney Houston I was just listening to her. People who can really sing. Oh! And Carole King! I love Carole King! But my most favorite current singer/songwriter is Sara Bareilles. She’s amazing! She plays piano, her voice is incredible and she writes [her own songs]… like, she’s everything! I love her.

Any words of advice for aspiring performers?

Learn an instrument, learn music theory, and just… believe that you’re the best. And if you’re not, pretend. You know, fake it ’til you make it. And just do what you’re passionate about — no matter how big or small.

Can we do a lightning round?

Mick Jagger or John Lennon? John Lennon.

Chrissie Hynde or Stevie Nicks? Stevie Nicks.

Natalie Merchant or Joan Jett? Natalie Merchant.

Coldplay or Wilco? Coldplay.

Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” or Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”? “Rolling in the Deep” definitely.

Blonde Ambition plays regularly at Westchester venues. The band features Michael Koren on rhythm guitar, Mitch Kalmus on lead guitar, Ric LuBell on bass, Frank Iorio on Keyboards, Cal Kramer on drums, and of course, Kern on lead vocals.They’ll play at Armonk House this Friday, June 17 from 8:30-11:30pm, and the Bedford Hills Memorial Park on Friday, July 22 from 7:00-8:30pm. To get up close and personal with Blonde Ambition, visit facebook.com/blondeambitionrock.

By Matt Smith

Photos courtesy of John Kramer.