Kennedy Administration

Straight from the heart of Brooklyn to Helsinki for the first time – NYC’s hottest soul, groove and jazz sensation – Kennedy Administration!

This dynamic project is driven by the two masterminds: the charismatic powerhouse singer, Kennedy, and her musical partner, keyboarder and producer extraordinaire Ondre J. They have their own unique take on jazz, which they mix with soul/funk grooves, hip-hop beats and rich soul vocals.

“I believe Kennedy Administration is going to be the next big star on the music scene”
– Gregory Porter

In the heart of New York, the city of opportunity, where projects blossom into projects and partnerships are born from strange encounters, Kennedy and Ondre J. met and the Kennedy Administration was born.

Czech-born keyboardist and producer Ondre J played open mikes, churches, club gigs, jam-sessions and along the way connected with Gregory Porter, becoming a go-to collaborator of the Grammy-winning jazz and R&B singer for almost a decade.

Kennedy’s calling card is a powerhouse soulful Jazz voice that combines great influences with character all its own. Her musical journey began in her grandfathers small church in Michigan she has become a force to be reckoned with in the New York music scene. Kennedy has worked closely with big names such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynn Carrington, Christian McBride, Jeff Tain Watts, James Genus and Nate Smith.

Kennedy was offered a residency and needed a keyboard player. Everyone was already booked and the only one keyboard player without a gig was OndreJ! The chemistry between both was just right, the show a great success and Kennedy Administration was born.

A popular 6 year residency at the fashionable Manhattan live-music mainstay “Groove” made them a beloved fixture and soon become the new hot act on the scene.

 “Listening to this record brings me back to my years living in New York, watching the band set fire to stages in the West Village and going home inspired. Things haven’t changed a bit.”
– Michael League (Snarky Puppy)

A self-titled debut studio album arrived in 2017 and 2023 the album “Second Term” with guests like Gregoire Maret, Keyon Harold, Farrah Boule and Kyla Moschovic was released. The group has been working on remixes and writing new material for a recording to come up in 2025.

Since 2015, the quintet conquered stages in Europe, middle East and Asia, leaving an indelible mark at prestigious venues. They have played some of Europe’s and Asias biggest festivals and opened for Elton John in 2018 and many more. Next stop, April Jazz, Helsinki. Be sure not to miss this gig!

Kennedy - vocals (US)
Ondre J. Pivec - keys (CZ)
Ricky Pistone - guitar (US)
Eugene Rogers - bass (US)
Roberto Robertson - drums (US)

8PM doors
9PM showtime

Tickets 40/35 € + order fee (from 1,50 € + 0,65% of the order), Lippu.fi.
Also available! 2-day pass to Korjaamo for 69 €! Includes the concerts on Wednesday (Anomalie) and Thursday (Kennedy Administration).

Cloak room fee 3,50 € will be collected at the door
Duration approx. 1h 30min, no intermission

Korjaamo Culture Factory
Töölönkatu 51, 00250 Helsinki (Google Maps / HSL Journey planner)